This week’s episode of Total Divas did an average viewing audience of 1,349,000 viewers on E. The show, which was up against WWE SummerSlam, saw a pullback in viewership but it was still above the premiere (which both WWE and E were happy about).
Below is a look at how the show has performed since its premiere:
Episode #1 on Sunday, July 28, 2013 – 1,300,000 viewers
Episode #2 on Sunday, August 4, 2013 – 1,526,000 viewers
Episode #3 on Sunday, August 11, 2013 – 1,671,000 viewers
August 20, 2013
Total Divas Audience Pulls Back Against SummerSlam
Rumor Mill - Major Backstage Heat On Sin Cara Following Last Night's Raw
Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that there is massive heat backstage on Sin Cara following last night's RAW. He apparently has a lot of heat for immediately quitting during his match with Alberto Del Rio after dislocating his finger. As noted earlier, Sin Cara will be undergoing X-rays today to make sure that he didn't suffer an avulsion fracture.
Triple H reminded everyone tonight that he is one of the greatest heels in the business, and his performance was just spot on in every way possible
August 19, 2013
John Cena to undergo triceps surgery; out four to six months
On Monday’s Raw, John Cena revealed he is suffering from a torn triceps.
"I cannot put off my surgery any longer. Tonight I leave the WWE," Cena said while praising Daniel Bryan for beating him fairly and squarely at SummerSlam.
Cena revealed he expects to be out of action for four to six months.
Sin Cara Suffers an Injury on Raw
During Raw tonight, Sin Cara suffered what appears to be a hand injury during his match against Alberto Del Rio.
The injury came when Cara dove through the ropes to the outside to hit Del Rio, and upon landing he immediately signaled the referee to come over, and the ref put up the X sign and stopped the match.
Several of Sin Cara's fingers looked out of place, which leads one to believe he might have suffered a broken hand, however that has yet to be confirmed.
The Ric Flair Weekend Follies, Jim Ross Caught in the Fallout
For those that missed it yesterday, Ric Flair had quite a weekend at the Symposium for the new WWE video game (you can find a video of the entire conference on the site). In a nutshell, Flair was feeling no pain and basically hijacked the show about half way in. WWE management was said to be really angry at Flair's behavior, pulling him from any more activity after the panel ended. The word I have received was that the video game company didn't really have any problems with how the panel went, but to be fair their interests overall are different than WWE's. A lot of the things that Flair said aren't in line with the mores of a family-friendly company.
Some sites apparently reported that Jim Ross, who hosted the event, was drunk at the panel symposium as well. Ross stated on his Twitter that he was not and if you watch the video, I think it would be a stretch for anyone to think that he was. On his Twitter he mentioned that any slurring in his voice was related to his Bells Palsy condition. As I mentioned yesterday he was certainly acerbic and brutally honest at times, but that doesn't equate to drunk. I found him to be very entertaining. Flair was too, but for a much different reason.
source: pwinsider.com
August 18, 2013
Paul Levesque's Updated Corporate Bio
Paul Levesque is the Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events. In this role, he oversees the talent relations and talent development departments, training of WWE Superstars and Divas and management of worldwide recruitment and live global events. In addition to his talent and live event duties, Levesque has continually had an integral role behind-the-scenes. As a director and producer, he works to shape the creative direction and storylines of WWE’s programming.
Levesque recently oversaw the development of the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL, serving as the new home to WWE’s talent developmental system, NXT. Equipped with a 12,000 square-foot world-class training facility with seven training rings and 5,500 square-foot training room, the new Performance Center will give WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever.
In addition to the new Performance Center, Levesque has helped expand WWE’s global presence to more countries than ever before. Under his guidance, WWE reached new milestones in 2012 by holding live events in Abu Dhabi, Russia, Egypt and Brazil for the first time. WWE held a total of 66 live events internationally in 2012 across 12 tours and 24 different countries, with plans for another 66 live events in 23 countries in 2013.
