WWE is in the process of contacting websites with statements that they recently conducted an investigation of their developmental system following accusations made by Chase Donovan (Drew Donaldson), Chad Baxter (Derek Foore) and Kevin Matthews (Kevin McDonald) in a podcast called “Two And A Half Wrestlers.” Most of the accusations had to do with head NXT trainer Bill DeMott.
The company makes it clear “no sexual harassment complaints” have been filed against any employee at WWE’s training facility in Orlando. They say the allegations are “baseless” and were made by “disgruntled talent recently released.” WWE continued by saying they take the issues seriously, which is why the investigation was conducted. The investigation concluded no wrongdoing.
The new WWE Performance Center is equipped with surveillance cameras, with one feed going to Bill DeMott and the other directly to Vince McMahon.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
July 8, 2013
WWE Conducts Investigation of NXT, Finds No Wrongdoing
Jay & Mark Briscoe Confirm Talks With WWE
Jay and Mark Briscoe told fans at Saturday night’s WWE live event in Ocean City, Maryland they’ve spoken with WWE. Neither have been offered or signed contracts as of this writing.
July 7, 2013
Rumor Mill - More On Sting Possibly Jumping To WWE After His TNA Contract Expires
As previously noted, F4Wonline.com reported that Sting was included in the video packages last Monday on RAW because Sting is said to once again be interested in joining WWE. According to their story, there is said to be a lot of confidence that Sting will eventually join the company.
It is rumored that Triple H does not want Sting to re-sign with TNA. WWE wants to present him with a multi-faceted licensing deal which would include incorporating him into their Mattel deal and home videos. It would also likely include an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
According to a source, Triple H mentioned doing more with Sting last May on WWE.com and in their DVDs. It is believed that the company is strategically building a subtle presence for Sting, with the hopes of aggressively pitching his involvement with WWE in 2014. It should be noted that both sides haven't spoken, but there is hope that Sting can do business when he is no longer under contract.
Interestingly enough, Sting was a part of both WCW and Mid South and worked the famous Battle of New Orleans match, which could make him a nice candidate for the 2014 Hall of Fame.
July 6, 2013
Interview with Curtis Axel
WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel recently spoke with NorfolkNavyFlagship.com to promote the upcoming WWE live event in Norfolk. Here are some highlights:
JM: How does it feel to be one half of the first ever father/son pairing to win the Intercontinental Championship?
CA: Leading up to that whole pay-per-view, the whole week before, the thoughts going through my head were, “What was going to happen if I were to win? What was I going to be thinking?” My grandfather (Larry “The Axe” Hennig”), I talked to him about it. When I finally won at Payback, man – I just couldn’t stop thinking about my dad (“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig). Holding that same Intercontinental Championship that he held. He would bring (it) home and I would hold it and wear it as a kid. I now possess this thing. I had goose bumps and was pretty emotional. My grandfather and mother were emotional about the whole thing, too. (My father and I) never got to stand in the same ring as each other, but now I feel honored that I get to stand in the record books with him.
JM: As “Michael McGillicutty,” your heritage wasn’t a major focus. Now that you’ve become “Curtis Axel,” does this allow you to become more of yourself and tap into a different side of your character?
CA: At first, they (WWE) didn’t want to bring up where I came from – which they have totally 180’d on. If I incorporate moves that my father and grandfather did, it’s to pay homage to them – to my family. Family is number one and will always be number one to me. Even as Michael McGillicutty – I still wrestled as myself. I think it was a good thing – even though that name sucked. I hated being Michael McGillicutty and having to tell people my name. It was embarrassing. Even signing that five-syllable name is ridiculous. I always wanted to be “me” in the long run.
JM: Who are the guys, now, that offer up the most advice about your matches and your promos?
CA: Paul Heyman. Just being with that guy – listening to him before the show and after the show, riding up and down the roads with him between events. He has so much information. He’s like a library – he’s got stories, and if you have questions, he has answers. He is the best tool I’ve got right now. When I am off the road – my grandfather. I talk to him two or three days a week. He has critiques of my work. He is super old-school, which I have to take into consideration, but he is a beast.
JM: You were on NXT Season 2. Being in that kind of environment, being introduced to the world in this reality show of sorts – what are some lessons you learned from that whole experience?
