WWE News WWE Conference Call: Vince McMahon discusses the third quarter earnings, Shane McMahon's departure, and Linda McMahon's run for U.S. Senate By Jason Powell Nov 5, 2009 - 10:30 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing The following is a live coverage report on the WWE conference call that took place on November 5, 2009. -Vince McMahon was introduced and said he believes the company had a fairly good quarter. He said one of the big barometers he uses is live event attendance. He said the average attendance increased by approximately nine percent. He added that television ratings were up roughly 23 percent over the quarter. -Vince also addressed that Linda McMahon has stepped down as CEO. Vince said he has assumed the role and noted that Linda still sits on the WWE board of directors. -Vince also acknowledged that Shane McMahon is leaving the company "to pursue other interests in the marketplace." -WWE pay-per-view buys are down roughly 10 percent. However, they were up nine percent in overseas buys. It was noted that the company doesn't charge as much for overseas pay-per-views. -Average attendance at live events in North America was up nine percent compared to the same quarter last year. -Television revenue increased by 16 percent and earned an additional $3.9 million due tot he higher fees from global television and the addition of WWE Superstars. -Magazine publishing decreased by 28 percent. -WWE Studios earned $3.0 million in revenue compared to $5.6 in the same quarter last year. "12 Rounds" generated $12.2 million in gross domestic revenue. "The Marine 2" is scheduled for a December 2009 release. -A caller asked about pay-per-view prices outside North America. It was explained that they adjust the cost based on the country. For instance, the price in the UK is more than the price in Mexico. -WWE's current deal with the National Guard runs through 2010. -A caller asked why there's not more of the older footage released on video and in general. Donna Goldsmith said they are just starting to put the plans in place for a WWE Network. She said they will use the library more once they launch the network. The project was later described as being "in the preliminary talking stages." Powell's POV: They never gave a target date for the WWE Network. Vince mentioned the possibility for the first time around SummerSlam. It doesn't sound like anything is imminent. -Goldsmith said they always look at whether they should add or subtract pay-per-views, or change the themes of the shows. She didn't say whether any changes in the schedule is planned. Powell's POV: They only took a few calls this time around and were quick to end the conference after those calls. HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY WWE News Latest Twelve Articles Jim Ross shoots down talk that he's targeting WrestleMania 26 for his return, comments on his current contractual status with WWE Shore's WWE Superstars Hitlist: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder, Eric Escobar (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang, and Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes 11/20 WWE Smackdown preview: The complete lineup for tonight's show headlined by Undertaker and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show, plus a hot Intercontinental Title match (no spoilers) 11/20 WWE Smackdown spoilers: Full results of the show that airs tonight with John Morrison defending the Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler in a best of three falls match (spoilers) Where Are They Now: Former WWE wrestler Duke "The Dumpster" Droese WWE "ECW on Syfy" rating: How did the return of C.M. Punk to the Tuesday night show perform in the ratings?