NBCUniversal, out to keep WWE, mulls Hall of Fame

NBCUniversal, looking to retain rights to WWE’s popular “Smackdown” and “Raw” programs on its SyFy and USA channels, is thinking about creating a Hall of Fame for the entertainment company at its Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, The Post has learned.

While no concrete offer has been made, NBCU brass, as they put together a final pitch to present to Vince McMahon’s WWE, have talked about such a deal sweetener, sources said.

NBCU’s exclusive negotiating period ends Feb. 1, sources said.

Meanwhile, rivals like Viacom, whose Spike channel carries TNA, a rival pro wrestling circuit, and Turner Broadcasting, are logical partners.

Both “Smackdown” and “Raw” are highly rated and the current $140 million-a-year deal is likely to rise substantially.

NBCU’s rights include USA Network’s three-hour primetime block “Monday Night Raw,” and Syfy channel’s Friday night, “Smackdown.”

WWE shows are also available on Hulu Plus and on small broadcast network ION.

Executives at the Stamford, Conn.-based WWE are believed to be asking for at least double the current rate, arguing that its scripted wrestling events are akin to live sports programming...More?

source: nypost.com

The Original Sin Cara Speaks: Confirms His Release, Claims He Owns The Sin Cara Character Rights

The original Sin Cara sat down with Mexican Lucha Libre show Tercera Caída yesterday to speak on his return to Mexico. The hosts briefly touched on his release, stating that Sin Cara is now an independent wrestler. Cara confirms by simply shaking his head to confirm the news and they quickly change the subject to what the WWE plans to do with the character.

Sin Cara spoils the recent WWE Main Event taping where Alberto Del Rio unmasks Hunico. He said that everyone knew that wasn't the real Sin Cara because of the tattoos and said that it was the last anyone in the WWE would see that character. Following some play on words, Sin Cara adamantly claims he owns the rights to the Sin Cara name, gimmick and mask. He said:

"I am the owner of the persona of Sin Cara. I say it openly because it's all on my side, in my favor. I think that it's best left to lawyers because I am the owner of the persona I am the owner of the [character's] image and I have proof."
The hosts mention to Sin Cara that having the rights to the name is very uncommon for WWE wrestlers. Sin Cara interjects and says that he has proof. Sin Cara responds back with:

"That depends on how the wrestler work their deals. I'm not here to talk bad about anyone. I've always been a person that goes the route of peace. I'm not going to fight with anyone or any company. I'm not saying that because I'm scared to fight a big company. No, Why would I? Everyone knows that the original Mistico went on to be [the original] Sin Cara in the WWE. So that we would not have any legal issues with CMLL, I automatically changed my name and my persona and continued on with my registered persona."

Sin Cara plugged his Sin Cara gym and confirmed some names for its 1 year anniversary.

DDP On Who Made Jake Roberts' WWE Return Happen, Scott Hall, If He Would Wrestle In WWE

MLive has an interview with Diamond Dallas Page, who will host a DDP YOGA workshop Saturday morning from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Funk Fitness, 50200 Dennis Ct., in Wixom, MI. The workshop costs $75 and includes background on DDP YOGA, an actual workout, plus a Q&A session. You can get more details at this link. Here are some highlights from the interview:

If Scott Hall is still doing the DDP YOGA program:

Yeah, Scott is still doing it. He does a little bit of everything. He still calls my (expletive) yoga, which still pisses me off. You don't call DDP Yoga 'yoga!' It's not yoga. It's a form of yoga. The really cool yogis love what I'm doing; the stuck up ones don't get it. It like 'You're right, it ain't real yoga, it's DDP Yoga (expletive)!'

Jake appearing on Old School RAW:

It was amazing, and the fact Triple H and Vince McMahon were responsible for it all! Not only did they believe in me enough to know that Jake was right, but they saw it. They heard it from me first, and my ass was on the line (laughing). But I know it wouldn't turn into a disaster. When Vince McMahon let me do my own mini have fun infomerical in the show he paid me back times ten for anything he's ever owed me. That's the way I look at it. If we get lucky enough, and Jake actually gets inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, it will be unbelievable. It would be part of an amazing story. You know we started a movie? We started it 16 months ago and call it 'The Resurrection of Jake the Snake.'

