NXT this week drew 799,000 viewers, up 110,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast and the fourth most-watched episode this year so far. NXT featured the return of the Hardy Boyz and the in-ring debut of Ricky Saints. The show had a 0.19 rating in 18-49, up 0.02 from the prior week. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
WWE to have three PLEs in Saudi Arabia in 2026, but only one in 2025
TKO Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schleimer revealed yesterday during the TKO earnings call with investors that WWE will be having three premium live events in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
The plan for three events next year will differ from this year, with only one Saudi premium live event set on the 2025 calendar, with Schleimer saying that it will have a hit of approximately $55 million in company revenue.
WWE has already announced that next year’s Royal Rumble will take place from Riyadh, the first time that the Rumble will happen outside North America.
During the same conference call, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro said that the company is also close in negotiations with the Kingdom to launch a boxing league where TKO would operate and promote but it would be owned by Saudi Arabia.
Konosuke Takeshita vs Kenny Omega for AEW International title official for Revolution
The AEW International title match at Revolution was confirmed last night on Dynamite after Konosuke Takeshita successfully defended his title against Orange Cassidy in the main event of the show.
Kenny Omega will now get to take on the champion in the last of the International Championship Series which started at the Dynamite in Phoenix two weeks ago between Cassidy and Roderick Strong. Cassidy got his title shot after he beat Strong in the main event of that Dynamite.
Takeshita has been champion for 138 days, winning it from Will Ospreay at the WrestleDream pay-per-view last October.
TKO Group announces Q4 2024 and FY 2024 financial results
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.
“TKO delivered record financial performance in 2024 at both UFC and WWE, reflecting the strength of our IP, the dynamic audiences we serve, and the industry-best team of people we’ve assembled,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO of TKO. “In the year ahead, we will be focused on securing long-term U.S. domestic media rights agreements for UFC as well as WWE’s Premium Live Events; integrating IMG, On Location and Professional Bull Riders into our portfolio; creating even more compelling live events; and executing our robust capital return program for shareholders.”
Consolidated Results
Fourth Quarter 2024
Revenue increased 5%, or $28.2 million, to $642.2 million. The increase reflected an increase of $61.1 million at UFC, to $343.9 million, partially offset by a decrease of $32.9 million at WWE, to $298.3 million. The decrease at WWE was primarily related to the previously disclosed timing of the transition of WWE’s weekly flagship program, Raw.
Net Income was $47.5 million, an increase of $63.6 million from a net loss of $16.1 million in the prior year period. The increase reflected the increase in revenue and a decrease in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses reflected a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $11.5 million and a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $19.0 million, partially offset by an increase in direct operating costs of $19.7 million.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 7%, or $14.9 million, to $238.1 million, due to an increase of $35.5 million at UFC and a decrease of $6.1 million in corporate expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $26.7 million at WWE. The decrease at WWE was primarily related to the previously disclosed timing of the transition of WWE’s weekly flagship program, Raw.
Cash flows generated by operating activities were $56.8 million, a decrease of $163.9 million from $220.7 million, primarily due to the timing of working capital, including a $125.0 million payment related to the UFC antitrust lawsuit. (See “Legal Matters” for further details.)
Free Cash Flow was $36.5 million, a decrease of $148.2 million from $184.7 million, due to the decrease in cash flows generated by operating activities, partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures.
Cash and cash equivalents were $525.6 million as of December 31, 2024. Gross debt was $2.780 billion as of December 31, 2024.
Full Year 2024
Revenue increased 67%, or $1.129 billion, to $2.804 billion. The increase reflected the increase of $1.015 billion of revenue at WWE, to $1.398 billion, and an increase of $114.0 million at UFC, to $1.406 billion. The increase at WWE primarily reflected the inclusion of twelve months of activity in reported results in 2024.
