On the verge of RPW's first major TV deals, TV stations and networks have asked to push up the dates of the delivery of the shows in order to take advantage of sponsor and other marketing and promotional budgets.
RPW General Manager Rick Korn stated that, "The response from top stations and regional sports networks has been incredible. This is the first time in my 27 years in television that I've gotten such an overwhelming positive response for a sports property. Virtually every station we went after we have gotten cleared on, in the time slots that we have asked for, and the day of the week we wanted. The hardest part of the TV business is to get your show on the air in top markets like New York, Chicago, LA, Dallas, etc. We are not only getting our shows on the air but we are getting on stations that are No. 1 in their markets. In Chicago, LA, Dallas, Tulsa, Miami, Detroit and many others."
Willis and President Matt Case had to make some difficult adjustments in order to fit the needs of our TV partners but in the end it is what is best for our athletes and the league. We really wanted to do the tour, but it would have been impossible given the tight time schedules dictated to us by the stations, Korn stated."
On the heals of a successful set of four regional qualifiers is the anticipated Super Challenge, which will mark the conclusion of qualification series. While the Super Challenge will still be held prior to Season 2, it will most likely be wrapped into the studio show weekend in Nashville sometime this spring. Working in conjunction with High Five Entertainment, Nashville is "the ideal location for our studio show" says RPW and High Five Entertainment producer Martin Fischer. "All of our staff is here, it's a central location and Nashville has some great facilities to support such an endeavor. We look forward to taking what we've learned (from Season 1) and producing the Super Challenge and Season 2 even better" concluded Fischer.
Having produced Season 1 in a television studio in Los Angeles, the RPW executives are confident that the model will work. Willis parlayed, "we know how to position everything and maximize the look and feel and the talent. It's ideal for a TV show and that's the most efficient way to continue getting our sport out there." We'll cross the live event bridge once we've had a bit more experience working in these known quantities."
When asked about the talent, namely the athletes, RPW President Matt Case noted that they are "really anticipating a great crop of new wrestlers to infuse into the league". Case exclaimed, "We saw some fur flying at the qualifiers. These guys want it bad. They know there's a chance and when you open a door for a hungry wrestler, look out. Guys like Tyron Woodley, Kyle Ceminara, Shawn Bunch, and Ben Wissel are exciting to watch and will keep the audience engaged. They're full of action."
Case is not just excited about the possible talent coming into the ranks but for the ability to continue showcasing real wrestling to the public in a palatable way. The RPW President noted the success of the new combat leagues such as the UFC and IFL who are now getting mainstream attention and good TV ratings. According to Case, "RPW is in the same family. We're combat made safe for sport. There's a lot to like about all the combat leagues, especially seeing the wrestlers compete" said Case. "We have a slightly different nuance to our presentation and we believe that this will separate us." With the millions that both the UFC and IFL are now bringing in, it seems logical that the RPW has an opportunity to keep it in the family.
Look for more information regarding dates for the Super Challenge and Season 2 production in Nashville, TN on www.realprowrestling.com
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