Rumor Mill - WWE Bringing in Big Names for Network Launch

According to F4WOnline.com, WWE is considering bringing in some big names, possibly Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman and Shawn Michaels, for the WWE Network launch on the night after The Elimination Chamber PPV.

While there has been speculation that Hulk Hogan will return to WWE at The Royal Rumble PPV on Sunday, he is expected to make his return the night of the Network launch as well to help hype the launch.

TNA Announces Return to Universal Studios For Post-Lockdown TV Tapings, PPV Event Added

TNA has announced that it will be returning to Universal Studios in Florida for TV tapings after the Lockdown PPV in March. The calendar of tapings includes a PPV event, however it's unknown which PPV it will be, although it appears as if it might be a live event as the night before a One Night Only event is being taped, and April 27th is a Sunday night.

TNA has also said it wlll be releasing more news regarding its relationship with Universal Studios in the near future.

Below is the schedule:

MARCH 13 – IMPACT LIVE
MARCH 14 – IMPACT Taping
MARCH 15 – IMPACT Taping
APRIL 10 – IMPACT LIVE
APRIL 11 – IMPACT Taping
APRIL 12 – IMPACT Taping
APRIL 26 – One Night Only Taping
APRIL 27 – TNA Pay-Per-View Event
APRIL 28 – IMPACT Taping
APRIL 29 – IMPACT Taping
MAY 7 – IMPACT Taping
MAY 8 – IMPACT Taping
MAY 9 – IMPACT Taping

WWE Network coming to Apple TV, company executive suggests

Earlier this year, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) held a press conference to announce that it will be bringing its wrestling content to television and mobile devices via a new WWE Network. At the event, WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing officer Michelle Wilson announced hardware partners and that the network will provide its content via a 24/7 stream that costs $9.99 per month.

Wilson said that the network would become available on a slew of devices, including iOS devices, Android devices, Rokus, Amazon Kindle devices, Xbox hardware, and PlayStations. Rounding out the list of supported devices, Wilson said, is “a connected device that I am not allowed to mention at this press conference…”

The only major connected TV device not explicitly announced to support WWE is the Apple TV set-top-box, leading us to believe that the secret supporting product is the Apple TV. It is widely known that Apple enjoys controlling all aspects of its products, right down to the content makers that it works with. In addition to that speculation, audience attendees were given Apple TVs in special WWE packaging.

When Wilson made her statement about the device she is “not allowed to mention,” an attendee in the front of the auditorium raised up the gifted Apple TV. In response, Wilson said, “you got the joke, I love it.” The WWE Network officially launches on February 24th, so perhaps the channel will show up on Apple TV boxes on or around that date. Another possibility is that the WWE is looking to be a launch partner for Apple’s upcoming Apple TV successor.

Yesterday, we reported that sources have indicated that Apple has a revamped Apple TV set-top-box in the works. We have been told that the new product will likely be introduced in the first half of 2014 and that new downloadable content types (such as applications) is a strong possibility for inclusion.

Last year, Apple added several new content channels to the Apple TV, including Bloomberg News, MLS Soccer, new Disney offerings, Watch ABC, and Vevo. We’ve previously published an extensive profile regarding how Apple and content providers work together on new Apple TV channels. Phone calls and emails to the WWE have not been returned.

source: 9to5mac.com

CM Punk Talks About His WWE Contract Expiring, the Michelle Beadle Incident, More

CM Punk did an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com. Here are some highlights from the interview:

* While we may know who Punk is facing at WrestleMania XXX, he says a lot can change in six weeks.

* His current contract expires in July and he hasn't spoke to anyone about a new deal yet. Punk said his boss changes every few months and he doesn't know who his current boss is. He said everything is up in the air regarding his future with WWE. He said three years ago, he was 100% out of the door and to avoid repeating himself, he's going to say "he doesn't know."

* He talked about having an open line to Vince McMahon and them both being insomniacs texting each other at 4am.

* He asked Vince if he could induct The Ultimate Warrior into the Hall of Fame but doesn't believe he will get to. He said popular opinion is that Hulk Hogan will induct Warrior.

* He was critical of The Rock returning but doesn't feel the same about Batista because Batista is back "for the long haul."

* He said the drama with AJ Lee and Michelle Beadle was a "bunch of horseshit." He thought he and Beadle were friends and backstage at the Tribute to the Troops, she walked past him "with a group of women" and said "some disrespectful shit" and "I was like, whoa." Punk said "his girlfriend" (AJ Lee) went to Beadle and the same group of women and introduced herself and pulled her aside and told her not to speak that way to her boyfriend and Beadle said, "OK." Punk was asked how something like that leaks out and he said that he doesn't know. He said that it was made out to be salacious and that's why it was picked up. Punk said what Beadle said was, "What's up fuckface" before high-fiving the girl next to her.

* He's not sure if he will be excited about the WWE Network "until he gets his PPV checks."

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.