Net Income was $6.4 million, a decrease of $169.3 million from $175.7 million in the prior year period. The decrease reflected the increase in revenue offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflected an increase in direct operating costs of $385.3 million, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $679.6 million, and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $228.2 million. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflected the inclusion of twelve months of WWE activity in reported results in 2024 as well as settlement charges of $375.0 million related to the UFC antitrust lawsuit. (See “Legal Matters” for further details.)
Adjusted EBITDA increased 55%, or $442.1 million, to $1.251 billion, due to an increase of $518.1 million at WWE and an increase of $45.3 million at UFC, partially offset by an increase of $121.3 million in corporate expenses. The increase at WWE primarily reflected the inclusion of twelve months of activity in reported results in 2024.
Cash flows generated by operating activities were $583.4 million, an increase of $115.0 million from $468.4 million, primarily due to the timing of working capital.
Free Cash Flow was $508.5 million, an increase of $88.7 million from $419.8 million, due to the increase in cash flows generated by operating activities, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures.
The full earnings results can be read at TKOGRP.COM.
WWE on A&E block (2025) ratings for week 2
Week two of WWE Superstar Sunday on A&E saw the second episode of LFG, Rivals, and Greatest Moments in a three-hour block from 8PM to 11PM.
LFG kicked things off with 209,000 viewers, up 49,000 viewers from the previous week and a 0.04 rating in 18-49, down 0.01 from episode one.
Rivals with Roddy Piper vs Mr T followed at 9:30PM. 248,000 viewers tuned in, up 70,000 viewers from episode one. The show had a 0.04 rating in 18-49, down 0.01 from last week.
And WWE’s Greatest Moments, focusing on the 80s and 90s Royal Rumble events, drew 232,000 viewers, up 63,000 viewers from episode one. It had a 0.03 rating in 18-49, down 0.01 from the prior week. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
AEW International title match headlines Dynamite tonight from Oceanside
Over 3,000 fans are expected tonight for Dynamite at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. The show airs on TBS at 8PM ET and also live streams on Max.
Scheduled for tonight are Konosuke Takeshita vs Orange Cassidy for the AEW International title with the winner facing Kenny Omega at the Revolution pay-per-view, Bryan Keith vs Will Ospreay in a bounty match, a trios match featuring Daniel Garcia and FTR vs Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong, and Deonna Purrazzo vs Harley Cameron.
Plus, “Hangman” Adam Page will also be in action and we’ll hear from MJF, Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana.
Nissin Foods’ Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK to serve as presenting partner of Elimination Chamber
WWE and Nissin Foods announced a new partnership that will see Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK, the company’s hottest ramen brand, serve as a presenting partner of Elimination Chamber, which takes place Saturday, March 1 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
As an Official Partner of WWE, Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK will receive prominent exposure within key WWE assets, including a match sponsorship at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, integrations within WWE’s flagship programming, Raw and SmackDown, and WWE’s popular e-gaming YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, as well as sponsored episodes of WWE Playback, social integrations and more.
Additionally, Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK will sponsor the iconic Men’s Elimination Chamber match, which will feature WWE Superstars Logan Paul, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Damian Priest and John Cena, who is appearing in the final Elimination Chamber match of his career.
“Nissin Foods is home to a variety of classic brands, and we are excited for Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK to present Elimination Chamber to a worldwide audience,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Partnerships for TKO.
“WWE fans crave intensity and excitement, and we’re bringing that same fiery thrill to their taste buds with Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK,” said Priscila Stanton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Nissin Foods USA. “Whether you’re a fan of WWE or someone who craves bold flavors, our Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK line delivers an unmatched spice experience that will pair perfectly with Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 41.”
Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK recently launched limited edition packaging featuring WWE Superstars Seth Rollins and Liv Morgan. Hot & Spicy FIRE WOK bowls and packets are available online and in-store at retailers nationwide. WWE and Nissin Foods are partnering to give fans a chance to witness the grandeur of WrestleMania 41, live and in-person, with an all-expense paid trip through the “Can You Handle The Heat Sweepstakes.”
