The rise of the celebrity couple, a powerful, influential and highly profitable brand

How candid Instagrams and magazine appearances drive the appetite for power couples, and how couples, advertisers and managers can benefit – and also lose out...More?

source: independent.co.uk

Dr. Phil to guest star on Raw on April 11

Dr. Phil is coming to Raw. The host of the number one daytime talk show, "Dr. Phil," will guest star on Monday night's hottest show on April 11.

What will happen when one of TV's most recognizable personalities visits the WWE Universe? Find out next Monday night at 8/7C on USA Network.

Katie Couric Speaks with Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon About The 2016 Presidential Race, Trump, Clinton, And Women In Leadership Roles

Linda McMahon recently spoke with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric, talking about the 2016 Presidential race, Donald Trump, her future as a politician, Hulk Hogan, and much more. You can view the full interview here.

Linda McMahon comments on her family’s relationship with Donald Trump:

“He was a great partner, a wonderful promoter. He really greased the wheels and made things work very easily… he was fun. We got to know him personally. He is very loyal, he’s a patriot. I think he hires smart people around him, all of the people that we ever dealt with were just really smart and efficient and really good at what they did – very gracious, made you feel welcome and really did exactly what he said he would do.”

Would Linda run for office again?

“I have no absolutely no plans to ever run for office. I ran twice, I gave it everything I had two times. It wasn’t meant to be in Connecticut for a Republican to win, it is a very, very blue state. I gave it all I had, I really wanted to win but didn’t.”

What WWE fans represent about the 2016 electorate:

“The persona of Donald Trump has resonated with them. Maybe their business isn’t growing, maybe they have kids who are graduating who can’t get jobs. All of those things that you hear I think resonate not only with some WWE fans, but across really the specter.”

Linda comments on Gawker’s release of Hogan’s sex tape:

“I don’t think anyone had the right, you know, to take his private tape and put it out. I thought Gawker was wrong, you know, to do that.”

Hogan’s interest in coming back to the WWE:

“I think you never say never at WWE, but I wouldn’t speak on behalf of anyone there.”

Snoop Dogg to be Celebrity Inductee in WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016

Snoop Dogg has sold more than 37 million albums worldwide, he’s the first artist to have his debut album top the Billboard charts, and he has won American Music, MTV Video Music and Source Awards. Now, Snoop can add another accolade to his lengthy resume: WWE Hall of Famer. The music icon will be the celebrity inductee in the Class of 2016, taking his place in the Hall this Saturday, live at 8 ET/5 PT on WWE Network.

Snoop’s contributions to hip-hop almost need no introduction. After bursting onto the scene as a collaborator on Dr. Dre’s solo debut album in 1992, Snoop Dogg branched out on his own. His 1993 solo debut, Doggystyle, produced hit singles like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin & Juice,” and helped Snoop establish himself as one of hip-hop’s most revered artists.

When he’s not laying down the hottest tracks in music, Snoop is an avid member of the WWE Universe, and has even joined WWE’s Superstars and Divas to create several memorable moments. He brought his unique flair to WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, where he served as the Master of Ceremonies for what could only be described as a unique Lumberjill Match between Divas Maria & Ashley and Melina & Beth Phoenix. Coming to the ring in a custom Mercedes-Benz cart, Snoop led the Lumberjills to the squared circle and introduced the competitors in his inimitable fashion. Later, when Santino Marella tried to confront his ex-girlfriend Maria after the battle, Snoop leveled The Milan Miracle with a clothesline, then shared a smooch with the beautiful Diva.

Snoop returned to WWE in 2009 as the special guest host of Raw. Right off the bat, he showed he was more than willing to give the WWE Universe what they want, making a blockbuster matchup between John Cena and Triple H. The hip-hop icon showed that he wasn’t afraid to get physical, either, protecting Hornswoggle from a beating at the hands of Chavo Guerrero by stopping the third-generation grappler in his tracks with a huge spear.

