Wayne has been in this game for along time. You don't stay in it that long without picking up some contacts. Believe me he has sponsors and some surprisingly very big ones. When he is ready he will let everyone know. Until I am told I can say something I won't. But believe it this is very real. Sponsors don't want to be fucked and embarrassed like they are at the Olympia. I think the sanctioning fee for an IFBB show starts at $60,000. PDI is $10,000. That right there is $50,000 more that a promoter can spend on prize money, longer travel, more advertising etc.
Here is my 2 cents:
Good things going for PDI and Wayne D
1. The Pro Div is new and if ( a big if at this point) can attract a few names, folks will check it out just out of curiosity.
2. Wayne D, KNOWS bodybuilding, unlike Vince McMain of WWF who hd his now defunk WBA crash and burn in the early 90's with a wacked format.
3. Wayne has some excellent ideas on what the fans want and pros need.
4. Wayne will go down with the ship and really put his heart in soul into this. With the Wieders in their senior years and
David Pecker (CEO) involved in various other more lucrative things outside of bodybuilding, if the water gets rough in the IFBB pro div, Pecker will jump ship.
5. With Arnold as sitting GOV and after his last supplement deal debacle, it is unlikely he wuld do much to help the IFBB pro div shoud they need him.
6. The PDI reminds me a lot of the early days of the NPC when they took on and eventually took over the top sport in bodybuilding from the long established AAU and Mr America comm.
Things against Wayne D and the PDI:
1. It is new and UNtested , the IFBB has a long history of show success. The Olympia is still considered the top pro event and has history and tradition on its' side.
2. He needs to still get some top names on his side of the fence to get on his stage.To my knowledge only that London guy has signed on for the PDI cruise.
3. David Pecker has deep pockets of cash reserves on hand and is in control of the most read bodybuilding mag (FLEX).
Wayne would need to get MD on his side if his organization is going to get the publicty it needs.
4. The IFBB has turned bodybuilding shows into events with expos and multi sport contests, etc.
The PDI needs to make teir first shows events as well. What they can't do in numbers or production , they can more than make up for by making the fans feel catered to with great service at his events.
I hope this PDI goes, we shall see?
Howard
Hey onlyme, I saw the weather out in the H islands was pretty chilly for you folks this weekend..true?