CA: NXT was a nightmare. I was really excited to be brought up – I knew I was ready. I saw what those kids had to go through in season one – getting the microphone shoved in your face and doing these stupid challenges. I was kind of bummed, but at least I was being brought up. Then they told me my name was Michael McGillicutty (and) it broke my heart. You never knew exactly what was going on. They said, “OK, you guys have a match, a contest – here’s the microphone.” It was a surprise every single week. You had to stay on your toes – it was scary ‘cause everyone in the back and everyone at home were watching. I think being involved in that atmosphere – it kind of toughens you up. I feel, now, that I am prepared for anything.
July 5, 2013
July 4, 2013
Triple H In Sports Illustrated
Triple H and Jane Geddes (SVP Talent Relations & Development) were featured in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated. You can read the article here.
A Storytelling Lesson From World Wrestling Entertainment’s Darkest Chapter
B.J. Mendelson of SocialTimes has a story on why WWE distancing themselves from Chris Benoit since his career and life ended in a murder–suicide in June 2007 is damaging to the sports-entertainment organization in his eyes.
Benoit is not acknowledged by WWE on television, as references to the deceased Canadian grappler are solely limited to historical perspectives and matches on new video releases involving multiple wrestlers. For instance, when commentators mention the fact that only two men have won the annual Royal Rumble match starting from the number one spot, with Shawn Michaels being the first to do so in 1995, followed by Benoit in 2004, Benoit is not acknowledged.
Mendelson feels the exclusion of Benoit from many of the company's properties creates a "black hole" and also sets a problematic precedent. He writes, "By erasing Benoit, WWE is erasing a good chunk of history within their fictional universe. This creates a black hole where his and other wrestlers storylines once existed. And since the true wealth of the WWE rests in its possession of the world's largest video library of professional wrestling, creating a near limitless resource for DVDs, merchandise, retrospectives, and repurposed programming, you can see where creating a black hole could represent a problem for the company and its shareholders. Especially if this decision to delete a wrestler established a precedent that would be followed and expanded to include performers who did things the company, its shareholders, or the public frowned upon. Because they're not only deleting the offending party, you're also deleting the other wrestler's match as well, which limits the exposure that wrestler has, hampers his or her ability to sell merchandise (which is how WWE determines which wrestler to put their efforts behind), and damages one of the key assets of the company."...More?
More on TNA Payment Delays
Wrestlingnewsworld.com is reporting that TNA has “never” been six weeks late on payment. There was one particular incident described to Alex where a paycheck was delayed by four days when Panda Energy’s accountant was on vacation. We’re told these small occurrences are rare and not a big story.
The McMahon Family Storyline Being Booked for WrestleMania XXX, News on SummerSlam Creative
Regarding head writer Dave Kreizman being credited with the direction for this year's WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view, the main stuff booked was not his doing. The main direction this year is all Vince McMahon, with Triple H leading the proposed McMahon family heel turn angle. Kreizman isn't mapping out ideas, just interfacing with other division that have to be kept up to speed. Ed Koskey and Dave Kapoor have been rounding up the ideas from the writers.
As far as top storylines, everything planned out a month back is going exactly as scheduled for WrestleMania XXX. Whatever changed being made before TV hits the air are not changing the big picture for New Orleans.
The planned main angle, which will get bigger as SummerSlam approaches and explode at some point after that for WrestleMania, is the current angle with the McMahon family. The main reason for this storyline is because the McMahons came up with it as the key angle for next year's WrestleMania.
source: wrestling observer
WWE Named In Lawsuit After Woman Dies In 2008
The woman, 36 year old Susan Prim, told her family she was having trouble breathing so they left the arena. The woman collapsed, passed out and her son told the paper that her brain damage was so severe, she went from respiratory arrest to cardiac arrest and died. Her death is listed as a severe asthma attack and the lawsuit blames WWE's pyro after the main event. WWE along with the Conseco Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers, the pyro company and 16 other defendants have been named in the lawsuit.
2008...really?....
Rumor Mill - Why Triple H Didn't Punish Daniel Bryan at RAW
Regarding Daniel Bryan not being punished over the recent confrontation with Triple H backstage, some witnesses say Vince McMahon was there and others say he wasn't present. Apparently Vince has given Triple H full control of managing talent and when Triple H didn't want to punish Bryan for his outburst, Vince didn't overrule him.
