Vince McMahon and members of senior management served as the hosts of a conference call pertaining to the 2016 first quarter financial report that was released on May 10, 2016. The following are the highlights of the call. Refresh the page for the latest updates.
-The call is hosted by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, WWE Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios, and WWE Investor Relations Michael Weitz.
-It was emphasized that WrestleMania occurred in the second quarter this year compared to last year.
-Vince said the earnings revenue was “pretty good.” He praised the WWE Network number through WrestleMania and the “brand equity of WrestleMania” while noting that they broke their attendance record. Vince said the majority of the tickets were sold when they put them on sale.
-Vince spoke about new network content. He said Camp WWE is doing “extremely well” on the VOD side. He also touted the Holy Foley show and Total Bellas. Vince also boasted of their success on social media and once again labeled it the strength of the brand.
-Vince said they were able to make “chicken salad” out of the injuries they suffered heading into WrestleMania. He mentioned Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, and John Cena among the returning stars. He said they have introduced 13 new talents and said it speaks to the strength of the NXT brand.
May 10, 2016
WWE Conference Call: Vince McMahon discusses the first quarter financial report
April 25, 2016
Sneak peek: Seth Green imagines kid wrestlers for 'Camp WWE'
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena are superstars in a pro wrestling ring, but Seth Green is on a mission to make their kid selves just as entertaining while toasting marshmallows and driving grownups crazy.
The actor and longtime wrestling fan is reimagining grapplers as 8-year-old boys and girls at summer camp in the adult animated series Camp WWE. The show premieres on demand May 1 on the WWE Network streaming service.
Green and his team at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios regularly tackle pop culture with series such as Robot Chicken and SuperMansion, but with Camp WWE, Green says, “getting to introduce these characters to a different audience (and) a new generation in a way they’ve never seen before is like a unique kind of privilege for me.”
The summer camp is headed up by Vince McMahon — with the WWE chairman, president and CEO voicing himself — though he’s an even more over-the-top persona than in the ring, as he rides giraffes and takes swigs from McMahonade. His daughter Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are 15-year-old camp counselors, while “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Sgt. Slaughter are activity supervisors for the kids.
April 24, 2016
Does WWE Need Blood?
The icon of WWE's PG-era made some surprising remarks regarding the state of the company in an interview with Rolling Stone. 15-time WWE champion John Cena, who debuted a year after the Attitude Era is considered to have ended at WrestleMania X-Seven, said that he misses the days when blood often stained the mat after matches and wrestlers were free to use salty language on air.
Via Rolling Stone:
"I'd much rather it be a program geared toward me, whether that's TV-14 or sometimes even more graphic than that, which is what I like. For one thing, profanity brought fire out of people with personalities that backed the language. It's very difficult to say, 'Oh, you're being poopy,' especially when they're meant to be fighting words. And now, if someone starts to bleed, the referee intervenes to stop the bleeding. But before, you'd just let it fly. Blood is one of the things that made fights cool. Like, you knew it had gotten serious. I understand why we don't do it anymore. Vince has been a coach to me, a father figure, a boss and a friend, and his goal and my goal are the same: to make the company be as big as it can be. But, yeah, the blood is one thing I miss."
You may have forgotten, but Cena took part in one of the bloodiest matches in WWE history. Cena faced current commentator John Bradshaw Layfield in the main event of Judgment Day in 2005, in an "I Quit" match. JBL hits Cena with an unprotected chair shot to the head early on, which busts open Cena's head and causes blood to stream down his body. Over the next 14 minutes, Cena lost an incredible amount of blood and finished the match looking like Carrie. It's gruesome to the point of being distracting and hard to watch.
Does WWE need to gear weekly programming to adults, or is the current family-friendly product best for business? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. WWE can't pull off a revert back to the Attitude Era, nor should it attempt to...More?
source: foxsports.com
April 20, 2016
April 18, 2016
'Total Bellas' coming to E!, new 'Total Divas' cast announced
E! has announced the new series “Total Bellas” with Nikki and Brie Bella, a spinoff of the network’s hit series “Total Divas.” The six, one-hour episodes will give viewers exclusive access into the lives of The Bella Twins and their significant others, John Cena and Daniel Bryan, as the WWE Superstars move in together and enter a new chapter of their lives, both professionally and personally.
After Nikki goes through delicate surgery on her neck and spine, her sister and brother-in-law move into the house she shares with Cena in order to care for her and keep her company during her long and protracted recovery. The Bella Twins will continue to appear on “Total Divas,” which concludes its fifth season tomorrow night at 9 p.m. ET.
“We are excited to build on one of our most successful franchises with this new series that goes exclusively inside the world of WWE fan favorites The Bella Twins,” said Jeff Olde, EVP, Programming and Development, E! “Nikki and Brie Bella have an undeniable charm and wit that matches their irrefutable beauty, and we are thrilled to get an intimate look into what it’s like to be in a relationship with some of the hottest sports entertainers in the world.”
