Corporate bio hasn't changed, just the title. He is now listed as EVP, Talent & Live Events. You can view his bio here.
May 15, 2012
Suing WWE for Brock Lesnar: Payday or Payback for Paul Heyman?
One of Hollywood’s most famous lines is from 1972’s Academy Award winning film "The Godfather" when Michael Corleone, about to enter the world of organized crime, tells his brother, “It’s not personal Sonny. It’s just business.”
Paul Heyman’s two lawsuits against WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H and WWE for breach of Brock Lesnar’s contract and assault and battery clearly have business ramifications for all parties involved, but could Heyman’s involvement be part of his own personal vendetta?
Lesnar debuted in WWE 10 years ago with one of wrestling’s greatest Managers, Paul Heyman, as his agent. Heyman had already been with WWE for a year following the bankruptcy of ECW, boasting a five-year tenure with WWE that was marred with animosity both on and off television.
Following the abysmal ECW December to Dismember pay-per-view in 2006, a very public disagreement about who was to blame for the subpar show saw Heyman part ways with WWE either by resignation or termination, depending on whether you ask Heyman or WWE. Heyman remained publicly silent about his acrimonious split from WWE. Did Heyman sign a non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement or was the Extreme mastermind simply biding his time until an opportunity for vengeance materialized or both?
Lesnar and Heyman remained friends while Lesnar did the unimaginable, leaving WWE in his prime to UFC at age 30 and battering his way to the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship. In fact, the former ECW Owner co-wrote Lesnar’s autobiography.
Fast forward to Raw on April 30, 2012. One night after beating John Cena bloody at Extreme Rules, Lesnar was confronted on Raw SuperShow by Triple H, who dismissed Brock's outlandish demands, including private jets. The WWE COO explained that the ludicrous details Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis had verbally agreed to the previous Monday on Raw were not authorized by him or the Board of Directors and were, thus, invalid.
Enraged, Lesnar savagely attacked Triple H and snapped his left arm with a punishing MMA hold called the Kimura Lock. A week later, Brock sent a legal representative to state his position. His representative? None other than Paul Heyman! Heyman read Brock’s statement to the WWE Universe that Lesnar quit, then, moments later, Heyman told WWE.com that his client was “owed millions” by WWE.
From a business standpoint, as a representative of Lesnar’s, recouping even a small percentage of Lesnar’s seven-figure contract is a nice commission for Heyman. The question is: Does Heyman (who turned down multiple offers to return to wrestling during his five-year absence from WWE, indicating income is not an issue for him) relish suing WWE as personal payback rather than a pecuniary payday?
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Ron Simmons
May 15, 1958
The Sheik defeats Bobo Brazil for the Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Title in Detroit, Michigan, ending and beginning both men's ninth reigns.
May 15, 1976
The WWF(E) debuted at the Houston Coliseum forthe first time. The venue was a long-time stronghold of promoter Paul Boesh, who did commentary for the event. Ted DiBiase, who had just signed for the Million Dollar Man role, made his first appearance in seven years for the WWF(E) here, cutting an in-ring promo announcing he was now part of the company. The One Man Gang came out for his match and a physical issue was teased, since DiBiase had been a babyface in the market and hadn't yet been introduced as the persona he's known worldwide for these days.
May 15, 1987
WWF(E) broadcast Raw as part of a three episode TV Taping in Binghamton, NY. The taping featured Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the future Triple H, in his Raw debut. Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned John Chrystal at 3:10 with a standing Diamond Cutter.
May 15, 1995
Shawn Michaels resigned as WWF(E) Commissioner and Ric Flair defeated Jeff Jarrett for the WCW Heavyweight title and his 15th Heavyweight title reign.
May 15, 2000
The final arena based WWE NXT episode was taped at the SmackDown TV taping in Hershey Pennsylvania for broadcast via WWE.com on May 16th. WWE announced on May 14th, that they will tape NXT on Thursday from Full Sail University on a weekly basis.
May 15, 2012
partial source: pwinsider.com
May 14, 2012
Paul Heyman delivered Brock Lesnar’s lawsuit to Triple H
Next, a tense standoff ensued when Paul Heyman, accompanied by a lawyer, hand-delivered Triple H a lawsuit from Lesnar. According to Heyman, Lensar is owed millions after his contract was breached. “Consider yourself served,” Heyman said after calling Triple H a “corporate sycophant.”
