Media Man Culture Blog
Pop Culture and Wrestling News
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan appears on Joe Rogan podcast; Covers pay and back story on Sly Stallone's Rocky III and much more
Hulk Hogan appeared on the world acclaimed Joe Rogen Experience podcast and discussed Vince McMahon Sr. firing him over Hogan’s decision to appear in Rocky III, and also disclosed how much he was paid to appear in the movie. Highlights of his comments are below.
On finding out Sylvester Stallone wanted him in Rocky III: “I got this crazy call to come out and do this Stallone movie. First I was in the dressing room and Gorilla Monsoon gave me the note and I was like, yeah right, and I threw the note away because Stallone was like the 150 feet tall in the public’s eye and I saw Rocky I and Rocky II and I was like, oh my God, so I was like, another wrestling joke like pooping in my bag or putting locks on my stuff, ya know? So I split to Japan for like eight weeks and when I came back again to TV in Allentown, they hand me a Western Union letter this time from Stallone so I flew out and talked to him and got in the ring with him and did a couple of things.”
Video
Pro Wrestling Legend Terry Funk Passes Away
Pro Wrestling News
Broadcasting legend Jim Ross on wrestling legend Terry Funk
Ross aka JR on Terry Funk
“I loved him like family. Terry was a brilliant mind. Absolutely amazing ring psychology. He was physically and mentally as tough as a $2 steak… Terry Funk is irreplaceable. There will never be another.”
On Funk’s I Quit match vs Ric Flair. Clash Of Champions. 1989:
“That match still stands the test of time. One of my all-time favorites in my near 50 years in pro wrestling. Terry was special. And he was brave enough to reinvent himself multiple times.”
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Google News
Pro Wrestlers and Wrestling Business Pays Tribute To All Time Great Pro Wrestler and Sports Entertainer, Terry Funk. (June 30, 1944 – August 23, 2023)
Ric Flair @RicFlairNatrBoy
“In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!”
Bully Ray Dudley @bullyray5150
“There are no words. God Bless Terry Funk.”
Triple H @TripleH
“Every night in cities all over the world, Terry Funk left it all in the ring for our business and for the fans. An icon of our industry. My thoughts are with Terry’s family, friends and fans.”
Matt Hardy @MATTHARDYBRAND
#RIP Terry Funk Not only were you the most amazing pro wrestler ever, you were the most incredible human being. Godspeed, Funker My thoughts are with your family, friends & fans. You’ll be greatly missed.
WWE @WWE
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans."
AI News
Search Engine Land: AI
SEL's @sengineland Nicola with an insightful and helpful feature article on the changes and continued evolution of the SEO business sector in relation to AI (artificial intelligence). Only about a year into this and clients, associates and selves have already experienced some significant changes. We've so caused a few disruptions ourselves. SEO remains only a modest part of our online based news, publicity and advertising based business model, with a focus on pop culture, sports and lifestyle, with the odd spot of sports betting and gaming. Talk about an ultra competitive business sector. Our two decades plus head start in the online publishing space continues to serve our clients, associates and selves well. The battle of the AI's re ChatGPT vs Bing vs Elon Musk's xAI. Focussing on particular niches and applying scribes from lived experiences on sectors such entertainment/red carpet, pro wrestling, MMA, surfing, cafes or big tech for example can help give one an edge with the search engines and guardians of the internet algorithm. Keep in mind that a Musk AI search question with answers may give a different answer and result than a Gates or Mr Google result. Spread the risk while the industry continues to iron out issues. Human plus AI for the win!
Wrestling Legend Terry Funk Passes Away: 1944 - 2023
Oh no. Terry Funk was absolutely one of the greatest professional wrestlers and sports entertainers of all time. A hell of a good actor also ('Roadhouse') etc..Former NWA champion, drew huge money in the U.S (Hulk Hogan etc), added more credibility to the WCW (with a great Ric Flair rivalry), legendary appearances and business in Japan, kept ECW going it's early days and was a stand out performer in wrestling for over four decades I understand. It may be closer to fifty years including on what one includes. Wrestled just about everyone, everywhere..Has always be neck and neck with Harley Race for our GOAT. A hell of a great bloke we understand to boot. Words grapple to express the loss to the world of wrestling and larger sports and entertainment world. Thanks for the memories, enjoyment and action you gave the world. RIP legend.
