American winner takes all

Chapter 410 Watershed

After officially sitting down, Ethan began to mention the XFL that had just concluded.

"I like some of the ideas in the XFL, but that's just some of them."

"Really? I thought you would only complain about how unprofessional the game was." Vince McMahon looked at Ethan and said directly without hesitation.

He chewed the food in his mouth: "You and the thirty-one 'football dignitaries' behind you have monopolized everything and stifled innovation. You are sitting on nothing, chasing and intercepting any possible competitors, and all this is just In order to maintain the stability of your rule, think about why rugby has not been able to go out and let more people know for so many years? You are the culprit!"

"Rugby cannot be promoted in other countries because the required number of people and venue conditions are relatively strict, and the Commonwealth countries only recognize rugby." Ethan said.

The former cannot reverse this situation even if the NFL has worked hard for many years, and the latter is closely related to history and there is absolutely no possibility of change.

"Just because you can't do it, it doesn't mean that others can't do it. I will promote American football just like I promoted WWF and bring this sport to all parts of the world. This is the mission of the XFL." McMahon's attitude is very tough.

Dan on the side looked at Ethan with some gloating, as if to say: Look what I said.

"Some people criticize the XFL for being full of vulgarity and promoting violence and sin..." McMahon mentioned some voices from the outside world.

The XFL team names are so straightforward that they appear hideous: Madman, Demon, Fury, Lawbreaker, and Judge. The team name of the Birmingham Explosions was once suspected of alluding to the Birmingham Explosions, and the XFL had to change its name midway. This is highly consistent with the style of WWF, and McMahon has obviously thought it through carefully. He knows that violent elements can stimulate the attention of the audience.

Another way to stimulate the audience is desire, including those explicit cheerleaders. McMahon even broke into the cheerleading locker room with a cameraman directly after a game.

"But I think these criticisms and doubts are not necessarily bad. In fact, this will attract a large potential audience. The first game of the XFL had more than 1400 million viewers tuning in. In the first week, our ratings were as high as advertising." "Twice the number of players committed to the NFL's Pro Bowl," he said of the XFL's record.

"Although there was a slight mistake, NBC was frightened by the public opinion and hurriedly repositioned the game, otherwise the audience would only be more. Even so, the viewership of the finals reached 80% of the expected number at the beginning of the season. "

What he said revealed a big win.

"Do you think there will be a second season?"

"Of course there will be. In a few years, the NFL will experience a major defeat. If you don't believe it, we'll see."

Contrary to what Ethan had imagined, McMahon was not brooding over the failure, but was very optimistic about the future.

Ethan knew very well that this was just him trying to hold on.

"First, at the beginning of the season, the ratings were indeed better than expected, but as we entered the NCAA's March Madness, the ratings were cut in half every week. Why do I think NBC will not renew?"

McMahon laughed loudly: "It seems that you know a lot. You are right. The XFL's ratings are really bad after entering March, but you have forgotten that I jointly funded the XFL with NBC. NBC is now I have been completely excluded from the NFL broadcast system. In football, this is their only chance. Even if I don’t want to, these people will beg me to continue.”

In the United States, the target audience for sports events highly overlaps with men who are the backbone of society. This is a gold mine that no TV station is willing to give up.

"You're absolutely right," Ethan said.

"I know what you want to do, and I have to tell you that this trick of persuading me to surrender has no effect on me." McMahon smiled smugly.

But he heard Ethan change the subject and talk about the news he heard from Paul before: "You seem to have forgotten that NBC will have to broadcast the Summer Olympics next year. How many prime time slots will be given to the XFL by then?"

McMahon was speechless for a moment, and then immediately denied: "This is a piece of gossip with no reference value."

"Sorry, this is a little secret revealed by NFL Commissioner Paul. Think about it, why does he know this?"

McMahon was completely silent now.

This kind of crucial information must have been leaked from within NBC, and his position was not low, but Paul knew about it. This only proves that NBC TV station still has some contact with the NFL.

"Although NBC is currently excluded from the broadcast system, it does not mean that NBC will never return. You are too naive to expect them." Ethan looked at McMahon.

McMahon snorted coldly: "Aren't you the same?"

