I/V:
Rohan Herbstreit - Ringside Consulting & Wrestling.net.au
3rd Dec 2003
What
makes a good promoter?
Someone
who understands their audience, and isn't afraid to
take risks.
What
were the key elements to the success of the WWE?
The
era in which it really grew from being a wrestling
company to a 'sports entertainment / media' company,
which I think was really re-defined in the '80s and
then again in the late 90's which made it a global
entertainment company.
Why
has wresting been so popular in Australian over the
years?
It
was a sport that could be easily followed and related
to with wrestlers from all over the world which appealed
to a wide variety of people that grew up on it. You
just have to look at the history of 'World Championship
Wrestling' from Festival Hall in Melbourne to understand
why it was popular at its
prime, and how a new generation of fans now see 'sports
entertainment' at home instead of at a venue like
Festival Hall for example.
Why
is it important to acknowledge wrestling' rich history?
To
appreciate where it has come from, to where it is
now. I think the history is something that shouldn't
be forgotten.
When
did Wrestling.net.au (previously WWF Down Under),
really take off, and what promoting techniques have
you found to be successful for yourself, and the people
you represent?
About
6 months into WNA I think it grew on people, and was
boosted with the addition of the new forums. The domain
name is much easier to remember and we are finding
our 'niche audience which is now keeping the number
of viewers steadily climbing.
What
are the biggest mistakes that wrestling promoters
make?
Not
communicating to their fan base in terms of listening
to what people want to see, and what type of product
they are actually presenting.
What
are your favourite venues to watch wrestling, or any
other event in Australia, and why?
In
Australia I think Melbourne Park always has a great
atmosphere, you just have to look at the last WWE
show to appreciate how great an indoor venue like
the Tennis Centre really is.
...end.
Rohan
really knows his wrestling, and his wrestling promoters,
having dealt with many promoters over the years. Wrestling.Net.Au
is a must visit for any true wrestling fan, or the
media types, looking to have a better understanding
of what the professional wrestling business is all
about.
Links:
wrestling.net.au
Media
Man Australia interviews Rohan Herbstreit - 29th
May 2003
Australian
Pro Wrestling Directory
Melbourne
Park official website
Article:
The Great Aussie Promoters, by Greg Tingle
Article:
The Great Yankee Promoters, by Greg Tingle
Article:
Wrestling Promoters Down Under, by Greg Tingle
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