Snoop Dogg keeps a close eye on WWE to this day, and is arguably the biggest fan of his cousin, “The Boss” Sasha Banks.

Now, the never-ending party that always follows Snoop Dogg joins the WWE Hall of Fame! How will Snoop keep the good times rolling in Dallas? Find out during the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, live and only on WWE Network this Saturday at 8 ET/5 PT.

2016 WWE Warrior Award Recipient Announced

WWE released the following press release earlier this morning:

Joan Lunden to receive 2016 Warrior Award at 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Joan Lunden, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author and breast cancer survivor, has been named the recipient of the second annual Warrior Award, which will be presented at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 2 from American Airlines Center in Dallas, live on WWE Network at 8 ET/5 PT. The announcement was made by WWE Superstar John Cena on NBC’s “TODAY.”

The Warrior Award is given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior. The award will be presented to Lunden by The Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana Warrior. In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Lunden made the decision to take her battle public and has since shared her journey through cancer treatment, becoming a prominent voice in the breast cancer community.

“It is truly humbling to be honored by WWE and receive this year’s Warrior Award at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” Lunden said. “After being diagnosed with cancer, my first thought was to survive, but soon after, I changed my focus from my cancer to the fight against cancer and my life took on a whole new purpose. WWE has welcomed me into their family, offering me warmth and support, as have so many of the WWE fans from around the world. It is a privilege to receive this honor.”

“On behalf of my family, we are proud to present this year’s Warrior Award to Joan Lunden,” said Dana Warrior. “Joan embodies all that this award was meant to capture. She is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the quintessential Warrior woman. It will be an honor to recognize her at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

“Joan Lunden has been an incredible role model to so many people and it is an honor to recognize her as the second annual Warrior Award recipient,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The will and perseverance she gracefully displayed in her fight against breast cancer is an inspiration to millions of women around the world.”

An eternal optimist, Lunden decided to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to inspire others in the breast cancer community. Through her website, JoanLunden.com, and her social media channels, Lunden has created an online community dedicated to people living with and surviving from breast cancer. From her consistent journaling throughout her breast cancer treatment, Lunden wrote her most recent book, “Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival,” which documents her battle with cancer and provides a reflective look back at her life and career. Lunden continues to be an advocate for those diagnosed with the disease, making trips to Capitol Hill, and as a special correspondent for “TODAY’s” Pink Power series.

Last year, the Warrior Award was presented for the first time ever to Connor Michalek, a Pittsburgh native and passionate WWE fan who passed away from cancer. In his honor, Connor’s Cure was created as a fund within Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.

The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airs live on the eve of WrestleMania, Saturday, April 2, at 8 ET/5 PT, only on WWE Network.

“Family Guy” Hosting New WrestleMania In-Game Event

The following press release has been issued:

FAMILY GUY: THE QUEST FOR STUFF HOSTS “WRESTLEMANIA IN QUAHOG” WITH BRAND NEW IN-GAME EVENT

WWE Superstars John Cena, Triple H, Undertaker, Roman Reigns, and WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to be Featured in Hit Mobile Game!

San Francisco, CA – March 24, 2016 – FROM THE TOP ROPE! TinyCo is excited to announce the debut of the “WrestleMania in Quahog” update to FAMILY GUY: The Quest for Stuff mobile game, taking place in a special two week in-game event from March 24th through April 7th– FAMILY GUY: The Quest for Stuff is available to download for free on the App Store, Google Play, and the Amazon Appstore.

The “WrestleMania in Quahog” mobile game update introduces iconic WWE Superstars such as WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, John Cena, Undertaker, Roman Reigns, and WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to the world of FAMILY GUY: The Quest for Stuff. Reigniting a long-time, heated feud with the Giant Chicken, Peter challenges his nemesis to a match the city of Quahog won’t soon forget! Determined to save his town, Peter enlists his powerful friends John Cena, Roman Reigns and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to aid him in his training.