Our goal, by the grace of Vince McMahon - if he gets Jake in the Hall of Fame - would be to release the movie by the next WrestleMania. That would be the goal. Our goal is to take it to (expletive) Sundance (Film Festival). Our goal is to get a (expletive) Oscar! People went bat (expletive) about Mickey Rourke in 'The Wrestler' … let me show you the real wrestler! Let me show you the guy who almost killed himself, the guy who ODed on something. Let me show you how in 16 to 18 months time he turned his life around.

If he would return to action in WWE:

Nope, nope, nope. I hope it's never offered to me. He's the man right now, that man being Randy Orton. I love to watch him wrestle. Randy and I have been tight since he was 22. If this was 10 years ago, it would make sense. But I'm 57. I don't want it offered to me because I'll do it. I'm 57, I want to stay strong and healthy.

Jim Ross Speaks on Whether or Not the Ric Flair 2k Sports Symposium Caused His WWE Departure

In a new interview conducted for Grantland.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross spoke on the infamous 2k Sports panel during SummerSlam weekend last year, during which a seemingly inebriated Ric Flair commandeered the symposium and Jim Ross reportedly took a lot of the blame for allowing the situation to get out of hand.

Ross' WWE departure came shortly after the panel, and JR had the following to say regarding whether or not the panel was the reason why WWE decided part ways with him:

Jim Ross"I don't think you have to be a Mensa member to figure out that it had an influence on decisions that were made. I was working with the developmental kids [in NXT] and enjoying that, and got called in for that job.

It was a very unique night, to say the least. Ric was coming off maybe the most traumatic time of his life. [Flair's son Reid had recently died of a drug overdose.] In hindsight, it might not have been the most timely booking, to get him in that environment. And then you can look at the other side and say maybe it's a good thing to get him out around friends. As it worked out, you'd probably lean more to the former than the latter. But here's the deal: I was conductor of a runaway train. I was supposed to keep it on the tracks and that didn't happen. So I don't have any issues taking responsibility. Did I envision that it would help facilitate my exit? No. But I could see the thinking behind it.

But honestly, people might not believe this, and I don't want to give one of those eye-rollers, but it really came at a good time. My health is good, I just celebrated my 62nd birthday, I got a lot of projects going. I'm going to start a podcast soon with the same company that does Austin and Jericho. I'm excited about that. I got Live Nation working with me on one-man shows and, of course, we start out the way we want to start out, in New York City, Saturday, March 1, at the Gramercy Theater."

Backstage Details on Why WWE is Working with Ric Flair Again

According to PWInsider.com, WWE is more open to working with Ric Flair again as he was said to be "on his best behavior" at the WWE Raw Old School show. Flair's WWE status remains, however, on a case-by-case basis.

It's being said that Triple H was heavily involved in getting Flair to deal with his issues last year, and during a family phone call involving Triple H, he reportedly told Flair that unless he addressed his personal issues, he would be cut off from the company. Since Flair addressed those issues in the past several months, WWE is once again open to working with him.

MLB Advanced Media Head Discusses WWE Network Importance

MLB Advanced Media CEO Bob Bowman was interviewed by Deadline.com about a number of topics including the WWE Network. On the Network, Bowman commented, "Economically it’s one of our largest clients for sure. In that sense it’s incredibly important. But what’s more important than dollars is this is the most vertically integrated brand in America.WWE Network Vince McMahon controls everything soup to nuts — from the idea in his head to how it appears on every screen around the world. And he just demonstrated [at CES] he’s going to try and change what the economic rules are. He’s in an ideal situation to do that. That’s why a lot of the content players are going to watch this very carefully. As we’ve learned with music, a monthly subscription might be better than pay-per-view. It will ultimately be on every device and operating system that’s imaginable. So the ability to take your content live and on-demand to every corner of the globe 24/7 is pretty appealing for a content publisher. All of the great partners that we have — DirecTV, Comcast, things like that — they’re still U.S.-based services."

