Triple H is on the cover of the latest issue of Fighting Spirit Magazine, which features in-depth articles on NXT and Sasha Banks, with comments from people close to Sasha. You can purchase the digital issue for $3.99 from PocketMags.com at this link.
WWE and Susan G. Komen will continue their partnership with WWE Superstars and Divas wearing co-branded Susan G. Komen and WWE apparel, and WWE platforms “going pink” in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of this year’s “Rise Above Cancer” campaign, WWE will donate to Komen 20 percent of the retail sales price of all co-branded merchandise sold on WWEShop.com and at WWE Live Events. Fans can also donate $1, $5 or $10 to Komen upon checkout from WWEShop.com.
To support Komen’s mission, WWE will utilize all its assets including WWE Network and TV broadcasts, Live Events, PSAs, digital and social media to generate awareness and encourage fans to get involved. Throughout the month, the WWE announcer table, entrance ramp and ring skirts will be co-branded and the middle ring rope turned pink to promote the fight against breast cancer. Fans will also have the option to turn their Facebook and Twitter profiles pink to show their support. In addition, a co-branded WWE and Susan G. Komen flag will be flown outside WWE’s corporate headquarters.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with WWE,” said Christina Alford, SVP of development for Susan G. Komen. “Their ‘Rise Above Cancer’ campaign reaches women in communities across the country, bringing awareness and helping us fund lifesaving research, and support to families living with breast cancer who need our help today.”
“WWE is exceptionally proud to continue our partnership with Susan G. Komen and its support of breast cancer research and awareness,” said WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon. “WWE remains deeply committed to this movement, as we utilize our global platforms to raise awareness and funds for a disease that impacts so many people around the world.”
Susan G. Komen and WWE have a history of success in raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. The partnership launched in 2012 and has generated more than $1.5 million for Komen to date. This past May, Komen and WWE teamed up again to support the Washington, D.C., Race for the Cure and National Women’s Health Week.
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research, and funds community outreach programs, public advocacy and global programs. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. There are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. For more information about Susan G. Komen, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org/wwe or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
WWE's website recently spoke with NXT coach and former WCW star Norman Smiley. The full interview is at this link. Below are highlights:
Some of the talents he's worked with in the ring:
Well, after working for the WWE for almost eight years, you can imagine the quantity and quality of some of the students that I have worked with. There have been many students who came into developmental with prior experience, so I can't make a claim to exactly training them, but I would show them different options and enforce how we do things in the WWE. Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Bo Dallas, Summer Rae, Big E, Konnor, who I have known for many years, and David Otunga I pretty much trained from day one. Sheamus, Alicia Fox, Adam Rose, King Barrett, just to name a few, are students that I spent time with helping them to adjust to the WWE style. I would estimate that I have worked with at least 80 percent of the present main roster to some degree.
The evolution of pro wrestling from him his perspective:
It has never been more evident than now that we are a television company, and it’s not a "rasslin’ show" that we produce. There is not one facet that is overlooked to give the WWE Universe the best possible product. One of the many hats I wear is that of a producer. As I am going over a match with my students, I always have in the back of my mind what would be the best camera angle to view this hold or move. Students at NXT have to be prepared for everything. Our guys and girls must all spend time in the gym, improve their speaking skills, and develop a character, all while learning the moves between the ropes. It is a full-time job with sacrifice, but it is also a dream job.
The hardest part about being a WWE coach:
I feel for those students that join NXT with no experience. Sometimes they think it will be an easy task to learn and that it is not as physical as one would think. Many students have a rude awakening of how difficult and physical it is to perform in the WWE. A professional in any sport can make it look easy. Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams all make their respective sports look easy. However, all of these athletes have been playing their respective sports, every day, from the age of 5 or 6. WWE takes years to learn as well. John Cena can do a seven-minute promo, alone, live on television in front of 20,000 people and make it interesting and exciting. Why? Because he has done it thousands of times and he is a natural! I find that some students can be impatient and request an opportunity that they are not ready for.
MLW Radio revealed on Twitter that a major cable network is currently working on an exposé piece on WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka. As noted, Snuka was arrested on September 1st for the 1983 death of then-girlfriend Nancy Argentino. He is currently facing third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.
NWA President Bruce Tharpe, who also works as a heel manager in New Japan Pro Wrestling, recently had a meeting with Spike TV officials in New York City about getting one of the world's oldest pro wrestling brands on the network.
