Bobby Roode Praised For WWE Producing

PWInsider.com reports that WWE producer Booby Roode has been receiving a significant amount of praise for his work in recent months. Roode has been filling in for Michael Hayes, who is currently on leave for person reasons. The WWE Hall of Famer is expected to return at some point in the future.

Ari Emanuel Praises Triple H & Dana White’s Work With WWE & UFC, Talks Netflix/WWE Deal

Ari Emanuel is very happy with how Triple H and Dana White are doing with WWE and the UFC, respectively. Emanuel is the CEO of TKO, the parent company of both WWE and UFC, and he recently spoke on Bloomberg about the success of both companies, WWE’s deal with Netflix and more. You can see highlights below (courtesy of Wrestling Inc):

On the performance of the two companies: “I don’t think it’s Fight Club. I remember watching WWE — WWF, actually — when I was young. Paul [Levesque] has done an amazing job with the WWE, with ‘Raw,’ ‘SmackDown,’ PLEs, ‘NXT.’ And UFC is a sport that Dana [White] created over 30 years ago. Didn’t exist. [It was] His vision. You don’t have to explain the rules of the UFC to anybody in the world.”

On Triple H taking over WWE from Vince McMahon: “When you have guys that are visionaries, take whatever comes through on the cases with Vince McMahon who is no longer with the company, and now Paul, Triple H, is running that. They understand, kind of, the heartbeat. The skills I’ve maybe learned in the talent agency side have helped, but now we’re partners. So, now, that’s how I look at it. You just have to let the talent — and those guys are talent — do what they do and support them with all that they need.”

On WWE’s deal with Netflix: “You can see that Netflix wants to be in the live sports business. I think they [WWE] will perform very well for them. There’s a huge chunk of the audience that are WWE fans that are not right now, based on our research, Netflix subscribers. If they capture a portion of those, it’s a huge win for them and a huge win for us.”

On the potential of UFC moving to Netflix: “Listen, ESPN has been an incredible partner. First quarter we’ll see, that’s where we can start. We would love to be back in ESPN. They have been incredible to us.”

Linda McMahon's Lawyer Confirms Separation from Vince McMahon Amid Ongoing Lawsuits

The Washington Post has published a new feature piece discussing the ongoing lawsuits involving Vince McMahon and WWE. In the article, Linda McMahon's lawyer confirmed that Linda and Vince are separated.

As previously reported, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education.

Laura Brevetti, who represents Linda McMahon and also defended Vince McMahon in his 1994 criminal trial, stated that Linda and Vince are indeed separated. She also commented on the ongoing "ring boys" lawsuit, saying, “This lawsuit based upon thirty-plus-year-old allegations is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations, and misrepresentations.”

Trump taps former WWE CEO Linda McMahon to serve as education secretary

President-elect Trump announced on Tuesday night that he intends to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to lead the Department of Education.

His announcement, which was posted on Truth Social, came hours after two sources told Fox News that McMahon was likely to be picked.

"It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, will be the United States Secretary of Education," Trump's statement read.

"As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families," the press release added. "Linda served for two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she was one of fifteen members overseeing all Public Education in the State, including its Technical High School system."

McMahon, who served as administrator of the Small Business Administration in the first Trump administration, is the wife of Vince McMahon. The couple both co-founded WWE in 1980.

"Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World," Trump's statement concluded. "We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort."

McMahon served in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2019. When she resigned, she wrote that the role had been "immensely rewarding."

"While it has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve our country in this Administration, it is time for me to step down and return to the private sector," McMahon wrote in 2019. "I wish to thank the President and I will continue to be a strong advocate for him and his policies."

Trump has previously floated the idea of disbanding the Department of Education, which began operating in 1980. The agency's website says that its mission is to "promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages."

Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told Fox News host Martha MacCallum last week that the Department of Education "doesn't really add any value anywhere. DeVos advised that the opportunity for Trump to radically change the department is "wide open."

