March 8, 2012
WWE Stock Nears 52-Week Low
WWE's stock price nearly hit a 52-week low on Thursday. The stock, which has steadily declined since WWE reported fourth quarter and year-end results two weeks ago, reached as low as $8.78 on Thursday, close to the 52-week low of $8.67. The stock eventually rebounded slightly to a closing price of $8.90. The closing price two weeks ago on financial reporting day was $9.40.
source: pwtorch.com
Man Charged With Stealing $50K From WWE
A Tennessee man was extradited to Stamford this week and charged with stealing more than $50,000 from a World Wrestling Entertainment bank account.
James Dewayne Bass, also known as Kelly Monique, 34, of Prospect, Tenn., was charged with first-degree larceny and four counts of second-degree forgery.
During an arraignment hearing Thursday, Stamford Superior Court Judge Robert Genuario set Bass' bond at $50,000 and continued the case until March 22. Genuario transferred the case to the Part A docket, where more serious crimes are heard. The judge set bail without prejudice, which allows Public Defender Howard Ehring to argue for a lower bond amount at a later date.
Stamford Police Sgt. Peter diSpagna said the arrest stemmed from a complaint by a WWE attorney, who called in November to complain that $50,816 had been taken out of a company account and the majority used to buy merchandise and services over the internet or by phone.
Nigel McGuinness Attempting DVD Release On Why He Quit Wrestling
Former TNA/ROH wrestler Nigel McGuinness (Desmond Wolfe) is attempting to release a DVD documentary explaining his pro wrestling journey and why he quit wrestling related to his health issues. McGuinness has launched a fundraiser through Kickstarter.com to raise funds to produce, edit, and distribute the DVD.
"Moving on from wrestling is the toughest decision I have ever had to make. I am looking to get the funding, not only to make the documentary, but also to learn the skills to be able to explore other avenues beyond the ring in the future," McGuinness says about why the doc is important to him. "More than this though, I think it's a story everyone will enjoy and learn from. I know I did."
source: pwtorch.com
March 7, 2012
WWE Star: My Unborn Baby Did Not Survive the Birth
WWE star Kia Stevens did not deliver a healthy baby boy on December 31st, despite what she told friends. Kia tells TMZ the child tragically died before she was able to give birth.
Kia tells us she is still devastated over the loss ... and initially lied to friends about the child being "healthy" because she was incredibly emotional and was afraid to tell the public the truth after announcing her pregnancy on live TV.
Kia says she's finally coming to grips with everything ... and wants to help other women in her situation.
"I am planning to start a foundation for women that have experienced the same thing" ... Kia says ... adding, "It's a bigger club than people think."
Kia tells us she's already organizing several events to raise awareness ... and will have information about her foundation available on her Twitter page in the near future.
March 6, 2012
March 5, 2012
Special Guest Referee for WM28 HIAC Match
Shawn Michaels is the special guest referee for Triple H vs. Undertaker Hell In A Cell at WrestleMania.
This Day in Wrestling History
Paul Heyman replaces Jerry Lawler as the new announcer on RAW with Jim Ross.
March 5, 2001
March 4, 2012
Identity of FCW/WWE’s New Masked Wrestler
Benicio Salazar has been added to the WWE/FCW developmental roster. In Mexico, Salazar is known as El Hijo del Medico Asesino and Terror Negro. He is the son of Medico Asesino (Assassin Doctor).
March 3, 2012
Ex-WWE Writer Talks About Storyline to Bring Chyna Back to the WWE
Former WWE writer Andrew Goldstein (from 2006 - 2007) discusses a storyline pitched in 2006 to bring back Chyna to the WWE that would see her involved with Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the newly reformed DX, and address Triple H and Stephanie McMahon's relationship. Despite the writers and heads of creative responding positively to the idea, it was ultimately shot down by Vince McMahon.
From the March 2nd 2012 edition of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Kellar
McMahon's Investments Could be Worth Up to $355M
The two-time Republican Senate candidate and her famous husband Vince own between $92 million and $355 million in stocks, bonds and other securities that routinely pay the power couple millions in dividends and interest payments, according to a Greenwich Time analysis of McMahon's 2011 financial disclosure report that was filed with the Secretary of the Senate.
Candidates and sitting members of Congress are not required to give a specific amount of their investment holdings, just a range.
