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May 20, 2016

Stephanie McMahon Receives Eisenhower Fellow Certificate

May 19, 2016

Rumor Mill - Backstage News On WWE's Major Goal For Stephanie McMahon's Memoir, Big Marketing Push Planned


As noted, Stephanie McMahon is currently working on her memoir to be released this September.

The book is expected to be big news over the next few months as WWE is hoping to use Stephanie's memoir as a way to really put the spotlight behind her and get her out in front of the general public more.

One of WWE's goals is to get more eyes on Stephanie and have her build a relationship with the audience so when it's time for her to replace Vince McMahon when he steps down, she will be seen as the heir apparent that has already been groomed and put out to the public. This new book will be a big part of that goal.

WWE and publisher Regan Arts are planning a major marketing campaign for the release of the book, including media appearances and book signings, at least in the Northeast.

15-time World Champion to host July 13 ceremony, live on ABC


15-time World Champion John Cena can now add awards-show host to his ever-expanding list of multi-hyphenates: The Cenation leader has been officially tapped as the host of the 2016 ESPYS, which will be broadcast live on ABC Wednesday, July 13, at 8 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and will be presented by Capital One.

Cena — who hosts the reality TV competition series “American Grit” on FOX — will be joined by top athletes and celebrities to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major achievements, reliving unforgettable moments, and saluting the leading performers and performances. The ESPYS raise more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano to promote cancer research. In 2016, WWE partnered with The V Foundation to expand Connor’s Cure, a fund dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

"It is truly an honor to be named host of the 2016 ESPYS," said Cena. "Not only will the biggest names in sports and entertainment come together to recognize some of the most spectacular athletic performances of the year, but we'll also raise funds for The V Foundation to further much-needed cancer research."

Since being sidelined with an injury in late 2015, Cena has kept busy by co-hosting “TODAY,” appearing on “Good Morning America,” “Ellen,” “The Tonight Show,” “Conan” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and appearing in the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler hit comedy “Sisters.” He has also continued to dedicate his time to numerous charitable causes including Susan G. Komen and Make-A-Wish, where he is the most requested wish-granter of all time and the only celebrity to grant 500 wishes. Cena is also a longtime supporter of the U.S. military, recently recognized by USO-Metro as the recipient of their 2016 Legacy of Achievement Award.

“John is not only a superstar athlete and entertainer, but also a motivational force who inspires fans across the globe,” executive producer Maura Mandt said. “John approaches all of his endeavors with energy, enthusiasm and passion so we expect him to bring a new level of excitement to the night’s celebration."

The celebration of the best moments from the year in sports kicks off with The ESPYS Countdown Show Presented by Capital One, airing from 5-6 p.m. ET, “SportsCenter at The ESPYS” from 6-7 p.m. ET, then another hour of The ESPYS Countdown Presented by Capital One from 7-8 p.m. ET on ESPN prior to the start of the awards. Tickets are available for public purchase at AXS.com. For additional ESPYS news and information, follow the official Twitter handle @ESPYS.

May 18, 2016

Seth Petruzelli goes from killing the Kimbo hype to head striking coach for WWE


Many MMA fans remember Seth Petruzelli as the man who knocked out Kimbo Slice in 14 seconds, but these days he's teaching the next generation of WWE superstars how to throw a punch...More?

source: foxsports.com

WWE concussion lawsuit takes strange turn with deposition


Vince McMahon, Triple H, Dr. Joseph Maroon, Dr. Mark Lovell, Dr. Chris Amann, Bill DeMott and Chris Nowinski will all be deposed in the Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton concussion lawsuit, but Stephanie McMahon won't be.

It has been almost two months since WWE won several important rulings in the concussion litigation filed by six former WWE wrestlers, with the Haynes and McCullough et al. lawsuits being dismissed outright and the LoGrasso and Singleton lawsuit being partially dismissed. The remaining claim against the company is that they committed fraud by omission after the institution of their Wellness Policy by failing to disclose to LoGrasso, Singleton and their other wrestlers "information concerning a link between repeated head trauma and permanent degenerative neurological conditions as well as specialized knowledge concerning the possibility that its wrestlers could be exposed to a greater risk for such conditions."