Spike officials have stated there is some interest in bringing back pro wrestling but nothing is on the table right now, for the NWA or any other promotion. Tharpe was basically told the same thing, that right now Spike isn't making any moves with wrestling.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that Spike is trying to run shows that have more appeal to women than pro wrestling does. With that said, Tharpe is looking at other options to bring the NWA to TV.
The Concussion Legacy Foundation will honor former NFL Player Chris Borland with the Impact Award at the 8th Annual Impact Awards Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Revere Hotel in Boston.
The Impact Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their commitment to solving the concussion crisis. Borland led the San Francisco 49ers in tackles as a rookie linebacker in 2014, but retired from the NFL in March at age 24 after independently researching the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma, and deciding continuing to play was not worth the risk.
“Since his retirement in March, Chris Borland has been tirelessly working to share his knowledge and experience to raise concussion awareness,” said Concussion Legacy Foundation Executive Director Chris Nowinski. “His advocacy will help athletes and parents throughout the country make more informed decisions for themselves and their children.”
In addition, Margy McHale and her partner Marnie Abramson will be recognized with the Legacy Award, which is given to family members of a Legacy Donor (brain donor) who have honored their loved one’s memory by supporting the mission of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Margy is the sister of former NFL lineman Tom McHale, who died in 2008 at age 45 and whose brain was donated to the Foundation and Boston University, where he was diagnosed with CTE.
The 2015 Impact Awards will be hosted by WWE announcer Corey Graves, and will include a special guest appearance by HBO Real Sports correspondent Andrea Kremer. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Concussion Legacy Foundation’s advocacy, awareness, education and research programs. Last year, more than 225 supporters and distinguished guests from across the country attended the event and raised $300,000 to support Concussion Legacy Foundation programs.
Previous honorees include WWE, The Ivy League, the National Football League, neuropathologist Dr. Ann McKee, former soccer players Brandi Chastain and Cindy Parlow Cone, former NFL player Ted Johnson, former boxer Micky Ward, and former professional hockey player Keith Primeau.
Paul Levesque is on the Board of Directors of The Concussion Legacy.
The official WWE YouTube channel was viewed a whopping 456.4m times during the month of August which featured heavy promotion of SummerSlam, according to the latest chart of the online video service’s top channels.
The channel beat British children’s music channel Little Baby Bum, whose videos were watched 448.4m times and Turkish music channel netd müzik which ranked third in the chart with 433.6m views.
WWE have rapidly increased their viewership over the last few years, leaping from the 52nd most popular channel with 41.8m views in August 2013 to the 15th biggest channel on YouTube today.
Barclays Center, NYC & Company and WWE have agreed to a multi-year deal to bring SummerSlam, Monday Night Raw and NXT back to Barclays Center in Brooklyn in August 2016 and August 2017. This announcement comes on the heels of an extraordinary SummerSlam Week last month which saw WWE sell out Barclays Center for an unprecedented three consecutive nights with NXT Takeover: Brooklyn, SummerSlam and Monday Night Raw.
2016 Key Dates:
Saturday, Aug. 20 – NXT
Sunday, Aug. 21 – SummerSlam
Monday Aug. 22 – Monday Night Raw
2017 Key Dates:
Saturday, Aug. 19 – NXT
Sunday, Aug. 20 – SummerSlam
Monday Aug. 21 – Monday Night Raw
This year’s SummerSlam Week combined the best of sports and entertainment while leaving a lasting impact on the host community. Jon Stewart served as host of SummerSlam in his first public appearance since retiring as host of "The Daily Show," and "Arrow" star Stephen Amell teamed up with WWE Superstar Neville to take on WWE Superstars Stardust and King Barrett. ESPN’s coverage of SummerSlam included exclusive interviews with WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar, and ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast live from SummerSlam throughout the day. In addition, WWE joined forces with Charity Buzz to raise more than $200,000 for Answer The Call, the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, while hosting 10 community outreach events, including the record-setting 500th wish granted by WWE Superstar John Cena for Make-A-Wish.
"We are thrilled to build on the success of the 2015 SummerSlam and welcome WWE back to Brooklyn in 2016 and 2017. Big events like SummerSlam help cement New York City's appeal as a dynamic, high-energy destination," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We're thankful for WWE's commitment to Brooklyn, and look forward to a long partnership that benefits the City."