X News
SEJ's Kristi on X @X removing headlines and descriptions. Elaborate publicity stunt, practical step to further boost X's brand and loyality by hardcores who may have been on the fence, elements of both, or a mixed bag from the man who keeps the world guessing?! Remember, Musk stated that X is to become "the everything app". This appears to be just another part of the staged approach and Team Musk often flips the old bird to legacy media and the old guard, as the great awakening in the digital age and society at large continues. Pop Culture reference for educational and entertainment purposes: "I can only show you the door. You have to walk through it" (The Matrix). Musk would likely be "The One"/"Neo" right? Linda Y to be Trinity and perhaps SEJ is part of "the program". SEJ remains fair and balanced to Elon Musk, X Corp, brands and socieity and a whole. We remain on a learning curve as to how better monetize content and X is certainly campaigning for our attention and time spent on the web. X marks the spot. Project X continues. Musk keeps providing fodder for tech news and writers the world over. Musk set to win round 7 of the social media wars vs Zuck, when Zuck re-enters the virtual Octagon once again. EM and X for the win.
UFC /MMA News
UFC @UFC /MMA Pound For Pound Rankings
1. Jon Jones
2. Alexander Volkanovski
3. Islam Makhachev
4. Leon Edwards
5. Israel Adesanya
6. Charles Oliveira +1
7. Kamaru Usman +1
8. Sean O’Malley *NR
9. Aljamain Sterling -3
10. Alexandre Pantoja -1
11. Alex Pereira -1
12. Jiri Prochazka -2
13. Max Holloway -1
14. Justin Gaethje -1
15. Jamahal Hill -1
Mixed Martial Arts News
PFL (Professional Fighters League) @PFLMMA CEO Peter Murray on his promotion and the business
“The PFL has some of the best fighters on the planet” “We’re proving we can develop stars and recruit stars.”
“Francis is the biggest signing in PFL history”...“He’s the number-one MMA heavyweight in the world, and he opted to come to the PFL. He’s also a partner as chairman of PFL Africa. That’s part of his legacy. Francis wants to pave the way for athletes in Africa to give them the opportunity to compete against top competition. And he has a voice in our PFL Global Athlete Advisory board. Plus, he now has the flexibility to take on the sport of boxing.”
“Jake is another strategic partner. He’s an advocate for athletes, and he’s very passionate about that. And we’re excited for him to make his MMA debut with us. He had an incredible performance in boxing against Nate Diaz, and he’ll now turn his attention to MMA. There is an offer on the table against Nate Diaz. We’d like to see that fight in 2024, and we hope there is more to share soon.” Sources: SI, ESPN, Google News, PFL, X (formally Twitter), wires..
Wrestling News
WWE NXT Heatwave
Carmelo Hayes def Wes Lee
Ilja Dragunov def Trick Williams
Von Wagner vs Baron Corbin - no content
Ivy Nile def Ava
Noam Dar def Nathan Frazier
Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria def Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley
MMA/Wrestling News
UFC, martial arts legend Ronda Rousey has finished of her contact in the WWE taking the loss to rival and fellow badass Shayna Baszler
Rousey, now 36 and also in motherhood, has been fueling the fire and speculation that she will return to the UFC Octagon for at least one more match.
UFC prez Dana White is clear in his communication that it will not be happening:
"There’s no shot" "She’s accomplished everything she set out to do.”
Rousey has not had a match in the UFC or any other MMA promotion since December of 2016 when she was defeated by Amanda Nunes. UFC 300 has been getting speculated on by numerous parties close and not to close to the situation.
"Her dream was to win a UFC championship, then win a WWE championship, and she’s done it”. “Now she’s starting a family. Ronda has made so much money, and she’s still making a lot of money in sponsorships.”
“It’s what makes the sport so exciting” “It’s the unexpected *hit you don’t see coming that makes the sport so fun.” - Dana White
Both WWE women and UFC women have been doing a great job filling the void that was left my Rousey. Her place in sports history is secure and its time for others to shine in both the realms of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. The fans win with fresh faces, new blood and more fantasy dream matches come to life. See you at the matches.
