In-character as the Funkasauras, Brodus Clay offered a one-sentence response to reports this week that WWE has pulled his character from TV to clean up his in-ring work. "Don't believe the hater hype plant funk still in orbit ya dig!" Clay tweeted Thursday night.
February 17, 2012
Brodus Clay Addresses Planet Funk status
Several Notable WWE Office Departures and Office Changes
WWE made several office cuts on February 10th that are desrcibed as a "purge of senior licensing executives". Jim Connelly, one of WWE’s top executives, was released along with Florence DiGiorgio and Dean Miller.
Connelly, hired in 2009 and considered to be a major pick-up, worked as Senior Vice President of Consumer Products. Dean Miller worked under Connelly as the Senior Manager of Home Entertainment and Florence DiGiorgio, hired back in the 90′s, worked as WWE’s Senior Director of Global Licensing.
WWE’s official word on the departures is that they are re-organizing that department but the feeling was that Vince McMahon made the moves at the worst time – right before the big New York Toy Fair last week. At the Toy Fair, people from WWE’s Consumer Products division were awkwardly dancing around questions on who to contact within WWE for potential licensing deals. Within WWE, people have been surprised at the timing of gutting that department.
WWE headquarters is still in the process of undergoing major changes, with the office space being reorganized to reflect designated space for each department.
Joey Styles, who runs the WWE’s website, recently confirmed those reports when a fan asked him on Twitter if he works from home. Styles replied:
“I work in the newly renovated office space for TV Creative, Magazine and .com at WWE HQ.”
sources: wrestling observer newsletter & sports business daily
Interesting note...
A year ago, WWE held a Global Business Partners Summit and Vince McMahon announced that the compnay had formally rebranded itself - WWE. Of all the Executives that presented at the Summit, only Stephanie McMahon, Paul Levesque & Michelle Wilson are still with the company. The following was the line-up of speakers at last years Summit. Their current status is in bold:
The New WWE Initiative, Partnerships and TV Strategy (Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer) - Still CMO with the company
New Talent Development Program (Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Senior Advisor) - Currently EVP, Talent
WWE Studios (Mike Pavone, EVP, WWE Studios) - Left the company in August 2011 and was replaced by Michael Luisi
International Update (Andrew Whitaker, EVP, International) - Left the company in September 2011. The International division is now run by SVP & Managing Director, Dominic Hayes
Digital and Social Media Update (Brian Kalinowski, EVP, Digital) - Left the company in August 2011. This division has been absorbed under the Creative division and is run by Stephanie McMahon
Kids Initiative and New Product Launches (Jim Connelly, SVP, Consumer Products) - Left the company in February 2012.
Stephanie McMahon emceed the event and was listed as EVP, Creative Development & Operations. Her title has since been changed to EVP, Creative; however looking at her executive bio and reading her interview with Entertainment Weekly describing her work day, she sounds more like the Chief Operating Officer.
This Day in Wrestling History
Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall return to the WWF(E) & re-form the nWo at No Way Out.
February 17, 2002
February 16, 2012
WrestleMania Press Conference Electrifies at MetLife Stadium
The King of Kings, Triple H, was also on hand for the press conference. After praising present WWE Superstars for their involvement with the community – Sheamus for WWE's "be a STAR" anti-bullying campaign, Mark Henry for the WrestleMania Reading Challenge program and The Bella Twins for their tireless support of our Armed Forces – The Game presented honorary WWE Championship Titles to New York Jets owner & CEO Woody Johnson and John Mara, President and CEO of the Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants...More?
Bill Simmons Takes Aim At Triple H
"The Sports Guy" Bill Simmons, who had CM Punk on his popular podcast last summer, takes aim at Triple H in his latest mailbag column for ESPN affiliated website Grantland.com.
When asked if the recent surge of New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin is the NBA's equivalent of CM Punk last summer, he instead sounds off on the self-proclaimed "King of Kings."
"Does this mean (Knicks star Carmelo Anthony) is going to be Triple H — the egotistical, overrated star who couldn't handle that something good was happening without him, so he interjected himself into the storyline and ended up throwing a wet blanket on all the momentum?" Simmons writes.
"I sure hope not."
Chris Hero Receives His FCW Ring Name
According to the official website of WWE developmental promotion Florida Championship Wrestling, the wrestler formerly known as Chris Hero has been officially named Kassius Ohno.
Kassius Ohno at FCW
The Rock Confirms His Status for WrestleMania 29
According to PWTorch, Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson confirmed at WWE's press conference today that he will be making an appearance at next year's WrestleMania 29. Yesterday the time and location was made official by WWE.com, and the big event will take place at the MetLife Arena in New Jersey on April 7th, 2013.
Additionally, The Rock posted the following on Twitter:
"Met Life Stadium. Home of Wrestlemania 29. 2013. #MetLifeWillGetRocked."