The couple's joint portfolio runs the gamut, from publicly traded stocks such as Apple, Target, McDonald's and Whole Foods Market, to municipal bonds in their home state of Connecticut, as well as private hedge fund investments.
source: greenwichtime.com
WWE Try-Out to be Held at George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
The George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced WWE try-outs scheduled for their annual Hall of Fame event on Friday, July 13 in Waterloo, Iowa. The try-out is open to wrestlers, referees, managers, and ring announcers. Scheduled to scout talent is WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Brisco. A special guest to-be-named later will join Brisco for the talent evaluation. A full press release is below:
For the second year in a row, in conjunction with the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend, A WWE Tryout will be held in Waterloo, Iowa. This year’s event will take place on Friday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m. It is open to wrestlers, referees, managers, and ring announcers. On hand to scout talent last year was long-time WWE talent scout, Jerry Brisco. Brisco has been a part of the WWE for 3 decades and has been responsible for the signing of many WWE superstars including Brock Lesnar. This year Jerry Briscoe returns on behalf of the WWE in hopes of finding his next big signee. He will be assisted in assessing talent by a special guest to be named later. Last year, Jim Ross and Terry Funk were ringside giving words of advice to the participants. Also in attendance will be several promoters from throughout the Midwest. It will be a great chance to show what you have in front of people that may have never seen you before.
Update on Wade Barrett's Injury
PWInsider.com reports that WWE star Wade Barrett underwent surgery for his dislocated elbow this week and the injury was described as being "far worse than originally diagnosed." Barrett is now expected to miss three to four months.
This Day in Wrestling History
Ed "Strangler" Lewis defeats Joe Stecher in Chicago. Lewis wins with the headlock in just over two hours.
March 3, 1919
Magnum T.A. defeated Wahoo McDaniel for the NWA United States Title.
March 3, 1985
March 2, 2012
Triple H to Wrestle Before WrestleMania
The website for Madison Square Garden is advertising that Triple H will be in action for the upcoming live event on March 18th. Here is what was posted:
Just announced- after recently accepting a WrestleMania match vs. The Undertaker, The Game- HHH will be live in action at The Garden on March 18- exactly two weeks before his Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania 28!
source: wrestlinginc.com
Vince Russo's Statement On Leaving TNA
Vince Russo issued the following statement to PWInsider.com:
Despite the continuing rumors, speculation, and hearsay surrounding my departure from TNA Wrestling, in an effort to set the record straight, I was not fired, terminated, released, or let go from the company--it was my decision to walk away, and from there the separation was mutual, amicable and professional.
It simply makes good business sense that where someone of my talent and ability was not going to be used to their capability or capacity, that a parting of the ways was inevitable.
In closing, I’d like to thank my fellow writer and friend, Matt Conway, for giving me purpose, my friend and brother, Jeff Jarrett, for hiring me, Dixie Carter and the entire Carter family, for keeping me employed, but, more importantly, every man and woman in the locker room for giving me the opportunity, and ability, to work in the professional wrestling business for the past twenty years. Without their blood, sweat and tears . . . I would have not been able to support my family and make a living. My greatest loss by far is leaving them behind.
And truly, from the bottom of my heart, I wish TNA all the best in their future endeavors.
PS: I couldn’t help myself with that last line, but I truly DO wish TNA all the success in the world!
Peace,
Vince
Paul Levesque's Renewed Booking Contract
WWE published their 10-K report, which includes a renewed wrestler contract with Paul Levesque. Levesque's new deal went into effect Jan. 1 and ends March 30, 2016.
Highlights:
*Levesque will be paid a "Minimum Annual Compensation" of $1 million for each year under contract.
*He will be limited to 180 dates per year, unless both parties mutually agree to extend beyond that number.
*In addition to other wrestling companies, he cannot appear for any "martial arts" company while under contract.
Full Annual Report is here. Booking Contract starts on page 88.
WWE Network Woes Continue - N.Y. Newspaper Reports New Details on Network Launch Struggles
The New York Post reported on WWE's woes attempting to get WWE Network off the ground, and included quotes from cable TV executives questioning whether the Network initiative is the right move for WWE.
The Post cited sources that say WWE has "yet to strike a single deal with a cable or satellite TV provider to carry its own cable channel." The other issues are WWE's inability to hire high-ranking executives to manage the Network and WWE's content having a narrow appeal.
“WWE has the programming and marketing muscle, but they just have no one with cable experience who can execute for them,” said one cable executive.
“Given the content issues, I think a whole channel would be a stretch,” said Gerri Donini, senior vice president broadcast at media-buying shop R.J. Palmer. “It is very limited in who it reaches.”