Triller's Unveiling is anAI-Powered Innovation, Influential Shareholders, And A New Era In Entertainment
August 2023
In the dynamic world of finance, few events draw as much attention as a company's decision to go public. It's not just about financial gain; it's about revealing the inner workings, strategies, and the compelling narrative that underpins a company's journey. Triller, a trailblazer at the intersection of AI, combat sports, and influencer marketing, is on the brink of a significant public offering. This move promises to illuminate the factors driving its remarkable valuation and market presence.
Delving deep into the dynamics that propel Triller's value proposition reveals a unique approach that converges diverse industries and harnesses the potential of AI. By masterfully blending entertainment, technology, and investment, Triller has carved out a multidimensional ecosystem that defies conventional business models.
A Fusion of Industries
Triller's strength lies in its ability to seamlessly meld elements from the realms of AI, entertainment, and sports. Strategic acquisitions, such as Fight Club and BKFC, exemplify the company's prescient approach to capitalizing on the thriving combat sports market. The meteoric rise of BKFC, surpassing viewership of industry titans like UFC and Bellator, showcases Triller's knack for identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends.
However, Triller's influence extends far beyond the realm of combat sports. Its acquisition of Fite.TV, a premier combat sports streaming platform, signifies the company's ambitions in the live sports streaming market. With DAZN, Fite.TV's closest rival, valued at approximately $3 billion, Triller's strategic placement positions it to tap into the surging demand for live sports content, indicating valuation potential beyond traditional financial metrics.
Streaming Disruption: FITE.TV vs. DAZN
Triller's strategic acquisition of Fite.TV has caused ripples in the ever-evolving world of live sports streaming. Fite.TV, renowned for its cutting-edge platform dedicated to streaming combat sports, has become a linchpin in Triller's plan to expand its influence across the streaming landscape. While DAZN already commands a dominant position, with a staggering valuation of around $3 billion, Triller's calculated entry into this arena signifies its intent to revolutionize our engagement with live sports.
Fite.TV distinguishes itself through its vast reach, captivating over 6.5 million households in the United States and hosting more than 2,000 riveting events annually. This impressive track record solidifies Triller's position as an emerging heavyweight in the live sports streaming sector. As excitement builds for Triller's upcoming public debut, it's clear that the company's value proposition extends beyond tangible assets, delving deep into the realm of AI-driven innovation.
As technology shapes the landscape of live sports streaming, Triller's presence promises groundbreaking developments and opportunities for global sports enthusiasts. With Fite.TV and its expansive audience base, Triller is poised to redefine how we experience live sports content, revolutionizing the entertainment industry's status quo.
AI: The Cornerstone of Triller's Value
Yet, it's Triller's AI capabilities that anchor its valuation narrative. Powered by Amplify.Ai, Triller's AI seamlessly integrates across a spectrum of social media platforms, generating a staggering 750 million interactions each quarter among its 50 million user base. The AI's remarkable ability to facilitate connections between brands, influencers, and users, resulting in a remarkable 70% engagement rate, surpasses industry benchmarks.
This AI prowess has attracted the attention of global brands, positioning Triller as a bridge between corporations and consumers. Fortune 500 entities like Meta, Verizon, Nike, Disney, and Pepsi have leveraged Triller's AI to amplify user engagement and solidify their digital presence. The implications of such high engagement are profound, hinting at Triller's potential to reshape how brands interact with their audiences.
With a historic public offering imminent, Triller's multidimensional ecosystem, strategic acquisitions, and AI capabilities position the company for ongoing growth and success. As anticipation builds for the unveiling of Triller's inner workings, its valuation potential and innovative approach continue to captivate investors and industry enthusiasts alike.
The Power of Shareholders: A Star-Studded Lineup
Triller's allure extends beyond technology and entertainment, encompassing an exceptional roster of shareholders who not only hold significant financial stakes but also wield influence within the entertainment realm. Names like Swizz Beatz, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg, The Weeknd, and Alicia Keys populate this constellation of investors. Their enthusiastic involvement underscores their belief in Triller's immense potential, reflecting the seamless integration of creativity and investment within the company's thriving ecosystem.
Additionally, Triller's strategic ownership of Verzuz, a subsidiary responsible for orchestrating eight of the top ten Instagram Live events ever, stands as a testament to the company's unparalleled ability to unite technology and culture in perfect harmony. This strategic move has propelled Triller into event-driven entertainment, solidifying its reputation as a true industry innovator.