As Heyman and Triple H squared off, Heyman criticized The Game’s business acumen. When emotions reached a boiling point, The Game grabbed hold of Heyman by the face. “You tell Brock Lesnar, he’s going to get everything he deserves,” Triple H said. But before things got even more physical, The Game relented and released his grip. As The Game left ringside, Heyman threatened another lawsuit – assault and battery – and vowed to see the COO in court.
source: wwe.com
More on WWE NXT Filming at Full Sail Univ; WWE Press Release
WWE and Full Sail University announced today an innovative partnership that moves live tapings of WWE NXT® series to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue, and creates a new student scholarship fund.
Beginning May 17, 2012, students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working with WWE, a leader in global entertainment, to produce NXT.
Throughout the taping schedule, Full Sail University students, staff, faculty and the general public will be invited to attend the live tapings on the campus. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will go towards a scholarship fund for students enrolled at or planning to attend Full Sail University.
"WWE has always been a leader in creating superstars in front of the camera. Now, with this unique partnership with Full Sail University, WWE will develop stars behind the camera as well,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events for WWE. “With the opportunity to host events at Full Sail's top-notch facilities and the chance to tap into Full Sail's greatest resource, its students, we are excited to provide real-world experience while giving us a fresh, creative perspective from ambitious students."
“As a leading entertainment and media focused institution we are delighted to announce this remarkable new collaboration, which highlights WWE’s commitment to education and advanced growth in the entertainment industry and Full Sail’s commitment to bringing industry-leading organizations directly to our students,” said Ken Goldstone, Chief Operating Officer for Full Sail University. “We look forward to sharing this incredible experience with our students, the entire Central Florida community and the millions of WWE fans worldwide.”
WWE NXT airs in more than 60 countries worldwide and also on WWE.com. WWE NXT showcases WWE’s brightest young talent as they battle to become the elite WWE Superstars of tomorrow.
It looks like Paul Levesque's title has changed. This press release lists him as EVP, Talent & Live Events.
May 13, 2012
Changing 'THE GAME' - Triple H's New Training Regimen
Two years ago, I was training a group of NFL & college football players when I received a message to call back a man by the name of Paul Levesque. "I couldn't really hear the message because it's so damn loud in here; but I think he's supposed to be a WWE wrestler or something", Ashley explained to me.
"Just put his number by my gym bag and I'll call him back if I have time tomorrow...I doubt the guy is actually in the WWE", I replied.
Then, one of my college athletes interrupted the conversation..."WAIT! What did you say his name was?! Did you say Paul Levesque? If so, that's Triple H! Go call him back right now! We can finish the workout on our own!"
The rest, as they say, is history...More?
source: defrancostraining.com
WWE TV News
We noted before that beginning July 2nd, many of WWE’s RAW Supershow tapings will begin 90 minutes before the live RAW broadcast airs on TV. Currently, tapings begin 30 or 45 minutes before RAW hits the air. Speculation now is that WWE may be filming a countdown show for RAW with that extra time. Officials have been wanting something like a RAW pre-show for a while now.
WWE is also looking at doing a Lucha Libre show with high-flying Spanish wrestlers and Spanish announcers. With the Cruiserweights show also set for this November, the bottom line is that WWE is looking to do a lot more TV shows this year as they prepare for the Network launch.
With NXT and FCW being taped at Full Sail University soon, word is that WWE will still be taping another show on Tuesday nights before the Superstars and SmackDown tapings.
Regarding the new tapings at Full Sail University, speculation is that Jim Ross and William Regal may end up announcing that show. The new tapings are being described as Triple H’s own project and something that Vince McMahon doesn’t have his “fingerprints” on, yet.
source: f4wonline.com
Linda McMahon Senate Run Update
Linda McMahon update #1: The Democratic Party in Connecticut has endorsed Congressman Chris Murphy for the state's U.S. Senate general election. However, Murphy will still face Democratic candidate Susan Bysiewicz in a primary election in August. If McMahon gets the Republican Party nomination, it appears she will face Murphy in November.
Linda McMahon update #2: The majority of Republican party delegates in Stamford, Conn. (home to WWE headquarters) are pledging votes to McMahon's chief GOP opponent, Chris Shays. However, the mayor of Stamford has already endorsed McMahon. The Stamford Advocate noted the mayor, Michael Pavia, received a $1,000 donation from McMahon during Pavia's 2009 mayoral campaign.
source: pwtorch.com
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
