August 12, 2011
Photo: Triple H at WWE's and Creative Coalition's 'be A STAR' SummerSlam Kickoff Party
WWE at Full Sail University
WWE Executives Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kevin Dunn, John Saboor, Ty Bailey, and Pete Leone visited Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL on August 3rd. Full Sail University has built a reputation as one of the premier art, music, and film schools in the world and recently implemented a Creative Writing for Entertainment degree program.
Update on the Financial Status of Shane McMahon's Company - You On Demand
From Bloomberg Businessweek:
Year over year, YOU On Demand Holdings, Inc. has seen revenues fall from $8.4M to $7.6M. This along with an increase in SGA costs has led to a reduction in the bottom line from a loss of $5.4M to an even larger loss of $12.9M.
Update: Even More on Mistico's WWE/Sin Cara Status
In an update to this story, it appears as if the initial report of Mistico not being brought back as Sin Cara was issued by The Wrestling Observer, and SuperLuchas.net has issued a correction to the story, noting that Mistico has NOT left WWE...More?
source: wrestlezone.com
Late pro wrestler 'Killer' Kowalski's auction draws interest of Triple H
The estate of wrestling legend Walter “Killer” Kowalski was auctioned off to the highest bidder, Thursday night in Saugus.
Run by TAC Auctions, the five-hour event featured over 300 items of the late grappler’s personal affects, attracting a wide and eclectic group of bidders, ranging from the casual sports fan, to serious sports memorabilia collectors alike.
In the end, however, it was Kowalski’s former student, Triple H, who stole the show.
Bidding online, the WWE Superstar reeled in several big-tickets items, including the crown jewel of the auction, Kowalski’s first-ever wrestling ring robe for $4,250.
The blue velvet robe came complete with Kowalski’s real name ‘Wladek Kowalski’ script in silver sequins on the back. The item proved to be the highest of all the 300 lots sold.
When the online bidder originally checked in, most in attendance had a feeling where it was coming from.
“I’m pretty sure it’s Triple H,” said Richard Byrne, a Malden Tang Soo Do Grandmaster and veteran of the local and international wrestling circuit. “I called him and told him they were doing this. He didn’t know about it. So the [WWE] office called and they said wanted everything that’s wrestling [related].”
Auction organizers confirmed that it was in fact Triple H, also known as Paul Levesque of Nashua, NH.
In addition, Triple H, (also known by the ring name Hunter Hearst Helmsley) purchased a pair of Killer’s blue leather size 14 wrestling boots ($650), an additional blue velvet ring coat ($850), and an awards lot, which included Kowalski’s Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame certificate ($175).
It was a fitting gesture from Triple H; who studied under Kowalski at his Malden wrestling studio in the early days, before reaching superstardom in the sports entertainment business himself.
“Triple H always remembered Walter and always gave him credit,” Byrne said. “He’s a real class act. They’ve got the boots. They’ve got the robe. They’ve got everything. So that’s good.”...More?
source: wickedlocal.com
Rumor Mill - Sin Cara's Future with WWE
Super Luchas is reporting that Mistico has left WWE and Hunico was told he would be working as Sin Cara at the WWE Mexico tapings in October.
Sources are claiming two different stories. One, that Hunico will play Sin Cara until the original Cara can return and then they will feud. The other is that Mistico is not being brought back after all and Hunico will remain as Sin Cara.
There are people within WWE, and that work with WWE on promotions, that are waiting for a final word from company officials on the future of the Sin Cara character going forward. They are worried that the new person playing Sin Cara will be pushed and not get over like Mistico. If they merchandise him for big plans down the line, it could turn out that they have backed a dud.
Within Mexico, people are worried that fans will see the new Sin Cara as a fraud. Many of WWE's licensees saw huge money in Sin Cara merchandise aimed at the Mexican market.
source: f4wonline.com
August 11, 2011