Reshaping the Investment Landscape
As Triller, a pioneering AI-powered entertainment and sports platform, prepares for its eagerly awaited public offering on the NYSE, investors are drawn to its unique value proposition in the digital age. Positioned at the crossroads of AI, entertainment, and sports, Triller has adeptly tapped into multiple industries, unlocking transformative potential across the board.
Triller's valuation transcends traditional metrics, serving as a testament to its ability to redefine user engagement and revolutionize brand-consumer interactions. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies, Triller has cultivated a dynamic platform that captivates audiences and delivers immersive experiences like never before.
In an era characterized by market volatility and uncertainty, Triller emerges as a beacon of innovation and resilience. Fueled by cross-pollination and a relentless pursuit of boundary-pushing, Triller is redefining norms and reshaping industries. With its impending public offering, Triller invites investors to join its extraordinary journey and participate in a company that's reimagining the entertainment landscape.
Investors attuned to Triller's disruptive potential are positioned to reap rewards from its visionary approach, as it continues to redefine the investment landscape and transform the future of entertainment.
Navigating the Path Ahead
As Triller's public offering nears, the financial world is on the brink of witnessing the rise of a unique entity that seamlessly blends entertainment, technology, and investment. The convergence of AI capabilities, strategic acquisitions, and an influential shareholder base presents an opportunity to engage with a company that's not just shaping industries, but also redefining the way audiences engage with entertainment and brands.
As the curtain rises on Triller's public offering, we stand at the threshold of a company that thrives on the frontiers of industry boundaries, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation reshapes entire sectors. The implications of Triller's journey stretch beyond its numerical valuation, speaking volumes about the transformative power of innovation that can reshape industries and redefine the norms of business engagement in the digital era.
'The Man in the Arena', By Theodore Roosevelt
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Search Engine Journal: Threads
SEJ's Roger on Meta's - Instagram's Threads..All very interesting and insightful. I remain luke-warm on Threads for a number of reasons. I still have mixed reactions to big tech period, partly due to my journalism background and seeing and experiencing the best and the worst that tech has to offer. For me, Meta's FB silencing journalists and the public at large in the Cvd era about three yew ago was the end Meta (then Facebook) goodwill. The ghosted news media who reported on a balanced capacity on the Canadian and Canberra peaceful trucker protests. That was it. They also silenced many medical professionals and a range of folks who questioned government related "authorities", who in some cases were not truthful. Politics and big tech are known for twisting facts, so is the news media business for that matter. I remain a fan of disrupters, be it X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk, Rumble, The Why Files and you get the idea. Fortunately Search Engine Journal remains balanced and pro freedom of speech and pro flow of information. Firms who value integrity and human rights will continue to enjoy our support and be prepared suppliers, be it for news, Intel, product etc. And, we put our money where our mouth is. SEJ and X for the win!
Movie Box Office
'Blue Beetle' bites and crawls into North American box office with $25.4 million
Superhero themed movie Blue Beetle is the No. 1 movie in North America, earning $25.4 million in receipts this weekend, Box Office Mojo has announced.
Barbie is now in 2 with $21.5 million, followed by Oppenheimer at No 3 with $10.6 million, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem at No 4 with $8.4 million and Strays in fifth with $8.3 million.
Then its Meg 2: The Trench at 6 with $6.7 million, Talk to Me at 7 with $3.2 million, Haunted Mansion at 8 with $3 million, Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning Part One at 9 with $2.7 million and The Last Voyage of the Demeter in the number 10 spot with $2.5 million. Quite different to last month when the likes of Sound Of Freedom was all the rage and Mission Impossible dominated.
Search Engine Journal August 2023
Funnell Keywords
SEJ's Devesh on bottom.on funnel keywords. We still much prefer organic results on.on website. So, with sports, combat, pop culture, online media, ads promotions, coastal lifestyle management being some of our main areas I've put together this list in case SEJ and/or readership can offer a yeah or nay:
Online News, online advertising, MMA news, MMA streaming, watch mma, MMA collectables.
Wrestling news, WWE news, WWE wrestlers, WWE tickets, wrestling scoops, wrestler interviews, PPV, wrestling promotions, promoters.