Levesque debuted as a WWE Superstar in 1995. To this day, he still competes in the ring as Triple H and is one of the most prolific performers in WWE history. Most recently, at WrestleMania 29 with his career on the line, Levesque defeated Brock Lesnar in a “No Holds Barred Match” in front of sold out crowd of 80,676 fans at MetLife Stadium and millions watching around the world. Also known as “The Game” and the “King of Kings,” Levesque was a founding member of the popular faction — D-Generation X — a pop culture phenomenon throughout the last two decades. He has captured every major championship, headlined thousands of WWE events and entertained millions around the world.
WWE Event Sponsored By Grey Goose?
The big story this morning stems from the video that we posted earlier today. Suffice it to say, WWE management is said to be really unhappy with how the WWE 2K14 panel "discussion" went last night. In case you missed it, Ric Flair was completely off the rails. Jim Ross, who was hosting, also appeared to be feeling no pain. In fact at a few points in the presentation JR even made a few references that the event was being sponsored by Grey Goose, which of course is high end vodka. To me, the best part of the presentation was when Paul Heyman got up and ripped up Jim Ross' script as it became obvious by that point that the thing had become a train wreck.
The ironic thing about Flair's behavior last night is that there has been a lot of talk about the company bringing him in as someone of a WWE Ambassador. If last night was a tryout for that spot, Flair has a lot of work to do. Seriously, WWE can't send him out to promote of TV PG product if that is the way he is going to conduct himself.
source: pwinsider.com
Controversial 2K WWE Legends Panel Featuring Ric Flair, Jim Ross, Steve Austin, Ziggler, Foley & More
Twitch.TV has posted a 75 minute video of the WWE 2K14 30 Years of WrestleMania Symposium that needs to be seen to be believed. Jim Ross hosted the event and, let's just say that he was in a condition where he was very acerbic and quite honest. Perhaps it was due to the "Snapple" he was drinking.
The panel consisted of Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio, Mick Foley, Paul Heyman, Steve Austin and Ric Flair.
Flair was also in, uh, rare form, going down some roads that WWE probably wish would have stayed unpaved, so to speak. Things really get wild around the 38 minute mark.
You can watch the video, which is really unreal, at this link.
WrestleZone has learned that Ric Flair was pulled from last night's 2K Sports Legends panel, and it appears as though WWE sent Jerry Lawler to the event to replace Flair in talking to the media. According to a backstage source in WWE, WWE Executives Jane Geddes and Mark Carrano were summoned by TV exec Lisa Lee to the event to remove Ric Flair from the stage while the event was still ongoing. Lisa Lee apparently was shooting the event on her cell phone and notifying WWE management of the fact Flair appeared to be intoxicated. WWE is said to be furious about the public display by Flair, who has been negotiating to be the good will ambassador for the company.
Flair was said to be “out of control, profane and a total wreck.”
We can also exclusively confirm Stephanie McMahon LeVesque personally came to the event, and was whisked in by her own personal security staff to apologize to 2K Sports on behalf of WWE.
WrestleZone has been told WWE is furious with Flair, and also at host Jim Ross for losing control of the situation.
source: wrestlezone.com & pwinsider.com
The Must-Read Ric Flair Story From The WWE 2K14 Panel
Arda Ocal was at the WWE 2K14 Panel yesterday who tweeted on Ric Flair's emotional revelation:
Ric Flair shares touching story: he placed one of his original WWE Hall of Fame rings on his son Reid's finger before they closed casket.
— Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) August 18, 2013
When Ric Flair went to NXT a couple months ago, @tripleh replaced the Hall of Fame ring, gave Flair a new one. What a story. #WWE2K14
— Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) August 18, 2013
Paul also had Reid's name engraved into the inside of the ring given to Ric.
August 17, 2013
August 16, 2013
August 15, 2013
Rumor Mill - Triple H Behind Wyatt Family Push
According to the Wrestling Observer Triple H is essentially the man behind bringing the Wyatt Family to the main roster and giving them a push. It is said to be one of his pet projects. The speculation is that he now sees more in the Wyatts than even the Shield.
Lanny Poffo speaks out on Randy Savage in WWE's Hall of Fame
Former WWE star Leapin' Lanny Poffo, the brother of deceased star "Macho Man" Randy Savage, says he does not believe Randy Savage will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Poffo suggested in a new interview that WWE will not agree to Savage's wishes for the entire Poffo family to be inducted, but he also said he is not going to stand in WWE's way if they want to induct Savage posthumously.
