WWE Royal Rumble Twitter TV Ratings

Sunday's WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view ranked #3 on Nielsen's Twitter TV Ratings, trailing The Grammys and The Bachelor". Nielsen calculated a "unique audience" of 2.430 million for The Rumble, which Nielsen describes as the total number of Twitter accounts generating at least one tweet pertaining to a specific show. The total number of impressions was 27.082 million, which was more than The Bachelor.

The Next Inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame Is...

Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Click here for more.

WrestleMania Axxess Signing Schedule

TICKETS
Tickets for WrestleMania Axxess go on sale Saturday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT and will be available on Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

ATTRACTIONS
This year's WrestleMania Axxess experience includes Superstar signings, photo opportunities, Superstar Q&A sessions, memorabilia displays, WWE Shop and much more. Check back soon for a full list of attractions!

SUPERSTAR SIGNING DATES & TIMES
Thursday, April 3 — 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

Friday, April 4 — 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

Saturday, April 5
Session 1: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Session 2: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Session 3: 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

Sunday, April 6
Session 1: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS — $45*
General admission tickets include:

Autographs and professional photos with WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends
Enjoy viewing matches, Q&As and contests in the main ring

VIP TICKETS — $95*
VIP tickets include:

Autograph and professional photo with a VIP WWE Superstar
Exclusive VIP line at the event entrance
(1) 8x10 glossy photo of the appearing Superstar

VIP SIGNING SCHEDULES
Thursday, April 3
6 p.m. – Randy Orton
8 p.m. – Bret Hart


Saturday, April 5
Session 1:
10 a.m. – Daniel Bryan

Session 2:
1 p.m. – Big Show

Session 3:
6 p.m. – CM Punk
8 p.m. – Sheamus

Sunday, April 6
8 a.m. – Bruno Sammartino
10 a.m. – Rey Mysterio
12 p.m. – Shawn Michaels

PREMIUM VIP TICKETS — $175*
Premium VIP tickets include:

Autograph and professional photo with a Premium VIP WWE Superstar
Exclusive VIP line at the event entrance
(1) 8x10 glossy photo of the appearing Superstar
(1) Copy of the "WWE 50" book: Celebrating 50 Years of Sports Entertainment

PREMIUM VIP SIGNING SCHEDULES
Friday, April 4
6 p.m. – John Cena
8 p.m. – Batista

Saturday, April 5
3 p.m. – The Undertaker
Children two years old and younger are FREE.

*Prices are PER SESSION and do not include applicable fees

WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results

TNA Inducting Kurt Angle Into Their Hall of Fame Next Month In London

TNA announced the following today:

Kurt Angle is to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame during the company’s trip to the UK and Ireland for its MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.

Olympic Gold Medalist and IMPACT WRESTLING Superstar Kurt announced the news earlier today during an appearance on the popular Sunday Brunch TV show, shown on Channel 4. Hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, it is watched by more than one million people.

Angle will be inducted to the prestigious TNA Hall of Fame this Saturday, February 1, during the London leg of the Tour at Wembley Arena. A limited number of seats remain available for what will be a historic event. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigsandtours.com/tour/tna-wrestling or direct from the Wembley Arena box office.

Angle said: “There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready. I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”

The star recently listed London as one of the top 10 wrestling cities in the world and added: “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”

Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.

Angle, who was a collegiate champion and won a Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, seamlessly transitioned from his domination as an amateur wrestler to being a professional wrestling phenomenon.

The only Olympic Gold Medalist in the history of professional wrestling, Angle created incredible buzz when in 2006 he joined TNA. Kurt is one of the most decorated champions in TNA history having won every major championship including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship five times.

Known as the “Cyborg”, Angle is venerated for his physicality, revered for his tenacity and esteemed for his leadership inside and outside of the ring. Among Angle’s numerous awards and accolades, perhaps most profound is the recognition he often receives among his colleagues as the best professional wrestler of all time; a man of solid character and great leadership who dedicates himself to the sport and its fans.

“I am privileged to be a witness to the Kurt Angle story. His influence on wrestling is unrivaled in this sport, or any other,” said TNA Executive Vice President John Gaburick. “TNA is grateful for Kurt’s continued devotion and contributions to our organisation, this business and to the fans.”

In addition to witnessing Angle’s induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, fans attending the Wembley Arena event will be part of a live taping of the weekly IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast, viewed by millions in more than 120 countries around the world.

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.