July 3, 2013
Rumor Mill - Details on Issues with Rip Rogers in TNA Developmental, Alleged Extortion & More
According to a TNA/OVW trainee, Rip Rogers was reportedly trying to extort money from the company. He was trying to get paid from the trainees for their instruction in the advanced class.
These TNA "refugees" were basically winners on Gut Check first and then told about going to OVW. WZ was told this is probably why Adam Pearce didn't "win" because he wasn't going to take the OVW assignment.
It was reported earlier that today's talent releases were mostly a cost cutting measure, and in an update on Doug Williams, who was also recently released from TNA, WZ was told "Why wouldn't TNA pay Doug Williams when they promised him a job as trainer? Because they didn't want to pay to renew his visa."
source: wrestlezone.com
WWE Main Event Results 7/03/13
Dark Match: Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay & Sweet T) beat Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil & Darren Young) in tag action. Lots of back and forth. The first nearfall was Brodus on D-Young, but Titus made the save. Tensai then cleaned house. Double splash. Brodus with the pin in about three minutes.
Cody Rhodes and Josh Mathews were on commentary.
To start the show, the blue Money in the Bank briefcase was hanging above the ring.
Damien Sandow opened the show with a heel promo, calling the fans ignorant, etc.
(1) Christian beat Damien Sandow in about 20 minutes. Lots of heat on Sandow early on. The match contained numerous nearfalls and a near-count-out. For the finish, Sandow pushed off the corner DDT and hit a big elbow for a two count, then Christian slow-clapped into another comeback, attempted the Killswitch, Sandow blocked and went for a neckbreaker, but Christian reversed with the Killswitch for three.
Next was Zeb Colter delivering a heel promo on Sin Cara and on the importance of the Fourth of July.
(2) Jack Swagger beat Sin Cara via submission in about 10 minutes. Cara delivered early offense until Swagger took over. Vader Bomb to continue working Cara's mid-section, then Swagger shut down some of Cara's offense. Swagger missed a leg drop to give Cara some offense, but Swagger came back with the gutwrench powerbomb and Anklelock for the win. Overall, Cara wasn't able to get the crowd behind him. There were a few "Let's Go Cara" chants, but there were also some "We The People" chants.
(3) Big E. Langston (w/A.J. Lee) beat Curt Hawkinsin about 5 minutes. A.J. was on commentary and Curt was doing a biker gimmick. Throughout the match, Curt tried offense, but Big E. cut him off. Big Ending for the three count and A.J. celebrated with Langston.
ROH World Title Update
Ring of Honor officially announced today that for the first time since their first champion was crowned in 2002, the ROH championship is officially vacant.
As noted by PWInsider.com, Jay Briscoe has departed the company contractually as planned with his final appearance at the most recent ROH TV taping in Baltimore.
The tournament to crown the new champion will take place over the following dates and cities:
7/27 in Providence, Rhode Island
8/3 in Toronto, Ontario
8/17 in New York City
9/20 in Philadelphia, PA
9/21 in Philadelphia, PA
The first competitor announced is Michael Elgin, who was scheduled for a ROH title bout on 8/3.
Reason For TNA Releases
The ongoing TNA releases are due to budget cuts within the company, something that has been ongoing.
The talents released were being paid a monthly guarantee with an additional fee when they were booked for TNA events. The feeling was that with the talents not being used regularly by the promotion, there was no need to keep them held under contract.
There's been a lot of talk of cost-cutting of late in the company with the added expenses of producing Impact on the road, including the departures of different executives, including execs in the marketing and public relations end of the company.
There has also been increased grumbling among some wrestlers about pay coming late, with one talent claiming he has heard stories of talents being two months behind and others confirming they are behind but not wanting to confirm how far behind they are.
source: pwinsider.com
Multiple Names Rumored To Have Been Released From TNA
TNAInsider.com is reporting that multiple names may have possibly been released from the company in the past few days. The names being mentioned are Crimson, Joey Ryan, Christian York, Sam Shaw and Taeler Hendrix.
Behind The Scenes Problems In TNA; Two Talents Request Release, More Releases Expected, OVW Issues
Sources have informed WZ of some behind the scenes news and chaos at TNA Impact wrestling.
We've been told Christian York got released Tuesday and Taeler Hendrix did not sign a new contract to stay with the company. More departures are expected soon that vary from cuts or talents requesting their release.