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart defeats Undertaker, Steve Austin & Vader for the WWF(E) Title, starting his fourth reign as champion.
February 16, 1997
The final episode of WWE's version of ECW aired.
February 16, 2010
February 15, 2012
Rumor Mill - Backstage News On R-Truth’s Character
R-Truth appearing more animated in recent weeks has to do with Triple H. The WWE executive wants him performing “silly comedy” as opposed to dancing and rapping.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Bret Hart Responds to Comment from Brother, Says Montreal Is a Dead Issue
A fan wrote the following to WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart on Twitter:
“Your brother Smith Hart said in an interview that Stu Hart stated, “Bret should have just done the job in Montreal.” Any truth to that?”
Bret replied with the following on Twitter:
“I’ve had numerous conversations w/my dad about Montreal & he never ever indicated anything of this sort to me.”
“There are certain members of my family that never miss an opportunity 2 tear me down or minimize my achievements. My dad’s nickname for my brother Smith was “shed”, short for shithead. So take it from the source.”
“I don’t give a damn what anyone says re:Montreal & it’s a dead issue.”
Rumor Mill - Triple H Wants More Spanish-Speaking Wrestlers Hired
Triple H reportedly wants more Spanish-speaking wrestlers signed since he believes the Hispanic market is a major key to the prosperity of WWE. More specifically, he wants wrestlers who can conduct interviews in both English and Spanish. Rosa Mendes in particular has been directed to yell at ringside in Spanish as much as possible since she’s bilingual.
WrestleMania 29 Comes Home to NY/NJ in 2013
For the first time, The Show of Shows is headed to New Jersey, as MetLife Stadium, home to the Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants, as well as the New York Jets, will host WrestleMania XXIX on Sunday, April 7, 2013.
The traditional WrestleMania Week activities, including WrestleMania Axxess, the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and Monday Night Raw will take place across the New York/New Jersey area in the days leading up to the show.
An official press conference will be held tomorrow, February 16, at 11:00AM at MetLife Stadium, where WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon will be joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, New York Giants President & CEO John Mara, New York Jets Owner & CEO Woody Johnson, and a host of WWE Superstars, including John Cena, Triple H and Sheamus to officially announce the event. There will also be a special appearance by John Cena’s WrestleMania XXVIII opponent, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The press conference is not open to the public, but WWE.com will be posting video and photo updates about the event throughout the day.
February 13th Raw TV Ratings Breakdown: HBK/HHH/Taker Draws
Below is a segment-by-segment breakdown for Monday's edition of the RAW SuperShow:
The opening debate drew a 2.93 rating which was down a half point on the usual number.
Chris Jericho vs. Kofi Kingston lost 49,000 viewers.
Backstage segments with John Cena/Zack Ryder and John Laurinaitis/David Otunga lost 24,000 viewers.
Randy Orton vs. Big Show gained 93,000 viewers.
The return of Shawn Michaels, HHH/Undertaker gained 822,000 viewers. An impressive gain.
Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth lost 621,000 viewers.
Tamina Snuka vs. Brie Bella and John Cena/Eve Kiss lost 320,000 viewers.
CM Punk vs. The Miz lost 139,000 viewers. The main event drew a low 2.77 quarter rating.
OVERRUN: Cena/Ryder/Kane gained 505,000 viewers which came in at 3.14.
Update on Brodus Clay
According to PWTorch, the "Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay has been put on hold because Vince McMahon believes he needs to improve on the quality of his in-ring work. Brodus has been wrestling matches for the Smackdown tapings, but his segments have been relegated to dark matches in recent weeks.
WWE And Fox Home Entertainment Tag Team On 3-Picture Pact
WWE Studios and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment have partnered on three films that will be DVD premiere titles. First up is The Marine: Homefront, a new installment of the franchise that started with the 2006 Fox theatrical release that starred WWE wrestler John Cena. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment will handle worldwide distribution for the three pictures on Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and digital download. WWE will use its telecasts and marketing clout to promote each film.
“WWE Studios will continue to expand its film offerings to appeal to a wide range of movie fans in 2012 and 2013,” said WWE Studios President, Michael Luisi. “We look forward to building upon our relationship with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment to present movies that bring action, adventure and humor to audiences all over the globe.”
“WWE is a tremendous organization supported by a world class marketing machine,” said Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Michael and his team.”
source: deadline.com
Better Stock Buy - WWE or MSG?
Stock analysis website SmallCapNetwork.com published a comparison of WWE and Madison Square Garden stocks centered around the rise of New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin.