“We’re excited to be hosting WWE SummerSlam for the next two years,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “We had an incredible experience this past August and are looking forward to continuing our partnership with WWE and NYC & Company.”
“Barclays Center, NYC & Company and the City of New York have been incredible partners to WWE, and we are pleased that SummerSlam Week will once again take over New York City in August of 2016 and 2017,” said John P. Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. “We look forward to building on the success of this year’s event to take SummerSlam Week to even greater heights.”
SummerSlam, which is broadcast around the world live on WWE Network, features the biggest stars of WWE alongside other celebrities, entertainers and athletes. SummerSlam Week in Brooklyn will feature a series of activities including fan events, autograph signings, WWE’s Be a STAR anti-bullying rallies, hospital visits and other community outreach programs designed to leave a lasting impact throughout the region.
Ticket information for SummerSlam in 2016 will be announced in the near future.
In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Dylan Postl (Hornswoggle) for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s policy.
Ring of Honor announced they will be bringing back a new generation of the Women of Honor. The women will be brought back for the Reloaded tour starting this weekend. Below is the official announcement:
For over thirteen years, Ring of Honor has proudly showcased the best professional wrestling on the planet – period. Now the next generation of the Women of Honor is coming to the ROH RELOADED TOUR to show the world what they can do in an ROH ring! Following a precedent for excellence set by world caliber athletes like Sara Del Rey, Daizee Haze, McChif, and many more, these women are proud to represent the Women of Honor on September 25th in California, PA and September 26th in Lockport, NY.
On Friday the 25th right outside Pittsburgh, Mandy Leon and Taeler Hendrix are set to clash in an ROH ring! Leon has gained prominence among ROH fans for her work in the Inside ROH recaps you can catch every week during ROH TV, or watch any time on YouTube. Now Mandy Leon steps out of the studio and between the ropes to show what she learned at the ROH Dojo! Leon’s first Women of Honor match against the crafty Deonna Purrazzo has garnered views and attention from fans all over the planet, but she is no doubt prepared to follow it up with another Leonsault – and perhaps another win! Thanks to her place of prominence on every ROH broadcast, Mandy Leon is used to the pressures that come from standing in the spotlight. So while she may be relatively young in her professional wrestling career, this multi-talented broadcaster/athlete is far from intimidated by the huge challenge she faces on September 25th!
That challenge comes in the form of a woman who has very recently captured the attention of not just every single ROH fan, but also managerial sensation Truth Martini! Martini knows talent when he sees it. For him to place the HOT stamp of approval on Taeler Hendrix, he must be 110% confident in her talent and potential! Hendrix is a deceivingly cunning and powerful athlete, whose retro-inspired aesthetic lulls her opponents into a false sense of confidence! Hendrix’s unquestionable beauty and poise very often provoke her own opponents, and the opponents of her ringside charges, to be ensnared by her web. Once Hendrix follows up with one of her devastating kicks to the head, it’s over!
And on September 26th, Veda Scott was scheduled to square off against Cherry Bomb. Unfortunately, while competing recently, Cherry Bomb fractured her collarbone and will be out of action for the near future. Veda might count herself lucky for dodging Cherry THIS time, but ROH officials have confirmed that the in-demand star will be back in an ROH ring as soon as she’s healthy! Meanwhile, Veda Scott is an all-too-familiar face for ROH fans, who for the past 2 years have watched her “creative” disregard for the rules while advising her clients from ringside. But just like Hendrix, Scott is just as dangerous inside the ring as she is outside. She has developed a reputation for taking on both men and women, regardless of their size or experience advantage. But while Scott loudly insists she can bring the fight to absolutely anyone in the world, many have questioned if this brash overconfidence is going too far.
We’ll find out in Lockport when Veda Scott competes against SUMIE SAKAI! Sakai is a tenured veteran of professional wrestling who has competed around the world against some of the biggest stars of Japan and North America. Known for her quickness and agility, Sakai has been adding more grappling and submission-based fighting to her style, giving her an even more well rounded strategy. She is a familiar face to longtime ROH fans and a welcome addition to the WOMEN OF HONOR!
To get your tickets for the ROH RELOADED TOUR in California, PA on September 25th or Lockport on September 26th
Eric Bischoff confirmed on Twitter that WWE is producing a new DVD with documentary on him that will be released in 2016. WrestlingDVDNetwork.com notes that it may come out in April or May.
