The New York Times has published an article profiling longtime wrestling news reporter Dave Meltzer, editor of the frequently-attributed Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Meltzer has been publishing his newsletter since 1983, which was initially considered groundbreaking since he divulged insider news and various behind-the-scenes happenings in the professional wrestling industry when its secrets were heavily guarded. The intriguing publication, which was referred as a “dirt sheet” by wrestlers, was passed around in locker rooms, with some even subscribing under their birth names in an attempt to hide their identity.
“They didn’t think I knew their real names,” said Meltzer. “I did.”
While legendary wrestler, promoter and trainer Stu Hart was an avid subscriber to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter—he would have wife Martha read it to him at their Calgary home—iconic grappling son Bret Hart, on the other hand, wasn’t fond of Meltzer revealing the secrets of professional wrestling.
“I wanted to punch him out,” Hart said. “I didn’t like the idea of somebody trying to tell everyone what was going on.”
J. J. Dillon, who worked as a front office executive for Vince McMahon in the World Wrestling Federation from the late-eighties through the mid-nineties, added, “There would be a board meeting and information that was only discussed in that meeting with key people and Dave would report on it. It drove Vince nuts.”
An “exasperated” McMahon began communicating with Meltzer when he was hired in 1990 as a wrestling columnist for short-lived The National Sports Daily, elevating his reputation and readership.
“That was the difference from eking out a living to making a good living, that exposure,” Meltzer said.
In 1997, Hart signed a contract to perform for World Championship Wrestling after having been affiliated with the World Wrestling Federation since 1984. McMahon sought to prevent Hart from leaving the organization as the champion, but Hart was unwilling to lose the title to Michaels—with whom he had been irritated by—at Survivor Series in his home country of Canada. McMahon then conspired to ring the bell prematurely, awarding the strap to Michaels. When McMahon went to Hart’s dressing room and tried to explain himself, Hart angrily rebuffed him and warned him to leave immediately or risk being punched. An altercation ensued, with Hart dropping McMahon with a single punch. Hart contacted Meltzer shortly thereafter, with the entire scene being relayed in an issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
“I knew then why I needed Meltzer,” Hart said. “It wasn’t a story line, it wasn’t pretend. Wrestling writes its own publicity. I was always grateful for someone allowing the truth to come out.”
While many of Meltzer’s readers digitally subscribe to the newsletter at F4WOnline.com, about 30 percent of his audience prefer the printed version.
“Things haven’t changed that much,” said Hart, who still visits locker rooms after retiring as a wrestler. “Everyone fights for The Observer just to see if they’re in it. Sometimes you’re in it and sometimes you’re not. Sometimes you like what he writes and sometimes you don’t. But I think wrestlers realize it’s good to have someone speaking for you.”...More?
May 15, 2013
Wrestling News Reporter Profiled By The New York Times, Bret Hart Offers Comment
Kane Challenges State Official To A Debate Over Internet Sales Tax
TimesFreePress.com reports that WWE Tag Team Champion Kane has challenged Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey to a debate on the proposed internet sales tax. Ramsey supports the tax, which if implemented, would require Internet companies to charge taxes on goods sold when they are shipped to those states.
May 14, 2013
May 13, 2013
Competitors Named For The Rock's New Reality Series; Includes One From Maryland
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson makes this summer Epic for a diverse group of nine individuals as TNT announces the contestants that will face extraordinary situations testing strength, courage and integrity in its new unscripted competition series THE HERO airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning June 6. A complete list of the first season's competitors is included below.
The Hero, headlined by Johnson, will bring nine people together tackling extraordinary feats in an unexpected and dramatic setting. Each week, the contestants will be tested physically, mentally, and morally, as they try to prove that they truly deserve the title of "The Hero" and the life-changing chance of winning up to a million dollars in prize money. With temptations around every corner, America will watch to see what the contestants are willing to overcome, undergo, and sacrifice on behalf of themselves and others. In the end, it's America's call on who will be "The Hero."