The Post also reported WWE is "expected to hire" 200 employees specific to the Network. WWE CFO George Barrios said in the quarterly conference call with investors that WWE has hired 40-45 employees.
The report cites information from WWE's fourth quarter 2011 earnings results, which saw WWE take a rare quarterly loss mainly because of initial Network expenses and the company's other project, WWE Studios.
This Day in Wrestling History
WWWF(WWE) World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Gorilla Monsoon defeat Killer Kowalski & Ernie Ladd in Washington, DC.
March 2, 1970
Missouri Mauler beat Johnny Valentine for the American (Texas) Heavyweight Title in Chicago, IL.
March 2, 1973
WCW in Waldorf, MD - Thomas Stone High School
Big Josh pinned El Cubano
Dustin Rhodes & Tim Horner defeated Larry Zbyzsko & Dutch Mantell when Rhodes pinned Mantell
Ricky Morton pinned Buddy Landell
Sid Vicious pinned Tommy Rich with the powerbomb
Barry Windham fought Butch Reed to a no contest in a streetfight when Ron Simmons attacked Reed and the two men battled all over the building
WCW US Champion Lex Luger pinned Dan Spivey
Sting defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification when Barry Windham and Buddy Landell prevented the pinfall; El Gigante was the guest referee for the bout
Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin when Scott pinned Garvin with the Frankensteiner
March 2, 1991
March 1, 2012
Natayla Comments on Receiving Help from Triple H
WWE Diva Natalya was interviewed by ‘The Miami Hearld’ and discussed her family heritage, Beth Phoenix, Khrama and more. Here is part of the piece:
The accomplished performer is always looking to up her game. Natalya is not satisfied with complacency. Much like she did early on in her career, she still seeks input and advice from family.
“Bret has helped me a lot with that. It’s funny, but Triple H has also helped me evolve the sharpshooter a little bit. A lot of people don’t know that. Bret has given me a ton of advice on the sharpshooter, but the one match I had in 2010 at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view when I put Michelle McCool and Layla in the sharpshooter at the same time. It was the first time it had ever been done."
“It was Triple H who helped me with it and told me he had an idea. He coached me on it, which is kind of a testament to him and his role is changing. My dad has also helped and taught me a ton of power moves. The running powerslam for example was taught to me by my dad. It’s also great to have Triple H around because he has actually helped me with pre-tapes, backstage scenarios and scenes. Triple H has made me feel comfortable when I’m in front of the camera, so it’s cool to have that element too.”
February 27th Raw TV Ratings Breakdown: HHH/Taker Draws
Below is a segment-by-segment breakdown for Monday's (2/27) edition of RAW SuperShow which drew a 3.14 rating with 4.64 million viewers.
C.M. Punk and Chris Jericho's opening promo drew a 3.22 opening quarter.
Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (-) 289,000 viewers.
The HHH/Undertaker video package (+) 526,000 viewers. Drawing a 3.38 rating which is rare because video packages normally drop in ratings.
Kelly Kelly vs. Nikki Bella (-) 816,000 viewers.
John Cena vs. The Miz (+) 388,000 viewers.
Primo & Epico vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth & Kofi Kingston (-) 221,000 viewers.
Eve Torres interview (+) 225,000 viewers.
Big Show & Sheamus vs. Cody Rhodes & Mark Henry (+) 3,000 viewers.
This Day in Wrestling History
Gene Kiniski & Waldo Von Erich defeat Dr. Jerry & Crazy Luke Graham for the WWWF (WWE) United States Tag Team Title in Washington, D.C.
March 1, 1964
February 29, 2012
Guest Star Announced for the March 12th Edition of Monday Night Raw
WWE.com has announced that actor and star of USA's Psych, James Roday, will be the special guest star of the 3/12 edition of WWE Raw. The show will be taped in Cleveland, Ohio.
Roday was previously supposed to guest star on Raw back in January of 2010, however due to a last minute appendectomy he was unable to appear alongside his Psych co-star Dule Hill.
WWE Network Update
The latest on the planned WWE Network launch is that internally, it's being planned for the Network to debut sometime during "November sweeps" but no hard launch date has been set yet. The company wants the Network on the air before the end of the year.
November is also the latest word on the potential Cruiserweight series. Talents who had been talked with about working that show were told that plans to sign anyone had been pushed back to the Fall. WWE is looking for wrestlers in the 200 lb. range for the series.
