Ring of Honor announced today that they will be leaving Destination America at the end of this month and debuting on COMET beginning December 2nd. They will still air on all Sinclair Broadcast affiliates and other markets.
Ring of Honor to air nationally on COMET starting December 2nd
#WatchROH every Wednesday at MIDNIGHT EST/11pm CST on COMET
(BALTIMORE, MD) – Ring of Honor ("ROH") is proud to announce that beginning December 2nd, ROH will air its weekly television program nationally on the COMET television channel. Fans will be able to #WatchROH every Wednesday night at midnight for the latest Ring of Honor action.
"Ring of Honor has been enjoying tremendous growth and expansion across the broadcast space, including new local TV deals in strategic markets, and even internationally with L'Equipe 21 in France," said Ring of Honor COO, Joe Koff. "As we continue to push for greater domestic and international distribution, Ring of Honor truly showcases itself as world-class wrestling. Having Ring of Honor on COMET, in addition to the availability in Sinclair markets and independent agreements, means fans across the United States can continue to enjoy ROH television weekly."
Ring of Honor's weekly episodes recently enjoyed great success on Destination America, peaking at 227,000 viewers on a single television airing. ROH's 26-week deal signed in May 2015 with Destination America is set to expire, which will see ROH's final episode air on the channel on November 25th, 2015.
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November 16, 2015
ROH Leaving Destination America, New Home Revealed
WWE NXT comes to UCF in Orlando for a special WWE Network taping on Jan. 22, 2016
NXT’s Superstars and Divas are set to bring their exciting brand of sports-entertainment to an even bigger stage in Orlando, Fla. On Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, NXT comes to the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida, for a special taping of the weekly WWE Network show that the world is talking about.
Fans have been cramming into Full Sail University for more than three years to catch a glimpse of WWE’s next generation up close. Now, even more members of the WWE Universe will get the chance to see why the future is now at this massive event. Don’t miss your chance to see NXT Champion Finn Bálor, NXT Women’s Champion Bayley, Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady, and more!
This special event is part of a huge WWE weekend in Orlando, capped off with the 2016 Royal Rumble at the Amway Center on Sunday, Jan. 24. If you’re going to be in town for WWE’s annual over-the-top-rope-extravaganza, make sure you catch the Superstars of Tomorrow in action.
November 15, 2015
Stephanie McMahon Named by CableFAX Magazine as One of the Most Powerful Women in Cable for the 6th Time
Stephanie McMahon has been named by CableFAX Magazine as one of the most powerful women in cable for the sixth time. She has been given this honor in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, & 2014. A breakfast for the honorees was held on November 20th at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.
WWE Hall of Famer Nick Bockwinkel Passes Away
From WWE.com:
WWE is saddened to learn that Nick Bockwinkel, a WWE Hall of Famer and four time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at age 80.
Bockwinkel, known for his great in-ring skill and intelligent interviews, began his sports-entertainment career in the mid-1950s after concluding his time on the University of Oklahoma football team. Bockwinkel was trained by his famous father, Warren Bockwinkel, and wrestling legend Lou Thesz. Nick teamed with his father on many occasions, competing in Georgia, Texas and the Pacific Northwest before moving onto where he would find the most success: the American Wrestling Association.
Bockwinkel was famously managed by WWE Hall of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan during his AWA tenure, with the two drawing the ire of crowds everywhere. The self-proclaimed "Smartest Wrestler Alive" was the promotion’s greatest villain, a positioned he cemented when he defeated fellow WWE Hall of Famer and AWA hero Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, ending Gagne's historic seven-year run with the title.
Bockwinkel would go on to accumulate many more accolades as his career went on. From his nationally televised rivalry with Larry Zbyszko on ESPN to guest starring on "Hawaii Five-O," the legend truly did it all. It was only fitting that his great career be capped off by his 2007 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, where he will forever be enshrined as one of sports entertainments' all-time greats.
Ronda Rousey Knocked Out By Holly Holm At UFC 193
Ronda Rousey has been defeated, and the fight wasn't even close.