The Hero is executive-produced by Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant and Jimmy Fox); 5x5 Media (part of the Electus studio system led by Craig Armstrong and Rick Ringbakk); Charles Wachter; Dwayne Johnson; and Dany Garcia. The series was created by Armstrong and Ringbakk of the Emmy(R)-winning 5x5 Media (Survivor, Fashion Star, TBS's King of the Nerds), along with Wachter (Fashion Star, Food Revolution) and Electus' Silverman (Fashion Star, The Biggest Loser, The Office). Electus International, Electus' global distribution arm, is handling all international distribution for The Hero.
The Competitors
Athena, 25, - Worcester, Mass. - Some might wonder what could possibly make a former professional cheerleader a hero. But dig a little deeper. She's been taking care of her brother ever since they were kids, and she's not going to let anyone or anything stand in her way.
Charles, 39 - Los Angeles, Calif. - A decorated cop and devoted husband and son. But he's still plagued by self-doubt, and wants to use this experience to find out if he has what it takes when it matters most.
Darnell, 32 - Vancouver, Wash. - A committed father and husband, he's now going to be asked to exhibit raw strength and courage beyond anything he's ever imagined.
Dr. Dave, 50 - Beaumont, Texas - As a trauma surgeon, he saves lives every day. But it's hard for him to trust anyone else, and that trait may make it hard for him on this show.
Lydia, 31 - Los Angeles, Calif. - A tough young woman who almost literally raised herself under the most adverse circumstances you can imagine.
Marty, 24 - Centereach, N.Y. - A young man who desperately wants to prove himself and do the right thing, but does he have the temperance and wisdom to be The Hero?
Patty, 46 - Ashland, Mass. - A fiercely loyal mother and wife, she's here to find the courage within.
Rachel, 34 - Little River, S.C. - The single mom who works five jobs to get her hearing-impaired son the care he needs. She's out to prove to him that nothing is impossible.
Shaun, 30 - Hagerstown, Md. - A struggling pro wrestler who has all the makings of a hero... honesty, strength, charisma. But does he have the compassion?
May 11, 2013
Kenta Kobashi Retirement Match
Legendary Japanese wrestler Kenta Kobashi took part in his retirement match earlier today at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. According to a report by Dave Meltzer, the entire arena was sold out along with every closed-circuit showing the event in Tokyo. Kobashi, Jun Akiyama, Keiji Muto and Kensuke Sasaki def. KENTA, Go Shoizaki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Maybach Taniguchi when Kobashi pinned Kanemaru with a moonsault. The post-match interview was described as being "very teary eyed" in celebration of Kobashi's career. Kobashi thanked everyone saying he had the greatest career possible.
source: wrestling observer
Photo: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at the Circus
RT @StephMcMahon @TripleH and I had a great time at the Circus today!
Update On Lawsuit Filed Against WWE & The Big Show
Earlier this week, WWE petitioned for the lawsuit brought against them by a former Digital content producer to be moved to a federal court. WWE attorneys argued that because the video revolves around a video that was posted on WWE.com, it would fall under federal law, not state.
The lawsuit was brought up against WWE & The Big Show by Andrew Green, who alleges that another producer to him to get an interview with Big Show during a January 27th TV taping at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ. According to Green, Show intiatially refused to do the interview, until Green told him that WWE senior VP Eric Pankowski wanted it done.
It was alleged in response that Big Show stated with the use of profanely indecent language that if Green wanted an interview, he'd give one and to turn on the camera. It adds that Show became irate after that, curisng at Green, where it was caught on tape. He claims that Big Show asked to redo it, which he obliged. Green allages that Triple H ordered a third retake, because the second lacked the emotion of the first.
Green's complaint claims that the first video was listed on WWE.com, and that his interactions with Big Show made him afraid to keep working with the company.
Green also allages that WWE has not paid him for his involvement in the video, which the company shot down by filing a copy of the written release signed by Green when he was employed there. The written release would show that he gave up intellectual rights to anything he helped create and/or was involved in.
