Linda McMahon To Host NBC Exec Bonnie Hammer

Linda McMahon will host Bonnie Hammer, Chairman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group, to the Sacred Heart University series on "Women Can Have It All" on March 25th at 2pm in the Schine Auditorium at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Hammer has a long relationship with WWE, and she was instrumental in bringing WWF programming to the USA Network in the 80s.

"She just came in and rolled up her sleeves," Vince McMahon said of Hammer to The New York Times in 2011. "She taught us a lot about network quality writing, story arcs, character development. She really helped the overall brand."

Rhyno Talks How WWE NXT Deal Happened, Why He Was Released By WWE, More

Journey Of A Frontman recently interviewed Tommy Dreamer at House of Hardcore 8 last weekend. Below are some highlights:

His first NXT appearance coming out of nowhere:

"Yeah, it really came out of nowhere. I was just finishing up a loop one day and they're like, 'Hey, you wanna come down to NXT?' I'm like, 'Yeah.' That's all I've heard about, NXT this and NXT that from the fans. Really, if you're gonna make a splash, you want to do it where everybody's talking about."

His WWE release in 2005:

"Well I was released from WWE for a little incident, but it's not a secret. It involved alcohol and I was going through a difficult time in my life. Alcohol wasn't an issue, I just happened to be drinking. And I was very irresponsible. As a man, you have to take responsibility for your actions. Every action. There was no physicality, I just threw a flower pot. I laugh at it now and my ex-wife laughs at it now. But like I said, you have to be a man and stand up. No matter what was said or done, there is no excuse for the behavior. And when you behave, you have to be responsible. I understand what I had to do, I had to work hard and work towards the indies. We already had the One Night Stand booked and I fulfilled my commitment with that. They wanted me to honor that commitment and we did good business.

"We professionally parted ways. They were good on their part and did everything as far as they were contractually obligated to, they did not try to mess around or anything. It was just one of those things where it was a very good learning experience. But it was a good situation for me. I made it a good situation by learning from the mistake and that mistake becomes an error, then I move forward in my career. I put my nose to the grindstone and worked to keep my career going. I moved forward, there's no dispute about it. I began to create some good memories like working with 'The Monster' Abyss, he's a great talent. I worked on the independents and developed a great relationship with the fans. I met and interacted with them, one on one, on a smaller intimate level. You have that time and you have that ability. When you're doing the bigger venues, it's harder because there's so many more fans and it can get chaotic."

Rhyno talked more about NXT, what it means to him, Brian Kendrick making his NXT debut, working his first match in NXT and more. You can check out the full interview by clicking here.

Were Some Accusations Against Bill DeMott Exaggerated?, More Backstage Talk From WWE Developmental

While most of the accusations against former WWE NXT trainer Bill DeMott that have came out are from early 2013, some of the stories dated back to his first run as developmental coach that ended in 2007. Issues with DeMott are one of the reasons why WWE had cameras installed in the Performance Center and why all practices are filmed. The company wanted video proof to defend themselves with in case there were any potential lawsuits in the future. As noted, WWE officials are expecting lawsuits to come out of the DeMott controversy.

The issues with DeMott were no secret among people within the company and many were surprised that he still had a job. There was a feeling that the controversy was a timebomb that could go off at any time and it did.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that a number of people who were around developmental then note now that most of the stories from Austin Matelson (Judas Devlin) were true but some were exaggerated. WWE noted in their statement that they completed a full investigation into Matelson's accusations and the way they handled that investigation was heavily criticized among people close to developmental, at least the ones that are talking.

WWE NXT From Columbus

Next week’s episode of WWE NXT will feature footage from the Arnold Sports Festival that was taped last weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The episode will air at 8/7c on Wednesday on the WWE Network.

Backstage Jealousy Between Triple H and Bill Demott, Which NXT Superstar is in the Middle of This?

There are certain stories that have begun to have some light shed on it regarding Bill Demott, Triple H and current NXT Champion Kevin Owens.

Bill Demott was the agent for the Owens vs. CJ Parker match at NXT R-Evolution and was said to be unhappy with how the match went.

Demott was heard being upset with how the match was finalized and booked, including Owens doing a flip from the ring to the floor.

Demott reportedly complained to Triple H about the match and Triple H just said to let Owens do what he wants.

This led to a lot of jealousy and heat from many in the company, especially since most of the talent is managed under a microscope and told not to wrestle “indie style.”

Lawsuits Expected to Be Filed Against WWE Following Bill DeMott Resignation, Backstage Update on Talents Speaking Out & More

According to F4WOnline.com, WWE is likely expecting lawsuits to be filed against the company following the recent NXT training controversy and subsequent resignation of Bill DeMott.

This is one of the reasons WWE was very careful not to admit any guilt or wrong doing in statements made regarding DeMott. It’s also speculated that DeMott received a very substantial severance package from WWE, one that likely includes a non-disclosure agreement, hence DeMott publicly maintaining no wrong doing. DeMott recently turned down an interview with NBC Orlando.

With regards to talents speaking out against DeMott, it’s being said several WWE employees were aware of the complaints, but did not expect so many people to go public with them since most wrestlers dream of one day returning to WWE.

It’s also being said that while they were under contract to WWE, some of the talents now speaking out against DeMott claimed the stories about him were untrue when asked by WWE officials.

Is Triple H preparing to conquer the indies with his NXT brand?

