Triple H Offers To Save Toys R Us Mascot With NXT Opportunity

Toys "R" Us is unfortunately officially closed, but before he retires Geoffrey might have a chance to step into a WWE ring thanks to Triple H.

As the store wound down, a photo made the rounds of the store's mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe wearing a hat and sunglasses with a suitcase, apparently on his way to enjoy a nice retirement or at least a vacation. Some fans evidently used that opportunity to place Geoffrey in front of the WWE Performance Center and inside of it too, where the wrestlers of NXT and Tough Enough have trained.

Triple H got a big kick out of the images and took to social media to tease that maybe fans will see Geoffrey in an NXT ring someday.

"Thanks for recommendation. You know what they say, Geoffrey when one door closes...another one opens! #WeAreNXT WWEPerformanceCenter.com."

Odds are you won't see Geoffrey going against Adam Cole or Velveteen Dream anytime soon, but it's nice to know if he wanted to he at least has options.

Several WWE Programs Included In Emmy Prelim Ballots

It is a rather long journey to actually get nominated for an Emmy Award. You must pass a couple different stages in the selection process first but it looks like a few WWE programs could be on their way to making the final nomination list.

The Emmy Prelim Ballot was recently released and it includes WWE programming in several categories. As we previously reported, WWE attended the For Your Consideration event and brought a lot of star power to the show. Not only did they have skits designed to entertain but they also brought a couple heavy-hitting programs to put up for a nomination.

The WWE Network's 24 Special "Empowered" is listed on the Prelim Ballot for Best Documentary or Non-Fiction Special. HBO and WWE Studio's joint project Andre The Giant is also in the same category.

WrestleMania 34 is getting some attention in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category. Both Raw and Mixed Match Challenge are also listed in the Emmy Prelim Ballot for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. The Unstructured Reality Program category includes some WWE representation in the form of both Total Divas and Total Bellas.

Only time will tell if those WWE programs actually make it into the small list of nominees for an Emmy Award, but it's certainly a good start to see them on the list at this point.

Source: Emmys

Stephanie McMahon to appear on "Celebrity Undercover Boss"

WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon is taking on a new role during CBS’s “Undercover Boss: Celebrity Edition.”

Don’t miss her don a disguise for her undercover journey when the episode airs Friday, June 15, at 8/7 C on CBS.

Stay tuned to WWE.com for more details. Follow @undercover_CBS on Twitter and use #CelebrityBoss.

Stephanie McMahon and Triple H to appear on Carpool Karaoke this summer

You’ve seen Stephanie McMahon and Triple H take part in an epic Lip Sync Battle, but what would happen if they actually got to sing?

That question will be answered this summer on Apple’s Carpool Karaoke. McMahon revealed on Twitter this afternoon that she and The Game will take a ride for a singalong during a WWE-themed episode of the popular show, and the duo also gave the WWE Universe a quick pair of behind-the-scenes pictures from the taping.

Will we get to see how they sound on “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana? Could Triple H dig into Motorhead’s hard-rocking catalog? Find out on Carpool Karaoke this summer!

Ric Flair Talks Hip-Hop Community Respect

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently spoke with Revolt to discuss his new appearance in the music video for the "Ric Flair Drip" single from Offset, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin. You can see the video above. Flair revealed that he wants to shoot a video with Offset's fiancee next, Cardi B. Flair commented on what it's like to be an icon to the hip-hop community today:

"I mean it's so rewarding. It's hard to explain all that stuff I did in the '80s. All that money I spent on jewelry when nobody was wearing it. [Laughs] It's all coming back around full circle. I used to sometimes want to kill myself later in life for all the money I spent renting jet airplanes, limousines, and all of that. But, now it's coming back full circle. I don't regret any of it. So to have the respect of guys like Snoop Dogg, who I've been friends with forever, and Offset, whose career and future is unlimited, I'm thrilled by it."

David Otunga Cleared In Domestic Violence Incident

TMZ reports the investigation is complete and Otunga will not face any charges. Otunga has maintained that he has never been abusive towards Hudson or his son.

Otunga and Hudson split in November after being together for over 10 years. Hudson had received a protective order against Otunga as they engaged in a custody battle over their son.

David Otunga and Jennifer Hudson No Longer Together; Hudson Is Granted Protective Order Against Otunga

People Magazine is reporting that WWE Superstar David Otunga and Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson are no longer together. Otunga and Hudson had been together for nearly ten years, have a son together and were engaged.

Hudson has filed and been granted a protective order against Otunga for what her rep described as, “in the best interest of their son.”