The case has not yet been assigned to a federal judge.
source: pwinsider.com
May 10, 2013
May 9, 2013
Chris Jericho Speaks on Vince's Love of Fandango, How He Helped Make the Fandango Character Happen
The app-based magazine Hooked On Wrestling, out of the UK, recently did an interview with Chris Jericho, and he spoke on a number of topics including the current angle between him and Fandango. Below is an interview highlight:
"I think probably when I did Dancing with the Stars Vince probably watched it and thought all the dancers looked gay and thought they'd make a great heel. This is his his new pet project. He loves it. He's rolled with it from the start and now it's getting over to a degree - I don't know if he's more over or the song is over, but at least there's a reaction. To be honest I did a lot of that to make it happen. It's why Vince put me with him for Wrestlemania. I wasn't really super excited about it at the start as you can probably imagine but then after a bit I realized what the task was and that it was a challenge! I told Vince probably about a week before Wrestlemania, he's going to be a babyface soon. 'Why?' he says. Because it's such a ridiculous character and he plays it so well so far that most of the crowd will be cheering for him too. It's hilarious. Here we are two weeks later and he's the most over guy on the show. Well, at least his music is."
Update On The Future Of WWE Saturday Morning Slam
WWE issued the following statement to Wrestling News World today explaining why no new content has been taped for WWE Saturday Morning Slam in the last two weeks:
It has always been the plan to air the first season of Saturday Morning Slam on The CW from August 2012 through May 2013, as this is a typical television season. WWE is currently in discussions about a second season, and if we reach an agreement, the show will begin airing again in August.
Triple H to Make Appearance in Nashua, NH on May 10th
From the World Academy event page:
GBO Memorial Fund Spring Gala is Two Weeks Away
World Academy will begin its' ONLINE SILENT AUCTION on Thursday, May 3rd. With so many wonderful items to bid on, don't miss this fun and exciting opportunity. Hungry?? Bid on a certificate from Valentino's Market, Popeye's or Lilac Blossom. Sports enthusiast?? Try your luck on winning tickets to a Patriots game or a Red Sox game. Looking for a priceless moment?? Win some time "Horsing around with Ms. Webber," taking a tour and having lunch with a fire fighter or get a private tour of Tully Farms with Mrs. Tully. These are just a few of the many items you can bid on during the Silent Auction, but you must bid by Friday, May 11th (5:00 pm) to win!!
Once you have finalized your bids, join us at the GBO Memorial Fund Spring Gala from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Nashua Radisson Hotel to celebrate and participate in our LIVE AUCTION. We have guest auctionners WWE's Triple H (Nashua's own Paul Levesque) and the Honorable Mayor Donnalee Lozeau officiating the auction. Enjoy a "Taste of the World" with tapas style food from Stella Blu. Enjoy some performances from a few World Academy students and alumni. Join in the bidding fun for a Family Photo Session from Gallery Portraits (worth $600), a round of Golf for 4 at the Nashua Country Club (carts included) or a $200 gift certificate to Napa East Wine Bar to name a few!!
The GBO fund exists, in loving memory of the late Gordon Ouellette of Nashua (father of Levesque's niece & nephew), to support the high quality of World Academy’s student community by promoting access to the exceptional educational experience offered regardless of financial circumstances.
Click here to bid on items.
May 8, 2013
WWE Superstars Results 5/08/13
Ted Dibiase defeated Michael McGillicutty after DiBiase controlled the entire match before hitting his finisher on McGillicutty.
Cody Rhodes defeated Justin Gabriel with Cross Rhodes. Rhodes hit Beautiful Disaster and then reversed a missed move by Gabriel to hit his finisher and pick up the victory.
Impact Wrestling Changing Timeslots At The End Of The Month
TNA President Dixie Carter just announced on Twitter that beginning on May 30th, 2013, Impact Wrestling will move back to its old time slot of 9pm/8C CT.
Her tweet reads as follows:
"BIG NEWS! Beginning May 30th, #IMPACTLive moves back to its old time at 9/8C on @SpikeTV! See ya Thursdays at 8/7C until then, though!"
Rumor Mill - First Inductee for the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Class Revealed
According to The UK Sun, the late William Moody, aka Paul Bearer, will be the first inductee into the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame.
The ceremony takes place the day before WrestleMania 30, and the report notes that speculation is The Undertaker will break character and induct Moody, however that has not been confirmed at this time.