The case has since entered discovery, which was a slow moving affair until the last couple of weeks when the plaintiffs deposed on short notice:

Vince McMahon (WWE Chairman & CEO),
Stephanie McMahon (Chief Brand Officer),
Paul "Triple H" Levesque (Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative),
Dr. Joseph Maroon (WWE Medical Director),
Dr. Mark Lovell (President of ImPACT),
Dr. Chris Amann (WWE Senior Ringside Physician),
Bill DeMott (WWE's Head Trainer from June 2012 to March 2015),
Chris Nowinski (Co-Founder and President of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, an organization that has benefited from WWE donations and Levesque is a current board member of).

A week ago, WWE filed an emergency motion for a protective order against these unilaterally-noticed depositions arguing that it amounted to harassment of some of their most senior executives:

"This barrage of unilaterally-scheduled depositions is a transparent attempt to prejudice WWE’s ability to properly prepare for these depositions including having counsel of WWE’s choice defend them. Plaintiffs are seeking depositions of WWE’s highest ranking executives, including its Chairman and CEO, Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events and Creative, and Chief Brand Officer, as well as third parties who Plaintiffs know have no information on any issues relevant under the Court’s discovery order and order on WWE’s motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs have no one to blame but themselves for causing their timing predicament and the resulting prejudice to WWE as they waited until just two and one-half weeks before the close of discovery to notice these depositions.

The Court has already found that Plaintiffs failed to establish good cause to extend the discovery period. The Court should also find that good cause exists to enter a protective order to prevent Plaintiffs’ attempt to prejudice, harass and unduly burden WWE with a host of depositions out of all proportion to the legitimate issues in dispute in this case."

It should be noted that WWE did not attempt to block all attempts at discovery as they had already agreed to produce a corporate representative for a Rule 30(b)(6) deposition scheduled on May 31st, 2016 before they were swamped with these additional requests.

However, Judge Vanessa Bryant denied WWE's motion for the following reason:

"ORDER denying 132 Motion for Protective Order. The Court does not direct discovery. Counsel are expected to civilly and professionally conduct discovery in a consultative manner as provided by Rules 26 and 37 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and within the deadlines set by the Court."

Since that ruling, WWE quickly arranged deposition dates for everyone except Stephanie McMahon, who they are refusing to produce "as "Plaintiffs have failed to identify any relevant testimony that Ms. McMahon would have on the narrow issues on which the Court has authorized discovery."

It should be noted that Paul Levesque will now serve as WWE's corporate representative for the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition mentioned above and will answer both individual and company specific questions in his deposition.

It is highly doubtful highly sceptical that the discovery process will find a smoking gun that will lead to WWE losing this case (Bryant's initial ruling went mostly in their favour and leaked excerpts from Singleton's deposition demonstrate that he didn't even realize that he was claiming fraud in his case against WWE), it should shine a light on WWE's Wellness Policy, in particular their handling of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. That would be a positive development, even if it only proves that WWE's actions matches their words on the concussion issue.

May 17, 2016

WWE Announces Dates For Cruiserweight Classic

Chairman Of New Kentucky Wrestling Commission Says He Wants WWE Back in the State, Why WWE Is Not Running TV Events in Kentucky


WWE has not run a PPV or televised event in the state of Kentucky in over 5 years, and that is because of strict regulations in the state.

According to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, government officials in the state of Kentucky have created a new committee, and one of its focuses will be on bringing WWE events back to the state.

KBWC chairman Chad Miller issued an announcement on the new committee, and below is an excerpt:

“The new commission will have a more focused vision on unleashing the regulatory and market conditions necessary to attract world-class professional athletic events to Kentucky.”

This will include re-evaluating some of the extremely strict rules that were keeping WWE away.

Previous Kentucky officials sent WWE a letter back in 2010, after a Raw taping in which blood was drawn during a match, informing WWE they would only be allowed to return to Kentucky for events if state officials were present at ringside with the right to stop matches if they felt the need to do so.

