WWE And ESPN Sued Over Unpaid Likeness Usage, WWE Responds

TMZ broke the news today that Tommy Gilbert, acting on behalf of his son Eddie's estate, and his younger son Doug Gilbert filed a lawsuit against both WWE and ESPN recently. Both brothers appear on the Global Wrestling Federation shows that air on ESPN Classic in the United States as well as in numerous matches throughout the libraries WWE owns, as well as in the WWE Encyclopedia coffee table book. WWE Network's video on demand library includes various matches of both brothers, with some of Doug's being in the Dark Patriot gimmick in ECW.

Essentially, the Gilberts are arguing they never gave permission for WWE or ESPN to use their likenesses and have not been compensated for it. To quote the complaint, which WrestlingInc obtained:

"While they performed live, neither of the Gilberts signed contracts or gave permission to WWE or ESPN to use recordings of the Gilberts' names or likenesses. The defendants have impermissibly and in violation of the Gilberts' rights of privacy shown recordings of past wrestling matches that use and display the Gilberts' names and likenesses. Additionally, Defendants have violated the Gilberts' rights of privacy by using the Gilberts' names and likenesses through other media. Neither Doug Gilbert nor Eddie Gilbert has received compensation for the Defendants' use of the Gilberts' names and likenesses. Accordingly, the Gilberts seek compensation and all other damages to which they are entitled based on Defendants violation of the Gilberts' rights of privacy."

The Gilberts are not seeking to block use of the footage; instead, they just want to be paid the compensation they feel they're due. Meanwhile, WWE made a statement to TMZ:

“Through the years, WWE has acquired the legal rights to library footage of various former wrestling organizations including Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Mid-Southern Wrestling among many others. WWE has made these substantial investments to acquire these copyrighted works and has the legal right to use them. Similar cases in the past have been unsuccessful and we expect this case to be dismissed.”

While the suit was filed just over a month ago, it looks like it didn't break until now because it was filed in a local court not tracked by much media. This past week, WWE and ESPN filed a joint notice of removal to federal court, so it became much easier to find the records online if you were searching for WWE-related cases. In the notice of removal, WWE cites their success in similar lawsuits filed in the past by Ricky Steamboat and Doug Somers, while ESPN notes they prevailed in a 2013 lawsuit from Steve "Wild Thing" Ray (who appeared in Herb Abrams' UWF shows that were rebroadcast on ESPN Classic).

World Academy Hosts 5th Annual Gordon B. Ouellette Memorial Scholarship Gala on May 8th

World Academy is hosting its 5th annual Gordon B. Ouellette (GBO) Scholarship Fund Gala on Friday, May 8th 2015 from 7-11pm in the World Academy Gymnasium/Theater Complex. The GBO Scholarship Fund directly supports community and World Academy students by providing tuition assistance and scholarships to support those that add quality to the student body but might not otherwise be able to attend the school.

Paul's sister, Lynn is a Director at the school. Gordon Ouellette was Paul's brother-in-law. He passed away on February 4, 2008 of a heart attack.

Head of School, Kathy Nelson, looks forward to this night of fun and fellowship all year. “Especially as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary, this is a milestone opportunity for World Academy families, teachers, and the community at large to celebrate with us and gather in support of this worthy cause. Over the last 6 years we have funded over a million dollars worth of scholarships and tuition assistance in support of our mission. Having this fund allows us to maintain a diverse and vibrant student body. Every year I am amazed by what the Gala Committee is able to do in support of this endeavor. It promises to be a spirited evening!”

Starting at 7pm, the Gala features a live and silent auction, buffet dinner, student and alumni performances, and celebrity auctioneers. This year’s live auction will be co-hosted by Paul Levesque, WWE’s Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Levesque of the McMahon Dynasty.

A sample of this year’s Auction items include:

1. A WWE VIP Experience Package for 4 to WWE Live, May 22nd at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH.

2. A Private Dinner for 10 Prepared by Personal Chef, Janet Barsorian.

3. A Day of Fishing with Professional Bass Fisherman, Ryan Cooper.

Tickets for the event are $50/per-person or $450 for a table of 10. They are available by calling 603.888.1982 or by stopping by the Front Desk at the World Academy campus at 138 Spit Brook Road in Nashua.

