The Wrestling Observer claims the Triple H was "quietly demoted" when his job title was changed from EVP Talent, Live Events and Create to EVP Global Talent Development and Strategy. While the Live Events department is now being overseen by Vince McMahon's Chief of Staff Brad Blum, it is clear from the 2020 Proxy filing that Triple H has not lost any status with Vince or the company:
Paul Levesque has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy since February 2020, and prior thereto was Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative since August 2011. In his current role, he oversees the Company's Talent Relations and Talent Development departments. Additionally, Mr. Levesque plays an integral role in the Company's creative process, helping shape the creative direction and storylines of WWE programming.
Triple H also serves on the Board of Directors and is a member of the executive committee.
The Board believes that its current members comprise an appropriate mix of background, diversity and expertise. In particular, Mr. McMahon is a seasoned manager who understands what is necessary for the Company to thrive in the dynamic and competitive markets in which we compete. As our co-founder, Mr.McMahon has decades of experience overseeing all of our revenue streams and is familiar with every aspect of our business and industry. He has significant expertise in creative matters, television, talent development and live events, each of which is a critical aspect of our business. Similarly, Ms. McMahon and Mr. Levesque have decades of experience in our Company and both have been important players in all aspects of our creative process, including television, talent and live events. They have extensive practical experience with many of our revenue streams and have been critically involved in our business transformation over the past several years as well as our continuing brand development.
He no longer has the responsibility of Live Events. But the autonomy concerning the global expansion of NXT and opening more Performance Centers has increased.
Not sure this qualifies as a demotion.
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March 13, 2020
Rumor Killer On The Wrestling Observer's Claim That Triple H Was "Quietly Demoted"
March 12, 2020
WWE Statement on Potential Impact of COVID-19
WWE today communicated perspective regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company's financial performance.
WWE has substantial financial resources, both available cash and debt capacity, which currently total more than $0.5 billion, to manage the challenges ahead. The fundamentals of the Company's business remain strong reflecting the passion of WWE's fans and the quality of its content. Management continues to believe the Company is well positioned to take full advantage of the changing media landscape and increasing value of live sports rights over the longer term.
The health and safety of WWE's fans, performers and employees are the Company's top priorities and management is monitoring the situation closely domestically and internationally.
The potential impact of COVID-19, and corresponding changes in the way WWE operates, may adversely impact the Company's business including, but not limited to, its live event ticket sales and the sale of merchandise at those events. It should be noted that the Company may be directed to cancel, postpone or relocate certain upcoming events and the number of these changes is unknown at this time. The Company is currently unable to quantify the potential financial impact of COVID-19, but the financial impact to the Company may be material. Accordingly, the Company is withdrawing its previously announced first quarter and full year 2020 guidance due to the increased uncertainty of the financial impact of COVID-19 to the Company.
"While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues," WWE said. "The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay."
XFL Cancels Rest Of Season Due To COVID-19
The relaunched XFL did not get a chance to finish its season. Despite ratings declining, that was not what did it in.
The league joined much of the sports world as it suspended play after five weeks. This is due to the coronavirus that is currently spreading around the world. Several states have banned more than 250 people from showing up to arenas around the country.
The XFL provided a statement that assured that players will be paid their base salary, while also including benefits. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit towards future games.
Prior to everything shutting down, the Seattle Dragons were going to be playinginside an empty stadium against the Los Angeles Wildcats. XFL President and COO, Jeffrey Pollack stated the following during that time:
"Based on the proclamation issued Wednesday by Washington Governor Jay Inslee, the Seattle Dragons will host the LA Wildcats this Sunday, as scheduled. The game will take place at 4pm PT at CenturyLink Field without fans in the venue. The game will be broadcast live, also as scheduled, on ESPN2."
Since then, MLB, NHL, NCAA (including the NCAA Tournament), boxing and MMA have all decided to cancel, move or hold events without fans. WWE has been forced to move SmacklDown to the Performance Center, while Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling and AEW, among others, have had to alter their schedule to accommodate what is going on.
According to the la test from CNN, the coronavirus has infected over 124,518 people, with 4,607 deaths confirmed.
Tampa City Officials Make Announcement Regarding WrestleMania 36
WWE's WrestleMania 36 will move forward as scheduled, at least for now.
As we've noted, top WWE officials and local officials met today in Tampa to discuss the status of WrestleMania 36 and the coronavirus pandemic. Local officials were also discussing the possible cancellation and changes to other events in the area.
With WrestleMania still 3 weeks away, officials have decided that they do not want to cancel the event just yet.
"Right now WrestleMania is out about three weeks," Hillsborough Commissioner Les Miller said this afternoon. "We came to the conclusion that at this point, we don't want to pull that plug. However we wanted to give it at least a week to see what was going to happen, if WWE was going to do anything at all. If they don't, at that point, I will suggest that we do come together for an emergency meeting to discuss what we do at that particular point in time."
It was noted that WWE and local officials will reconvene next week as we get closer to April 5, which is the day of the WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. WrestleMania 36 Week and the non-WWE wrestling events will begin in the area several days before that.