"Take the power away from the Department of Education, block-grant those funds, continue to invest in education, but get it down to a much more local level where better decisions are made on behalf of students," DeVos said. "The bureaucrats at the Department of Education aren't doing the job. They haven't done the job for more than four decades to close the achievement gaps — they've only widened." source: fox news

Mark Shapiro Praises Triple H, Nick Khan As ‘Experts In Storytelling’

TKO President Mark Shapiro praised WWE executives Triple H, Nick Khan as among those in the company who are “experts in storytelling” and creating rivalries. Shapiro spoke on the TKO Q3 financial results call and was asked why there haven’t been a lot of challenges with talent leaving the WWE and UFC. He answered by praising the executives in both companies at creating stars and memorable rivalries, noting talent wants to be there.

“The reason why you don’t hear about it a lot, and we say this in all modesty, you don’t hear about it because of the work of Paul Levesque, Dana White, Nick Khan, and Lawrence Epstein,” Shapiro said (per Fightful). “That’s just the fact of the matter. They are experts in storytelling. Period. They are experts in creating rivalries, period. They are experts, like David Stern was, in building and marketing stars. When your platforms, your businesses, your leagues become known for that, talent aspires to be with those leagues. We haven’t had those challenges as of late because, frankly, the talent wants to get to the UFC and WWE level.”

He continued, “We don’t take that for granted. We’re not arrogant about it, and we want to incentivize all of our fighters at UFC and all of our superstars at WWE to put out their best every day and aim for the top of the mountain. We’re prudent about it and we want to keep those costs under control. As long as we do our job of continuing with that storytelling, continuing to build our fanbase, continuing to surround ourselves with the right partners, then talent will gravitate towards the UFC and WWE.”

TKO announced their financial results on Wednesday with revenue of $681.2 million, a net income of $57.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA 1 of $310.0 million.

Bruce Prichard And Michael Hayes On Temporary Leave From WWE

Longtime WWE creative members Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes are currently on leave, according to a new report.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports that Bruce Prichard, 61, and Michael Hayes, 65, are currently on temporary leave, per multiple WWE sources, The report notes that both are expected back. However, the timeframe is said to be indefinite.

Meltzer writes that Bruce Prichard’s absence is officially said to be due to a family emergency. Meanwhile, personal issues are the reason for Hayes’ absence.

The report notes that there is no connection between the two being on leave. Sources in WWE emphasized that it was not a sign of the “old guard being moved out.” They reiterated that both would be back.

Bruce Prichard has been a key figure of the WWE creative team, even after Vince McMahon’s departure, and he works directly under Triple H. Hayes has been with WWE since 1995, and he has been a high-ranking member of the creative team for years.

Hayes has consistently worked on the Bloodline storyline in recent years, as he has consistently been the agent for the matches and segments involved.

Vince McMahon Launching New Entertainment Company With Former WWE Executives

Vince McMahon is not throwing in the towel just yet. The former WWE chairman is in the beginning stages of creating a new entertainment company, according to a PWInsider report that broke Tuesday afternoon.

Despite his ongoing legal issues, McMahon's new venture is being described as an "entertainment hub company" and will reportedly focus on producing film and TV projects in the realms of fiction and non-fiction.

According to PWInsider's report, several ex-WWE employees already offered their services to Vinnie Mac's film and TV business, including Brad Blum. Blum was WWE's Chief Operating Officer under McMahon and stayed on board with the company after McMahon's second ousting earlier this year. This past May, Blum resigned after it was discovered that he was “Corporate Officer No. 2” in Janel Grant's lawsuit.

Kristen Prouty, a former WWE executive instrumental in ushering Logan Paul into the WWE family, is also reportedly connected to the project. She was laid off in May following Endeavor's purchase of the global pro wrestling promotion.

PWInsider's sources claim that McMahon will not pursue the formation of a new pro wrestling company nor anything competitive with WWE. The company is currently preparing for launch should McMahon get cleared of his charges, with a Los Angeles headquarters planned.

WWE Announces "WWE ID" Developmental Designation

WWE announced that it has launched a new program called "WWE ID", a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

WWE announced today that it is expanding its footprint in the developmental world.

In a press release, WWE announced that it has launched a new program called WWE ID, short for WWE Independent Development, a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque is quoted in the press release.

In the program, WWE plans to provide prominent independent wrestling schools with the WWE ID designator with the purpose of providing new trainees and existing talent with enhanced developmental opportunities.

The concept, innovative for its approach, provides a new level of financial assistance to independent wrestling schools not seen before by WWE. In the Triple H Era, WWE has expanded its approach to promotions outside the realm of the WWE Universe, most notably by working agreements with TNA and Pro Wrestling NOAH, as well as acknowledgment on air by Michael Cole and other commentators regarding Superstars’ previous accomplishments and championships in other promotions.

Multiple questions still loom, however, on the granular parts of these new agreements, such as exclusivity and signing rights deals for designated prospects that may prevent them from exploring other career opportunities and whether WWE will integrate the more prominent independent wrestling schools to become extensions of the WWE brand.

WWE announced the first five independent wrestling schools to receive the WWE ID designation: Booker T’s “Reality of Wrestling” in Houston, TX, Cody Rhodes’ “Nightmare Factory” in Atlanta, GA, Seth Rollins’ “Black and Brave Academy” in Davenport, IA, “Elite Pro Wrestling Training Academy” in Concord, NH, and “KnokX Pro Academy” in Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to the school’s designator, WWE ID will also identify top independent wrestling prospects with a WWE ID “Prospect” designation, which will allow WWE to support their development with financial opportunities, training, mentorship, access to their facilities and in-ring training. WWE is also planning on showcasing these prospects and their paths through WWE’s social media accounts.

source: www.si.com

Sports Illustrated: 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time

20 - Becky Lynch

19 - Mick Foley

18 - Chris Jericho

17 - CM Punk

16 - Andre the Giant

15 - Randy Orton

14 - Edge

13 - Rowdy Roddy Piper

12 - Kurt Angle

11 - Macho Man Randy Savage

10 - Bruno Sammartino

9 - Bret Hart

8 - Shawn Michaels

7 - Triple H

6 - The Undertaker

5 - Roman Reigns

4 - John Cena

3 - The Rock

2 - Hulk Hogan

1 - Stone Cold Steve Austin

Nick Khan Announces New WWE-Netflix Docuseries

Following a monumental shift from airing on network television to broadcasting on a streaming platform like Netflix for the next ten years, it's been revealed by WWE President Nick Khan that "WWE Raw" won't be the only new WWE programming one will see on Netflix beginning January 6, 2025. According to "Bloomberg," the company plans to release a behind-the-scenes docuseries as part of its contractual deal with the world's leading streamer. As of this report, no additional details were mentioned on what the docuseries will focus on, or how soon it will be released in the new year.

In the past, WWE has produced both reality and behind-the-scenes shows like "WWE 24," which spotlighted close profiles of WWE stars' lives in and out of the ring. Additionally, they have tapped into similar formats by lifting the veil behind WWE's most significant yearly premium live events, including "WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain" in July, which showcased how Cody Rhodes' rematch with Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship originated for this year's WrestleMania 40. Regarding "WWE 24," the most recent star it profiled was former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest in August.

Recently, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's "Mr. McMahon" docuseries debuted on Netflix. The six-part miniseries gained widespread traction, even trending on the platform after it was uploaded. Earlier this year, WWE and Netflix signed a $5 billion, 10-year deal, making the promotion the first to broadcast its weekly flagship show on a streaming platform. Reports have indicated that despite moving to Netflix, "Raw" will return to three hours every Monday, with no plans to go commercial-free. Meanwhile, WWE's other contractual agreements include moving "WWE SmackDown" back to USA from FOX last month, and "WWE NXT" to The CW as of three weeks ago.

Triple H Is Proud of His Career, Says He Has ‘The Best Job’

In an interview with Jazzy’s World (via Fightful), Triple H reflected on his career thus far and said that he’s proud of what he’s accomplished over the years. He also said that he has “the best job” as the Chief Content Officer of WWE.

He said: “All of it. I was just a kid with a dream that was incredibly lucky. A lot of times, right place, right time, but the whole thing. I love what I do and I’m fortunate enough, if I was to say what I love best about what I do, it’s that I have fun doing it every single day. I have the best job. Had the best job when I was in the ring and have an even better job now helping create the future of what we do. I love what I do and I love having the opportunity to do it.”

source: 411mania.com

Woman suing Vince McMahon, WWE alleging abuse wants NDAs waived

A former WWE employee who filed a lawsuit against the company and ex-leader Vince McMahon, accusing him of sexual battery and trafficking, is asking them to not enforce nondisclosure agreements with other former and current employees and contractors so they can potentially come forward with similar accusations.

A lawyer for Janel Grant emailed a letter making the request late Monday to attorneys representing WWE, McMahon and John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive and wrestler, in Grant's lawsuit against them.

A spokesperson for McMahon, Curtis Vogel, declined comment. Lawyers for WWE and Laurinaitis did not immediately return emails seeking comment late Monday. Emails to the WWE and its parent companies, Endeavor Group Holdings and its subsidiary, TKO Group Holdings, also were not returned immediately.

McMahon, former CEO and chairman of WWE, has denied Grant's allegations.

Grant, who worked in WWE's legal and talent departments from 2019 to 2022, sued the company, McMahon and Laurinaitis in January, making graphic allegations of sexual assault, harassment, trafficking and other physical and emotional abuse.

McMahon stepped down as WWE's CEO in 2022 amid a company investigation into allegations that match those in Grant's lawsuit. He also resigned as executive chairman of the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings in January, a day after Grant filed her lawsuit.

"If WWE and its parent company Endeavor are serious about parting ways with Vince McMahon and the toxic workplace culture he created, their executives should have no problem with releasing former WWE employees from their NDAs," Ann Callis, Grant's attorney, said in a statement. "This is the first step to rehabilitating a company that covered up decades of sexual assault and human trafficking."

McMahon previously responded to Grant's lawsuit with a statement calling it "replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name." His lawyers said in court documents that he had a consensual relationship with Grant and never mistreated her.

Laurinaitis' lawyer has denied the allegations and said Laurinaitis was also a victim in the case.

Grant said she was pressured into leaving her job with the WWE and signing a $3 million nondisclosure agreement. The lawsuit also seeks to have the agreement declared invalid, saying McMahon breached the deal by giving her $1 million and failing to pay the rest.

Four other women -- all formerly affiliated with WWE -- signed agreements with McMahon that bar them from discussing their relationships with him, The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2022, citing people familiar with the deals and documents it reviewed. Grant was not among those women, her representatives say.

In December 2022, McMahon agreed to pay a female former wrestling referee millions of dollars to settle her allegations that he raped her in 1986, the Journal also reported. McMahon said the alleged sexual assault never happened, and his lawyer said he settled the suit to avoid costly litigation.

Grant's request for the Stamford, Connecticut-based WWE to waive enforcement of the NDAs is similar to ones made to other companies when sexual misconduct allegations arose.

In 2018 and 2019, respectively, the Weinstein Co. and NBC Universal released employees, former employees and others from NDAs made in connection with sexual misconduct claims against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and "Today" host Matt Lauer.

Victims' lawyers call NDAs instruments to silence accusers while allowing alleged abusers to avoid accountability. A federal law approved in 2022 and similar laws in more than a dozen states curb the use of NDAs that block victims of sexual harassment from speaking publicly about their allegations.

The Associated Press does not normally name people who make sexual assault allegations unless they come forward publicly, which Grant did.

She alleges McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship with him in order for her to get and keep a job, and later directed her to have sexual relations with others including Laurinaitis. She also accuses McMahon and Laurinaitis of sexually assaulting her at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

The lawsuit further claims McMahon recruited other people for sexual relations with Grant, shared pornographic photos and videos of her with other men, including WWE employees, despite saying he wouldn't and subjected her to cruel and humiliating acts. source: espn.com