New Wrestling Outfit Hopes to Pin PPV Buys

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Professional-wrestling newcomer Ring of Honor will jump into the pay-per-view ring with six events scheduled through 2007-08.

The Philadelphia-based wrestling outfit -- which promises more action and athleticism in its events than genre leader World Wrestling Entertainment -- reached PPV and video-on-demand distribution deals with In Demand Networks, TVN Entertainment and EchoStar Communications’ Dish Network to distribute its events.

The first event, taped in New York, will air July 1, according to the organization. Its suggested retail price is $9.95.

Sports marketing company G-Funk Sports and Entertainment will handle all promotion for the wrestling programs, according to company executives. G-Funk will launch an affiliate Web site May 15 at www.rohaffiliates.com that will feature marketing materials and event information.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.