source: pwinsider.com

New Details And Artwork Revealed For WWE Studios' 'Scooby-Doo: WrestleMania Mystery'

The following extras will be featured on WWE Studios' "Scooby-Doo: WrestleMania Mystery" DVD and Blu-ray that comes out on March 25th:

* Behind the Scenes with Scooby-Doo and the WWE Gang: A behind the scenes look at the voice recording sessions with the cast of WWE.

* Wrestle Maniacs: Bonus "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo" Episode.

Both DVD and Blu-ray will have a run-time of 1 hour and 24 minutes, including extras. A new synopsis has also been released, courtesy of WrestlingDVDNews.com:

"This all-new original movie delivers endless action with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the rest of the gang! The mystery begins when Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania and convince the crew to go with them to WWE City.

But this city harbors a spooky secret – a ghastly Ghost Bear holds the town in his terrifying grip! To protect the coveted WWE Championship Title, the gang gets help from WWE Superstars like John Cena, Triple H, Sin Cara, Brodus Clay, AJ Lee, The Miz and Kane.

Watch Scooby and the gang grapple with solving this case before it's too late."

TNA Putting Stories Out About The Wolves & WWE

The Wolves, formerly the American Wolves, have signed with TNA. In regard to their WWE tryout, TNA sources were throwing out stories that the Wolves turned down a "longer tryout" with NXT to instead sign with TNA. As noted in PWInsider's Elite section, WWE sources indicated that Triple H dropped interest in the team after their NXT TV bout against the Ascension following a spot where Richards crashed down on the top of his head following a miscue. Hunter also had concerns regarding the attitude/behavior of Richards.

Trish Stratus and Lita Discuss Their WWE RAW Main Event In 2004, Talk Other Career Moments

Fans of TrishStratus.com recently voted for the top 10 moments between Trish Stratus and Lita. The two former Divas then commented on those moments. The #1 moment was their RAW main event in December 2004. Here's what they had to say:

Trish: "We were totally honored when we found out. We had worked our butts off to bring the level of our matches and the interest in our feud to this point, so it was like our hard work had paid off – we worked for that main event spot and we earned it – that felt great! We knew we had a huge responsibility to pull off something great. Thankfully, I have to say, it all came together quite easily for us considering the pressure. We had worked so many matches, we knew each other really well out there and the crowd was totally into it, which always creates a good environment to work in. One thing I do recall was our locker room was filled with a bunch of girls worrying about what to wear and Amy and I looked at each other and laughed because that was the last thing on our minds! I think we both wore the same outfit we wrestled in for the house shows that weekend! I guess what I'm saying is this is one match we knew people would be watching for more than what we were wearing."

Lita: "The timing of that match was great. Trish and I had been featured in the main event prior as a tag with Rocky and HHH, but this time was all ours. We were so thankful to be given the opportunity, but at the same time knew we could step up. We're both people that thrive on some pressure and a good challenge. So, that suicide dive... I remember Headbanger Mosh, or was it Thrasher, it was the one who was Beaver Cleavage, anyway, he was explaining to Trish that she needed to absorb me like a "venetian blind".... clear as day, right? Well let me tell you a Venetian blind at 6 plus feet and 200 plus pounds crumples a lot slower than a tiny Trish. At any rate, it was the most confused I've been after a bump. I had eyes on Trish, my feet didn't get caught on the rope, but when I landed it certainly didn't feel normal. We were on the narrow side of the ring and with her already bumping and having to aim so low it resulted in what I historically refer to as a scorpion bump. I don't recommend this, however, somehow I was totally fine. Watching it back I immediately sit straight up as in a "What the hell just happened, am I paralyzed type of thing?" I quickly realize I am not, but judging by the crowd reaction, it must have looked pretty bad. Good, that means I have an exaggerated 10 count to chill out, be thankful I am okay, and continue to rock Charlotte Coliseum as no two women have before or since."