The relationship with OVW as a training center seems to be "in shambles" as one source described it. Problems have came up particularly with former head trainer Rip Rodgers concerning money.
It seems many internally are questioning TNA's direction and if they know what they're doing or want to do. In addition, sources are saying Al Snow, who is working as a road agent for the company, has been making promises to wrestlers which he can't fulfill because he doesn't have the power that he acts like he has.
July 2, 2013
Rumor Mill - WWE Reportedly Confident That TNA Star Sting Will Be Joining Their Roster Soon
As seen on last night’s RAW, WWE included current TNA star Sting in their video packages looking back at former World Heavyweight Champions. F4Wonline.com reports that Sting was included in those video packages for a reason. Word is that Sting is once again interested in joining WWE. While he hasn’t opened direct negotiations with the company, he has sent feelers to WWE about joining them. There is said to be a lot of confidence on WWE’s side that Sting will be on their roster eventually.
WWE Suspends Ricardo Rodriguez
In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE (NYSE:WWE) has suspended Jesús RodrÃguez (Ricardo Rodriguez) for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s policy.
June 30, 2013
Blast From The Past: Jeff Hardy vs. Edge vs. Triple H - WWE Championship Match: Armageddon, December 14, 2008
June 29, 2013
More on WWE NXT Staff Changes
As noted earlier today NXT Creative team member Rob Naylor finishes up at WWE Developmental this weekend. His position at NXT was dropped/shifted to a new hire with the move to Orlando. Many within the company/close to the situation were surprised at this news as he was well liked. Naylor's departure was said to be very amicable. He was was apparently told that in the future, the door was open to come back to work for the WWE. He had a lot of fans in the company and received a really nice send-off over the last week. There was talk of him going to work in Stamford, but obviously, that did not happen as of this writing.
Naylor, however, will continue working with Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes posted the following today on Twitter:
In an update from earlier, PWInsider.com has confirmed that Norman Smiley has stayed on with WWE developmental and will be heading to Winter Park, FL with the NXT talents.
Steve Keirn is not making the move to Winter Park, FL.
FCW Closes It's Doors, WWE Developmental Heads to Orlando
WWE's developmental system began breaking down their materials and the rings at the FCW Arena in Tampa, FL yesterday. Everything that the company is taking to Winter Park, Florida for the new WWE Performance Center will be transported this weekend to the Center for their 7/8 opening.
As part of the transition, a number of FCW will be departing. Rob Naylor, who has gotten high marks working in the FCW creative side under Dusty Rhodes, will be departing the company. We've heard conflicting reports that trainer Norman Smiley will be leaving developmental as well.
WWE will hold an official grand opening for the Performance Center for invited media on 7/11.
WWE NXT Executive Possibly Leaving The Company
It appears WWE NXT creative assistant Rob Naylor is leaving the company, or possibly getting a promotion. Dusty Rhodes tweeted this morning:
"NXT and all, me most will miss Naylor. Great working with him . Rob will b in charge of my new Blog , new web coming soon."
Naylor also tweeted:
"@wwedustyrhodes Thank you Dream for all you've done for me and for the 21 month life/wrestling education. #breadandwater #cuepurplerainmusic"
Naylor, a former Dragon Gate USA announcer, was hired by WWE in late 2011.
Rumor Mill - Triple H Berates WWE Talent In Backstage “Team Meeting” Warning Against Twitter
Triple H held a “team meeting” at last week’s WWE NXT tapings from the campus of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Hunter basically “berated” a lot of the developmental talent, telling them if they didn’t want to be there they could leave and would be granted their release. Apparently this drew a lot of confusion amongst talent as morale had been “pretty good” lately and Hunter’s speech seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Triple H also told talent that some more releases could be on the horizon and anyone that bad mouthed the company on Twitter after being released would never be brought back. He talked specifically about guys getting let go on good terms only to return later. Hunter stressed the importance of staying on good terms with WWE, even if you end up losing your developmental deal.
Side Note: Triple H’s meeting seems to be a reaction to Derek Foore (f/k/a Chad Baxter), who is threatening to sell a copy of his contract and has made other claims against management.
It also might have something to do with this Twitter post from J.R.:
Jim Ross @JRsBBQ 20 Jun
@WWENXT will be on USA TV in the future. When? Where? I don't know but it will happen.
He has since deleted it.
source: wnw premium news
