WrestleMania 40 broke multiple WWE records and has become the most successful live event in the company’s history.
WrestleMania 40 took place over two nights at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Per WWE, the gate for the event was up 78% compared to the previous record set during WrestleMania 39, with 145,298 in attendance across both nights this year. The company also says viewership was up 41% versus last year, while merchandise sales — in partnership with Fanatics — was up more than 20% over last year.
But the live events on Saturday and Sunday nights are just one part of the story. WWE set up a massive presence in Philadelphia from Thursday-Monday. The company, along with Fanatics Events, hosted the WWE World experience at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where fans could pay to get up close with authentic WWE memorabilia from their archives as well as take part in immersive experiences. This was coupled with the WWE Superstore, which featured a wide range of branded merchandise from apparel to toys and beyond.
The April 5 episode of “SmackDown” originated from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, drawing the largest gate in “SmackDown” history. Likewise, the April 8 episode of “Monday Night Raw” drew the largest gate in “Raw” history. WWE also put on the NXT live event “Stand and Deliver” on Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center, which drew a record breaking crowd of 16,545, the most ever for an NXT event.
On social media, over 660 million views were generated across WWE’s social channels, while the WWE YouTube channel had its biggest day ever on Sunday with 67 million views in 24 hours.
WrestleMania 40 featured a number of smash hit matches, most notably the WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes on Night 2. On Night 1, the two squared off with the aid of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Seth Rollins, respectively, in a tag team match that marked Johnson’s first match for WWE since 2016.
source: variety.com
Since 2006
*******************||Trending||*******************
April 9, 2024
WrestleMania 40 Shatters Multiple WWE Records to Become Highest-Grossing Event in Company History
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
2:36 PM
0
comments
Labels: Paul Levesque Era, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
April 7, 2024
Stephanie McMahon rings in the Paul “Triple H” Levesque era
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
8:44 PM
0
comments
Labels: Levesque Family News, Paul Levesque Era, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
March 13, 2024
Thunderbolt Patterson to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024
As first reported by Andscape, Thunderbolt Patterson will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
A hugely influential, although often overlooked, figure in sports-entertainment history, Patterson’s captivating abilities on the microphone inspired a generation of talkers that followed in his footsteps.
Growing up in Iowa, Patterson moved to Texas and worked with legendary promoter Dory Funk Sr. (father of WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) where he began performing incredible interviews using a delivery inspired by Black Southern pastors.
Patterson backed up his talents on the microphone in the ring as he captured titles across North America while defeating iconic opponents like Bruiser Brody and WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik. Thunderbolt was also a decorated tag team competitor, most famously teaming with Ole Anderson before their partnership erupted into a brutal rivalry, which helped launch the legendary Four Horsemen.
Patterson was also a contemporary of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, and was often credited with inspiring The American Dream’s charismatic persona.
Patterson’s work as a captivating performer was self-evident, but he was also a fierce advocate for the health and welfare of competitors outside of the ring.
His legacy as a showman with his signature quick punches, his incredible blend of power and speed, and his compassion for his fellow man live on as his influence can still be seen in the ring today.
February 13, 2024
The Rock Recalls Getting Emotional After Recent WWE Headquarters Tour With Triple H
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
9:17 AM
0
comments
Labels: Rocky Johnson, The Rock, Tony Atlas, Triple H, Wrestling History, WWE
January 27, 2024
End Of An Era 2.0
For the first time since its inception as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation in the 1950's, the only member of the McMahon family currently with the WWE is a Levesque. End of an era.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
11:24 AM
0
comments
Labels: Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
January 26, 2024
Vince McMahon Resigns from Executive Roles at TKO Group Amid Legal Turmoil
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
8:57 PM
0
comments
Labels: Nick Khan, TKO Group Holdings, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
September 12, 2023
Endeavor Announces Close of UFC® And WWE® Transaction To Create TKO Group Holdings, A Premium Sports And Entertainment Company
Endeavor Announces Close of UFC® and WWE® Transaction to Create TKO Group Holdings, a Premium Sports and Entertainment Company
New Company to Begin Trading Today, September 12, on the New York Stock Exchange Under “TKO” Ticker Symbol
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. & STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) (“Endeavor”) and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (previously NYSE: WWE) (“WWE”) today announced the close of their previously announced agreement and the launch of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (“TKO”).
TKO brings together UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment, to create a new premium sports and entertainment company serving more than one billion young and diverse fans1, reaching viewers in 180 countries, and producing more than 350 annual live events. Through this combination, TKO will leverage Endeavor’s expertise in areas including domestic and international media rights, ticket sales and yield optimization, event operations, global partnerships, licensing, and premium hospitality to drive revenue growth.