Pop culture news, pop culture collectables, box office ratings, box office news, movie star quotes, entertainment interviews.
Streaming business, streaming rankings, Netflix, Paramount, Tubi, streamed content, what's new, internet TV, OTT, over the top, streaming providers
Advertising executive, publicist, online ads, disruptor, media disruptor, media agent, media analyst, sports analyst, SEO ads, MMA ads, advertising directory, PR.
Coastal lifestyle, coastal living, coastal News Media, surf sports, beach lifestyle, yachting, boating, surfing, surf culture, beach culture, sunrise, Eastern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Bondi Beach, coastal walkway, coastal directory, lifestyle agent.
So, how did we do? Bottoms up!
Combat Sports News: Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg
'The Fight Of The Century' and 'Battle Of The Billionaires' blasted Media Man, TMZ Sports and plenty of others followed, and the world was hyped for it - week after week, after week, media and fans created content to fuel the fire, MMA and sports news websites got behind it, and then the buzz got weaker - what happened?!
UFC Prez Dana White has gone public with some of the chain of events including a he-said, she-said dive and probe into Elon "The Cyborg" Musk vs Mark "The Lizard" Zuckerberg. *handles are affectionate stage name/gimmicks, just to try to keep you entertained on the story that never seems to have an end! The pain, oh the pain.
According to Zuckerberg, Musk is no longer taking the match-up seriously. Ouch!
Musk has been semi-active via X (formally Twitter), just in case you blinked and missed it.
“The fight will be managed by my and Zuck’s foundations (not UFC). Livestream will be on this platform and Meta. Everything in camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all.”
“Everything done will pay respect to the past and present of Italy. And all proceeds go to veterans.”
Dana White, mega promoter and head of the world's most succesful and cashed up MMA promotion, the UFC, was keen on the two tsars squaring off mano a mano in the Octagon, has reflected on what’s gone pear shaped via TMZ Sports.
“So (Zuckerberg) and I talk multiple times a week. We (had) dinner last Monday. He’s very serious about competing…What he was saying in response to Elon was, ‘There are tons of professional organizations out there, and this is the way that this should be done.’ Not in some backyard or whatever he was saying. Elon’s hilarious.”
“Think about this; you’ve got two of the richest, most powerful men in the world and they say they wanna fight. It has to be sanctioned by an athletic commission, the proper medical testing has to be done, the proper drug testing has to be done, and that’s what Zuckerberg was saying. Zuckerberg is saying, ‘There are plenty of professional organizations out there, we should be fighting in the UFC.’”
To add extra balance and perspective, Mark Zuckerberg had also mentioned ONE Championship as being a potential host to promote the fight. CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, even took to X to present his thoughts on the potential MMA match, the competitors, respect and the like.
Dana White conceeded he did speak with the Italian government just as Musk stated he did re the Roman Colosseum.
“I did talk with the people from the Ministry of Culture, and they were interested in doing the fight. That is absolutely true.”
The initial buzz and hype machine on the potential fight has slowed, but if it starts looking like much more than just 'Fantasy Booking', as Media Man and others have got to be known for, speaking to fighters, promoters and such - then the fans and news media will get behind this again.
"The world still wants to see Musk vs Zuck. At present it's been more the Social Media Wars, with Musk winning the majority of the 6 or so rounds thus far, but our scorecard has Zuck on points for the 6th. Musk has not submitted, but did take a couple of bruises, since Dana White checked in on the fighters and has acted somewhat as commisioner, ref and perhaps Zuck corner-man. The online battle has still offered some entertainment value", and at least there was no PPV charge for this one. Almost like a dark match or prelim match. Millions want the fight to happen and it would generate millions for charity. Comon' fellas, lets make history" - Media Man under the watercooler.
Twitter and Facebook
TMZ Sports on a great update on Jake Paul taking it to the haters. Sure TMZ Sports and S.I have their haters also. Wins our 'Boxer Of The Month' award for in-ring and out of the ring success. Gotta rap about something!
News Corp tabloids struggle to hit ambitious subscriptions targets
Subscriber growth at News Corporation’s local tabloids has stalled as the publisher grapples with how to reach an ambitious goal to increase the number of readers who pay for news.