McMahon had nothing nice to say about Ethan in previous interviews with the media, and even suggested that Ethan was a product of the league's deliberate star creation in order to open up the market. As for those classic battles, they have completely turned into scripts in his mouth. He categorically stated that the league's top management has been controlling the game.

"Yeah, me too, so I want to jump out. What is before us now is a good opportunity. I think you can also feel it. There is a part of the audience that is really attracted by some elements in the XFL and can amplify it. these elements.”

"Like the Angels Cheerleaders?" McMahon said slightly unwillingly.

Although McMahon was the first to think up the strategy of improving the status of cheerleading, it was Ethan who carried it forward.

"Yes, a women's rugby league with rough moves and revealing clothing. I think you should also know that inter-school women's team sports were once popular in the Southeastern Conference, right?" Ethan said.

In fact, Ethan has already started preparing for LFL. Those cheerleading football games in college were similar experiments. The results were pretty good, proving that this road is feasible now.

"It's very common to see dancers dancing on the sidelines, but it's rare to find dancers who can charge and run the ball in the field." Ethan continued.

McMahon didn't answer, but was lost in thought, clearly considering the possibilities.

"In conjunction with the drastic reform of the rules, the emphasis is on physical confrontation and ball running, and the suppression of passing. Close-quarters games are often more bloody. In addition, the formation time is shortened and there is no separate discussion session. The game will not stop the clock. , but make up time in each quarter..."

"Changing from the 11-a-side system to a seven-a-side or nine-a-side system and abandoning the outdoor arena can save venue costs."

"That sounds interesting," McMahon whispered.

"It's more than interesting. I wanted to go there and see it myself." As the go-between for the two people to meet, Dan also showed great interest at this time.

At this time, Dan's wife coughed twice.

"I mean, support Ethan's work. After all, he rented Memorial Stadium." Dan immediately clarified.

"But the more tempting something is, the more likely it is a trap. Ethan, it's impossible for us to cooperate. You are from the NFL." McMahon finally shook his head.

"Yes, trust is inherently mutual. The reason why I tell you all this is because I think some of your ideas can help me, and my trust in you also has limits. If you don't want to participate, no big deal. I will cooperate with the entire NFL," Ethan said confidently.

The implication is that the door to cooperation is not always open, but is time-limited. "It's up to you." McMahon shrugged. At this moment, he finally understood Ethan's purpose. It was not to represent the NFL, but to represent himself. He brought a brand new plan.

Seeing that the negotiations between the two reached an impasse again, Stephanie McMahon on the side suddenly spoke:
"Dad, there is no need to doubt Ethan. He came here quietly in person. Do you think this matter is risky, and the risk Ethan took is greater in comparison? If the 'betrayal' thing spreads, he might Being kicked out of the league, we don’t need to worry so much,” Stephanie tried to analyze.

"You're right. In comparison, Ethan is the betrayer! What do I have to fear? Ethan, I'm curious, if I agree, what are you going to do next?" Mike Mahon began to ask.

"This is not a betrayal, and I never thought of hiding it from them all the time. LFL involves many parties, and you and I are just one of them," Ethan said.

Ethan's idea is to form a new sports league, with a power structure copied from the NFL, and an autonomous league of team owners.

As for those NFL owners, Ethan is eager for them to spend real money to participate. You don’t even need to choose a team name, you can participate in the name of any current cheerleading team.

McMahon's position is similar to that of a league commissioner, who can also serve as a senior adviser if he is too busy.

"Can you really persuade the owners of other teams?" McMahon looked unbelievable.

"How will you know if you don't try?" Ethan understands that selling franchises is the fastest way to expand a sports league.

"Then I'm really looking forward to it." McMahon directly raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

The two of them were still at war with each other just now, but now the atmosphere is harmonious.

"Thankfully, I mentioned it more. After all, I have contributed to this matter. In return, Ethan, when will you be a guest at WWF? I want to write a creative plot specifically for you." Stephanie said.

"My daughter was a WWF model when she was in school. In addition to being a model, she is also a wrestler and even works in the creative writing department. I am going to let her be the chief creative writer." McMahon read I am also proud of my daughter.

"What plot? Love triangle?" Ethan asked.