“The creation of TKO marks an exciting new chapter for UFC and WWE as leaders in global sports and entertainment,” said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO. “Given their continued connectivity to the Endeavor network, we are confident in our ability to accelerate their respective growth and unlock long-term sustainable value for shareholders. With UFC and WWE under one roof, we will provide unrivaled experiences for more than a billion passionate fans worldwide.”
“This is the culmination of a decades-long partnership between Endeavor and WWE across strategic initiatives including talent representation and media rights. Given our collaborative, trusted relationship and Endeavor’s incredible track record of success growing UFC, we believe WWE is optimally positioned for future growth and success as part of TKO,” said Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO. “Our focus remains on delivering for our fans across the globe as we take the business to the next level alongside UFC and Endeavor.”
TKO will begin trading today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TKO,” with Endeavor holding a 51% controlling interest in the new company and existing WWE shareholders holding a 49% interest in the new company, on a fully diluted basis.
As previously announced, TKO is led by:
Ariel Emanuel, Chief Executive Officer, who continues as Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor;
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer, who continues as President and Chief Operating Officer of Endeavor;
Andrew Schleimer, Chief Financial Officer; and
Seth Krauss, Chief Legal Officer, who continues as Chief Legal Officer of Endeavor.
Dana White is now Chief Executive Officer of UFC and Lawrence Epstein remains Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UFC. Nick Khan continues at WWE in the role of President.
The Board of Directors of TKO is led by Vince McMahon as Executive Chairman of the Board and consists of 11 members, including Mr. Emanuel, Mr. Shapiro, and Mr. Khan, in addition to the following directors:
Peter C.B. Bynoe, Senior Advisor at DLA Piper LLP;
Egon P. Durban, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Silver Lake;
Steven R. Koonin, Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, LLC;
Jonathan A. Kraft, President of the Kraft Group LLC;
Sonya E. Medina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reach Resilience;
Nancy R. Tellem, Executive Chairperson and Chief Media Officer of Eko; and
Carrie Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer and a board member of Opendoor Technologies Inc.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
12:28 PM
0
comments
Labels: Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, UFC, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
September 11, 2023
End Of An Era
Tonight's WWE Raw will be the last WWE show under the full majority control of Vince McMahon. End of an era.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
6:51 PM
0
comments
Labels: Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Raw, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, UFC, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
August 24, 2023
WWE Star Bray Wyatt Dead At 36
WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, whose real name is Windham Rotunda, has died, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced on social media Thursday. Wyatt was 36.
"Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda - also known as Bray Wyatt - unexpectedly passed earlier today," Levesque wrote on X, the company formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
The news of Wyatt’s death was a shocking and devastating revelation as a report surfaced earlier this month that the former champion was nearing a return to the ring after battling a "life-threatening illness."
Earlier in the year, Wyatt got COVID that exacerbated a heart issue. He suffered a heart attack. Pro wrestlers and fans sent their condolences across social media.
Back in October, Wyatt had made a return to the WWE in one of the most mysterious build-ups the company had done in a while. A white rabbit, mystery QR codes and other messages appeared on WWE programming leading up to Wyatt’s eventual return at Extreme Rules. The hints pointed toward his return about 15 months since he was released in July 2021.
Wyatt’s "Fiend" character was among the favorite programs that WWE ran in recent years. WWE was able to make the character thrive through the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and he was put into epic feuds with John Cena and Randy Orton.
Wyatt’s cult leader character was also well-received when it began in 2013. However, Wyatt was released on July 31, 2021. His release marked the end of a 12-year run at WWE.
After his return on the premium live event, Wyatt cut a heartfelt promo thanking fans for welcoming him back and helping him through the tough times after his release.
"I am incredibly grateful. I’m really, really nervous to be here. I never thought this would happen," Wyatt said. "This right here, this is just me OK? This is a version of me I never got to introduce to you guys before. This is just me being me – genuine me – for the first time."
Wyatt explained at the time that over the last year, he lost a lot of friends and things in his life.
"I lost my career. I lost my self-confidence. I lost two people who were very, very close to me. I lost my way," he said. "And I got to a point where I thought that everything that I’ve ever done here or otherwise, it was all meaningless. Nothing I’ve ever did has ever mattered to anyone. And I was wrong.