WWE Issues Statement Saying SmackDown In Detroit Is Still Scheduled
WWE has issued a statement debunking a report that SmackDown in Detroit has been cancelled.
WWE statement:
“WWE has not cancelled Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, however, based on the current situation, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues.”
It should be noted however, WWE is working on several contingency plans should events have to be canceled due to government intervention.
March 11, 2020
Rumor Mill - WWE Reportedly Moving This Week's SmackDown To The Performance Center Due To Coronavirus
The coronavirus continues to have an impact on the world of professional wrestling.
WWE has reportedly nixed Friday's SmackDown on FOX and WWE 205 Live episodes from the Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to PWInsider.
WWE will now broadcast Friday's two shows from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, where they aired tonight's WWE NXT episode on the USA Network from.
Tonight's NXT episode aired from the Performance Center due to a previously scheduled non-WWE event at Full Sail University, and not because of the virus.
WWE officials reportedly made the decision to make the drastic changes to SmackDown earlier this afternoon due to the outbreak. An official announcement will be coming soon.
There's no word yet on if Monday's RAW will still air from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, but we will keep you updated.
Rob Gronkowski Signs With WWE, Will Debut On SmackDown And Appear At WrestleMania 36
Gronk is reportedly headed to WrestleMania 36.
Former NFL player and WWE celebrity friend Rob Gronkowski has signed with WWE and is set to appear at WrestleMania 36 next month, according to The Wrap.
The former New England Patriots tight end has now signed a contract with WWE, and will make his official debut during the March 20 episode of SmackDown on FOX from New Orleans. Gronk is also scheduled to appear at WrestleMania 36. It was noted that current plans for the WrestleMania 36 appearance will lead to a future match for the three-time Super Bowl champion. Gronk is not scheduled to wrestle on The Grandest Stage of Them All this year, but that appearance will lead to the match they have in mind.
The 30 year old Gronk, who retired from the NFL one year ago, signed with FOX Sports as an analyst back in October. The Wrap reached out to FOX Sports for comments on if the new WWE deal will impact Gronk's NFL work, but there's no word yet.
It was noted on WWE Backstage on Tuesday that Gronk and WWE were close to finalizing a deal. That deal has been officially signed, according to the new report from The Wrap.
Gronk, a noted pro wrestling fan and good friend to Mojo Rawley, made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 33 back in 2017, to help Mojo win the 4th Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
There's no word yet on the terms of Rob's deal with WWE.
March 10, 2020
March 8, 2020
Triple H Honored With Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award
Triple H was honored with the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday.
WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger presented him with the award during the Finals of the Arnold Classic, an annual bodybuilding competition that recognizes Schwarzenegger’s iconic career in the sport.
The award has been presented annually since 2000 to an individual who has made notable contributions to the fitness industry and offered a lifetime of service to the enhancement of sports performance and promotion. Past honorees include Sylvester Stallone, Lou Ferrigno and more.
March 7, 2020
New Lawsuit Against WWE By Stockholders Over Saudi Arabia Ties, Executives Leaving The Company
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announced a class action suit against WWEover its relationship with Saudi Arabia and recent moves at the top that caused the stock to plummet, according to Business Wire.
The lawsuit also claims due to a series of events the WWE stock plummeted from $100 per share to $40.24 in early February.
Back in November, there were major flightdelays out of Saudi Arabia that forced WWE to re-write the following SmackDown due to talent not making it back in time. Initial reports said Saudi Arabia owed WWE money, which caused Vince McMahon to cut the live feed until the two sides apparently worked things out. WWE "swiftly denied" these allegations when asked about it in November.
Due to all of this, the rumor was Saudi Arabia then delayed the flight in retaliation for what WWE did. WWE maintained that the delays were due to mechanical failures. The lawsuit mentioned much of this in the Business Wire report.
The abrupt exit of WWE Co-PresidentsGeorge Barrios and Michelle Wilson in late January, followed by poor financial performance report (causing the stock to drop mightily) in early February was also documented in the lawsuit.
As noted, in a separate lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma firefighters pension fund in December, claimed there is "a credible basis to believe" Vince McMahon and other WWE senior officials are not keeping up with their WWE duties as they focus resources towards the XFL, which is run under McMahon's Alpha Entertainment, LLC.
Triple H's Bio From The WWE 2020 Proxy
Paul Levesque has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy Development since February 2020, and prior thereto was Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative since August 2011. In his current role, he oversees the Company Talent Relations and Talent Development departments. Additionally, Mr. Levesque plays an integral role in the Company creative process, helping shape the creative direction and storylines of WWE programming.
Mr. Levesque is revolutionizing the business with his global recruiting strategy and developmental training processes. In order to create a platform for future success, he established the Company state of the art training facility, the WWE Performance Center, which paved the way for the WWE third global brand, NXT. Mr. Levesque debuted as a WWE Superstar, in 1995 and has held the WWE Heavyweight Championship title 14 times. He has captured every major championship, headlined thousands of WWE events, and entertained millions around the world. Mr. Levesque is married to Stephanie McMahon and together they established Connor's Cure. Mr.Levesque is the son-in-law of Vincent McMahon.