Photo: Triple H & Stephanie McMahon NOH8 Campaign

NOH8 Campaign Photos at RAW

WWE Superstars are taking photos for the NOH8 campaign backstage at RAW today

Why Triple H is Just Like Jay-Z (What??)

By Richard Latta II

Triple H, and Jay-Z share more career parallels than one would think. After watching “Thy Kingdom Come” and worshipping Jay-Z for half of my life, I was struck with this idea. I know you may be thinking this is absurd, hear me out.

Humble beginnings : Triple H was Shawn Michaels (Biggie) & The Kliqs lackey in the beginning, as Jay-Z was a hype man to Big Daddy Kane, and was known to rap with the Notorious B.I.G from time to time. Part of a short lived super group that was broken up due to extenuating circumstances. D-Generation X = The Commission, Shawn’s Back Injury = Biggie’s death.

Rise : No one believed, (at least I didn’t) that Triple H could continue DX without Shawn Michaels. With Nas (Bret Hart) out of The Picture, (In WCW, Nas Dropping Questionable albums) few thought Jay-Z would take over New York rap. After being rebuffed by every major record label he created Rocafella Records along with friends Damon Dash & Kareem Burke. Rocafella = The New DX. Within each groups structure, each was able to show their own considerable talents and use it to launch themselves to a higher platform. Also, Chyna was the equivalent of Amil. Amil and Jay-Z were affliated a la Chyna/HHH, and were out of the picture by the time the dominance commenced.

Run Of Dominance : Jay-Z becoming a hip hop legend and creating his most memorable work (The Blueprint, The Black Album) in my eyes is equal to HHH becoming a main eventer, and certified star from Jan 00 to April 2001. The way each of them dismantled their respective groups (Jay-Z selling his shares/retiring/becoming an executive), and (HHH turning heel on his friends for greater opportunities, marrying into the McMahon family) brought out a groan from fans of both at the time, but with retrospect was the best decision for both.

Putting others on : Jay-Z was able to find young talent to help him extend his run and keep him fresh and make lots of $. Those talents became legends in their own rights. You may know them as Kanye West, Just Blaze, Rihanna, Rick Ross & J Cole. At the same time, Triple H was able to walk around the locker room and notice two young guys named Randy Orton and Batista. Being around HHH sped up the development of each of them and is looked at as one to credit for their success. Kanye West = Randy Orton. Watch The Throne/Blueprint 3 = Headlining a Wrestlemania with both Orton & Batista.

Setbacks : Retirement for Jay-Z and quad injuries for HHH, took some time off each mans career and made them more determined to comeback better than ever. This is where its even weirder. While HHH is still an elite level performer, they are no longer the square focus of the genre as new stars have come to define a new era. (John Cena, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan) The same can be said for Jay-Z.(Kanye West, Drake, Lil Wayne) Now he still releases huge albums, but there is a feeling like it isn’t the same as it once was.

Executive/Late Career Excellence/Caretaker Of The Genre : Both men ended up in charge of the companies they revolutionized and drew unfair criticism from those scorned by their rise. (Washed up rappers, friends turned foe, Disgruntled wrestlers, The IWC) Both married what seemed to be unattainable partners, as Beyonce always seemed like a dream for every heterosexual male and Stephanie broke the “No Dating Wrestlers” rule imposed by Vince. Jay-Z will pop out of no where with a Magna Carta Holy Grail, while HHH will steal the show at Wrestlemania as he’s done the last 3 years. HHH has an unreal amount of championship reigns, which come out to as many #1 albums Jay has had. Each man has taken to ensuring the next generation of stars is shown the right way and made sure each genre/sport is secure. Jay-Z with Roc Nation Management & HHH spearheading the WWE Performance center, which develops tomorrows talent today. Crazy.

source: the wrestling wall