"Once I was done feeling sorry for myself, I decided to go out in the world again and see … people everywhere that would say, ‘Thank you Bray, man. When you coming back home?’ And then every once in a while there would be someone I would meet that would be truly remarkable, and you know who you are. But these people they would come to me. They would come to me, and they would say, ‘Bray, I just wanted to thank you, man, because I was in a time of need, and I lost people that were close to me, and I lost my self-confidence, and I felt weak, and I felt vulnerable, and in this weakened state I found your words, Bray. I found your words, and I just wanted to thank you, man. You saved my life, Bray.’
"The truth is, I don’t think about stuff like that. And the thing about that is, is that I can sit here right now today, and I can look all of you in the eyes, and I can say you were there when I was weak, when I was vulnerable, when I was down, and I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you, you all saved my life.’"
Wyatt feuded with LA Knight, which culminated in a Pitch Black match at Royal Rumble. He was set to start a program with Bobby Lashley before he reportedly fell ill.
He was angled for a September return before his unexpected death, according to Fightful Select.
Wyatt had two daughters with his ex-wife and a son and daughter with former WWE announcer JoJo Offerman. His father, Mike Rotunda, was known in the WWE as Irwin R. Schyster (IRS).
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
7:46 PM
0
comments
Labels: Bray Wyatt, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
August 23, 2023
Wrestling Legend Terry Funk Dead At 79
WWE wrestling icon Terry Funk has died at age 79, his manager Timothy Beal confirmed to CBS News Wednesday. His cause of death was not immediately released, but Beal said that Funk "was in bad health for some time" and was "in a nursing home."
Funk's death was also confirmed in a statement by the WWE.
For Funk, wrestling was a family affair. Growing up in in Amarillo, Texas, his father, Dory Funk, Sr., was a professional wrestler, and he started out as a tag-team wrestler with his brother Dory Funk, Jr., according to his WWE biography.
Funk broke out as a wrestling star in the 1980s when he appeared in a tag team with his brother at WrestleMania 2. He then competed singularly throughout the U.S. and in Japan over the course of his 50-year career, the WWE said.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame with his brother in 2009. His final wrestling match was in 2017.
Funk was also known for his breakout roles in Hollywood films. He appeared in "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze, "Paradise Alley" and "Over the Top."
July 2, 2023
Natalya Received Six Guinness World Record Certificates
Backstage at Saturday's WWE Money in the Bank premium live event, WWE "Raw" Superstar Natalya received a total of six Guinness World Record certificates. Of course, Nattie reacted to the news via Twitter, noting that "wrestling is a singles sport that you can't do on your own.
"These kinds of stats paint the picture that I want for my legacy, long after I'm done. Each one of these records was attained while trying my hardest to build a division, not a person. That's what my family has taught me. Wrestling is a singles sport you can't do on your own," she tweeted.
The records include — Most WWE matches (female) with 1,514 matches, Most WWE wins in a career (female) with 663 wins, Most WWE PLE appearances (female) with 75 appearances, Most WWE WrestleMania appearances (female) with 8, Most WWE "Raw" matches with 174 matches and Most WWE "SmackDown" matches with a total of 200.
Natalya's first WWE match, according to Cagematch.net, was a Dark match against Victoria on the November 27, 2007 episode of "SmackDown." Since then Natalya has been a fixture in the WWE Women's roster. She has held the WWE Divas Championship, the "SmackDown" Women's Championship, and her most recent title was in 2021 — the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Nattie's last televised "Raw" match was on the June 5 episode, where she lost to Zoey Starks in a Money In The Bank Qualifying match. On June 30, she faced Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Title at a non-televised event.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
7:10 PM
0
comments
Labels: Natalya, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE, WWE Womens Division
June 7, 2023
WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik passes away
From WWE.com:
May 17, 2023
WWE Legend Billy Graham Dead At 79
WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham has died ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Billy's family tells us he died Wednesday after being taken off life support. We're told Billy's wife and daughter were by his side when he passed. As we reported, Billy's wife Valerie announced Monday he had been in the ICU for three weeks as a result of various health issues. She said doctors wanted to take Billy off life support Monday night, but she initially refused.
Known for his prowess as a wrestler and a bodybuilder, Billy rose to fame back in the day wrestling for the American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.
Billy mentored big-time wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura ... and in 2004 the WWE inducted Billy into its Hall of Fame.
Billy's recent health issues took a toll on his body ... his family says he lost 45 pounds while suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull. We're also told his kidneys were failing.
Tributes are now pouring in from across the wrestling world ... with Ric tweeting, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!"