Otunga’s attorney released the following statement to People:

David Otunga has been trying to negotiate the terms of an amicable parenting agreement with Ms. Hudson for several weeks now. However, when it became apparent to Ms. Hudson that Mr. Otunga would be the parent granted residential care of the child, as a result of Mr. Otunga being the child’s primary caregiver while Ms. Hudson pursues her career all over the world, Ms. Hudson decided to file a meritless Petition for Order of Protection in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute.

As a result of Mr. Otunga’s career in the WWE, Ms. Hudson felt that she could give an award winning performance in court to portray herself as the victim.  Mr. Otunga has never abused or harassed Ms. Hudson or their son, and it is unfortunate, especially in today’s climate, that she would feel the need to make these false allegations against him. Mr. Otunga looks forward to his day in court and in being awarded the residential care of the parties’ only child.

Triple H's advice to Stephen Amell before his 2015 SummerSlam Match

While in the Gorilla' position before their tag match at SummerSlam 2015, Triple H approached Stephen Amell and offered this advice:

If you think you’re going too fast, slow down. When you’re sure you’re going too slow, then slow down some more. And when you’re positive you’re going too slow, then slow down some more.

The advice must have been helpful for Stephen because, during the match, he looked like he belonged. However, Amell recounted that his mouth went completely dry as soon as he walked out and he forgot how to enter the ring. He credited Cody for helping him in that match, stating that he believed it could not have been better.

Dwayne Johnson Developing Wrestling Comedy at Fox

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is going back to his beginnings for his latest project.

Fox has nabbed a hot comedy from the wrestler-turned-superstar and producer Will Ferrell, inspired by the real life experiences of Johnson and former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz, Variety has learned.

The project, hailing from Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions, received a put pilot commitment at Fox. Andrew Gurland, who created FX’s “Married,” will write the pilot script.

The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional professional wrestling outfit and chronicles the one-of-a-kind odd couple relationship that develops between a charismatic young character, like the The Rock, and a painfully awkward comedy writer new to the world of wrestling. A fish-out-of-water among all of these alpha males, this beta former sitcom writer needs as much help as he can get navigating the extremely passionate, sometimes crazy and always unpredictable world of professional wrestling.

“This November will mark the 20th anniversary of my professional wrestling debut,” said Johnson. “I was 24 years old, putting in the hard work, making $40 bucks per match and had no clue of the long journey that lay ahead of me with characters and backstage stories so colorful you’d think there’s no way that can be true. The entertaining show that goes on in front of the crowd pales in comparison to the insanely entertaining show that goes on backstage. Brian and myself can’t wait to tell our stories.”

Gewirtz added: “Coming from Hollywood to the wrestling industry, with its intense backstage atmosphere and larger than life personalities, was a major culture shock. After working in the business for over 15 years, Dwayne and I had encounters and experiences that were unbelievable as well as unforgettable. We can’t wait to bring this project to the fans.”

More?

Former TMZ Senior Producer Ryan Satin Looking For Wrestlers From 18-26 For New Reality Show

Former TMZ Senior Producer and current ProWrestlingSheet.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Satin is currently helping to cast and produce a new pro wrestling reality show.

Below is the official submission info to be considered for the show. If you or someone you know qualifies for the casting I highly recommend submitting.

Looking for male and female professional wrestlers between the ages of 18-26 with an interesting life story to tell.

Interested parties please email ProWrestlingSheet@gmail.com and include the following in the email:

Your name
Social media handle
Age
Why you’d be an interesting reality show character
Any other details about your life that would help sell you as someone that would be needed on the show
Photos and videos of your work

Location doesn’t matter.

NOT LOOKING FOR FAN SUBMISSIONS!

This is not a Tough Enough competition-like program.

Strictly professional wrestlers.

William Shatner Talks About His Relationship With WWE, How Vince McMahon Would Fit In On Star Trek

William Shatner recently spoke with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated Extra Mustard‘s Week In Wrestling, taking part in this week’s Five Questions segment.

Shatner talks about his relationship with WWE; you can read a few highlights below:

William Shatner talks about how his relationship with WWE began:

I had written, produced, and directed TekWar, which was a detective story from the future. One of the publicists said, ‘I can get you on WWE out of Texas, and they’re on the hour before TekWar goes on and it will be great publicity and a great intro. So I went down there and tossed Jerry Lawler out of the ring. Thank God he jumped as high as he could with only a little assistance from me, and out of the ring he went. I had the best time with the entire wrestling world. Since then, I’ve loved coming back. I introduced Jerry Lawler at the Hall of Fame, and got booed. The people didn’t want to see a Hollywood fake in there, they wanted to see a real person. But I’ve had the best time with them, and they want me to come back and do a number of projects, and I’m looking for the time to do it.

