By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Along with reporting fourth quarter 2011 revenue on Thursday, WWE reported year-end results of $483.9 million in total revenue, up one percent compared to $477.7 million in 2010. Also, operating income was $37.0 million, down 55 percent compared to $82.3 million in 2011.

WWE acknowledged the success of WrestleMania 27, which featured The Rock's PPV return, drove the revenue increase - "Revenues increased 1.0 percent led by our Live and Televised Entertainment segment primarily reflecting the impact of WrestleMania." WWE added, "Revenues from North America increased 2.0 percent led by higher Pay-Per-View and Licensing revenues reflecting the impact of WrestleMania and an additional video game, respectively."

The disparity in WWE's operating income was due to start-up Network costs, a loss of TV Rights Fees from Superstars and NXT, and a $23.4 million impairment charge related to WWE Studios. WWE reported, "Film profits declined $28.0 million from the prior year driven by the film impairment charges and the increased distribution expenses associated with the higher number of releases" under the new model.

Looking at the global revenue sources, WWE noted North America was up 2.0 percent mainly due to WrestleMania business and "revenues from outside North America were essentially flat to the prior year." WWE said the reason was "lower sales of licensed toy, collectible, and home video products," which were "offset by contractual expansion of television rights fees and increased pay-per-view buy rates, primarily in Asia Pacific markets."

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