Not to be out-done, the Giant Chicken has his own allies led by WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H. Throughout the in-game event, the citizens of Quahog are forced to choose sides, culminating with an epic Peter vs. The Giant Chicken showdown finale. Players have a ringside seat up to the final match and each WWE superstar will have their own personalized quests, tailored to show off their signature moves.

“WWE fanatics can jump in to the rich world of FAMILY GUY: The Quest For Stuff and tag-team the mobile game as both their favorite WWE Superstar and hilarious FAMILY GUY: The Quest For Stuff in-game character,” said Andrew N. Green, Head of Business Operations at TinyCo. “This is the one event fans from all around the world won’t want to miss!”

FAMILY GUY: The Quest for Stuff continues to engage with fans from around the world with new features and updates while maintaining its signature style and humor. The “WrestleMania in Quahog” in-game event is now live and runs through April 7, 2016. Download FAMILY GUY: The Quest for Stuff for free on the App Store, Google Play, and the Amazon Appstore

Video: Stephanie McMahon Interview | Rachael Ray Show

Photo: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at the Black Sabbath Concert

Thank you Ozzy and Sharon...amazing @BlackSabbath show last night @TheGarden! @StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/5gK2WGRQCL

— Triple H (@TripleH) February 26, 2016

Reported Reason For Michelle Beadle ‘Burying The Hatchet’ With Triple H At RAW Last Night

Wrestlezone Radio regular and Pro Wrestling Sheet editor-in-chief Ryan Satin is reporting Michelle Beadle and WWE ‘buried the hatchet’ after Vince McMahon had called Beadle.

Sources told Satin that Beadle was contacted by McMahon a few months ago, and he was very understanding as to why Beadle stopped watching WWE. Beadle had announced she was boycotting WWE last year after Triple H had publicly endorsed Floyd Mayweather.

For those that don’t know, Beadle was very critical about the way Mayweather has been promoted, given his issues with domestic violence reports. Beadle wrote a detailed post about her feelings towards Mayweather and cited HHH’s social media role, noting she did not agree with him being a supporter of Mayweather while also being a public face of a company like WWE with such a strong push for anti-bullying and anti domestic violence policies.

According to Satin, Beadle then accepted an invitation to attend last night’s WWE RAW taping, feeling like enough time had passed and she could talk to Triple H about her issues. It was also noted that Beadle understands people won’t share her feelings about Mayweather, and the talk backstage between the two went smoothly.

Triple H and ESPN Personality Bury the Hatchet Backstage at WWE Raw Tonight

As you might recall, ESPN personality Michelle Beadle stated last year, via Twitter, that she would no longer be a WWE fan since Triple H supported Floyd Mayweather in his fight against Manny Pacquiao. She posted the following on Twitter in May 2015:

"I've loved @WWE for a long time. But @TripleH and his love for a serial abuser is too much. I'm turning in my fan card. #WasFunWhileItLasted"

Last night Triple H posted the following:

"Awesome to reconnect with old friends and bury the hatchet… Good things to come. @MichelleDBeadle @StephMcMahon"

And Michelle posted the following:

"Good friends. Great overdue conversation. Thanks @StephMcMahon & @TripleH"

Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon And Roddy Piper Talk WWE WrestleMania I For MSG Network

The MSG Network will air a special on WWE's WrestleMania I tonight at 10:30pm, as detailed below. The special is narrated by actor Ben Stiller and will feature the late Roddy Piper, Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Mean Gene Okerlund, Cyndi Lauper and others. The following was issued:

"THE GARDEN'S DEFINING MOMENTS" SERIES CONTINUES WITH "WRESTLEMANIA I" PREMIERING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 AT 10:30PM

New York, NY (February 11, 2016) – MSG Networks (NYSE: MSGN) continues the special 20-part television event "The Garden's Defining Moments" presented by SAP with - "WrestleMania I." The event that launched the WWF (now WWE) into the stratosphere and married sports and entertainment for the first time, set a then record for pay-per-view buys in the United States.