"I predict it never happens," Poffo told Filsinger Games on their latest "The View" podcast. "The last thing I told them was, 'Go ahead and put Randy in the Hall of Fame against his wishes, just don't invite me; I don't need the 30 pieces of silver.'"
"Randy wanted the Poffo Family in the Hall of Fame. That was the only interest he had in it," Poffo continued. "I said, 'Not only just put him in without my blessing, but to be less hypocritical, why don't you play that 'Huckster, Nacho Man' thing that was so hilarious?'"
Asked if he's heard back from WWE, Poffo said, "No, I don't hear back from them. They're only concerned with themselves." Poffo added about WWE inducting families: "They would rather have people like the Von Erichs - the family that committed suicide together."
At the end of the interview, Poffo concluded: "I am not standing in the way of Randy getting in the Hall of Fame. All I ask is leave me out of it because I knew what his wishes were. If they want to have a little ceremony - if it makes you feel better, go ahead and do it."
Also in the interview, Poffo talked about his family's wrestling history, shared a few new and classic poems, and talked about his upcoming appearances schedule.
WWE Superstar Darren Young Comes Out; Reaction From Triple H, Stephanie McMahon & WWE
WWE star Darren Young of the Primetime Players revealed he is gay during an interview with TMZ.com, becoming the first ever professional wrestler to publicly declare he was homosexual while working for a national pro wrestling company.
During the interview, Young was asked whether a gay wrestler could be successful in WWE. Young laughed and said, "Absolutely, look at me," and admitted he was gay and "happy."
In the interview, Young said it didn't think his orientation matter and asked the interviewer whether it changed the way that the interviewer thought of him.
"I'm happy to be who I am," said Young. "I'm comfortable with myself. I'm happy to be living my dream. I'm happy to be in LA for Summerslam. WWE."
"To be honest with you, I'm happy with myself. Some people might not like it. Some people will like it, but, I'm here to please myself. I'm here to be happy. It's very important I'm happy with myself."
Young said that he hoped to make a difference for others who might want to come out and said the sexual orientation of others shouldn't matter, but the person they are should be what matters.
Congratulations, @DarrenYoungWWE for living YOUR life, YOUR way. #proud - Triple H
Congratulations to @DarrenYoungWWE for being the first openly gay WWE Superstar! - Stephanie McMahon
On TMZ this morning, WWE Superstar Darren Young revealed to the WWE Universe that he is gay. WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar. Today, in fact, Darren will be participating in one of our Be A STAR anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation. - Statement from WWE
Explanation for Stephanie McMahon's Recent Sale of WWE Stock
Stephanie McMahon filed the following plan with the SEC on March 28, 2013:
On March 28, 2013, the Stephanie McMahon Levesque Trust u/a Vincent K. McMahon Irrev. Trust dtd. 6/24/04 (the “Trust”) adopted a 10b5-1 stock trading plan. The plan provides for the sale of shares of Class B common stock (“Class B Shares”) of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) held by the Trust. Stephanie McMahon, the Company’s EVP, Creative, is the sole beneficiary and investment director of the Trust. Under the plan, beginning on May 15, 2013, a brokerage firm will be authorized to sell a certain number of Class B Shares periodically provided the price per share is above certain levels. The plan expires on January 31, 2014. The maximum number of Class B Shares that can be sold over the duration of the plan is 1,260,000 shares. Upon sale, the Class B Shares will automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.
The foregoing trading plan is intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s insider trading policy. Rule 10b5-1 allows individuals who are not in possession of material, non-public information at the time a stock trading plan is adopted to establish prearranged written plans to buy or sell a specified number of shares of a company’s stock. The foregoing trading plan contains certain pre-determined minimum price conditions in order for trading to occur. The plan provides for sales spread out over a set period of time with the goals of gradually diversifying the individual’s investment portfolio, while maintaining such individual’s compliance with the Company’s stock ownership guidelines and limiting market impact from such stock sales.