Each of Holly Holm's professional fights have been working towards a blue print to beat Ronda Rousey. Saturday night (technically Sunday) in Australia, Holm implemented that gameplan perfectly, and dominated Ronda Rousey on her way to become the new UFC Bantamweight Champion.
Early on, Holm was landing big strikes, exposing Rousey's defensive holes. Rousey had her hands down and chin up, exhausted by the ends of the first round. Early in the second, Rousey got rocked and knocked out by a head kick. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the action.
The whole situation was very Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas-esque. Rousey's personal issues have been highly publicized: Her domestic abuse allegations, her mother trashing her coach, her controversial boyfriend outing their relationship, her coach filing for bankruptcy, her absurd media schedule. Many speculated that the mental and physical exhaustion of being Ronda Rousey would catch up to her, but it was truly Holly Holm's skill that took the fight.
Holm avoided a first round armbar and continued to a dominant round 1, by the time she claimed victory, she had the massive crowd at Etihad Stadium on her side. After the fight, she emotionally took to the microphone.
"I'm trying to take it in, but it's crazy!," Holm said. " I had so much love and support. I just felt like, how could I not do this with all that love? I have not spent any more time in the gym than any other fight I've ever had in my life."
Rousey's striking was worrisome. She threatened with clinch work a few times, but looked far too willing to stand and trade a with a championship boxer, despite being outclassed in every manner on the feet. Holm, who's been training with Jackson-Winklejohn for 16 years, made Rousey pay.
It's likely the two will be booked in a re-match, and you should probably expect a much different fight out of Rousey. Either way, the fight was one of the all-time greatest gameplans to help execute one of the all-time greatest upsets.
November 14, 2015
WWE Announces Second Performance Center All Access Experience, Video From The First Event
The first WWE Performance Center All Access experience a few months back must have been a hit because WWE has announced another for Saturday, January 23rd. The $1,499 passes go on sale Monday, November 23rd. Below are details and a video from Triple H with footage from the first event:
Take a look behind-the-scenes like never before. @WWEPerformCtr All-Access, tix avail 11/23.
https://t.co/fOihtVDIXS
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 13, 2015WWE is opening the doors to the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 23, giving a limited number of fans from the WWE Universe the chance to experience NXT like never before! The unique event will present the opportunity to gain knowledge from the best in the business, be part of a private NXT Live Event and rub elbows with some of your favorite NXT Superstars!
November 13, 2015
WWE Network Debuting In Another Country Soon
WWE announced today that WWE Network will begin streaming in Germany on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016. New subscribers get their first month free. WWE's Chief Strategy & Financial Officer George Barrios commented:
"Germany is a strategically important market for WWE with a passionate and engaged fan base. We are committed to growing our brand internationally, and global expansion of WWE Network is critical to achieving that goal.
WWE NXT Trainer Billy Gunn Fired for PED Test Failure
According to F4WOnline.com, WWE NXT trainer Billy Gunn, real name Monty Sopp, has been fired by WWE for testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone in a powerlifting meet on July 25.
According to the report, Sopp’s drug test at the meet came up with a 37-1 testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, well over the 4-1 limit, and he was suspended from powerlifting for four years.
It’s also being said WWE officials did not become aware of Sopp competing as a powerlifter, or the fact that he had been banned from the sport four years ago, until a few weeks ago.
November 12, 2015
WWE Contract Details Revealed Due To Lawsuits: Downside Guarantees, Royalties, PPV, More
The several pending lawsuits against the WWE have provided some interesting information regarding contracts with the company from 1993-2007. Contract details for Ryan Sakoda, Viscera, Luther Reigns, and Russ McCullough were uncovered by Chris Harrington and posted today.
Several renditions of Viscera's contracts were revealed, dating all the way back to 1993, when he portrayed the "Mabel" character in the Men on a Mission tag team. In addition to this, other court documents show espite the fact that Viscera's widow is suing WWE, WWE says they advanced her $10,000 against future royalties to help prevent her from being evicted from her home.