May 16, 2016

WWE Officially Announces Stephanie McMahon’s Memoir, Stephanie Comments


WWE has announced the following:

Stephanie McMahon to publish memoir

NEW YORK — Regan Arts has announced that they will publish a memoir by WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon. The book will provide an unprecedented look inside WWE’s incredible history and remarkably contemporary approach to media.

Stephanie’s inspirational memoir reveals her life growing up behind the scenes in WWE and the story of her journey to becoming Chief Brand Officer — including her successes and failures in the business world — and valuable advice for anyone working in a challenging industry today. She is also candid about balancing her family life with the instense schedule and demands of WWE.

“Growing up in the world of WWE has been an incredible journey that has really only just started,” McMahon said. “I’m thrilled to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream and share an inside look into WWE in my upcoming memoir.”

Judith Regan, CEO of Regan Arts said, “Stephanie McMahon is one of the great visionaries behind the continuing success of WWE and has navigated the entertaining, treacherous, and awe-inspiring world of Superstars, egos, and drama with style, tremendous skill and dynamic feminine force. And that’s just dealing with her family. That family encompasses everyone in the WWE family worldwide. Her story is Shakespearean in its drama and comedy, and she is in a unique position to share an inside view of one of the world’s most successful organizations. Her story will also motivate you to get off your butt and make magic happen. I love her and you will too when you read her book.”

Adam Rose’s Next Court Date


According to Pwinsider.com, Ray Leppan (WWE’s Adam Rose) is scheduled to appear before the Hillsborough County Court in Florida on June 7th. This is for last week’s arrest for domestic battery and tampering with a witness. Leppan is suspended indefinitely by WWE while the legal process plays out.

Stephanie McMahon Writing a Book on Her Life, Key Selling Points for the Book Released


Stephanie McMahon recently noted on Twitter that she is writing a book on her life, and the Simon and Schuster website is also offering additional details on the book as seen below:

Key Selling Points

—Star quality: Stephanie McMahon is one of WWE’s most popular figures, with 1.5 million Twitter followers, and 1 million Instagram followers. Growing up in the WWE spotlight has given Stephanie a dedicated fan base, who have followed her journey since the beginning of her career.

—Millions of viewers: WWE content today is seen in 177 countries and 35 different languages. They have over half a billion followers on social media; the most viewed sports channel on YouTube; and the first paid direct-to-consumer streaming service with both a linear channel and video-on-demand content, the WWE Network.

—Just as Regan Arts did with Ronda Rousey, we are bringing Stephanie McMahon as she’s never been seen before to her fans and creating a book that also appeals to readers who have never watched the WWE. Stephanie has been under-covered in major mainstream media, especially the women’s magazines, and this book is the perfect way to break her out.

—Behind the scenes of the business of WWE: Not only a “bad guy” onscreen, as one half of the feared Authority, Stephanie is also WWE’s Chief Brand Officer. Starting her career as a receptionist, Stephanie had to work hard to prove herself as more than the boss’s daughter. As the CBO, McMahon has had a major role in growing WWE into the billion dollar company it is today.

—Empowering read for the 40 percent of WWE viewers who are women: As a mother to three girls, Stephanie knows first-hand the challenge of balancing her family life with her work. Stephanie shares inspirational advice for the many other women working in a male-dominated workplace, and how she navigates the balance of family and work life.

—Stories from the life of wrestling royalty: Stephanie will tell stories of her childhood surrounded by WWE stars, such as Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, and of course, her husband Triple H, with whom she shares a great romance.

—WWE YouTube & Social Media Numbers: Half a billion social media followers across all of its accounts; WWE YouTube channel has over 11 million subscribers and nearly 9 billion views; WWE’s YouTube channel has received nearly 5 billion video views in the past year alone—ahead of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, ESPN and NASCAR; WWE accounts across Facebook attracted 98 million new likes year-to-year.