"The Garden's Defining Moments: WrestleMania I," narrated by Ben Stiller, premieres Friday, February 12 at 10:30 pm on MSG Network, following MSG's telecast of the Rangers \ Kings game. Interview subjects include Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, the late Roddy Piper, Cyndi Lauper, Mean Gene Okerlund and more.

More?

Triple H Remembers Friend Lemmy Kilmister; Talks Motorhead And The WWE Audience, Their Friendship

Triple H recently spoke with Metal Hammer magazine to remember his friend Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead. The full interview is at this link. Below are highlights:

What was it like speaking at Lemmy's funeral? You were standing up in front of some of your own rock and metal heroes.

"When they asked me to do it, I asked them, 'Are you asking me because you want me to do this, or are you asking me because you think I want to do this? Because if it's because you think, 'Oh, H would probably want to speak,' then I won't do it'. They said it was because they wanted me to do it, and so yeah, I was sat with Gene Simmons in the front row, and Ozzy's just behind me, and then I'm up there in front of the Metallica guys and Dave Grohl and Dee Snider from Twisted Sister. These people are peers and friends of his, so I was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was honoured to be amongst those people, and I made a point of saying that at the start."

Doing the Game theme and connecting with the WWE audience became a big part of Motörhead's identity moving forwards.

"It's funny; after Motörhead did The Game, Lemmy used to say to me that there were a lot more younger kids at Motörhead shows. You'd get people that'd have heard of Motörhead, but they'd think it was, like, a biker brand or something, like, 'I'd heard of these guys, but I didn't know they sounded like this!' They were just so different to anything else [being used in WWE] at the time. And after I posted on social media after he passed away, a lot of people replied to me saying, 'Thank you for getting me into Motörhead'. That meant a lot to me. We also got some [WWE] flags made for the funeral, and it was really cool seeing those up there as well."

It seemed like you and Lemmy became great friends along the way.

"When we did an interview together a few months ago, they asked him what he thinks about our relationship, and I'm sure I'll get the exact quote wrong, but he basically said that in life you sometimes just have a connection with people. That was really cool!"

Check out the full interview with Triple H at this link.

TOOL Guitarist Adam Jones Calls WWE's Triple H His Yoda

It's no secret that Tool guitarist Adam Jones is a big fan of WWE. He famously performed the Star Spangled Banner on guitar at SummerSlam a few years ago, and even proposed to his now-wife at a Royal Rumble event shortly after. But it turns out, the relationship between Jones and WWE goes much deeper.

Jones attended a taping of the highly popular NXT series in Orlando yesterday, and posted some kind words about the current WWE world champion, and COO of the company, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, calling Triple H a true inspiration:

“Tonight’s #NXT taping was EPIC. Want to thank EVERYONE involved. I’m totally floating above the ground. And here’s the deal – I can’t begin to tell you how much I admire this guy* Very inspiring friend, leader & entertainer (on stage & behind the scenes). Over the years He has shared advice & wisdom that has benefitted our business & made me a better person.

Another Hero that keeps that fire burning inside me. ~He’s kind of a big muscle’tastic version of #Yoda . bless you #TripleH”

Personally, I think it's really cool how Jones has been embraced by WWE, as the dude is a true talent and I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the conversations between these two guys. Maybe Triple H can inspire Adam to finish his new record? Last we heard, he had ideas for 20 songs. Tool are currently rapping up a string of arena tour dates.

source: metalinjection.net

Freddie Prinze On Working WWE Creative With Vince McMahon, Booking Jeff Hardy, Nixed Plans, More

A recent episode of Chris Jericho's "Talk Is Jericho" podcast features actor and former WWE creative writer Freddie Prinze Jr., who was signed by WWE in 2007. The two sides parted ways in February of 2009. You can hear the full interview at this link.