Viscera was paid weekly with a downside guarantee of $100,000 in his 2007 deal, and WWE held rights if Viscera chose to write a book about his career in wrestling. The company also held the rights if Viscera chose to auction off items in relation to his WWE character, which they owned the intellectual property to.
There's also a large section about royalties for merchandise and DVDs. The contract reads "f WRESTLER is considered a "Featured Performer" in respect, of the sale of the first one hundred and fifty thousand units of a DVD and/or home video,shall pay five percent (5%) of the Net Receipts paid to (WWE) with respect to the Licensed Product Sale of the DVD and/or home videos to. If (Viscera) is the only Featured Performer or if there are multiple Featured Performers then to (Viscera)all other Featured Performers in such DVD and/or home videos on an equal/pro-rata basis. lf the aggregate DVD and home video sales (exceeds) 150,000 units, (WWE) shall instead pay ten percent (10%) of (WWE's) Net Receipts paid to(WWE) if.(Viscera) is the only Featured Performer or if there are multipleFeatured Performers then in the equal/pro-rata basis as set forth in the preceding sentence retroactive to the first 150,000 units."
More interestingly, it's at the WWE's discretion if a performer is considered "featured performer." In addition to this, 25 percent of the WWE's PPV revenue was reseved to give to the talent pool.
WWE released annual payouts to Viscera in the response to the lawsuit, which were as follows:
1994 - $127,659.15
1995 – $100,648.28
1999 – $159,081.44
2000 – $136,951.85
2005 – $124,252.74
2006 – $152,659.51
2007 – $178,359.64
2008 – $251,023.65
In addition to these, some other downside guarantees were revealed. Luther Reigns was guaranteed $75,000 during his first year, Ryan Sakoda $52,000, and Russ McCulluogh at $60,000. It appears the percentages as it pertains to royalties, DVD sales, PPV sales and other things were uniform across the board in these contracts.
Breaches of the contracts include failing drug tests and physical exams, and not maintaining satisfactory physical condition, at the WWE's discretion. Being habitually late, or not obtaining necessary athletic commission licenses are also included among breaches.
Official Trailer for First Ever WWE NXT DVD
A trailer for “WWE NXT’s Greatest Matches Vol. 1″ DVD and Blu-ray has been released and is now confirmed for the UK and Europe.
The UK and European release date will be March 7th, 2016, which is one day before the North American release date.
Below are matches confirmed so far:
* NXT Title Match: Big E vs. Seth Rollins, 1/9/2013
* NXT Title Match: Sami Zayn vs. Neville, Takeover: R Evolution
* NXT Title Match: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Beast In The East
* NXT Women's Title Match: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks, Takeover: Brooklyn
* NXT Women's Title Match: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, 7/15/2015 (Blu-ray exclusive)
* Tyler Breeze vs. Apollo Crews, Takeover: Respect (Blu-ray exclusive)
November 10, 2015
ESPN's Relationship with WWE
ESPN was credited by WWE for breaking the news of Seth Rollins tearing his ACL and MCL, and it appears as if the relationship between WWE and ESPN will see WWE crediting the sports with network more breaking news, according to Bryan Alvarez. On the most recent edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez noted we should expect to see more WWE breaking news being reported from ESPN in the future, which will in turn be cited by WWE.
Full Details On WWE Network's 'The Undertaker Week'
WWE Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers pay tribute to the legacy of The Phenom during Undertaker Week on the award-winning WWE Network.
Monday, Nov. 16 - following Raw
Legends with JBL: Undertaker's Greatest Rivals Part 1
On this special edition of Legends with JBL, John Bradshaw Layfield goes in-depth with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Undertaker. The panel discusses the evolution of Undertaker in WWE, including his decades of loyalty and his respected locker room presence. JBL's panel of guests also set the record straight about Internet rumors, and provide behind-the-scenes accounts of The Undertaker's greatest matches.