The internal figures, contained in filings in New York overnight, show the total number of subscribers at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, the Herald Sun in Melbourne, the Courier Mail in Brisbane and the Adelaide Advertiser was at 547,411 as of June 30. That is down almost 2 per cent in a year.
The figures include subscribers to the newspaper and the publications online. They show a fall of more than 10,300 across the mastheads.
The one bright spot for News Corp was the performance of The Australian, the company’s national masthead. The figures show the number of subscribers has grown 15 per cent to 318,417 in the past 12 months.
News Corp Australia’s executive chairman Michael Miller said the company had 1.1 million subscribers across all of its publications – across The Australian and the tabloid newspapers that number stands at 865,828 – and the publisher had set itself a target of two million subscribers.
The new figures, however, show the difficulty of that task. News Corp tabloid newspapers, once with significant reach, were the source of the company’s influence in state and federal politics. Much of that audience has since drifted to other publications, including the company’s free news.com.au.
The Telegraph has 152,457 print and digital subscribers, the numbers show, up just 4641 in 12 months. The Herald Sun gained 4861 subscribers to hit 150,887, while the Courier Mail lost 6575 subscribers. It now has 140,532 online and print subscribers. The Advertiser lost 5807 subscribers, or some 7 per cent, to fall to just over 103,500 by June 30.
As first reported by The Australian Financial Review in June, News Corp is relying on deeper cost cuts and higher print advertising sales to make up for lower-than-expected digital advertising and subscription revenues.
Figures contained in a presentation given to staff by Mr Miller that month showed digital advertising was expected to add 19 per cent less than forecast as a proportion of its budget bottom line in the year to June 30. The proportion from subscriptions was 12 per cent below forecasts.
But those declines were offset by other areas such as print advertising, which grew its share of revenue by 12 per cent on company forecasts, and cuts to expenses, which added an extra 2 per cent in savings.
News Corp has cut more than $US160 million ($245 million) in costs over the past six months, and last week delivered above-expected earnings despite a sharp 75 per cent fall in net profits. The company also owns publications including The Times of London, the Wall Street Journal, as well as Foxtel and stakes in REA Group and Move, a North American real estate platform.
Analysts and brokers, however, are bullish on the company’s prospects. At the time, Macquarie’s Darren Leung said more costs had been removed than expected, and earnings were 10 per cent ahead of forecasts for the last quarter.
Aitken Mount Capital Partners’ Angus Aitken hailed the results as “very strong”. “We think [News] is mispriced and can double, and that isn’t even an aggressive call,” he wrote in a note to his clients.
News Corp shares fell 2.3 per cent, or 78¢, during trade on the ASX on Wednesday to $33.11. They are up 20 per cent over the last six months.
Paramount LinkedIn post reply August 2023
THR's Georg with a dive into the upcoming shows on Paramount Plus. It's taking on a 'World Movies' and SBS 'On Demand' (Australian) kind of feel. Some of the upcoming shows appear a little too dark for my liking. 'Gold' may be the pick of the bunch. We're based in Australia so that may fit out culture norms better, whereas Koreans may have a different experience. On the Latin America front we would like to see some Lucha Libre themes following in the realm of 'Against The Ropes'or even old Santos and Blue Demon flicks. Some WWE and/or AEW wouldn't go astray if Paramount can come to terms with them. For WWE it's under Endeavor Group these days, as is the UFC (mixed martial arts leader). Amazon Prime is carrying ONE Championship in some markets for your intel. The late entertainer/comedian Andy Kaufman one said, "There's no drama like wrestling", while Frank Sinatra said and sang "There's no business like show business'. And legendary and controversial promoter and showman P.T. Barnum emphasizes the "business" in show business - something Paramount Plus is demonstrating to its global audience quite well.
Streaming Entertainment News
Morgan Freeman joins 'Special Ops: Lioness' cast Sunday
Paramount Plus @paramountplus released the first images of Morgan Freeman's appearance on Special Ops: Lioness on Thursday. Freeman joins the cast in Sunday's episode.
Freeman will play Secretary of State Edwin Mullins. The show stars Zoe Saldana as the leader of an elite program to train female agents. Nicole Kidman plays her overseer.
Freeman was featured in the show's trailer in July and announced as part of the show's cast. Michael Kelly, Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur and Hannah Love Lanier also star.