TKO Group announces its inaugural quarterly cash dividend
TKO Group today announced that its board of directors has declared its inaugural quarterly cash dividend pursuant to the capital return program the Company announced on October 24, 2024.
TKO’s Class A common stockholders will receive their pro rata share of an aggregate distribution of approximately $75 million from TKO Operating Company, LLC to its equity holders. The per share dividend to the holders of TKO’s Class A common stockholders will be $0.38 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 31, 2025 to Class A common stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 14, 2025.
Future declarations of quarterly dividends are subject to the determination and discretion of TKO based on its consideration of various factors, such as its results of operations, financial condition, market conditions, earnings, cash flow requirements, restrictions in its debt agreements and legal requirements and other factors that TKO deems relevant.
Raw views for 02/17/2025
The February 17 episode of Raw on Netflix was #10 on the top 10 chart with 2,800,000 global views and 5,500,000 hours consumed.
This is the same number of last week, which ties the lowest viewership in seven weeks since moving to the streaming service.
Raw was in the top 10 in eight different countries including Bolivia, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and United States.
Elimination Chamber Superstore opens tomorrow at the Rogers Centre
The Elimination Chamber Superstore opens at the Rogers Centre Gate 5 tomorrow and will be open until Sunday.
The store will have exclusive merchandise, replica titles, Superstar apparel, signed memorabilia, mini-titles, and the largest collection of Elimination Chamber apparel.
Opening hours are tomorrow from Noon to 8PM, Friday from 10AM to 9PM, Saturday from 9AM until the gate closes, and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.
The Elimination Chamber Photo Experience will also be held at the same location but at Gate 1. A complete schedule of who’s appearing and to purchase tickets go to https://store.epic.leapevent.tech/elimination-chamber/2025.
Collision rating for 02/22/2025
Collision this past Saturday drew 421,000 viewers, down 81,000 viewers from last week’s episode which had the big lead in from the NBA. This was the second most-watched episode of Collision of 2025 so far. The show had a 0.12 rating in 18-49, down 0.09 from last week and placed #9 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
Hardyz vs Fraxiom for TNA Tag Team titles added to Roadblock
The Hardy Boyz are returning for another match on NXT television and their TNA Tag Team titles will also be on the line.
After Matt and Jeff beat No Quarter Catch Crew last night on the show, the NXT Tag Team champions Fraxiom came out to confront The Hardy Boyz. Frazer said they are the greatest tag team today and are standing face-to-face with the greatest tag team of all time.
“Spare the small talk, let’s make it happen, Fraxiom vs The Hardy Boyz, we’ll find out who the best tag team in the world is, brother,” Jeff said.
Cue Santino Marella’s music as the TNA Director of Authority came out to a huge ovation from the crowd.
Marella said he talked with Ava and they had an announcement to make – Fraxiom vs Hardyz at Roadblock for the TNA Tag Team titles.
Oba Femi to defend NXT title against TNA’s Moose at Roadblock
TNA X Division champion Moose will get a shot at the NXT title, currently held by Oba Femi, on the March 11 Roadblock event, live from The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Moose defended his title on NXT last night against Lexis King and afterward, the NXT champion came out to confront Moose.
“This is the match to make, and Ava made it official,” Femi said. “So in two weeks at Roadblock at Madison Square Garden, it’s going to be The Face of the Franchise versus The Ruler for the NXT title.”
Only Femi’s NXT title will be on the line in this match.
The two have been locked in a program for the past couple of weeks and Femi will team up with The Hardys against Moose, Brian Myers, and Eddie Edwards in a six-man tag match which will air tomorrow on Impact on AXS TV.
Giulia vs Vaquer, title vs title, set for NXT Roadblock
Someone will be walking out with two NXT Women’s titles at the Roadblock NXT event on Tuesday, March 11, as NXT Women’s champion Giulia and NXT Women’s North American champion Stephanie Vaquer are on a collision course.