Shatner explains how the “William Shatner Sings Superstar Entrance Theme Songs” came up, and his favorite WWE theme he performed:

Someone from WWE asked me to do it, but it was one of those things where sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. It turned out to be great fun. My favorite song was John Cena’s. He is a guy I know, and since Lawler is retired now, Cena is my favorite wrestler, even though he’s more of an actor now.

Would Vince McMahon fit on the Starship Enterprise?

Vince McMahon would have been great on the Enterprise. We talk every so often, and he had a writer that I knew and cared about and I’d worked with. That writer has since died, but he was responsible for a lot of the best plot lines. McMahon has created a form of entertainment that is very amusing, and it is both antiquated and brand new.

UFC welcomes new owners Affleck, Brady, Levine, Newton, O'Brien, Wahlberg and more – seriously

Sure, you know all about the recent $4 billion sale of the UFC to William Morris Endeavor-International Management Group. But have you heard about the 23 new owners now on board?

On Thursday, UFC officials confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that 23 celebrities have invested in the world's largest MMA promotion. Included on the list are sports stars Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams, actors Ben Affleck and Mark Wahlberg, musicians Adam Levine and LL Cool J, and talk-show host Conan O'Brien.

O'Brien also announced the deal on Thursday's new episode of "Conan" on TBA, jokingly adding that he would soon be competing in the octagon, as well.

Terms of the investments weren't revealed. A full list of the 23 celebrities is expected to be released on Friday.

WME-IMG co-CEO Ari Emanuel said selecting the 23 for potential investment was simple.

"They would always ask for tickets," Emanuel told The Wall Street Journal, adding, "I think it's a mainstream sport now."

Sean 'Diddy' Combs and his love affair with WWE

Sean "Diddy" Combs wasn't about to let his pride get in the way of telling a good story.

So when the hip-hop recording artist, producer and actor, known worldwide as "Puff Daddy," was asked how his relationship with WWE first came to be, he didn't hold back. Combs recalled sitting down to watch WWE and seeing the same familiar face pop up on the screen as a celebrity guest.

"I want to tell you the truth, I called [WWE] after I saw Snoop Dogg," Combs said.

Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper and first cousin of current WWE women's champion Sasha Banks, has had such a memorable run on WWE telecasts in recent years that he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame in April. His success challenged Combs, a pro wrestling fan since his youth, to throw his own name into the ring.

"I had to put my ego down and make sure that [WWE] had my information because I did not understand why I hadn't been called yet," Combs told ESPN.com before letting out a hearty laugh. "And that really did happen. I'm not just saying that. I called Neil [Lawi, senior vice president and general manager of WWE Music Group] and was like, 'Yo, Neil, what's up?'"

Combs went on to make a pair of singing performances under the bright lights of the WWE stage -- in a 2010 "Tribute to the Troops" show in Texas and, most prominently, at WrestleMania 29 in 2013 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But the self-proclaimed "Bad Boy" made headlines this week when it was announced a new collaboration with WWE was in the cards.

In addition to a brief appearance Monday on Raw -- trading one-liners with the WWE tag team champions, The New Day -- Combs was named as the soundtrack curator for the WWE 2K17 video game that hits stores on Oct. 11.

An opportunity for a reunion with WWE was something he jumped at.

"[The McMahon family] are a great role model brand and, most importantly, a role model family, as far as building an empire and passing your legacy on to your kids," said Combs, a wildly successful entrepreneur in his own right. "When you interact with the McMahons, it's so professional and so positive."...More?

Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs to appear on Raw next week

From WWE.com:

A Bad Boy is coming to Raw!

As first reported by RollingStone.com, international recording star Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs will be a guest star on Raw next week! Combs is not unfamiliar to the WWE Universe, performing a memorable set at WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

What will Puff Daddy have to say when he shows up to Raw? Find out next week on the longest running episodic show in TV history!

Flo Rida to headline SummerSlam concert to benefit Connor's Cure

WWE, Barclays Center and iHeartMedia have announced that the first WWE SummerSlam Concert will take place Thursday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. ET at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, with proceeds benefiting Connor’s Cure, a fund to help further pediatric cancer research.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com!

The announcement was made by Stephanie McMahon on "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."

The concert, headlined by hip-hop recording artist Flo Rida and international pop superstar Jason Derulo, is part of WWE’s week-long lineup of events, including interactive fan experiences and community outreach programs, culminating with SummerSlam on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. ET from a sold-out Barclays Center and live on WWE Network around the world.

The WWE SummerSlam Concert will also include performances by recording artist Daya and emerging hip hop recording artist Jordan Hollywood, as well as appearances by Stephanie McMahon, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, The New Day, Nikki & Brie Bella, Big Show, The Miz & Maryse, R-Truth, Charlotte, Dana Brooke, Jimmy & Jey Uso, and Naomi.