Tuesday, Nov. 17 - 10/9 C
Undertaker: 25 Phenomenal Years
Journey back through 25 years of the most memorable and unforgettable moments in the career of WWE's one and only Phenom, The Undertaker.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 - 9/8 C
The Undertaker's Gravest Matches
Relive 25 years of The Undertaker's most dangerous matches. Descend into the darkness as The Dead Man battles among caskets, flames and cells.
Thursday, Nov. 19 - 10/9 C
Legends with JBL: Undertaker's Greatest Rivals Part 2
JBL continues his trip down memory lane on this special edition of Legends with JBL. John Bradshaw Layfield, along with his illustrious panel consisting of Triple H, Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, unearth never-before-heard topics from The Undertaker's remarkable career. From the "BSK" to The Streak, no topic is off limits.
November 8, 2015
Stephanie McMahon Appears On UFC Embedded Show
UFC recently interviewed Stephanie McMahon for the UFC 193 Embedded episode for Ronda Rousey vs. Holm. Stephanie can be seen in this extended preview and in this photo that she tweeted.
November 6, 2015
Full 2015 PWI Female 50 List Revealed
As previously announced, Nikki Bella tops the list, followed by Paige, Sasha Banks, Santana Garrett and Gail Kim.
View the full list below. Last year’s placement is in parenthesis:
1. Nikki Bella (24)
2. Paige (1)
3. Sasha Banks (-)
4. Santana Garrett (15)
5. Gail Kim (3)
6. Charlotte (10)
7. Naomi (39)
8. Cherry Bomb (26)
9. Courtney Rush (8)
10. Taryn Terrell (36)
11. Bayley (19)
12. Brie Bella (16)
13. Sexy Star (-)
14. Cheerleader Melissa (4)
15. LuFisto (5)
16. Nicole Matthews (30)
17. Becky Lynch (41)
18. Kimber Lee (28)
19. Natalya (9)
20. Jessicka Havok (13)
November 5, 2015
Monster Factory Training Academy is Seeking Competitors
New Jersey's Monster Factory training academy is seeking competitors for a new reality style series they will be broadcasting on their VOD and Roku channel, "Making the Monsters Challenge."
Those chosen will be able to train for free via the wrestling school three days a week at their Paulsboro, NJ facility.
For complete details, www.MonsterFactory.org.
HBO Releasing Documentary On All Time WWE Great
Vanity Fair reports that former ESPN personality Bill Simmons will be releasing a documentary on WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant for HBO. No word yet on when it will be available.
Ric Flair Talks ESPN 30 For 30 Special, Hurdles With WWE, Which Other Wrestler They Were Considering
Two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair will be featured on an upcoming episode of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Flair recently took to his podcast, WOOOOO! Nation, to share some details on the upcoming project.
According to 'the Nature Boy', the special will be a full 30 for 30 episode, unlike the 30 for 30 Shorts episode detailing the Von Erichs. Flair stated that his episode of 30 for 30 will cover his whole life, including his professional wrestling championships, his personal life, and more.
"Well, it's my whole life. It [has] a little bit to do with my airplane crash, of course, and then coming back from that. And then the titles and the championships and it touches a lot on my personal life, which has been up and down. Right now, it's perfect, but I had a couple rough years there. And it talks about my son, Reid. [ESPN] wanted to talk about him, how special he was to me. And then, a lot about Ashley, Charlotte, who is now the champion in WWE, the Divas division. And about my other two children, Megan and David. So, it was very nice. And then, it talked about where I am today".
Flair stated that the project has taken over a year and a half to come together and the main hurdle was getting permission from WWE to use its video footage.
"The WWE is very, very protective of their intellectual property," Flair claimed. "[The project] is mutually beneficial for all of us, but it just took a while to get everybody on the same page and to work on it diligently for, I guess, it has been a year and a half now. And all of a sudden, it's coming to fruition."
Flair said that six hours of interview footage has already been shot and another 12 or 13 hours of interviews are left to shoot.
"We shot the first six hours and we'll shoot another six or seven hours, which [WOOOOO! Nation co-host, Conrad Thompson] will be a part of, at [WWE] Survivor Series. And then, there will be another six hour shoot. And then, of course, all of the stuff [ESPN] will pull from the library in Stamford, Connecticut with the WWE to put together the whole film. So it'll be exciting!"