"No, it's a love triangle." Stephanie said.

"I don't want to join in the fun." Ethan shook his head: "Besides, I can't act. If it's real wrestling, I'd be interested in giving it a try."

"Ethan, the action performance is to protect you. You don't want to be beaten to a broken bone, right? It would be even worse if your appearance is disfigured. If your women find out, they will hide in bed and cry." Stephanie stared at Yi Sen. Sen's face said unceremoniously.

Obviously, she feels that if she really takes action, Ethan is no match for others.

Anyway, he didn't really expect to be on the WWF stage. Ethan was too lazy to argue with her and turned his attention to Dan on the other side.

In addition to discussing cooperation with McMahon today, Ethan also wanted to discuss the possibility of further cooperation with Dan.

From his few words before, Ethan realized that although he was only in charge of the Auxiliary Services Department, he actually had very deep connections within USC and was the son-in-law of President Steven B. Sample.

"USC participates in Angel College and provides...Ethan, how many drinks have you had? I didn't expect you to be so drunk." Dan immediately shook his head.

"I can make an additional donation to USC." Ethan said calmly.

Angel College shoulders the sacred mission of education, and its teaching staff cannot be any worse. As a private research university in California, USC is second only to Stanford. Its art majors may be better than Stanford's, and its film school is even more popular in the world. The best film school.

"Sorry, this is not about money. There is no need for USC to do this kind of thing for money." Dan shook his head.

"But some people can do these things for the money." Ethan continued.

It can be said that Dan is a standard businessman on the USC campus, and what Ethan does is no different from that of a businessman. There are not so many twists and turns between businessmen and businessmen.

After Ethan expressed his feelings, Dan didn't say much and said directly: "I can introduce you to the director of the Gloria Kaufman Dance Academy, and you can jointly work on new projects."

There has always been an inseparable connection between colleges and enterprises. Companies often provide funding, and colleges and laboratories conduct research on related topics. Ideally, the research results will be directly realized.

Funds provided by enterprises have always been one of the main sources of university funding. Of course, art colleges can also copy the gourd's example. One is short of money and the other is willing to give money. Naturally, the two parties hit it off.

Ethan immediately asked Dan to help him handle this matter. When Ethan brought up the topic of repayment, Dan waved his hand and said there was no rush.

"I want you to owe me a favor. Maybe it will be of great use later." Dan looked at Ethan with a somewhat meaningful smile.

Both McMahon and Dan gave Ethan positive responses, and Ethan immediately shared the LFL's ideas and discussions with McMahon with Paul.

"You can discuss this issue at the next regular meeting..." After all, Paul is not the team owner, he is just a general manager at best, and it is not his turn to intervene in this kind of thing.

However, the underlying meaning behind the words was to remind Ethan not to have high hopes.

Ethan can only wait until the next regular meeting of the league to determine the attitude of other team owners, and put the LFL matters aside for the time being.

Seeing that the draft of the new season is about to take place, Ethan announced to the outside world the relevant plans for next season's home court at this juncture.

Although the Angels did not win the Super Bowl championship last season and were still a new team, they had many sponsors. They obviously value the commercial value of the Angels and Ethan. You must know that these sponsorships are received in the name of the stadium and not the team. In other words, this part of the money does not need to be shared equally with other teams. This is the bulk of other teams' annual income.

If Ethan became famous across the United States overnight with his Super Bowl championship last year, then Ethan spent a relatively quiet season this year. Even so, entering the Super Bowl is something that many players cannot achieve in their lifetime. glory.

In the minds of some fans, Ethan has the only strength, while for other fans, Ethan is ranked behind Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning.

The two views are tit for tat, just like those questions that never have answers. People who hold two views are often unable to convince anyone. This kind of controversy has existed since the end of the Super Bowl and has become more and more intense.

There are various signs that next season will be like a watershed in Ethan's entire career. If he succeeds, he will sit firmly on the altar and look down on the heroes. If he loses, he will be forgotten by everyone. It is a big dream.

But before the draft started, Ethan received an unexpected gift.

"You said your name is...Megan Fox?" Ethan looked at the little girl in front of him and couldn't help but exclaimed.

(End of this chapter)