Taylor Sheridan created Special Ops: Lioness, inspired by a real military program. Lioness premiered July 23. Sunday will be its sixth episode.
Wrestling, Energy Drink Connection: Logan Paul could be the next Hulk Hogan says Media Man
Energy Drink News
Can Prime, the drink driving kids crazy, be more than a fad? - 2nd June 2023
The sports drinks promoted by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI are a lesson in scarcity marketing in the social media age, but can the epic hype turn into lasting sales?
When the stark white Meta Moon bottle of Prime Hydration dropped into the Australian market, the “Limited edition” sports drink – which tastes like bubble gum and fairy floss – quickly became the most sought after item in schools around the country, which meant the marketing machine was working exactly as planned.
As playground fads go it’s one of the stranger ones: buying and selling sports drinks. The beverage in question is marketed and part-owned by two social media stars who have tens of millions of followers, particularly tween and teenage boys.
In February, ahead of the product’s launch in Australia, thousands of fans blocked a street in North Sydney next to Nine’s office – which owns The Australian Financial Review – hoping to catch a glimpse of the drink’s co-owners, boxer and WWE wrestling star Logan Paul and his business partner KSI (Olajide Olayinka Williams), a rapper and boxer, who were appearing on the Today show.
Planned meet and greet events at Woolworths stores in Perth were cancelled over safety fears when it was realised how many people were likely to turn up. Then, when the drink went on sale in March, shoppers scrambled to get their hands on the bottles.
Paul and KSI were once boxing rivals but joined forces to leverage their fan bases: Paul has more than 48 million followers across YouTube and Instagram combined; KSI has nearly 37 million followers.
Prime is now considered the capital of cool by kids on the playground – if they can get a bottle that is. Prime Hydration sells at Woolworths for $4.50 each, but you will find bottles on Amazon at $25 and even in some corner shops it can cost $15 a pop.
Prime has now been banned from some schools – even the empty bottles – with kids selling them to each other at inflated prices. Some youth sports clubs also banned all sports drinks following the hype. To help consumers track down supplies, Twitter handle Prime Tracker publishes details of stock in multiple countries including UK and Australia.
But it’s not all sunshine. Carbonated Prime Energy has been criticised for the amount of caffeine it contains: 56mg per 100ml. In comparison, energy drinks Red Bull and V Energy contain 32mg per 100ml. Some youth sports clubs have banned to beverage, which is considered dangerous for people who weigh less than 40kg.
The controversy is welcome and has helped make the product even more desirable among the younger demographics.
But are algorithms, exotic flavours and 5G connectivity really enough to build a lasting business? Or will Prime end up another fad, like the Pokémon cards, Slinky’s and Cabbage Patch kids of the past.
Paul and KSI are certainly adept at creating demand: in April they handed out a “limited edition” Prime Lemonade of just 10,000 bottles to consumers on Venice Beach, California; one bright yellow bottle, adorned with a picture of Paul and KSI, was for sale on Amazon.com.au for $999.
In May, Prime Lemonade became widely available in the US. The YouTubers are gradually going global and will launch the product in Denmark and Norway on June 7.
Both men have woven Prime into their media work: when Paul appeared in an episode of the popular Netflix series King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch, Prime could be seen in the background as he and Ken Goldin did a live box-break looking for rare Pokémon cards to sell to collectors.
Paul’s and KSI’s social media posts also include the brightly coloured bottles of Prime. It’s an object lesson in how influencers can leverage their fame to launch and market products, especially ones aimed at the youth demographic and live online.
In a radio interview with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, Paul and KSI said Prime had generated $US250 million ($383 million) in retail sales globally in its first year; $US45 million in January alone.
They’re not alone, the global influencer market has more than doubled since 2019, according to Statista. This year, globally, it has an estimated value of $US21.1 billion.
Woolworths sells a million bottles
It’s not just the influencers who benefitted from the Prime launch. It was one of the biggest product debuts for Woolworths, the nation’s largest grocery chain, with more than a million bottles sold in the first few weeks. Hundreds of buyers were calling stores every week trying to find out when the drink would be back on the shelf. To ensure fairness, the retailer instigated a five bottle limit per customer.