Transactions under the foregoing trading plan will be disclosed publicly through Form 4 and Form 144 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to the extent required by law.
August 14, 2013
Interview with Lex Luger
Larry Pfohl, more commonly known to professional wrestling fans as "Lex Luger", has had some unparalleled high points throughout his life, performing for millions of fans every year and winning world championships. He made national headlines in 1993 by boarding the USS Intrepid, via helicopter, and picked up the near-700 pound WWF Champion, Yokozuna. Two years later, Lex rocked the wrestling world again, jumping a metaphorical ship this time, appearing on the first ever episode of WCW Nitro to confront Hulk Hogan, not 24 hours after working a live event for the WWF.
But along with the great moments and large paychecks, living the dream came with its fair share of pitfalls and demons not uncommon among pro wrestlers in the '90s. In his new tell-all book, Wrestling with the Devil, Lex reveals the dangers of his "secret life", filled with extramarital relationships, steroids and nagging injuries that led to his morning, afternoon and nighttime habbit of pills and alcohol. Billed as wrestling's "Total Package", the ultimate narcissist drove down a road that saw him land in prison on more than one occasion. It saw the end of his marriage, estranged relationships with his family, and the tragic death of Miss Elizabeth Hulette, the first lady of professional wrestling.
I talked with Lex Luger recently, about his rise to the top of the wrestling industry, and his fall into absolute darkness. After cleaning himself up, and planting the seeds for a spiritual relationship that would come to define him, a man always considered a top physical athlete in just about every sport imaginable, suffered a spinal stroke that left him briefly paralyzes.
"They told me I was never gonna have any movement from the neck down. I was going to need 24 hour care for the rest of my life."
The interesting thing about this former bodybuilder and WCW World Champion is that he could have given up; admitted defeat and spent the rest of what was left of his life sitting in a chair, bitter at the industry and his own decisions that put him there. However, Luger found great blessing in his injuries.
"I could give you a whole list of the things I've benefited from, from having an injury like that where I was physically challenged. I was always an athlete; I never had that before. It's just been a great learning experience for me ... It didn't seem so at the moment, but overall it's been a very positive journey."
WWE Main Event Results 8/14/13
Alberto del Rio def. Cody Rhodes
There was a video package between Paul Heyman and CM Punk.
The Usos def. Heath Slater & Drew McIntyre
Big E Langston def. Justin Gabriel
Rumor Mill - Conflicting Opinions Between Vince & Triple H
Vince McMahon and Triple H have “conflicting opinions” on many angles. Basically, Triple H doesn’t like the fact that SummerSlam is based around two main matches and they waited so late to fill in the blanks. Hunter has made it clear that he believes a good buyrate is generated when there are 5 solid matches with great build. Vince wants 1 or 2 “home run” matches and “nothing else matters.”
Triple H Discusses Daniel Bryan’s Popularity, Hulk Hogan’s Place in WWE History
Triple H was recently on NBC Sports radio, promoting SummerSlam. Here are the highlights…
On Daniel Bryan's Popularity: "I think this is a moment in time - is the torch being passed? Or, is this the moment where John Cena continues to cement himself as the face of WWE for this generation? I think with Daniel Bryan, there's an honesty there. Daniel is what he is - a frumpy-looking, long-haired, bearded guy who doesn't really apologize for how he looks, but he's that good in the ring. Historically, when you look back at the business, when you got past the flamboyant Hogan/Macho Man Era, you had the Bret Hart technician, a lot less hype and personality and charisma (who let the in-ring speak). And there's kind of those shifts back-and-forth... Maybe that's what it is - I do think Daniel is the cross-over of so many of those factors that make a Superstar big. He's got charisma, he's got personality, he's different, he's his own man. He's just Daniel Bryan. And he's damn good and damn exciting at what he does"
On Hulk Hogan's Place in WWE History: "Hulk Hogan will forever be the face of a generation of WWE Superstars. I don't know that there's a more recognizable guy - there's Rock, there's Hogan, there's Cena, and there's these recognizable characters that become household names. And Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest of all-time - a true legend in our business. No matter what, he will always have that place in the WWE Universe. Always."
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