Rumor Mill - Backstage News On TNA Being Behind On Pay Again


In regards to rumors of TNA being behind on pay to production workers, Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that the company is behind once again but not as far behind as they have been in the past. TNA's financial issues continue and they are likely low on cash again.

At the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings in late April, there were some workers paid in full but some workers not paid at all. There was an issue with paychecks as some were there and some were not. TNA blamed it on a snafu and told the workers that all checks would be mailed out the next day, Monday, April 25th. As of this weekend, the workers who were not paid at the tapings still have not received their checks.

This is not the first time TNA has fallen behind on pay to production workers. It will be interesting to see what happens as they head into the June tapings with the Slammiversary pay-per-view.

Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka Deemed Unfit To Stand Trial By Psychologist In Ongoing Murder Trial


The story of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka getting away with murder has been one of those wrestling tall tales that has been around for ages now, moving more into the territory of fiction than fact. That all changed, though, when charges were finally filed against Snuka and proceedings began in 2015. All of a sudden this tale that highlighted the insanity and insider nature of the wrestling industry was a public spectacle and very real.

His defense has been looking for a way to present Snuka as incapable of standing trial for the murder ever since the charges were levied, finally trotting out a testimony from a psychologist on Friday who deemed Snuka mentally incompetent due to the many blows to the head that he suffered throughout his professional wrestling career. Snuka, who is perhaps best known for his finisher — the Superfly Splash — and one in particular where he dove from the top of a cage in Madison Square Garden against Don Muraco, has appeared in rough shape throughout his trial. There are questions as to if it’s all some elaborate professional wrestling show, though.

The case takes an interesting twist now considering the slew of recent lawsuits that the WWE has been facing thanks to increased awareness of the effects of concussions on their performers. Much like the NFL, the WWE has been met with increased criticism for what their performers put themselves through for the company, with the company taking serious measures to prevent future lawsuits, such as forcing Daniel Bryan to retire due to concussion concerns.

This new path for the trial should be interesting to watch unfold. The trial has been adjourned until Wednesday when an expert will take the stand for the prosecution in hopes of explaining why Snuka is fit enough to stand trial. Their argument currently includes footage from a performance in the ring dating back to 2015 as well as a seemingly-lucid interview around the same time.

source: yahoo.com

May 15, 2016

Rumor Mill - CM Punk Not Progressing Well as a Fighter, Concerns About How He Has Fared In Sparring


The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that CM Punk is not progressing well as a fighter. Punk’s original fight date was pushed back because of back and shoulder injuries. His first scheduled opponent is Mickey Gall.

It is, reportedly, expected that Gall will “run through” Punk whenever they do fight. So far in his short career, Gall is 2-0. The rumors WON is hearing is that Punk has not fared well live sparring.

The concerns with Punk’s progression have grown because it has taken him so long. Cain Velazquez had the same surgery as Punk a few weeks earlier and is on the UFC 200 card.

Punk’s first fight was originally hoped to be in the summer of 2015 or the fall. Injuries and transition into MMA have caused the delay for his UFC debut. As for the FS1 reality show that will determine Punk’s opponent, WON has not heard anything new other than that they have begun taping the show.

Since the injuries, UFC has kept a low profile on Punk. The signing of Punk brought massive media attention, and WON still thinks Punk’s first fight will still garner media attraction.

WON notes that since he may not be able to pull off proving his critics wrong, the next moves for Punk could be interesting.

Triple H's first ever appearance on Raw


Today marks 21 years since Triple H made his Monday Night Raw debut. You can check out Hunter Hearst Helmsley's first appearance below.

May 14, 2016

Date Night

Chyna’s Final Days Filmed for Documentary, Footage Shows Her Bruised From Possible Drunken Fall


– TMZ released another report on some of the details that have come out regarding the former WWE Superstar Chyna and the days before her recent tragic passing. According to the report, Chyna recorded several videos for a documentary where she appeared to be incredibly troubled and intoxicated.

