Forbes has a new article on the WWE Network at this link. They point out that WWE spent $75 million over the past two years to make the Network happen. WWE estimates it will eventually reach 2 to 4 million subscribers but Robert Routh, director of equity research at National Alliance Capital Markets, believes that number is low. He said, "I think the company is smartly being conservative. It has large global fan base, and it's continuing to grow. In the long term I think the network could attract millions more, perhaps up to 6 to 8 million subscribers."
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February 28, 2014
With new online network, WWE hopes to pile-drive its doubters
February 27, 2014
Triple H Q&A Highlights: Who Would He Face from NXT?, Tyler Breeze, Adrian Neville, More
Below are some highlights from Triple H's Twitter Q&A this afternoon to promote WWE NXT Arrival:
Would you consider Arrival the WrestleMania of NXT? everyone here has been saying it feels just like a WrestleMania. So, I would say yes.
If you could face anyone from NXT, who would it be? good question. I would have to say Neville and Zayn. Both awesome. Future of #WWE.
Can we expect to see some talent move up to the main roster soon after tonight? it's all about timing and making sure it's the right moment to succeed.
What do you think of Tyler Breeze? always had the talent. Finally found the formula. I see big things in his future.
Would you encourage your daughters to go into the wrestling business? I would support anything they wanted to do. If it's WWE, then absolutely!
Do you train any of the rookies or have any favorites? work with them as much as I can when I'm here. No favorites. Want them all the succeed.
Why isn't Adrian Neville on RAW? when he has the most chance to succeed, he will be.
What is the most innovating and compelling aspect of the WWE Performance Center? from a learning and safety stance, the crash pad ring will add years to careers!
What do you think is most important to have first - the look, the mic skills or in-ring ability? I would take charisma over anything. It is the one thing you can't teach.
Can we get a Best of NXT DVD? once we have enough to fill one. BTW it's called @WWENetwork
Is NXT the only platform WWE will look at talent or will you still keep an eye on the indies? we look for talent any place, any time, any where!
February 26, 2014
WWE Studios to Remake French Comedy ‘Queens of the Ring’
After partnering with Warner Bros. on the French production “Les Reines Du Ring,” which was released theatrically in the country last summer, WWE Studios has acquired U.S. distribution and worldwide remake rights to the comedy.
Jean-Marc Rudnicki directed the film about a mother attempting to reconnect with her estranged son who is a passionate WWE fan. To grab her son’s attention, she embarks on a rigorous training program to become a WWE Diva and enlists her colleagues at a supermarket to join her journey to become the “Queens of the Ring.”
Fabrice Goldstein, Antoine Rein and Thomas Langmann (“The Artist”), produced the comedy, that starred Marilou Berry, Nathalie Baye, Andre Dussollier, Audrey Fleurot, and featured WWE stars Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and Eve Torres.
“We are excited to acquire distribution and remake rights to a wonderfully entertaining comedy like ‘Queens of the Ring,’” said Michael Luisi, president of WWE Studios. “This film gives WWE Studios the opportunity to introduce a feel good story to a broad audience, while serving up a film we know our core fans will also enjoy.”
Bradley Buchanan, senior VP of business affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios.
Warner Bros. and WWE Studios are also behind “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery,” out on homevideo on March 25, followed by an animated “Flintstones” film.
Upcoming projects for WWE Studios also include a big screen adaptation of the TV show “The Fall Guy” set to star Dwayne Johnson, with Hyde Park Entertainment; the Aaron Eckhart horror thriller “Incarnate,” with Blumhouse Prods.; sequels to “Jingle All the Way” and “The Marine” with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment; abd “Leprechaun: Origins,” starring WWE’s Hornswoggle, which Lionsgate will release in August, and the Soska Sisters’ “See No Evil 2″ in October.
Rumor Mill - Two Indy Stars Are Set For WWE NXT Tryouts
Roderick Strong & Kevin Steen are reportedly confirmed to attend the WWE NXT tryout camp according to The Wrestling Observer. They are penciled in to attend from March 24th to March 26th. If they impress enough, obviously they will then be offered a contract with the WWE.
Triple H Holding Twitter Q&A
Triple H will be holding a Q&A session, via Twitter, tomorrow afternoon, to hype the NXT Arrival special airing on the WWE Network. For the Q&A tomorrow, fans can send questions to @TripleH between 3pm EST and 3:30pm EST using the hashtag #NXTArRIVAL.
HHH Conducts NXT Arrival & Performance Center Conference Call: Praises Cesaro/Zayn, Talks Arrival Special Details, How Developmental Works, What Happens When Vince is Done?, The Future of NXT & How Developmental Has Changed with the Launch of the Performance Center, More
Triple H conducted a conference call this afternoon regarding the WWE NXT Arrival special airing live on the WWE Network tomorrow, and he also discussed the latest news regarding the WWE Performance Center. The following are conference call highlights:
Triple H opened the call stating that it's a great time to be a WWE fan with the Network launch, and with the NXT Arrival special tomorrow it's a great time to be a "wrestling" fan, as taboo of a word as that might be.
HHH recalled sitting on a plane with Hulk Hogan the other night and catching up on memories of the past 30 years in WWE. He said it's amazing that 30 years later WWE is once again rolling the dice with The WWE Network.
Tomorrow's NXT Arrival special will air completely live on the Network at 8pm EST, with a pre-show taking place at 7:30pm consisting of a panel including Bret Hart, Kevin Nash and Paul Heyman. HHH noted that he wanted legendary personalities to appear on the panel who are critical of pro wrestling and will offer their opinions of NXT from the heart, as opposed to what someone is telling them to say.
In terms of up and coming talent and the Arrival special tomorrow night, HHH praised Cesaro as an up and comer, and he's a name that fans can expect to see "explode." HHH also put over NXT star Sami Zayn (who Cesaro will be facing tomorrow night), and noted Zayn's rich history in pro wrestling.
As far as the NXT product is concerned, Triple H said that in general he likes to keep NXT simpler and more pure, focusing more on the in-ring aspect of the show.
The conference call was then opened up for a Q&A session. Click here are some of those highlights.
WWE Returns to Madison Square Garden
WWE returns to Madison Square Garden for a WWE Live Event on March 8th. The updated card features Daniel Bryan vs. Kane with Triple H at ringside, John Cena and Batista vs. Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton and The New Age Outlaws vs. Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. The Uso's.
February 25, 2014
MLBAM: WWE Network demand exceeded anything in history
Variety.com has a new article looking at the high demand of sign-ups for the WWE Network yesterday (2/24) on its launch. The tech partner of the WWE Network, MLB Advanced Media, said that the initial demand for the network far exceeded anything they had seen in their history and overloaded their e-commerce processing system. WWE and MLB Advanced Media reps both said that the problems were fixed with the processing system by mid-afternoon.
To view the full article, click here.
Update: John Cena injury part of storyline on 2/24 RAW
Multiple wrestling media sources are reporting that the John Cena knee injury during last night's 2/24 WWE RAW was not legitimate and instead part of a storyline. Cena leaving on a stretcher was originally planned for the segment and WWE wanted to push viewers to the WWE RAW post-show on the WWE Network to get a "medical update" on Cena instead of giving one during the live RAW broadcast.
WWE.com has yet to give an update on Cena as of this writing.
sources: pwinsider.com & pwtorch.com
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
