Dream Pulled From Prime Time in Japan; Lands HDNet Deal

In anther setback for MMA in Japan, Sherdog.com reports that dream has been pulled from prime time by TBS. The move was made following disappointing ratings for the promotion's debut event on March 15. According to the report, "TBS is now scheduled to air the forthcoming April 29 Dream card on a week's tape delay in heavily edited one-hour installments. The broadcasts will air both in afternoon and after-midnight timeslots. However, future Dream events will air live on SkyPerfecTV pay-per-view."

Yesterday, HDNet announced a partnership with the promotion. DREAM 1 and 2 will air next weekend on the network.

Japan Update: Debut Disappointing for Dream; Successful Debut for WVR

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dream drew 14,700 fans and did an 8.9 rating on the TBS network for its 3/15 debut show built around the return of Mirko Cro Cop. That number is considered very disappointing in the Japanese television climate. The broadcast peaked with a 12.7 rating for Cro Cop's match with unknown Tatsuya Mizuno. Dream is currently the only promotion in the country with prime time television.

World Victory Road drew nearly 13,000 fans to its debut show on 3/5 which was considered a success, especially on a Wednesday night. The event featured Hidehiko Yoshida and Takanori Gomi in their first fights since the death of Pride. Gomi is believed to be earning approximately $190,000 per fight with Yoshida likely earning more than that according to Dave Meltzer. Without television, it remains to be seen how long the company can continue its ambitious plans producing frequent and expensive shows.