Today's WWE is like a modern day tale of two cities for hardcore fans. There is despair at the narrative dissonance of WWE's cable programming and Vince McMahon being out of touch with what online fans want from wrestling, which has led to arguably the weakest WrestleMania build in company history. But there are also seeds of hope, as Triple H has carved out a cult following for his NXT brand on the WWE Network by showcasing the athleticism of the best young workers WWE has under developmental contract without stifling their creativity by avoiding the illogical storylines and tight scripting often seen on the main roster.

The rising popularity of NXT was overwhelmingly proven last weekend when they quickly sold out their first two house shows outside the state of Florida and both events were very well received by the fans in attendance. After that success, unsurprisingly there are now rumours that Triple H is making preparations to start taking NXT on the road more often, eventually leading to regular touring, especially in independent wrestling hotbeds like the Northeast and California.

Signs pointing in that direction include:

Aggressively pursuing the top workers left out there on the indy scene. For example, Dragon Gate's Uhaa Nation is believed to be heading to NXT soon after having his last match with the Japanese promotion, whilst there are rumours that Ring Of Honor's Samoa Joe and The Briscoes will soon be NXT bound too.

Bringing in well respected veterans like Brian Kendrick and Rhyno to recent NXT tapings, who could be used to fill out cards when they start touring regularly.

Increasingly building the brand around former Japanese and ROH wrestling stars like Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Finn Bálor and Hideo Itami.

Sending out a WWE Fan Council survey today to members of their mailing list about NXT, which asked questions about ticket pricing for house shows, whether they would travel to such events, how much NXT merchandise they would be willing to buy, which independent wrestling promotions they follow, and which non-WWE wrestlers would they like to see in NXT. Clearly, the purpose of this survey was to gauge fan demand for NXT live events outside of their homebase of Florida.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com even foresees a scenario where Triple H conquers the indies with his NXT brand in a similar fashion to how his father-in-law Vince McMahon conquered the territories when he expanded the WWF out of the Northeast in the mid-1980s:

"I was told the company has holds on potential venues for as soon as May, but they haven't decided 100% when to launch touring. It should be very interesting to see how the touring, when it takes place, changes the landscape for the larger independent companies as they'll be in the same market and in some cases, the same venues and could potentially cannibalize the independents' fan base by taking a piece of their pie away the same way WWF changed the territories when they expanded nationally in the 1980s. Nothing is out of the question in this scenario until we see how the touring plans shake out and whether it changes how independents in those markets draw in the wake of the NXT live events being added to the markets."

It is known that in recent years WWE has been upset at independent wrestling promotions like ROH piggybacking off the success of WrestleMania by holding their own events in the area over WrestleMania weekend, and have even attempted to block them out of running shows near Levi's Stadium this year. So WWE will have no qualms about taking a big chunk out of their business by competing directly with them using NXT tours, even if there is no concerted effort to run them out of business.

Backstage News from Monday's Talent Meeting, WWE Wants Talents to Bring Problems to Officials

At the talent meeting before Monday's RAW in Pittsburgh, WWE officials told the talents that if they have any issues, they can bring them to officials.

The statement was made to the talents that if they have any issues or problems, they are to bring them to the company's attention right away and not let them go on to be brought up later. The company wants talents to come right to them and talk to them about their problems, whether they are personal or work-related issues. WWE made it clear that they have more than enough people that are willing to help talents out with their issues. It was also said that they are here for the wrestlers and appreciate everything they do for the company.

Bill DeMott or the recent controversies from developmental were not brought up in the meeting.

Connor 'The Crusher' Michalek To Receive Warrior Award At 2015 WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

WWE fan Connor Michalek to receive first-ever Warrior Award at 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Connor Michalek, a Pittsburgh native and passionate WWE fan who passed away last year from cancer, will be the first-ever recipient of the Warrior Award, which will be presented each year at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Warrior Award will be given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior. This year, the award will be presented by The Ultimate Warrior's widow, Dana Warrior, and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan to Steve Michalek, Connor's father.

With the love of his family and WWE Superstars, as well as the tremendous care by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Connor battled cancer like a true warrior for as long as he could, and his charisma made him a local celebrity in Pittsburgh. Connor's spirit inspired WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul "Triple H" Levesque to launch "Connor's Cure," a fund dedicated to furthering Pediatric cancer research. Donations can be made by visiting givetochildrens.org/CONNORSCURE.

"On behalf of my family, we are truly humbled and honored that WWE will present an award in my husband's name each year at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony," said Dana Warrior. "Connor displayed all of the positive traits that Warrior stood for, and he is the perfect recipient for this inaugural award. I am sure that Warrior is smiling today, knowing that this award is being given to a true warrior."

"My family is forever grateful for the gift that WWE, its Superstars, Divas and executives gave to Connor," said Steve Michalek. "They made him smile and encouraged him to continue fighting. His visits backstage, and his time in the ring with Daniel Bryan, brought Connor true joy and undoubtedly extended his life, giving us more time with him. Now, with this award and Connor's Cure, Connor's legacy will live on."

"Connor Michalek had a profound impact on so many people," said McMahon. "His spirit and love of life were so strong, you would have never known he was sick. I can think of no better way to honor Connor, than by recognizing him with our highest honor, the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, as a Warrior."

Total Divas Season Finale Recap

Video: Triple H and Arnold Schwarzenegger discuss the significance of the International Sports Hall of Fame

Paul "Triple H" Levesque Inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame

Paul "@TripleH" Levesque is worthy of his induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame. #MySonInLaw #ASF2015

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) March 7, 2015