After reports came out that Oprah Winfrey's new OWN Network would lose over $300 million at the start, Discovery CEO David Zaslav said that he feels that the network will be at break even status by the second half of 2013. Discover co-owns the network with Winfrey. While I don't think WWE will see losses even close to that level on their network given that they own so much of the product that they will be delivering, it's still a pretty scary proposition for them when someone as popular and attracts the affluent audience that Winfrey does has such problems with a start up.
source: pwinsider.com
May 8, 2012
Another Bad Sign for the WWE Network
Change Being Made For WWE RAW Taping Schedule
WWE is changing the start time of their Monday night tapings. Beginning July 2nd, many of the Monday tapings will start 90 minutes before the live Raw broadcast. Currently, the tapings begin 30 or 45 minutes before Raw. No word yet on why WWE is extending the Monday tapings.
How Long Is Paul Heyman Back On WWE Television For?
PWInsider.com is reporting Paul Heyman will be appearing on WWE semi regularly until SummerSlam.
It is reported that Brock Lesnar and Triple H will have a SummerSlam match in August and Heyman continues to represent Lesnar up until that event. WWE feels Heyman is able to speak for Lesnar and keep the storyline going while not having to use up too many dates for Lesnar's appearance.
Reportedly Heyman has agreed to do this storyline to work with people he genuinely enjoys such as Lesnar, make some money and get his name back out there in regular conversation.
CM Punk Addresses WWE’s Anti-bullying Campaign After Telling Fan To Kill Himself; Later Apologizes
WWE Champion CM Punk spoke out on Amendment 1 Monday morning on Twitter as he strongly feels same sex marriage should be legalized in the state of North Carolina. The WWE Superstar subsequently told a fan on the microblogging website who disagreed with his beliefs to “kill yourself;” the message read, “Man was meant for woman, and even the thought of homo’s make me sick.” Punk was chastised for his harsh remark by another Twitter user, who reminded him of WWE’s anti-bullying campaign ‘be a STAR.’
“Telling someone to kill themselves? B A Star. How about creating a positive change instead of civil unrest? Ass.,” the Twitter user wrote to the WWE Champion.
Punk, however, disagreed, as he said he’s fighting bigotry. He responded, “Hey moron, don’t try to hide behind the be a star campaign. I am a star. I’m fighting bigots here. Zero tolerance.”
The WWE Superstar then poked fun at “dirtsheets” for reporting his earlier remark, writing, “Dirtsheets need to report that I have cilantro in my teeth. Then swallow tacks.”
Following Raw, the WWE Champion issued an apology.
“I was pretty worked up today. The amendment 1 situation had me all wound up. I stand by my thoughts on gay marriage 100%. How I defended that stance was 100% wrong. I admit it. You can’t stoop to others levels. Sometimes I fight fire with fire and it isn’t ways the best way,” he said.
“To @ezeekay: I apologize. I don’t want you to kill yourself. I want you to better yourself. Just as I want to better myself. “I’ll start by being the better man and once again, apologize for my harsh reaction to your opinion of homosexuals making you “sick.”
“Sorry y’all. If I let anybody down, I apologize. I’ll make it up to ya and move forward with a better understanding of others feelings.#pma.”
This Day in Wrestling History
Earl Caddock again defeats Wladek Zbyszko in Chicago, IL to retain the World title. A new title belt costing $2250 was shown to newspapers to be awarded to the winner of the May 10 Ed "Strangler" Lewis vs. Wladek Zbyszko match. Promoters from different parts of the country contributed to the cost of the belt, which would become the property of the champion after five successful defenses.
May 8, 1918
May 7, 2012
Triple H To Appear On Next Week's WWE RAW SuperShow
It was announced on Monday night's WWE RAW SuperShow that WWE COO Triple H will appear on next week's broadcast to address the attack on him perpetrated by Brock Lesnar last week.
Steve Austin Signs Deal With CMT
CMT INKS DEVELOPMENT DEAL WITH STEVE AUSTIN AND TAPS HIM TO HOST NEW REALITY COMPETITION SERIES "REDNECK ISLAND"
LOS ANGELES – May 7, 2012 – CMT has inked a development deal with actor and former WWE superstar Steve Austin, tapping him as host of a new 10-episode series REDNECK ISLAND, it was announced today by Jayson Dinsmore, EVP, Programming and Development, CMT.
Big Name Returns on Raw
Infamous wrestling promoter and commentator Paul Heyman, best known for his time as ECW creative head, returned on Monday Night Raw tonight. Heyman cut a promo in the ring running down the WWE Universe, management, and concluded by reading "a letter" from Brock Lesnar, who did not appear on the show.
According to the letter, which is obviously part of a storyline, Brock Lesnar will not be appearing in the WWE again, and has quit the company.
Celebrity to Release Triple H Interview Online
Celebrity magician Criss Angel is promoting an event on his website on May 19 that will include an interview with Triple H discussing Brock Lesnar and Angel arm-wrestling Carrot Top. The interview with Hunter, which was recorded over the weekend when Hunter was in Las Vegas, will be released one day before the Over the Limit PPV on May 20.
source: pwtorch.com
official.crissangel.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Owen Hart
May 7, 1965
Ric Flair defeated Ricky Steamboat for the NWA World Title.
May 7, 1989
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