Additionally, E!, WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions’ hit series “Total Divas” will return for its sixth season this fall. Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Eva Marie, Naomi, Natalya and Paige will continue to give viewers an inside glimpse at balancing life in the spotlight and the non-stop action of their professional careers with the drama of their everyday lives.
In addition, Season 6 will introduce "Total Divas" fans to Lana, Renee Young, and Maryse, a former two-time WWE Divas Champion and wife of Mike “The Miz” Mizanin.
April 6, 2016
John Cena On Concussions, Possibly Donating His Brain For Research
TMZ Sports caught up with a very cautious John Cena while he was in New York City.
Cena is asked about concussions and if they're big in wrestling. Cena said concussions are an element of anything that involves contact. Cena also said he would be open to donating his brain to research because he's donated his body for other things. Cena said if he could do things to help people after he exists, he would be open to it.
March 31, 2016
Forbes Reveals WWE's Highest Earners
Forbes has a new article where they used a number of data sources to compile an estimated list of WWE's highest-paid earners. The estimates represent pay for the 2015 calendar year, including base salary, bonus pay and, in one instance, executive compensation for Triple H.
Here's what they came up with:
1. John Cena - $9.5 million
2. Brock Lesnar - $6.0 million
3. Triple H - $2.8 million
4. Randy Orton - $2.7 million
5. Seth Rollins - $2.4 million
6. Roman Reigns - $2.1 million
7. The Undertaker - $2.0 million
8. Big Show - $1.5 million
9. Kane - $1.3 million
10. Dean Ambrose - $1.1 million
March 30, 2016
March 24, 2016
WWE Announces WrestleMania Week TV Appearances For John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, The Flairs, Others
WWE takes over the airwaves starting March 24 with Sheamus appearing on "Conan" on TBS at 11/10 p.m. C.
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair and his daughter – WWE Divas Champion Charlotte – will appear on the March 25 episode of "Boomer & Carton" on WFAN and CBS Sports Network starting at 6/5 a.m. C.
The Celtic Warrior will also appear on the March 28 episode of "Men in Blazers" on NBC Sports Network and NBCSports.com at 11/10 p.m. C.
On March 27, WWE Chief Brand officer Stephanie McMahon will be featured in a special segment on "CBS Sunday Morning" at 9/8 a.m. C.
John Cena returns to NBC's "TODAY' as co-host during the 9 a.m. hour for three days beginning on March 28. Cena will also appear on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Tuesday, March 29, at 11:30/10:30 C on NBC.
Also, starting on March 28 with an appearance by Brock Lesnar, WWE will be featured on ESPN throughout WrestleMania Week, including appearances by Stephanie McMahon, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, Shane McMahon and The Undertaker.
Eva Marie will appear on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family" on March 28 at 10/9 a.m. C.
Check your local listings for exact times and channels.
“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
March 23, 2016
March 17, 2016
March 1, 2016
WWE Studios Releasing New Animated Movie, Triple H And Others Voice Characters
WWE Studios will be releasing "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" soon with John Cena, Paige and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H voicing characters.
I've done a lot of stuff...but voice Hunter the penguin? That's a first. Excited for Surf's Up 2: Wavemania! pic.twitter.com/NS3DD8szL8
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 1, 2016
Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios announced today an animated sequel to "Surf's Up," the 2007 Academy Award-nominated action-comedy about surfing penguins. The companies are co-financing and producing the movie, which is expected to release in 2017, in time for the original film's 10th anniversary. "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" will be distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with WWE Studios providing marketing support by leveraging its extensive multi-platform reach.
Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big-wave-riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, WWE Diva Paige and Mr. McMahon, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where, legend has it, they'll find the biggest waves in the world. Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer. Genndy Tartakovsky's protégé Henry Yu (story artist on "Sym-Bionic Titan" and both "Hotel Transylvania" feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on "Hotel Transylvania 2") and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Abdul Williams ("Lottery Ticket") is writing the screenplay.
"We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring Cody Maverick back to audiences for more adventures, paired with our WWE Superstars in what promises to be a fun animated film for the entire family," said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President.
"WWE has a proven track record with family audiences, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with them and dive back into the fun world of our surfing penguins," adds Kristine Belson, President, Sony Pictures Animation.
February 24, 2016
February 10, 2016
February 3, 2016
More Triple H-Royal Rumble Stats
We noted before that Triple H set a new record with his Rumble win - the longest time between Rumble match victories as his last win came in 2002. Here are some other stats from the win:
* Triple H became the oldest winner of the Rumble at 46 years and 6 months old, with the exception of Vince McMahon, who won the Rumble at 53 in 1999
* He joins the list of two-time Rumble winners with Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Batista, John Cena and the only three-time winner, Steve Austin
* Triple H became the third-oldest world champion in WWE history, behind Vince at 54 in 1999 and Hulk Hogan at 48 in 2002
February 2, 2016
January 27, 2016
January 20, 2016
January 17, 2016
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.