WWE and The Bridge Direct Unveil New Construction Toy Line
WWE today announced an exclusive, multi-year agreement with toy manufacturer The Bridge Direct to develop and market construction toys based on WWE events and characters. The agreement marks the first time WWE will enter the construction toy category.
Targeted to WWE fans between the ages of 4 and 14, the comprehensive line includes figures, accessories, and construction bricks to “build your own” playsets, which bring WWE’s action-packed events and Superstars to life.
“We are excited to partner with The Bridge Direct and bring WWE’s new construction line to market for the first time,” said Casey Collins, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, WWE. “The new product line will provide the youngest members of the WWE Universe with an entirely new way to engage with our brand, further cementing their connection to WWE.”
“WWE is one of the greatest sports entertainment franchises in the market today,” said Jay Foreman, President and CEO of The Bridge Direct. “We are thrilled to partner with WWE on an exciting product line that offers a compelling and interactive way for young fans to engage with one of their favorite entertainment franchises.”
The WWE construction toys are expected to begin rolling out at major mass retailers in Spring 2014.
TNA-YouTube Update
While WWE has passed on taking part in Youtube.com's initiative to create paid channels, the word within TNA is that the company is in negotiations for one and that the deal may have been completed. We cannot confirm 100% that they have signed, but internally, however, it's considered a lock. We are told Youtube approached TNA about the deal.
Youtube.com is expected to start making announcements about their paid channels next week.
WWE-YouTube Update
Variety reported today that WWE will not be part of the new Youtube initiative to have paid channels on their service. According to their piece, Google (which owns Youtube) attempted to bring WWE on board but WWE turned down the offer, opting instead to maintain their current free channel, where they make money through advertising impressions.
WWE declined to comment to Variety on the issue
May 7, 2013
Scott Hall Praises Triple H; Speaks on Role as WWE Executive
Scott Hall recently spoke with Wade Keller of PWTorch on the career of Triple H and his role as WWE Executive. Below are a few excerpts from the interview:
"I noticed something special about him the first time I saw him. Just the way he carries himself and his personality ... Here's a guy from a really stable family. Paul's parents are still together, and I think that impacted the way he grew up because he is a real level-headed guy ... so as far as the guy I would want to run the company, he would be the guy."
"He's a great representative of the company when he goes out in public, he's dedicated, and he's a guy who doesn't drink or do drugs, and never has. I think he can easily mix in a boardroom with a bunch of lawyers and accountants and he's not out of his element. He's an educated, healthy guy, whereas in that kind of environment I would be looking out the window scratching my head [laughs]. Would I want to be part of the Creative process? Yeah. But, do I want to sit in a meeting with guys when they're talking about merchandising, contracts, and licensing? Hell no."
Rumor Mill - WWE Interested In Bringing Legends House To TV Soon
WWE officials stated during last week's investors call that they are planning to air WWE Legends House on the Network whenever it launches. However, reports from within WWE suggest they are looking for another home.
There is currently a push within WWE to get the Legends House TV show that was filmed a while back onto a major network under the NBC Universal banner, hopefully this summer.
WWE officials don't want Legends House to become too dated by the time it airs so they're looking at getting it out this summer. SyFy or Bravo look to be leading candidates to pick up Legends House.
Legends House was filmed in early 2012 and features Gene Okerlund, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Roddy Piper, Pat Patterson and Tony Atlas.
Google to unveil YouTube subscription service, WWE listed
CNN.com is featuring an article noting that Google is set to unveil a subscription service involving YouTube channels where you would be able to subscribe for as little as $1.99 per month. Around 50 channels are expected to be part of this launch. WWE is still being advertised as a YouTube channel partner despite reports of a one year contract recently expiring. You can check out the full article at this link.
May 6, 2013
Susan G. Komen and WWE "Make Mom Proud"
Susan G. Komen and WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced an awareness campaign, “Make Mom Proud,” to support the fight against breast cancer. The TV and digital campaign, which coincides with Mother’s Day, calls on supporters to do something meaningful for their moms and the other important women in their lives.