For Flair, being the subject of ESPN's 30 for 30 is a point of pride both as a fan of the series and as a legendary professional wrestler.
"For me, I love watching that show. I've seen, probably, 25 or 30 of the 30 for 30 [episodes] in the last couple of years. It's a great, great format and to be the first [professional] wrestler they've ever even considered doing it with, I know they were entertaining the idea of [doing an episode on] Andre the Giant, and how they arrived at me, I don't know, but I'm very proud of that fact. And, certainly, there are a lot of guys in our business that have been successful, but, at the same time, I guess they feel like I've kind of transcended pop culture and stuff like that. And all the years of entertaining myself have paid off!"
Also, on this episode of WOOOOO! Nation, Flair talked with former professional wrestling announcer, Tony Schiavone. Click here to listen to the podcast.
source: WOOOOO! Nation podcast
Pro Wrestling Drama Coming To FOX
Deadline reports that FOX has recently purchased a new pro wrestling drama titled, The Work.
The Work takes place in the world of pro wrestling and was written by Scott O'Connor, who wrote the novels Half World and Untouchable. The script was shopped to various cable networks but FOX picked it up. O'Connor has been a pro wrestling fan and wrote a piece on Brock Lesnar for New York Times Magazine this past August.
Seth Rollins suffers knee injury, new WWE World Heavyweight Champion to be crowned at Survivor Series
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins has torn his right ACL, MCL and medial meniscus, and will not be able to defend the title against Roman Reigns at Survivor Series. A tournament to determine a new champion will instead take place at the event.
As first reported on Twitter by ESPN, Rollins suffered the injury last night at a WWE Live Event in Dublin, Ireland, and is expected to miss six to nine months of action.
Details surrounding the Survivor Series tournament have not been finalized. The event takes place Sunday, Nov. 22, and will air live only on WWE Network.
Triple H Reveals WWE NXT 'Takeover: London' Theme
If @WWENXT is anything...its #NXTLoud. The official theme of #NXTTakeOver: London is #AceOfSpades by @myMotorhead. #ThanksLem
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 5, 2015
Steve Corino Talks ECW and NXT Comparisons, NXT vs ROH on Wednesday Nights, Triple H’s NXT Vision, More
On last week’s episode former ECW World Heavyweight Champion and current Ring of Honor commentator Steve Corino was the featured special guest. Steve spoke candidly with the hosts about his thoughts on NXT, the current WWE developmental system, all the independent pro wrestling options currently available to pro wrestling fans and more.
You can listen to Steve’s appearance starting at the 3:11 minute mark by clicking here. Some of his quotes have been transcribed below it:
On Ring of Honor and WWE NXT both airing on Wednesday nights:
SC: It’s such a nervous feeling because you always know that the NXT show is going to be so great. I think it puts the pressure on Ring of Honor to produce a great show because you know at 8 o’clock on the WWE Network you are going to get a wonderful, wonderful show every week from NXT. I think it just raises the bar for everybody and I think that’s what makes wrestling so much fun.
On WWE branching out and creating relationships with independent promotions:
SC: It just shows the genius of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The trusted people in the inner circle that know that the future of sports entertainment or pro wrestling, whatever you want to call it, is at NXT. Triple H at that having his finger on the pulse, and Stephanie too, of what’s going on. What going to be the future? They’re not afraid to ask an EVOLVE or a PWG or scouting Ring of Honor to see who is the future. There’s no such thing as too many guys that are going to make the WWE machine billionaires. You know what I mean? So, once again, it’s a great time for wrestling.
On if the comparisons between ECW and NXT are fair to make:
SC: I think on the surface, yes. It’s a different world now. When ECW was around it was an alternative. It was an alternative world. To where companies like NXT or Ring of Honor or PWG or EVOLVE or even CZW… it’s such a hybrid of what goes on today. Everybody that’s involved isn’t afraid to admit that, you know, wrestling’s changed. The world has changed and we have to change with the times. Where as ECW was kind of a trend setter for it. I just think that it’s a good comparison but I think the originality of what NXT and EVOLVE and Ring of Honor and all these great companies are doing is just setting the stage for a real break through.