Last year the drink sparked chaotic scenes in stores around the UK, when it was delivered to Sainsbury’s and Asda chains and sold out in just minutes. Both retailers also set limits on sales.
Woolworths launches a few thousand products every year but Prime is something special. On rough calculations, if Prime’s early success were annualised, it could make up about 1 per cent to 2 per cent of Woolworths’ drink category sales, one analyst says.
“The anticipation, excitement and demand for this was unprecedented, and we’re continuing to work closely with the manufacturer to ensure we have stock arriving each week as it’s now part of the sports drinks range in our stores,” a Woolworths spokesperson says.
Cultural obsession
QUT Professor Gary Mortimer, who researches food retailing, retail marketing and consumer behaviour, says Prime is an example of influencer marketing at its best.
“I’ve heard stories of people simply refilling the bottle with water or Gatorade, but having it in the Prime container to provide this social connection, that validates themselves with others,” he says.
Gina Lednyak, chief executive of content and social media firm L&A Social (a Tag company), says pre-teens and teenagers are more prone to excess and peer pressure. They look for things that provide social status and make them feel part of a community.
“The fact it is hard to get, the scarcity, leads to more of a cultural obsession.” she says.
Over the years there have been various crazes with products that catch momentum with youth, then they sell out, and the scarcity is what builds up the hype. Think sour/sweet Warhead candy, girl band Spice Girl lollipops, Pokémon cards, and more recently fidget spinners.
“Prime is the perfect storm of people catching an age demographic that is thirsty for community and belonging and absolutely digitally native, thus exposed to a lot of online content from influencers and peers,” Lednyak says.
Bring on the money
American Paul is one of the highest-paid YouTube stars with a net wealth of about $US18 million in 2022, according to Forbes. He even held an exhibition match with former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2021.
There are other media reports that estimate Paul’s worth at a staggering $US250 million. Brit KSI is also highly successful and co-founded restaurant chain Sides and Vodka brand XIX, and has an estimated net worth of about $US25 million.
Paul and KSI each own about 20 per cent of Prime with manufacturer Congo Brands owning the balance. Congo also produces Alani Nutrition, a women’s sports nutrition product range and 3D Energy drinks.
Congo Brands is owned by Trey Steiger and Max Clemons. The Louisville, Kentucky natives set up Congo in 2014, according its website.
Outsiders hoping for a piece of the action are out of luck, as Congo’s website says each of their brands “chooses not to take on debt or outside investment so that growth is controlled from within.”
Will mania last?
There have been hugely successful businesses started by influencers, including Australian fitness stars and young Rich Listers Kayla Itsines and Tammy Hembrow, but in the fast moving consumer goods industry longevity is harder to achieve.
Former US president Donald Trump’s Trump Steaks lasted just two months in 2007. However, pre-influencer Paul Newman’s sauces have outlived the man who created the line and the company is celebrating its 35 anniversary this year.
But the mania for Prime will be fleeting, says Mortimer. In any hyped up market limited supply creates FOMO (fear of missing out) and the need for social validation drives demand among younger consumers.
But then comes the fall, especially when it comes to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are always on the hunt for the next big thing.
“They get a bottle for $10, then it gets on-sold in school yards for $15 or $20 a bottle, and then suddenly the novelty wears off and everybody’s got it, everybody’s tried it, and we start to see discounting. It was only recently someone had Tweeted an image of Walmart selling a pallet of Prime for $1.99,” he says.
“Trends tend to be a very sharp curve. So, a really short period introduction, significant high growth, not a lot of time in maturity, and then a very steep decline.”
Mortimer says the sports drink market is saturated with the likes of Powerade and Gatorade the top players. While the YouTube stars will seek to extend the life and hype of Prime with the introduction of “Limited Editon”, this too is not new. Big global brands do it: Coke moved into diet and less sugar versions and printed names on the cans, while Cadbury offers limited-editon chocolate options.
“Prime is a bit quirky because it’s been driven and promoted by influencers who have got a very strong following from a smaller cohort,” Mortimer says.
Regardless, he thinks the drink will disappear pretty quickly.
“I walked through a Woollies store today, and Prime was sitting on the shelf next to the Gatorade,” he says. “In the recent past, you couldn’t get it. I’m already seeing a slowdown in demand.”