The videos showed an inebriated Chyna who had some severe bruising and a gash over her right eye. According to filmmaker Rob Potylo, Chyna claimed the wounds were from a champagne bottle attack at a liquor store. However, Potylo believes she injured herself in a drunken fall and did not want to admit it. The filmmaker was reportedly concerned when he saw the videos and informed Chyna’s attorney to try and get her help.

The report also mentions that Chyna’s team reached out to WWE to possibly help get her into rehab, but Chyna passed away before the details could be worked out.

Speaking on Chyna, Potylo stated, “I love her and miss her dearly every day.” He also admitted that the videos were cries for help, and he feels terrible that they weren’t able to save her. You can view a video clip Chyna released shortly before she passed away that was embedded by TMZ’s report by clicking here.

Breakdown of Triple H's 2015 WWE Income


In 2015, Hunter earned a total of $1.713 million as a WWE talent, up from $1.647 million in 2014, but down from $1.868 million in 2013.

Hunter also earns salary as a WWE executive. In 2015, his base salary was set at $577,500 – his official earnings were $573,269.

The base salary will increase to $606,375 in 2016 after the executive team surpassed key performance goals in 2015.

Hunter also earned “incentive plan compensation” of $526,000, nearly doubling last year’s bonus of $283,140.

Triple H’s 2015 Earnings

$1,713,360 million as talent
$573,269 as executive (fixed compensation)
$526,000 bonus (variable compensation)
TOTAL PAY: $2.812 million

Hunter was also awarded performance stock units (PSUs) valued at $299,995, which is considered long-term equity incentive compensation, as part of WWE’s accounting disclosure.

This brought his total 2015 compensation package to $3.112 million, as disclosed in WWE’s total value table.

May 13, 2016

Triple H Talks WWE Wellness Policy, Trying To Help People Who Make Bad Decisions After Leaving WWE


As previously noted, 98 FM Dublin recently interviewed WWE's Triple H to promote NXT's upcoming UK tour. Among other things, Triple H talked about WWE's Talent Wellness Program.

'The King Of Kings' said that the WWE Talent Wellness Program is one of the finest health and wellness policies in the world.

"We're a show, but the physicality of it is very real and we have a very advanced and probably one of the best in the world health and wellness programs for our athletes and our talent. And we're very serious about trying to keep them in the best shape possible and them staying in the best shape possible, but the physicality is real and you know that going in. You try to take the most risks possible. The thing about our business is the intent is to try to make it look as painful as possible and make it actually be as painless as possible and that's a fine line, but you do the best that you can."

Triple H added that while WWE tries to assist former talents as much as possible, those individuals are ultimately responsible for their own lives. 'The Game' went on to say that current WWE talents are subject to strict heart, concussion, and drug testing.

"It's tough when people leave WWE. What they do with their lives, how they live their lives, you unfortunately can't control that for everybody. And, unfortunately, lots of people in life, in any profession, make bad personal decisions. And we try to help people as much as we can, but, at the end of the day, people are responsible for their own personal decisions they make in their [lives]. But when you're working with WWE, when you are one of our talents and our athletes, you are part of a very stringent testing program, not only for drugs, but it's a wellness program, it's a health and wellness program that involves cardiac testing, concussion protocols, drug testing, every gamut of it. We want our athletes to be as absolutely healthy as possible at all times while they're working for us."

source: wrestlinginc.com

May 12, 2016

New WWE Documentary Series In The Works


WWE Network is working on a new documentary-style "Behind The Curtain" series. The series would focus on various stories from the past and some ideas discussed include Gorgeous George's career, the Ric Flair plane crash and Bruiser Brody's murder.

WWE Cruiserweight Classic Flashpoint Event Announced


WWN Live announced today that EVOLVE will host a WWE Cruiserweight Classic Flashpoint, a prelude to the tournament, on June 11th in Orlando, Florida. The event is designed to prepare fans for the CWC, which tapes the week of June 20th and starts airing July 13th on the WWE Network. Names already confirmed for the Flashpoint event include Johnny Gargano, TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak and Lince Dorado, who will be making his return to EVOLVE. More details on the Flashpoint will be released soon.

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