November 4, 2015
USA Officially Announces WWE SmackDown Premiere
USA NETWORK SETS JANUARY PREMIERES FOR 'SMACKDOWN®' AND 'SUITS'
Live Action WWE® Powerhouse "SmackDown" To Debut January 7
Critically Acclaimed Drama "Suits" Picks Up After Powerful Mid-Season Cliffhanger on January 27
Previously Announced New Drama "Colony" To Premiere on January 14
New York, NY – November 4, 2015 – USA Network will have a white hot January with the grand arrival of the two-hour live action WWE powerhouse SMACKDOWN on Thursday, January 7 at 8/7c. The winter continues to heat up with the return of the critically acclaimed drama SUITS, which picks up from the intense cliff hanger on Wednesday, January 27 at 10/9c. The network will also premiere the previously announced epic drama COLONY, from executive producers Carlton Cuse ("Lost") and Ryan Condal ("Hercules"), on Thursday, January 14 at 10/9c.
With the arrival of SMACKDOWN on Thursday, January 7 @ 8/7c, USA becomes the exclusive cable home to WWE's two marquee properties. Viewers can now bookend their week with MONDAY NIGHT RAW live on Mondays from 8-11p and SMACKDOWNon Thursdays from 8-10p. Consistently one of the highest-rated weekly series on cable, over the past 15 years SMACKDOWN has been broadcast from 170 different venues, in 148 cities and towns and in seven different countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Japan, Italy and Mexico. On January 7, SMACKDOWN will air its 855th episode from Laredo, Texas.
Triple H Presents Check to the Concussion Legacy Foundation
As noted, Corey Graves is hosting Chris Nowinski's Concussion Legacy Foundation's 8th annual Impact Awards tonight in Boston and Triple H also attended. As seen below, they presented the foundation with a check:
Presenting @ConcussionLF a check on behalf of @WWE at the 2015 #ImpactAwards #NextTimeIllBringaBigDebitCard pic.twitter.com/KnccSXrvTP
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 5, 2015
WWE Reveals How Much WrestleMania 31 Generated For The Santa Clara / San Jose Area
WWE, Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo announced today that WrestleMania 31 generated $139 million in economic impact for the Santa Clara/San Jose region this past March, according to a study conducted by the Enigma Research Corporation. This marks the second largest economic impact in WrestleMania history, and the fourth consecutive year that WrestleMania generated more than $100 million in economic impact for its host region.
Over the past nine years, WrestleMania has generated more than $700 million in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event. WrestleMania 31 also generated approximately $23.2 million in federal, state and local taxes.
"On behalf of the beautiful city of Santa Clara, I sincerely thank all WWE fans that visited Levi's Stadium for WrestleMania 31," said Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews. "The event exceeded our expectations, and we would absolutely welcome the opportunity to once again host WWE's marquee event."
"WrestleMania 31 gave passionate fans that came from near and far an experience they'll never forget," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. "I thank WWE for choosing to host their longest-running flagship event in Silicon Valley, for its contributions to our community, and for driving economic benefit in our region."
"We are proud that WrestleMania continues to deliver an incredible economic benefit for its host region," said John P. Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. "Our WrestleMania Week success in the Bay Area would not have been possible without the support of Mayor Matthews, Mayor Liccardo, the San Francisco 49ers and countless other public- and private-sector partners that embraced WWE's worldwide fan base. We are excited with the planning that is already underway with our new partners in the Dallas/Arlington area for WrestleMania 32."
A capacity crowd of 76,976 fans from all 50 states and 53 countries attended WWE's pop-culture extravaganza this past March, making it the highest-grossing event in WWE history. Key highlights from the study include:
* $139 million in direct, indirect and induced impact derived from spending by visitors to the Santa Clara/San Jose region for WrestleMania 31.