A portion of proceeds from the concert will benefit Connor’s Cure, and be distributed to leading research centers and hospitals nationwide. In 2014, Connor’s Cure was created by McMahon and Levesque as a fund within Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. Earlier this year, WWE and The V Foundation announced a partnership to expand Connor’s Cure outside of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and support cancer research nationally.

"I’m definitely honored to be a part of this spectacular event with my WWE family,” said Flo Rida. “They have been there from day one, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to perform for all my WWE fans."

More?

Donald Trump Talks RNC Entrance, McMahon, WWE on Meet The Press

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sat down with Chuck Todd, moderator of “Meet the Press” on NBC, in the first network interview since the Republican National Convention. Trump, a WWE Hall of Famer, discussed his RNC entrance and the reaction from WWE Chairman and CEO Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

CHUCK TODD:

Let me tell you, you bring up Thursday night. I've got to ask you about your entrance. Before we get to Thursday, that Monday night entrance was something else. I know you’ve gotten a lot of feedback on it.

DONALD TRUMP:

I think I'm a little bit lucky, and a couple of people had that idea, and I went along with the idea. And everything just worked right. And it was so good that they wanted to do it on Thursday night. I said, “Never in a million years, because you’ll never get it that way again.”

CHUCK TODD:

I don't think I've seen that even on WWE.

DONALD TRUMP:

Yeah, I know. Well, Vincent’s a good friend of mine. He called me. He said, “That was a very, very good entrance.” But I didn’t want to do it a second time, because, you know, it never works out the second time.



And yes, it has been done before...



Excerpt courtesy NBC News - “Meet The Press”

Chyna Memorial Recap: X-Pac Vows To Fight For Chyna In WWE HOF, RVD Speaks, Messages From Top Stars

Yesterday was the Chyna Memorial in Redondo Beach, CA. The ceremony featured live music, art, speeches, a performance from Coolio and more. There was a video package shown of wrestlers stating that she should be in the WWE Hall of Fame, including Triple H's comments from the Steve Austin podcast (which was shown several times), Stephanie McMahon's comments to TMZ as well as endorsements from Mike Tyson, Billy Gunn, Jake Roberts, Coolio, Jennifer Tilly, The Headbangers, Al Snow, Greg Valentine, Lorenzo Llamas, Bushwhacker Luke and others.

Another video package was shown with comments from wrestlers remembering Chyna. Terri Runnels talked about how much she missed her and being a part of Chyna's WWF debut, noting that she felt it the next morning.

Mick Foley appeared and shared his favorite memory, which was Chyna watching over his daughter when she was a kid. Hulk Hogan said that he met Chyna years before she broke into wrestling, and that she had a great heart and they'll wrestle again someday. Kurt Angle talked about Chyna being revolutionary and said that she made an everlasting impression on himself and everyone she's met. Jeff Jarrett's was the last video message, and he noted that she was his last opponent in WWE, and he worked with her in her last match in TNA. He said that it was special every time he worked with her.

Sean "X-Pac" Waltman spoke for about 6 minutes. He noted that he had a "really rocky relationship" with her, but that he loved her until the day she died. He said that Chyna did more for the empowerment of women than Billie Jean King and others, and feels that she doesn't get the credit that she deserves for that. He said that Chyna might have been the most important member of D-X and was the glue of the group. He said that maybe we shouldn't give WWE a break, and it's time for WWE to induct her. He talked about how big her time in NJPW was.

"I'm really sorry, I hope you forgive me for not taking better care of you," Waltman concluded. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that you end up in the WWE Hall of Fame where you belong."

Rob Van Dam was the last wrestler to speak. He talked about her being a pioneer and mentioned seeing her at a Q&A last year. He said that she was grateful that he respected her and he noted that of course he did, and joked, "she was the man!" He noted that guys would whisper backstage during Chyna's run about if they would be cool wrestling women, but it made men outside the business whisper that she would "beat the sh-t" out of them, and he agreed. He put over her impact on the business and said that people will always remember and, "and she doesn't even need a last name." He put her over for always doing things her way and being one of a kind.

Wale Has Triple H On His New Mixtape

Glad I could be a part of it. Best of luck on the west coast @Wale... #SeeYouAtStaples #BlessUp https://t.co/E9NVVeLf9S

— Triple H (@TripleH) June 18, 2016

dat boy @wale got 'Triple H' on his tape 💪🏽

— Yung Rénzél (@rickyrozay) June 18, 2016

Wale has Jim Ross and Triple H on his new mixtape, Summer on Sunset. The song is called Smackdown: Raw. You can listen to it here.

Sheamus Takes You Onto the Set of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Go behind the scenes of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” with Rocksteady himself, Sheamus:

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.