Scott Hall Shouts Out Wale For Redskins Draft Day Party Appearance

Two of Wale’s passions collided Wednesday afternoon, as the Washington, D.C., native was first announced as a performer for the team’s Draft Day Party.

Then, the diehard wrestling fan got some congrats thrown his way from “The Bad Guy” himself, as former WWE and WCW star Scott Hall tweeted at him.

For those of you who might not know Hall, or understand Wale’s passion for pro wrestling, here’s a quick recap.

Hall started in WWE as Razor Ramon, or as “The Bad Guy,” before being a founding member of the infamous New World Order (NWO) group with Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.

Wale, meanwhile, tweets about pro wrestling all the time and was even at Wrestlemania last month in Santa Clara, Calif., where he met Hall himself.

source: redskins.com

WWE Sends Cease & Desist Letter to Steve Austin’s Online Store

According to a report from PWInsider.com, WWE officials sent a cease and desist letter to ProWrestlingTees.com shortly after WrestleMania, ordering them to remove certain items from the official store of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

While the former WWE Champion maintains that there’s little-to-no heat between him and the company, it’s being said there is still frustration from the WWE side over Austin turning down “Tough Enough” and not appearing at this year’s WrestleMania.

Rumor Mill - WWE NXT Touring Internationally Soon?

WWE NXT General Manager William Regal reportedly told fans in the UK at his one-man shows this week that plans are being worked on for NXT to tour internationally with shows in smaller arenas. Regal apparently said the business plan for the touring was in place and it will begin within 18 months.

The Kliq To Reunite For WWE Network

WWE is planning a "The Kliq Rules" DVD and Blu-ray set for a July 28th release. The "reunion" special has been planned for months, according to WrestlingDVDNews.com, and a condensed version will be airing on the WWE Network in the near future. The DVD is expected to contain the reunion show, a new documentary and matches. The reunion was originally planned for September but it's been moved up to July. No word yet on when The Kliq reunion will air on the WWE Network.

TNA Reportedly Experiencing More Issues With Pay

According to a report by Brian Fritz of the Sporting News, it seems as if TNA Wrestling is experiencing more pay issues, fueling the fire to rumors of talent getting late checks over the past several weeks.

The story says that several freelance workers have stated that TNA is behind on paying several members of the production staff. It was also said that those workers were shorted on past checks.

The back pay stems from the One Night Only tapings, which took place over two months ago. The accounting department told an employee that checks were made out almost two weeks ago, but nobody has received them.

We also heard similar complaints from one member of the production crew.

We spoke to Matt Hardy earlier in the week, who said the following regarding the TNA pay rumors:

"If someone has an issue with pay, I feel like it needs to be directed to the office and handled there. It sucks and it's unfortunate that a story like that spreads and puts a stain on Impact Wrestling, who are doing a lot of positive things right now. TNA has been extraordinary to me, nothing but professional. They even gave me time off at the last TV tapings to fulfill a commitment I had for 8 months, when they needed me at TV. That shows how professional they were to the boys. It's nowhere near as bad as what people are saying."

Video: Triple H And Stephanie McMahon In Snapple Commercial

WWE Wins Awards for WWE Network and Social Media Excellence

Mick Foley Taping For The WWE Network

Mick Foley's official website announced that he will tape one of his comedy shows on April 24th from Full Sail University for a future WWE Network airing. Tickets go on sale Friday morning. More details are at this link.

Taz Gone From TNA, Comments From John Gaburick

John Gaburick, TNA Executive Vice President, Creative & Talent Relations, announced today that Taz is gone from the company. This comes after recent issues stemming from TNA paying late. Gaburick wrote:

"After 5+ years TNA & Taz have mutually decided to part ways. A champ in the ring & on the mic, we wish him nothing but success!"

Taz also commented:

"Like to thank TNA Wrestling for the opportunity to apply my craft for past several years. Best wishes to them in the future."

WWE Confirms Daniel Bryan's Status, Decision Made After Last Night's SmackDown Tapings

The WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan had apparently been removed from the current European tour, likely due to ongoing health issues.

Following Tuesday's SmackDown tapings in London, where Bryan teamed with John Cena, the decision was made by WWE officials to pull Bryan from the rest of the tour.

WWE issued the following statement:

"Daniel Bryan has been pulled from the remainder of the UK tour as a precautionary measure."