After Vaquer successfully defended her title against Karmen Petrovic on last night’s episode, Giulia came out to say that she is the best women’s champion. Vaquer begged to differ and then challenged her best friend to a double title match.
Both women then held up their respective title above their shoulder and the match was later made official for the March 11 Roadblock show.
Loaded NXT live tonight on CW from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati
Tonight’s episode of NXT will be airing live from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it’s a special show with some TNA presence.
The show is highlighted by the return of Matt and Jeff Hardy as the TNA Tag Team champions take on Tavion Heights and Myles Borne of No Quarter Catch Crew. Speaking of TNA, X Division champion Moose will also be in the house as he defends the title against Lexis King.
Plus, Ricky Saints makes his NXT in-ring debut teaming up with Je’Von Evans to battle Ethan Page and Wes Lee and NXT Women’s North American champion Stephanie Vaquer defends her title against Karmen Petrovic.
NXT airs at 8PM ET on The CW in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
Carmella to address her departure from WWE this week on podcast
Now former WWE Superstar Carmella has posted a video on her Instagram Story acknowledging her departure from WWE and the plan to explain her side of the story later this week.
“Some news broke last week and I just wanted to let you know that I’ve seen all your texts, and tweets, and messages, and DMs and like oh my God, you guys are the best and so grateful for you for everything,” Carmella said.
She added that she knows there are a lot of questions and uncertainty around everything but hopes to answer some of those questions when she appears on a podcast later this week.
“I will be going on a podcast later this week and answer some of those questions and telling my side cause I have a lot to say about the situation, so yes stay tuned,” she continued.
Carmella did not give any details on when and on which podcast she is appearing on yet.
Elimination Chamber 2025 tickets move after The Rock is added to the show
WWE moved over 2,200 tickets to the Elimination Chamber since the announcement of The Rock according to ticket tracking service @WrestleTix.
The show is now is close to 30,000 tickets, with the Rogers Centre in Toronto set up for just over 32,000 seats. The show is expected to “sell out” in the current setup.
There will be one side of the former SkyDome closed off as the stadium holds over 40,000 seats. The stadium was not designed for a full house for this event as even floor seating goes up to a certain extent.
The cheapest tickets available are CA $200 in Section 500 which is the very top of the stadium. A Me + 3 4-pack offer is also available on Ticketmaster but they’re the more expensive seats at CA $392.90 per person.
Last year’s event saw 52,590 in attendance at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
The Hardy Boyz return on WWE television tonight
The Hardy Boyz return on WWE television tonight live on NXT on The CW as the TNA Tag Team champions, taking on NXT’s No Quarter Catch Crew in a tag match.
It’s been a long and winding road for both men since they were last seen on WWE TV.
Matt’s last appearance for the company came in March 2020 and then went on to wrestle for AEW before leaving for TNA Wrestling. His brother Jeff got himself fired in December 2021 and then joined Matt in AEW and eventually also in TNA Wrestling after both their contracts expired and they opted not to renew.
The two appeared in a video message on last week’s episode of NXT but tonight it’s their first proper time in front of the WWE audience since their respective departures.
Both men have expressed desire to end their careers under the WWE banner.
Smackdown rating for 02/21/2025
Last Friday’s Smackdown on USA Network drew 1,736,000 viewers, up a whopping 314,000 viewers from the prior week thanks to a certain individual called The Rock. This was the most-watched Smackdown since the September 6, 2024 episode. In 18-49, Smackdown drew a 0.51, up 0.08 from last week and the highest since September 13 of last year. It ranked #1 on cable and in all of television for the night. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez win the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bianca Belair and Naomi last night in the main event of Monday Night Raw on Netflix to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team champions.
This win marks the third time that the duo have won these titles, a record for the belts in this women’s tag team division.
Fellow Judgment Day member Dom Mysterio played an important role in the win for his stablemates, interfering in the match multiple times.
This ends Belair and Naomi’s 177-day reign as champions, although Naomi had only been champion for the past three months, replacing Jade Cargill.