Billy was 79.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
10:14 PM
0
comments
Labels: Superstar Billy Graham, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
April 24, 2023
Triple H introduces the World Heavyweight Championship
In a stunning announcement on Monday Night Raw, Triple H revealed the addition of the World Heavyweight Championship to the WWE title picture.
Expressing the need for two top champions, Triple H announced that the new World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. Roman Reigns will remain the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and bring that title to his respective brand following the WWE Draft.
April 3, 2023
Most Successful WrestleMania Of All Time
WWE today announced that WrestleMania 39 became the most-successful and highest-grossing event in company history. The two-night, sold-out event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles set new records for viewership, gate, sponsorship, merchandise and social media. WrestleMania 39 became the most social WrestleMania of all-time, with over 500 million views and 11 million hours of video consumed over the two days, a 42 percent increase over last year. Night 2 of WrestleMania 39 surpassed the existing global viewership record by 33 percent, just one day after Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 surpassed the existing global viewership record by 28 percent. WrestleMania 39 generated a gate of more than $21.6 million, breaking the previous record by 27 percent, with 161,892 in attendance at SoFi Stadium over the two nights. In addition, WrestleMania 39 broke all-time sponsorship and merchandise records. Sponsorship revenue eclipsed $20 million, more than doubling the previous record. Merchandise sales were up 20 percent versus the record set in 2022.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
11:15 AM
0
comments
Labels: WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
ENDEAVOR ANNOUNCES UFC® AND WWE® TO FORM A $21+ BILLION GLOBAL LIVE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
8:21 AM
0
comments
Labels: Endeavor, Nick Khan, UFC, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
January 30, 2023
WWE To Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Evolution This Week
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
5:43 PM
0
comments
Labels: Batista, Evolution, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Triple H, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
January 25, 2023
Raw XXX delivers highest domestic gate in history of Monday Night Raw
Raw XXX was a defining night for the red brand and delivered the highest domestic gate in the history of Monday Night Raw.
A sell-out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia witnessed Sami Zayn's Tribal Court, an iconic moment shared between Bray Wyatt and The Undertaker, a joining of DX and Kurt Angle, the return of The Beast Brock Lesnar and much more.
January 10, 2023
WWE Board of Directors unanimously elected Vince McMahon Executive Chairman of the Board; Stephanie McMahon Resigns
WWE today announced that its Board of Directors unanimously elected Vince McMahon Executive Chairman of the Board.
Stephanie McMahon has resigned from her roles as Chairwoman and Co-CEO.
Nick Khan will serve as WWE CEO.
Vince McMahon:
“First, I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision. I’ll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I’m truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE. Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand.
“I’m proud to announce that Nick Khan will serve as WWE CEO. Nick’s business acumen and mastery of the media industry have helped catapult our business to record revenue and profitability. Together, we look forward to working with the Board at this critical moment in time to review our strategic alternatives and maximize value for all WWE shareholders.”
Stephanie McMahon:
“I cannot put into words how proud I am to have helped lead what I consider to be the greatest company in the world and I am confident WWE is in the perfect position to continue to provide unparalleled creative content and drive maximum value for shareholders.”
Nick Khan:
“Stephanie McMahon is a terrific executive and an even better person. It has been an honor to serve as Co-CEO with her. She will only continue to succeed.
“I’m grateful to Vince McMahon and our Board of Directors for their ongoing support. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them and my WWE colleagues to ensure our company may thrive as the premiere powerhouse in sports entertainment for years to come.”
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
7:25 PM
0
comments
Labels: Levesque Family News, Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
January 6, 2023
WWE is providing the following update regarding the composition of its Board of Directors and the exploration of strategic alternatives
Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board,” said Chairwoman & Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque. “We also welcome back Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to our Board of Directors. Together, we look forward to exploring all strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.”
As Vince McMahon stated yesterday, “WWE has an exceptional management team in place, and I do not intend for my return to have any impact on their roles, duties, or responsibilities."
In connection with the change in the composition of the Board of Directors and in cooperation with Vince McMahon as majority shareholder, the Company intends to undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders. There is no assurance that this process will result in a transaction.
Vince McMahon, in his capacity as controlling shareholder of the Company, has removed JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed and Alan M. Wexler from the Board. Vince McMahon, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson have been added to the Board to fill the resulting vacancies.
The Board currently consists of:
Vince McMahon
Stephanie McMahon
Nick Khan
Paul Levesque
Steve Koonin
Michelle McKenna
Steve Pamon
George Barrios
Michelle Wilson
Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh have resigned from the Board, effective today.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
1:45 PM
0
comments
Labels: George Barrios, Michelle Wilson, Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE