WWE Partners with Pathe UK on Horror Movie

Update on Kharma's Push

WrestleZone has learned exclusively that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is watching the crowd reaction to Kharma, the former Awesome Kong, and he's noticing the potential for a truly groundbreaking female character in WWE.

According to a key WWE insider, talent executive John Laurinaitis instructed the producers (formerly road agents) of the house shows this past weekend to have Kharma attack Eve Torres to see if the audience would react to Kharma as a heel. From what we were told, the live audience popped big for the beat down, but it's unclear whether they were "just reacting," or "reacting to Kharma as a heel." Either way, Vince knows right now that the fans are reacting to her as "a star."

Kharma, real name Kia Stevens, attacked heel Michelle McCool (real life wife of The Undertaker) at the Extreme Rules pay per view, and Maryse on Monday Night Raw to tremendous fan reaction.

It should be noted that Paul Heyman's comparison of Kharma's debut to Brock Lesnar's WWE debut was definitely noticed by people within WWE. "Vince knows he has something and someone special now, a brand new character who has captured people's attention," our key insider told us this evening, "and he's determined to make as big an impact with Kharma as possible. Very few people debut with this amount of momentum, and Vince sees nothing but dollar signs in Kharma."

Video: WWE's Global Business Partners Summit

On the eve of WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta, Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon announced at WWE's Global Business Partners Summit that the company has formally rebranded itself WWE. Members of WWE's senior management team spoke to the new business model for future growth. Stephanie McMahon, EVP, Creative Development & Operations, emceed the Summit where the following topics were discussed regarding the New WWE:

The New WWE Initiative, Partnerships and TV Strategy (Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer)
New Talent Development Program (Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Senior Advisor)
WWE Studios (Mike Pavone, EVP, WWE Studios)
International Update (Andrew Whitaker, EVP, International)
Digital and Social Media Update (Brian Kalinowski, EVP, Digital)
Kids Initiative and New Product Launches (Jim Connelly, SVP, Consumer Products)

Click here for the video. Stephanie introduces Hunter at 26.38.

More Updates on the Future Plans of Triple H and The Undertaker

When Triple H made his return to the WWE on the February 21st edition of WWE Monday Night RAW interrupting The Undertaker after weeks of promotion regarding a 2/21/11 video package, professional wrestling fans immediately knew that a match between the two would be in the works for WrestleMania 27.

After an excellent back-and-forth match, that could have gone any way at WrestleMania 27, the question now remains as to what is the plan moving forward for two of the WWE’s all-time greats.

Speaking to several WWE sources, Triple H has once again moved back in to his semi-retirement role with the company, where he will oversee talent development and signings, character development and have a role in how storylines play out.

Rumor is that when Vince McMahon eventually makes the decision to step away, that Triple H is being groomed to become Vince’s successor, alongside his wife and Vince’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon. Triple H’s recent signings include Sin Cara, formerly known as Mistico, back in his homeland of Mexico, as well as independent talent, Jon Moxley and Kharma formerly known as Awesome Kong.

Triple H is now said to look at his character as one that will be used on special occasions, such as WrestleMania 27, rather than one that will be used on a weekly basis. With that said, however, the 13-time World Champion is “game” (no pun intended) to return, should injuries flare up on the WWE roster.

Triple H was said to have been very pleased with his match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 27 and felt that the big program that the WWE put together, concluded with a very good match.

More?

This Day in Wrestling History

Earl Caddock again defeats Wladek Zbyszko in Chicago, IL to retain the World title. A new title belt costing $2250 was shown to newspapers to be awarded to the winner of the May 10 Ed "Strangler" Lewis vs. Wladek Zbyszko match. Promoters from different parts of the country contributed to the cost of the belt, which would become the property of the champion after five successful defenses.
May 8, 1918

Wrestling Revolution - New Internet Wrestling Promotion

The first ever 100% crowd-sourced wrestling promotion created by the fans for the fans. By combining classic wrestling storytelling with the shortened television series structure innovated by networks like HBO, FX, BBC and AMC, our Wrestling Revolution product will be both familiar and entirely new.

Each 12 episode season will tell a complete set of stories, introducing characters that will evolve and grow with each passing season. Take the season long build of shows like THE WIRE or DEXTER and apply it to the basic wrestling model and you have an idea of where we're going...More?

Triple H Scouting Talent at FCW; WWE Also Looking in the UK

Triple H, The Undertaker, Sean Waltman and members of the WWE creative team were all at FCW on 5/4 scouting talent recently reports The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

It's also being reported that WWE is currently scouting talent in The UK, with an emphasis being placed on examining big, muscular wrestlers. According to wrestlezone.com, the company has a talent stall set up and confirmed for the Bodypower Bodybuilding/Strongman/Powerlifting/MMA/Fitness Expo, in Birmingham, UK on the 21st and 22nd of May.

Chris Harris Returns at TNA Live Event

Former TNA and WWE star Chris Harris returned to action at last night's TNA live event in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Harris teamed with Matt Hardy and lost to Tag Team Champions Beer Money. Hardy introduced Harris as his surprise partner before the match and Harris ended up taking the pin from Beer Money at the end of the match.

Rumor Mill - The Undertaker's Status

Nothing is official, but the internal thought with WWE is that The Undertaker is basically retired, which explains Michelle McCool's departure to stay at home with him. According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, physically Undertaker is in far worse shape than is being let on. The company is not ruling out him wrestling next year at Wrestlemania, however, they are not expecting him to work another match before then. His friends have talked to him about winning again at Wrestlemania 28, and retiring with a 20-0 Mania streak.

This Day in Wrestling History

Happy Birthday to Owen Hart
May 7, 1965

Ric Flair defeated Ricky Steamboat for the NWA World Title.
May 7, 1989

Video: Celebrities Join WWE for the Kickoff of the "be a STAR" Anti-Bullying Campaign in Washington, DC

Shane Helms and Girlfriend in Serious Motorcycle Accident

Tha O Show host, Big Daddy Donnie is reporting that frequent guest Shane Helms and his girlfriend have sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident last night. Helms is reported to have suffered a broken leg, broken ankle, and broken nose. His jaw seems to have been dislocated and he has received over 200 stitches. Karen suffered a broken neck. It is not yet known to us how the accident occurred