Freddie, who said working for WWE was a dream job, was responsible for the reinvention of "The" Brian Kendrick and then Jeff Hardy during his WWE Title run. Jericho asked how Freddie was able to get Hardy to trust him, as Jeff is a notorious loner who tends to keep to himself. Freddie tried to be entirely open and honest with Jeff. He said they discussed taboo subjects including drugs and alcohol, death, and suicide. Freddie also wrote for The Undertaker and Kane, revealing that Vince McMahon was more involved with Kane's promos than any other WWE star. Prinze said, "If I wrote Kane was going to 'destroy someone,' he'd say, 'Kane wouldn't say that. Kane would obliterate someone.'" Freddie added that Vince is 127 years old but works like he's in his 70s.

The "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "Scooby-Doo" actor was soon put with Alberto Del Rio and told that Mexicans needed to hate him. Freddie said Del Rio was very nervous but wanted to impress Vince, so he was up for whatever worked. Freddie also said he wrote a farewell storyline for Edge, that ended up nixed due to his injury and sudden retirement. The original plan was to have Christian make a big heel turn and force Edge to retire.

Prinze also discussed how he got into WWE, when John Cena approved of him being there, why he liked working with The Miz and lots more in the full interview.

Video: Triple H Speaking at Lemmy Kilmister's Memorial Service

WWE Pays Tribute To Motorhead Lead Singer Lemmy Kilmister

.@WWE pays tribute to @MyMotorhead lead singer Lemmy Kilmister. #RIPLemmy #RAW https://t.co/4sG6gb35nK

— WWE (@WWE) December 29, 2015

Triple H Remembers His Friend And Rock Legend Lemmy Kilmister

Rock legend Lemmy Kilmister of the band Motörhead passed away today at the age of 70. Lemmy has been a close friend of Triple H's, performing his entrance live at WrestleMania 17 and 21. Motörhead also did the "Line In the Sand" theme song for Evolution, and another theme for Triple H in 2006. They most recently provided "Ace of Spades" to use as the NXT "Takeover: London" theme song after Triple H and Corey Graves met with Lemmy.

#RIPLemmy One life, lived your way, from the beginning, till the end See you down the road my friend... Thank you for the gift of your sound

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 29, 2015

Video: The Undertaker Tombstones A Turkey

Celebrity To Host Breaking Ground, Premiere On Social Media, WWE's Kevin Dunn Comments

The AP reports that actor William Shatner will narrate the 10-episode WWE Breaking Ground series. The premiere will air on WWE's Facebook and YouTube channels this Sunday after Hell In a Cell, then debut on the WWE Network after Monday's RAW.

WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn commented:

"I wouldn't say we're pulling back the curtain at all. We're telling real stories of these real people and the hardships and difficulty of making it to the WWE. I don't think we're giving it away. You're just going to see how this process actually works."

"It's not about NXT. It's about making it to the WWE."

"I think new is always interesting on any level, especially when you have new stars on any TV show."

Dunn also said the return of WWE Tough Enough is uncertain.

Jon Stewart to host SummerSlam

After 16 epic years as host of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” Jon Stewart has announced his retirement plans. What will Stewart do next? A trip to Disney? A run for President? A one-way trip to Mars? No, as first reported by USAToday.com, Stewart is set to host SummerSlam, this Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT live on WWE Network.

Stewart, a longtime member of the WWE Universe, appeared earlier this year in an ongoing rivalry with now-WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. After Stewart taunted Rollins on social media, Rollins appeared on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” where he challenged Stewart to appear on Monday Night Raw to settle their score.

Most recently, Rollins appeared in a look-back segment during Stewart’s final few days on “The Daily Show.”

Stewart stepped down from his post as host of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Thursday, Aug. 6. During his tenure, Stewart welcomed a wide array of high-profile guests, including President Barack Obama, former President Jimmy Carter, Clint Eastwood, Halle Berry, Ben Affleck, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Gates and many more.