* 78 percent of fans that attended WrestleMania were from outside the greater Santa Clara/San Jose region and stayed an average of 3.3 nights.
* $22 million was spent on hotels and accommodations within the Santa Clara/San Jose region.
* The economic impact derived from WrestleMania Week was equal to the creation of 1,218 full-time jobs for the area.
* $6.2 million was spent by visitors to the Santa Clara/San Jose region at area restaurants.
Larry Zbyszko Comments On His Time Spent At The WWE Performance Center
"You get emotionally involved whether you want to or not. I go there and I look at the faces of these young men and women and they will come to me and ask can you watch my match and you end up getting involved emotionally. I'm old school and what's in me is you do what is good for the business otherwise no one makes money. Some of these guys and chicks at the school are great and are going to be good and have great potential. It breaks your heart because with others you want to say; did you ever think about getting a job? You get kind of emotionally involved with it and I can't help it and I kind of steer myself to people I know are going to be good for the business."
WWE Steps Into Virtual-Reality Ring With Samsung
WWE is the latest entertainment company to take a test run at virtual reality, launching two VR videos exclusively on Samsung Electronics’ Milk VR content service to give fans a front-row perch to soak up the grappling action.
The videos are available on the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition, powered by Oculus VR, as well as on the forthcoming $99 Gear VR consumer headset slated to go on sale in time for Black Friday (Nov. 27). WWE worked with studio Reel FX to produce the VR segments, shot at its tentpole SummerSlam 2015 event this August at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
“It’s a first step for us into virtual reality world,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE chief revenue and marketing officer. “I don’t know if (VR is) going to be the next big success or not, but we’re going to be platform agnostic — and go where our fans go.”
For Samsung, getting VR content seeded into Milk VR is a linchpin of its consumer launch.
Tyler Breeze Talks When He Found Out He Was Being Called Up in WWE, Facing Jushin Liger, Creating His Character, Leaving NXT & More
WWE main roster newcomer Tyler Breeze recently spoke with Rolling Stone, and below are some interview highlights:
How did he find out he was getting called up to the main roster?
“I had heard some rumblings that they were looking to bring up someone. When you look at the roster of NXT, you kind of gauge yourself and figure out where you fit in, and I figured I’d be a possibility. Finally, I had a meeting with Triple H, and he said that I was given the green light, and we were going to start moving on it. We weren’t sure of all the details, but I knew it was happening. The next thing I know, I was sitting there, ready to go.”
Did he want to stay in NXT?:
“I’m always excited for every step along the way. My time in NXT was definitely fun though. If anything ever pops up and they want me back there, like for this U.K. tour coming up, I’m always on board to do anything with NXT, just because I’ve had so much fun with it. I’ve been almost like a pillar of NXT in terms of being there the whole time and now I’m moving on. It would be a cool thing if they brought me back for a few shows here and there, and I’d definitely be up for it.”
What was it like to wrestle Jushin Liger?
“It was awesome. That’s another thing that was a first. Nobody in WWE has ever worked with him on a WWE stage. So the fact that I was the first one to do that, and the only one to do that, is a huge honor. He’s a huge star, and it was fun to be the guy on the other side of the ring with him. He was a pleasure to work with, and I’d do that any day of the week.”
On the Creation of the Tyler Breeze character after being Mike Dalton in FCW:
“There are a few key players in it. Basically, it was one of those things where I was doing Mike Dalton for a while and it just wasn’t catching on. There wasn’t really anything for people to sink their teeth into – I was just kind of the faceless guy that was on the card. Finally it gets to a point where you’re either marketable or you’re not, and Mike Dalton just wasn’t marketable. So I had to come up with something that was marketable. I had the conversation about needing to come up with something else, and I immediately called Xavier Woods. I told him, “I don’t really know what to do, I need your help.” He said, “Let’s come up with 5 or 10 different characters and a bunch of different things at every end of the spectrum. We’ll have new names, we’ll have personalities for them, we’ll come up with bios for them. We’ll create videos and we’ll keep pitching until they like something.
