A review of WWE's CFO George Barrios's presentation at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on May 16th reveals more insight on Triple H's new role. Hunter is responsible for developing new characters and the "core competencies" (as it relates to talent development) that the WWE has been referring to lately. Apparently, when Hunter said he was "trying to learn marketing and other aspects of the business" he was talking about these "core competencies". CFO Barrios stated at the Conference that Hunter's role was a liaison between new talent and TV production trying to bridge the gap as a "talent coordinator and developer."
Hunter is listed on page 18 of the presentation as Senior Vice President, Talent Development noting that he has 15+ years with WWE. He is not an officer or director of the company and is therefore not listed under Governance on the company website. He is however considered a member of Senior Management.
An interesting note is that John Laurinaitis, EVP Talent Relations, is listed as an officer of the company, but is not listed as a part of the management team at the Conference, was not included as a part of senior management at the Annual Shareholders Meeting (Triple H was introduced as Senior Advisor to the Chairman's Office at that meeting) and was not present at the Global Business Partner Summit held before WrestleMania XXVII. Triple H made a presentation to WWE's business and sponsorship partners about the new Talent Development department at the Summit.
May 18, 2011
A Closer Look at the New Head of WWE Talent Development
A Look at the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
On Saturday, May 21, the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame will host its annual Fan Fest at the Brotherhood of the Holy Ghost Charity Hall in East Providence, Rhode Island. The building is on 59 Brightridge Ave. The fan fest runs from 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a Q and A from 1:15-2:15 p.m. The Hall of Fame induction, hosted by Bruen and WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.
Inductees this year are names you’ve heard of and perhaps some you haven’t. The 2011 class is WWE Hall of Famers Chief Jay Strongbow and Tito Santana, Rick Martel, Samu Anoa’i, Jameson (receiving Wrestling’s Most Entertaining Personality Award), Georgiann Makropoulos, Ebony Blade, Dave Dwinell, wrestling historian Tom Burke, Irish Terry Gunn, T.J. Richter, John Callahan, Tony Roy, “Superstar” Richard Byrnes, The Lake Sisters — Ann and Ruth, Tony Santos Sr., Tony Santos Jr., “Real Deal” Joel Davis, “Fabulous” Johnny Vegas, “The Flying Frenchman” Gene Machain, Sean & Tim O’Reilly, and Kyle & Matt Storm...More?
source: poughkeepsiejournal.com
Judy Grable a High-Flying Hall of Fame Inductee
Best known as "The Barefoot Contessa" for her lack of footwear, Judy Grable was one of the highest-flying of the women wrestlers of the 1950s and 1960s. In May, she gets her due, and will be inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, NY...More?
source: slam wrestling
Pro Wrestling Drama Wins Big in Off Broadway OBIE Awards
Kristoffer Diaz' "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" an Off-Broadway drama about race and how it is portrayed in the world of professional wrestling was named the Best New American Play in the 2011 OBIE Awards, a prestigious theater awards ceremony in New York City.
Major Change to WWE Talent Contracts
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE has made a significant change to their talent contracts. The company now requires performers to purchase and maintain their own medical insurance before they can sign with the company - WWE will not be picking up the cost of any insurance.
WWE does cover the cost of injury sustained in the ring that may require any surgeries and also covers substance abuse of talent under contract or those previously employed with the company.
In contrast UFC has recently offered all their fighters medical insurance. The word is the WWE amendment is not a knee jerk reaction to what UFC has implemented.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Rumor Mill - Triple H at Money In The Bank?
WWE sent out an email today concerning their Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, which will take place in July. In the email, Triple H is advertised to appear at the event.
An Opinion on TNA's Rebranding
The rebranding of TNA as IMPACT is smart. TNA was a Russo/Terry Taylor-type pun that BACKFIRED. Advertisers thought TNA meant T n’ A, breasts and posterior. TNA actually picked a company name that was counterproductive. How stupid can you get?
But erecting IMPACT billboards in Stamford, CT, the home of WWE…that’s pretty stupid, too. You tweak the opposition if you’re No. 2 and closing the gap. IMPACT isn’t closing the gap. The mosquito can’t initiate a confrontation with the elephant. The mosquito just looks silly.
Then gets crushed.
source: mark madden wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Superfly Jimmy Snuka
May 18, 1943
Christian eliminated Booker T in a Battle Royal at Judgment Day to capture the newly reinstated WWE Intercontinental Title.
May 18, 2003
May 17, 2011
Steve Austin to Appear on Back-To-Back WWE Raw Shows
Stone Cold Steve Austin is being advertised to appear on the June 13th edition of WWE Raw being broadcast from The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, NY.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Austin is also booked to appear on the previous week's edition of Raw on June 6th to announce the winner of the WWE Tough Enough competition.
Rumor Mill - Sean Waltman Returning to WWE
The Score's Arda Ocal is reporting that ex-WWE Superstar Sean Waltman, aka X-Pac, has confirmed that he will make his return to the company in some capacity "very soon". Waltman has reportedly been assisting Kevin Nash and Undertaker with talent scouting, as well as helping talent work "main event style."
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
