Seth Rollins Writes A Passionate Statement About The Current State Of Professional Wrestling

WWE Superstar Seth Rollins wrote following passionate statement about the current state of professional wrestling in general:

"If you don't love pro wrestling across the board right now and you're not telling all your friends about it then you're just missing out... because a generation that was almost lost is now running the game in all facets. It's a beautiful thing to be at the forefront of and I....can't help but feel like the best is yet to come. "We are the authors, the finishers of our fate..”

Rollins will face Finn Balor at SummerSlam on August 21st to crown the first ever WWE Universal Champion.

Seth Rollins Gets Role In Next 'Sharknado' Movie

Syfy's "Sharknado: The 4th Awakens" movie premieres on July 4th. The 4th installment in the franchise will feature Seth Rollins. Rollins will play a character named AstroTech Lopez, which a play on his birth name - Colby Lopez.

Seth Rollins explanation of how his Money in the Bank cash-in happened shows he's all about the game (and how you play it)

Seth Rollins was a featured panelist at Wizard World Philly yesterday (June 2). He fielded questions from fans for about forty minutes on everything from his love life to post-retirement plans.

It's the usual mixed bag that these things are, but there are a few moments - Seth somewhat snarkily shooting down a question about scripted promos by saying he's never seen the guy asking backstage, saying there was some truth to his return promo because people who called him a weak champ before his injury were suddenly his biggest supporters while he was out - stuff like that.

One that jumped out at me was his "abridged version" of how his championship win at WrestleMania 31 happened.

The questioner asks how Seth "or The Authority" decided he'd cash-in his Money in the Bank briefcase, so we're in a weird 'Reality' Era place from the jump. Rollins answer is still wide open for interpretation, however:

I kind of saw the writing on the wall, actually, a few months before the Royal Rumble in Philly. Maybe like a month or two ahead of time, I had a feeling the way this wonderful city would respond to Roman Reigns during the Royal Rumble. I had a feeling that would carry over to WrestleMania. I knew how I was gonna perform in the Triple Threat match with John Cena and Brock Lesnar. And I just felt like I was gonna have a lot of momentum, and I also felt looking at the landscape moving forward that the most opportune time would be at the end of WrestleMania. And so, ya know, I put my two cents in and a few months later, I'm standing at the top of the ramp in San Francisco with the World Heavyweight championship.

So, obviously there's a lot more detail, but that's the abridged version. It was something that I wanted from the moment I won the briefcase and I kind of hedged my bets on it for a few months and so, thank you, Philadelphia for helping me out.

You don't need to read too much between the lines to see how the fans' reaction to Reigns played a role. One read of this is - that negative response gave Seth an opening to start politicking to be the guy appearing on The Today Show the morning after Mania rather than Roman.

Of course, Rollins is a heel, and even hinting that he lobbied to take the top spot from his former Shield brother fits right into his character as a backstabber who's top priority is always his own standing within the company.

Either way, it's a good answer - and explains why Triple H would tap this guy as his kayfabe, and maybe backstage, protégé.

source: cagesideseats.com

WWE Conference Call: Vince McMahon discusses the first quarter financial report

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.

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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.

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WWE Studios Announces Movie With Seth Rollins

WWE sent us the following today:

EREBUS PICTURES, WWE® STUDIOS AND THE GENE SIMMONS COMPANY ANNOUNCE WESLEY SNIPES, ANNE HECHE, DAVE ANNABLE AND WWE SUPERSTAR SETH ROLLINS® TO STAR IN JOHN STOCKWELL'S THRILLER "TEMPLE"

Principal Photography to start April 6th

Los Angeles, CA (April 5, 2016) - Erebus Pictures, the genre specialty label formed by Multi Media Magnate and KISS co-founder Gene Simmons and WWE Studios, announced today that Wesley Snipes (The Expendables 3), Anne Heche (Wild Card), Dave Annable (Brothers and Sisters) and WWE Superstar Seth Rollins are on board to star in the John Stockwell directed thriller TEMPLE. Filming will commence on Wednesday, April 6th. Snipes will also serve as a producer on TEMPLE along with Simmons and WWE Studios President Michael Luisi.

TEMPLE, written by Matt Savelloni (Exile to Babylon), and directed by John Stockwell (In The Blood), follows a team of trained operatives consisting of Snipes, Heche, Annable and Rollins, who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down—and then begin to experience strange and horrific phenomena.

"Gene and I are thrilled to have such a stellar cast on board for our first Erebus picture." said Michael Luisi, President WWE Studios. "We also look forward to extending our relationship with John Stockwell."

"I could not be more pleased that we are launching our first film for Erebus pictures and have John on board to direct." said Gene Simmons. "I am really looking forward to working with this fantastic cast as well as Michael and the whole team at WWE."

"It's exciting to find myself in a genre I have always wanted to explore." said Wesley Snipes "We are looking forward to a great brand collaboration with Erebus, WWE and Gene."

As previously announced, Gene Simmons partnered with WWE Studios to launch Erebus Pictures to produce elevated genre films. Erebus Pictures plans to use WWE's extensive platforms from weekly TV shows, including WWE's flagship programs, Monday Night Raw® and SmackDown®, digital, social media and WWE Network, to market the film.

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

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.

ESPN Announces Weekly WWE Recap Segment; Highlights Of Seth Rollins Appearance On ESPN News Tonight

On ESPN News, former WWE personality and ESPN anchor Jonathan Coachman announced WWE and ESPN will feature a weekly segment recapping the “top moments” in the WWE Universe.

He did not say if the segments would rotate or return each week, but tonight’s topics were:

Top Line
Top Moments

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins also joined Coachman via satellite, and asked why he wasn’t featured in the highlights. They talked about Rollins’ feud with Kane, and Rollins called himself the New England Patriots of the WWE.

Rollins talked about making fun of Cleveland and Johnny Manziel, then Coachman asked him if there should be an age requirement in wrestling like other sports. Rollins said no he thinks people should be able to pursue their passion, then they talked about Chase Utley breaking Ruben Tejada’s leg. Rollins says accidents happen and it’s healthy competition, so he doesn’t think it was done maliciously. Rollins joked about breaking John Cena’s nose recently, then Coachman made a remark about the New York Mets not liking what was said, and thanks Rollins for being the first guest on the new segment.

Triple H Talks NXT’s Presence on the WWE Main Roster, Talks Sting Wrestling On Raw, Night of Champions, Bayley vs Banks and More

Which Wrestler Topped The 25th Annual PWI 500?, Full Top 10 Listing

The 25th annual PWI 500 is now available for download at pwi-online.com. Topping this year's list, for the first time, is WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, whose unexpected title win at WrestleMania, combined with several key victories throughout the evaluation period helped him lock down the number 1 position.

"Thanks @OfficialPWI for the number 1 spot," Rollins tweeted Thursday. "But let's be honest here...was there really ever a second option? Mwuhahahaha!!"

Rollins joins an elite group of wrestlers who have topped the PWI 500 since it debuted in 1991, including Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and, last year's top-ranked wrestler, Daniel Bryan.

Rounding out this year's Top 10:

2. John Cena, who achieved his 12th consecutive Top 10 ranking.
3. AJ Styles
4. Roman Reigns
5. Shinsuke Nakamura
6. Randy Orton
7. Jay Briscoe
8. Rusev
9. Alberto El Patron
10. Kevin Owens

The PWI 500 is compiled each year using criteria that includes win-loss record, championships won, quality of competition, major feuds, prominence within their individual promotion(s), and overall wrestling ability. The evaluation period was from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

The print edition of the 2015 PWI 500 hits news stands on Sept. 29, but the digital edition can be downloaded now for just $3.50 at pwi-online.com.

Video: Triple H makes a huge Night of Champions announcement

UFC President Dana White fires up fans and pro wrestlers

UFC President Dana White, in responding to a tweet from a wrestling fan who wanted to watch UFC 190 and noted how WWE PPV events are only $9.99, stated that he understood and added, "but fake sh*t should be $9.99." The fan then told White to try out some time and still use the term fake to which White responded, "Not disrespecting what they do. All the WWE guys I have met are awesome people but yes it's fake."

This fired up a number of wrestling fans with the comments making the rounds, sending many tweets White's way including those within the wrestling industry.

Seth Rollins: "Guys, cut @danawhite some slack. I mean he's had a million matches, so his opinion is super valid and should be taken as gospel."

Taz: "What's fake & what's predetermined? @danawhite my body is busted up from that "fake shit" - u think u train less?"

Bully Ray: "Good thing you had "FAKE" @BrockLesnar in @ufc to be your biggest PPV draw of all time. .@danawhite Sir, "do the right thing" and apologize to THE industry that laid the groundwork for YOUR industry. Have a great show tonight."

MVP: "Money doesn't buy class Dana."

Jeremy Borash: "Legit cancelled my UFC buy for tonight. Instead sending $50 to @NikBali, a UK wrestler paralyzed during a fake wrestling match. @danaWhite."

Bull Dempsey: "Hey @danawhite, come to the @WWEPerformCtr & see what we do EVERYDAY & tell me it's fake. Send your "ultimate" fighters too. How dare you."

White then wrote the following early Sunday morning to a fan.

"I pissed off wrestling fans? I respect wrestling and the people who do it. I was just responding to an idiot. It was a joke."

The comments didn't seem to phase WWE's Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon as she tweeted out a photo with Triple H and trainer Joe DeFranco wearing Ronda Rousey t-shirts, a tweet that Dana White later retweeted following Rousey's knockout win on Saturday night.

#andSTILL #Reppin4Ronda #UFC190 @DeFrancosGym @TripleH @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/qKP3z1BWtj

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) August 1, 2015

WWE Unveils the Ultimate SummerSlam Experience at Barclays Center

WWE (NYSE: WWE) and Barclays Center announced today the addition of several fan events to take place at Barclays Center as part of the Ultimate SummerSlam Experience in Brooklyn. Tickets will be available this Saturday, August 1, at noon EST through Ticketmaster.

On Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, WWE will host “WWE Superstar Meet and Greets” at 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant at Barclays Center. These exclusive sessions will give WWE fans an opportunity to get autographs and photos with their choice of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins™, Randy Orton®, Roman Reigns®, Dean Ambrose®, Bray Wyatt™, WWE Divas Charlotte™, Paige™ and Becky Lynch™, WWE Legend Sting™ and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels®.

On Saturday, August 22, a special “SummerSlam Panel” will take place at Barclays Center, giving fans a chance to ask questions directly to WWE Superstars. The topic of the panel will be NXT®, where WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins™, NXT Champion Finn Bàlor™, NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks™, WWE Superstar Kevin Owens™, WWE commentator Corey Graves™ and host Byron Saxton™ will discuss the evolution of one of the hottest entertainment brands in the world seen every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on WWE Network.

The “SummerSlam Panel” will feature a 90 minute discussion and Q&A with fans in attendance. General admission and a limited number of VIP tickets will be available. The VIP ticket includes priority floor seating, a professional photo with select panel Superstars and an exclusive, autographed limited edition poster.

Tickets for “WWE Superstar Meet and Greets” and the “SummerSlam Panel” will be available this Saturday, August 1, at noon EST and can be purchased online by visiting http://www.barclayscenter.com, http://www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center on Monday, August 3 at noon. For more information on SummerSlam Week activities, please visit www.SummerSlam.com.

In addition, WWE NXT will make its historic debut in New York City on Saturday night, August 22, as NXT Takeover: Brooklyn will emanate live from Barclays Center. NXT Takeover: Brooklyn is NXT’s biggest event to date, and will be broadcast live on WWE Network. The main event will feature Finn Bàlor™ defending his newly crowned NXT Championship against former Champion Kevin Owens™. The event will also include appearances by NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks™, Samoa Joe™, Rhyno™, Enzo Amore™, Big Cass™, as well as a special appearance by international superstar Jushin “Thunder” Liger. Tickets for NXT Takeover: Brooklyn are currently available through Ticketmaster.

Former Security Guard Suing 12 WWE Superstars Over 2013 Live Event Incident, WWE Responds

A former security guard at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia is suing WWE and several Superstars after he was hit with a steel chair at a WWE live event in 2013, according to Courthouse News Service. The complaint was filed in late June.

Troy Rivers says he was unexpectedly hit "about the head, neck and back" with a chair at the event. His suit names John Cena, Ryback, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Fandango, Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, Kane and R-Truth. Rivers is unsure who actually hit him, believing it may be Ambrose, so his attorney is suing every Superstar who competed that night. His attorney Kevin Elwell said:

"We haven't reviewed the video from the event yet, so we're bringing in everyone on the card that night. Only one guy did it, but we don't know which one yet."

Rivers says the incident left him with "serious, significant and permanent personal injuries." River's wife Mary is also a plaintiff in the suit and claims that the incident has deprived her of "conjugal fellowship" with her husband. Troy also claims that because of gross negligence by WWE, he is suffering from "physical and mental anguish, diminishment of his earning capacity, and continues to suffer a loss of enjoyment of life."

The man is seeking unspecified punitive and compensatory damages. WWE issued a written statement in response and said they have no knowledge of "any such incident and the security company that hired the plaintiff doesn't have any record of this matter either. Furthermore, the plaintiff's attorney has admitted he has no basis to sue the individual defendants named in the lawsuit."

Rolling Stone Releases Their WWE "Best of the Rest of the Half-Year" Awards, Praise for Kevin Owens

Rolling Stone has announced their WWE "Best of the Rest of the Half-Year" awards at this link. They named NXT Champion Kevin Owens as the WWE Wrestler of the Year, so far. They wrote:

"In a matter of months, the father of two from Marieville, Quebec has not only stared down his potential but surpassed it, becoming a lynchpin of two promotions and building a character inspired by everything it took to get him to this point. Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact on the first six months of 2015 – or wonder how high he'll climb by year's end. It's wrestling, folks. It's Kevin Owens."

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NXT Stars at the San Diego Comic-Con

The annual WWE and Mattel panel at the San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 9th will feature Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, William Regal, Kevin Owens, Charlotte and others. Below is the official promotional blurb released:

"Once again, Mattel and WWE have teamed up to bring you an action-packed SDCC panel. WWE & NXT Superstars and Mattel personnel will discuss the tremendous growth in popularity of NXT, weigh in on the next generation of WWE Superstars, and give exclusive sneak peeks of Mattel's upcoming WWE figure releases. Incredible guest appearances by William Regal, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Charlotte, and additional special guests."

Samoa Joe on his storied independent career, coming to NXT and his plans for the future

Samoa Joe recently spoke to WWE's website about his arrival at NXT, getting into wrestling, Ring of Honor, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and more. Below are a few highlights:

WWE.COM: You’ve been in some independent locker rooms lately. What’s the reputation NXT has outside of WWE?

JOE: The reputation NXT has is hard to describe. It’s this newness, there’s a tremendous hype to it. People are seeing the leaps and bounds that are being made with the types of talent filtering through NXT. Like the women, I watched one of the best matches I’ve seen all year with Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks [at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable]. There’s a lot of hype and I know a lot of guys now on the indies would like to see themselves in NXT. They don’t view it as a B-level, AAA ball club. They see it as an exciting place that people are talking about and love the matches coming out of NXT.

WWE.COM: Is there anyone else [besides Kevin Owens] in NXT you have your eye on?

JOE: Absolutely. Finn Bálor is someone I’ve had experience with. I helped start the New Japan Dojo in Los Angeles. I remember seeing him and what he was able to do. And now, he’s No. 1 contender, so if it’s not going to be Kevin, it’s going to be [Bálor]. Tyler Breeze is a tremendous athlete, but he’s far too pretty. It bugs me. Eventually, when he comes back, Hideo Itami, too. We’ve locked up over the years and had our fair share of wars. I’m more than happy to have another with him. There are a lot of unresolved personal issues there. Hopefully, we can get into the ring and sort them out.

WWE.COM: Beyond the NXT Title, do you have any other goals in WWE?

JOE: At some time, I would love to make a trip up to the main roster and wreak my brand of havoc. So many people I’ve come up with have succeeded in WWE. Though I thought the opportunity would never present itself, I’m here now. I’m in the best shape of my career and I’m more than happy to fulfill the destiny that has eluded me for far too long, and that’s to be the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Full interview

Rumor Mill - WWE Planting Seeds for HHH vs Seth Rollins

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE is planting seeds for a possible Seth Rollins vs Triple H feud somewhere down the line. During the “Architect of a Dream” segment on Raw last week, Triple H saying saying he sees a reflection of himself in Seth Rollins was to help setup the feud, as well as Rollins doing the Pedigree at Payback.

WWE Champ Seth Rollins on Life as Pro Wrestler