As part of the campaign, WWE will urge fans to support moms by taking steps to educate themselves about the disease, participate in local Susan G. Komen Races in their communities, and donate to Komen, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs. The campaign will be promoted through all of WWE’s assets, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media.
“WWE fans are making a tremendous contribution to our mission to help women with breast cancer by supporting our community breast cancer programs for uninsured and underserved women, and through our global breast cancer research,” said Nancy Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen. “We’re so grateful for the support of the WWE community in our mission to end suffering from this disease.”
“WWE is dedicated to supporting Susan G. Komen and their fight to eradicate breast cancer,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE. “Susan G. Komen is at the forefront of breast cancer research and community outreach programs, and I’m proud that the WWE Universe supporting such an important cause.”
Throughout the month, WWE Superstar Triple H and Divas Alicia Fox and Layla will be featured in a series of public service announcements to generate awareness and encourage fans to get involved. Alicia Fox and Layla will also attend the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure and its surrounding events on Mother’s Day weekend in Washington, D.C., an area that has among the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the country.
Susan G. Komen and WWE have a history of success in raising awareness for the fight against breast cancer. In September 2012, WWE and Superstar John Cena partnered with Susan G. Komen to launch the “Rise Above Cancer” campaign. Cena wore co-branded, pink and black ring gear that fans were able to purchase throughout October, raising $1 million to support Susan G. Komen’s mission to eradicate breast cancer and save women’s lives.
Talent Evaluation with Jim Ross and Gerald Brisco on 7/12
The following press release has been issued:
Talent Evaluation with Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross July 12th
For the third straight year, Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross will be evaluating professional wrestlers during this year’s George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. The event will be held at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center on Friday, July 12 starting at noon. Last year’s event saw wrestlers from across the country get in the ring in hopes of getting to the next level.
The format for the evaluation is that each wrestler will wrestle a full match with introduction. After all matches are completed, Brisco and any special guests in attendance will take time to talk to the group. Also, a wrestler that shows promise may be asked to take part in the Impact Pro Wrestling show taking place Friday night. Last year’s event was evaluated by Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross. Danny Hodge was a special guest at ringside.
Brisco has been involved with professional wrestling for over 40 years and is currently a WWE talent scout. In addition to Brisco and Ross, several Midwest wrestling promoters will on hand to look for talent for their own promotions.
Registration begins today and the cost of the evaluation is $200.00. All proceeds will go to benefit the Dan Gable Museum and the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. In order to be considered, you will have to send a resume including a picture and the following information: Height, Age, name of trainer, and brief list of career highlights to WRESSHOW@YAHOO.COM . The evaluation is open to both men and women.
Brock Lesnar involved in incident at WWE HQ; stunned employees comment
WWE.com sources have confirmed an incident involving Brock Lesnar occurred at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Monday.
WWE employees who witnessed Lesnar and his adviser, Paul Heyman, inside WWE’s headquarters this morning described the former WWE Champion’s unexpected presence in the building as “intimidating” and "disruptive."
Although details surrounding the incident are still sketchy, Heyman posted several cryptic tweets throughout Monday afternoon that appeared to show serious damage inflicted at the headquarters. Heyman’s most recent tweet stated that this damage occurred in Triple H’s office and that he will share footage of the incident on Raw, which airs live on USA Network at 8/7 CT tonight.
May 4, 2013
Details on WWE's Investment Agreement in Tout
WWE revealed details on their investment in Tout - the 15-second video platform - in their 10-Q quarterly statement filed with the SEC on Friday:
On June 25, 2012, WWE invested $5,000,000.00 in Tout Industries, Inc. ("Tout") Series B Preferred Stock.
In July 2012, WWE "entered into a two-year strategic partnership whereby WWE will fully integrate and promote Tout's technology platform into WWE's TV broadcasts, digital properties, and live events."
WWE is eligible to receive up to 11,250 shares of Tout common stock per quarter over the life of the two-year agreement.
During First Quarter 2013, WWE achieved required performance metrics and recorded revenue of $0.2 million from the investment. WWE also recorded a receivable for the shares it expects to receive related to the first quarter performance.