What has always attracted investor attention to the World Wrestling Entertainment is its high dividend yield. In fact, World Wrestling Entertainment has a five year average dividend yield of 9% and it has a dividend payout ratio of 175% – hardly sustainable which explains why the stock has a 4.9% forward dividend yield after the quarterly dividend was slashed from $0.36 to $0.12 early last year. Another concern for investors: Vincent or “Vince” McMahon, the Chairman, CEO and sometimes even a ring participant is the embodiment of the company but he will not stay at the helm forever. Nevertheless, his daughter appears more than capable of taking over the helm at some point in time but again, an investment in World Wrestling Entertainment is an investment in Vincent McMahon and the McMahon family. Nevertheless, World Wrestling Entertainment has managed to remain profitable in a turbulent economy, producing net income of $53,452k (2010), $50,303k (2009) and $45,416k (2008) plus it has a gold mine of content that it can better leverage into further profits. Hence, I would not rule the stock out just because they have decided to cut back on dividends.
The Bottom Line. With or without Jeremy Lin and Vince McMahon, Madison Square Garden (MSG) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) probably have what it takes to at least deserve further investor attention...More?
partial source: pwtorch.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Eddie Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar at No Way Out to win the WWE Championship.
February 15, 2004
February 14, 2012
Randy Orton Injured; PPV Line-Up Changed
WWE.com has posted the following:
"WWE medical personnel have confirmed that Randy Orton suffered a concussion on Raw SuperShow when World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan smashed Orton over the head with his title.
"Randy sustained head trauma following his match with Big Show, in which Daniel Bryan interfered, and he was evaluated in the training room immediately afterward," WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson told WWE.com. "Due to his symptoms as well as his neurological evaluation, he was diagnosed with a concussion. We will be doing more testing to see how he's going to do as far as short term vs. long term."
Orton will not be cleared to compete in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber Match this Sunday."
It is accurate that Orton suffered a concussion from Monday night during his match with Big Show but WWE citing Daniel Bryan hitting Orton with the title is simply for storyline purposes.
partial source: wrestlezone.com
Dixie Carter Confirms Vince Russo's TNA Departure
TNA President Dixie Carter via Twitter:
"TNA and Vince Russo have mutually parted ways as of this week. The separation is amicable and professional. We are glad for the opportunity to have worked together and wish each other nothing but good luck and success in the future."
Shawn Michaels Says He’s Not Done with Triple H Yet
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels wrote the following on Twitter last night after RAW:
“Well, that was interesting!! Always a joy, no matter what happens, to get out I’m front of all of you. Tomorrow…back to my tractor”
Shawn also said he’s “not done with Triple H just yet” when a fan asked if we will be seeing Shawn on WWE TV again anytime soon.
Furthermore, WWE’s website posted a backstage RAW video of Shawn. Shawn told WWE.com that he will resolve the disagreement with Triple H one way or another. Shawn re-iterated that he wants Triple H to take it to the next level by defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 28.
Mark Henry Being Inducted Into The International Sports Hall of Fame
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and 2002 Arnold Classic World's Strongest Man winner Mark Henry is being inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame on March 3rd in Columbus, Ohio. Mark Henry is legendary in the world of weightlifting and has set world records that still have not been broken and possibly never will. Flex Magazine has named him as "The Second Strongest Human Being That's Ever Lived" and he is argubaly still the strongest man on the planet today.
WWE's Infamous Love Triangles
It's the season - and day - of love. However, while you're eating chocolates or smelling the roses your "boo" may have gotten you for Valentine's Day, Eve may be wondering just what she gotten herself into at Raw SuperShow between Zack Ryder and John Cena. It's like "Twilight" between the ropes, and we're afraid of vampires. And Kane.
Eve, though, is not the first WWE Superstar or Diva to be entangled in a love triangle. Oh no, not even close.
Despite countless denials from both parties, Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon had been making eyes at each other for months, catching the ire of her husband, Triple H. Hey, here's a thought: if you're married to The Cerebral Assassin, why not make him more jealous by managing the guy you've been staring at and cause drama at every single turn? Check. Mate...More?
Others:
Edge, Big Show and Vickie Guerrero
Christian, Trish and Chris Jericho
Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth
Col. Parker, Sherri and Madusa
Matt Hardy, Lita and Edge
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Big John Studd - February 14, 1948
Ken Shamrock - February 14, 1965
Tommy Dreamer - February 14, 1968
The Big Show debuts in the WWF(E) at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre PPV
February 14, 1999
February 13, 2012
HBK Confronts Triple H on Raw
HBK confronted Triple H, begging for an answer to the question on everyone’s mind – why would he decline the chance to end Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania XXVIII? The WWE COO said he’s not a sellout or a coward, but he doesn’t want to end The Deadman’s mystique because it's bad for business. Triple H said he, Michaels and Undertaker are "the end of an era," and he's "not the one to end that era." Then, Undertaker appeared on the TitanTron, revealing a shocking moment, taking a razor to his hair and proclaiming "vengeance will be mine."
source: wwe.com
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
