Vince McMahon apologizes for WWE Network UK delay

Earlier today, WWE.com posted a video of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon apologizing to UK fans for the delayed launch of the WWE Network in the UK that was slated to take place this past Monday (11/3). The video is only being made available on WWE.com to those who have a UK-based IP address, but the following is a transcript of McMahon's apology to UK fans:

"On behalf of WWE, I want to personally apologize for the delayed launch of WWE Network here in the United Kingdom. There's no one more important than each and every one of you in the WWE Universe, especially here in the United Kingdom, where we've shared so many great memories together. We appreciate your patience as we work through the details in the roll-out and potential partnerships. I assure you that we are working day and night to launch WWE Network as quickly as possible. And I promise that WWE Network will be well worth the wait. Again, thank you for your understanding."

Sky TV Comments On WWE Network UK Issues

It was reported that the WWE Network UK launch was delayed at the last minute due to negotiation issues with Sky. Sky has denied this on social media today. They are telling customers that it was WWE's decision to delay the launch and that the WWE Network is an independent service that they won't be providing. F4Wonline.com reports that WWE sources close to the situation insist that it was the ongoing talks with Sky that delayed the launch.

Video: Triple H has an interesting proposition for The Showoff

Video: The Chairman returns to Raw to make a momentous Survivor Series announcement

Top WWE Executive Allegedly Makes Racist Remarks Around WWE Employees

Why The UK WWE Network Launch Was Delayed Today

WWE was expected to launch the WWE Network today for fans in the UK. Within the hour of the launch, WWE announced via social media that the launch has been delayed until further notice.

WZ spoke with sources inside WWE who have informed us the delay was caused by a legal matter with Sky Sports.

For those unfamiliar, Sky Sports is the carrier of WWE pay-per-view content in The UK. A 2015 contract had already been negotiated upon for the distribution and payment of the WWE PPV’s. It seems Sky Sports has been disputing WWE over the legalities of the Network and its interference on their agreed upon deal. This has been the cause of the numerous delays for the information and launching in the UK stemming back to the original 10/1 launch date.

What is not yet clear is the probable communication breakdown with WWE announcing a launch to happen today, and then at the last minute having to delay it, again, appearing to be caused by Sky Sports.

A source in WWE told us the company could buyout the deal with Sky Sports but it would be a costly hit and potentially not worth it financially considering the Network hasn’t had as much financial success anywhere in the world as originally hoped.

Specifically, the new deal between WWE and BSkyB mandates all WWE PPV events will air on Sky Sports Box Office. Up until this year, 4 pay-per-views would air on Sky Sports at no extra charge for people who have the channel, while the remaining shows were on Sky Box Office at £14.95 per event.

We’re hoping to bring you more information as soon as we get it, but it should be noted that WWE is just as unhappy about the launch delay as the fans are. This is not something WWE just decided to do because the company was unprepared, the impression given to us was Sky Sports got involved and WWE was left unable to launch the Network.

Recap of Daniel Bryan on SI: Bryan Talks Current Injury Status, Why He’s Unable to Return, His WrestleMania 31 Status & More

Injured WWE star Daniel Bryan appeared via phone call on Sports Illustrated Now earlier today.

Bryan spoke on a number of topics, including his recent appearance at the San Francisco Giants World Series parade, and how it felt to have 14,000 fans all around him doing a “yes” chant.

Bryan described the feeling as surreal, and the show hosts noted the new Sports Illustrated cover will feature the Giants celebrating their big win with the headline reading “Yes! Yes! Yes!” The hosts also noted the cover will be shown on Raw tonight.

With regards to his in-ring status, Daniel Bryan says he’s unable to return to the ring because he has not regained full strength in his right hand, and that can be dangerous to both him and his opponents if he returns too soon.

Bryan said he’s not in any pain but doctors are having trouble figuring out how to get his strength back.

Bryan was asked about WrestleMania 31 and he said he will be heartbroken if he can’t compete. Bryan added they are hoping he will be ready for the big PPV but he will be disappointed if he’s not able to perform.

Bo Dallas suffers foot injury, out 6-8 weeks

WWE.com released the following statement today announcing that WWE star Bo Dallas will be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks with a foot injury:

"WWE.com has learned that Bo Dallas has suffered an injury to his left foot. As a result, Dallas is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks. Stay with WWE.com as more updates on Dallas become available."

WWE Network Delays UK Launch at the Last Minute

The WWE Network was scheduled to launch at 8pm London time tonight but it won't be happening. WWE Network tweeted the following today, less than 30 minutes before the launch in the UK:

"The launch of @WWENetwork in the U.K. has been delayed until further notice."

WWE denies rumors that Undertaker has taken a backstage job at ‘NXT’, won’t comment on rumors of retirement

WWE has denied the Undertaker has taken a new backstage role with ‘NXT,’ despite reports to the contrary.

“The reports are inaccurate,” a spokesperson told The Washington Post. The spokesperson had no further comment when pressed about whether ‘Taker was in talks with ‘NXT’ about a position, nor did the spokesperson comment about the rumors of retirement.

John Cena Grants Wish To Maryland Boy

Below is from prweb.com and The Kids Wish Network, which talks about John Cena granting a wish to a boy in Maryland.

Josh Whaley has been a dedicated WWE fan for years; it is one thing that can distract him from his illness. Josh was diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome when he was only 1 years old. Crouzon’s is a genetic birth disorder characterized by the premature joining of certain bones in the skull during development. It affects the shape of the head and face and can cause a variety of development issues.

So far, Josh has suffered through 15 facial surgeries, each requiring flying to an out-of-state facility. Josh required a shunt after the first two surgeries and is monitored closely as the shunt could eventually cause another life-threatening disorder, spina bifida. The teen also suffers from bowel problems and a loss of hearing in one ear, and he faces more surgeries in the future.

Kids Wish Network sent Josh and his family on an exciting New York City experience where he got to meet Superstar John Cena before a WWE RAW event. While waiting for John Cena to make his appearance, Josh got to meet many other WWE Wrestlers and Divas as well.

“Josh’s eyes kept lighting up when another wrestler would turn the corner,” recalls mom Anjolene. “He kept correcting all of us on facts about each one.”

WWE Comments On Current Lawsuits Against Them

In regard to current lawsuits filed against the company, WWE stated:

On July 26, 2014, the Company received notice of a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Warren Ganues and Dominic Varriale, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios, alleging violations of federal securities laws based on certain statements relating to the negotiation of WWE’s domestic television license. The complaint seeks certain unspecified damages. A nearly identical lawsuit was filed one month later entitled Curtis Swanson, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios. Both lawsuits are purported securities class actions subject to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). On September 23-24, five putative plaintiffs filed motions to be appointed lead plaintiff and to consolidate the two cases pursuant to the PSLRA. The Company joined the motion for consolidation made by the putative lead plaintiffs. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.

On October 25, 2014, the Company received notice of a purported class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, entitled William Albert Haynes III, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. alleging, among other things, that the Company concealed and denied medical research and evidence concerning traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE’s performers. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.

In addition to the foregoing, we are involved in several other litigations and claims that we consider to be in the ordinary course of our business. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known but the Company does not currently expect this litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We may from time to time become a party to other legal proceedings.