Rumor Mill - Why Hogan Is Reportedly Staying with TNA - WWE Offers Lower Money

F4Wonline.com reports that Hulk Hogan will be staying with TNA. TNA apparently offered Hogan more money than WWE did.

It's said that what WWE offered Hogan was nowhere close to what they've offered other stars in previous years. What Hogan will make in 1 year with TNA is about what The Rock and Brock Lesnar are making for 1 match with WWE.

Backstage Heat On "Total Divas" Star Eva Marie, Set Up To Fail By WWE Officials On Monday's Raw

As seen Monday night on Raw, Eva Marie made her televised wrestling debut as she and fellow Total Divas JoJo and Natalya defeated Alicia Fox, Aksana and Rosa Mendes in a Six-Diva Tag Team Match. The 29-year-old's performance drew negative reviews online, as her inexperience was put on display before millions of viewers (prior to the match, she had only wrestled before a live crowd once, a non-televised tag team bout at SummerSlam Axxess in August). It has since come out that this reaction was sought within WWE as she was purposely set up to fail by members of management.

Dave Meltzer claimed on F4WOnline.com's Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE officials wanted to knock the confident Californian down a few pegs, since they feel she has an undeserved ego and doesn't realize how much she has to learn as a performer. Therefore, they had her sink on national television in hopes of making her humble.

This is not the first time in which Eva Marie, who F4WOnline.com reported in August as being "passionately hated" by some of her co-workers, was pranked in an inside manner.

In a segment filmed backstage at a spring Raw show for the August 4 episode of E! Total Divas, she was led to believe by company personnel that she had committed a wrongful act and that an infuriated Stephanie McMahon wanted to confront her over the matter (on the episode, the meeting was depicted as stemming from Eva Marie lying about her background in order to audition to be Fandango's dancer, which was a fabricated storyline). During the blurred reality segment, McMahon threatened to fire her if she embarrassed the company again with her conduct. Eva Marie legitimately cried during the meeting, as she was not aware that the situation was orchestrated and that McMahon was fooling around with her through her character persona.

The Ridiculous WWE Complaints Leveled at Triple H and Stephanie McMahon

Soska Twins Want Kane's Character to Become a Horror Icon

The Soska Twins, who are directing WWE's See No Evil 2, talked to Fangoria.com about wanting to make Kane's Jacob Goodnight character a horror movie icon. Jennifer Soska said:

"It was a key consideration of ours to take the character and bring him to the level of Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger and Jason Vorhees. He has all the makings of a horror icon, and the most important thing for us was to bring him there. Some people have been saying it's going to be just another slasher film, or since he's in a morgue it's going to be a haunted house-esque movie. But I can guarantee you that everything people are expecting is going to be blown away when the film comes out."

Hulk Hogan and Triple H Discussion Details

Hulk Hogan spoke in an AP interview with Dan Gelston about a conversation he had with Triple H at a recent charity event. "He just welcomed me with open arms," Hogan recalled. "He said if ever I decide I get the itch to come back home," the door's open."

Hogan was asked about the possibility of appearing at the milestone WrestleMania 30 event: "My mind has been going crazy the last couple of weeks trying to figure out the best thing to do will be," he replied.

Hogan also addressed where things stand with TNA. "We couldn't figure things out," Hogan said. "We're talking, but I'm wide open right now."

Hogan was also asked whether he has another match left in him. "Let me put it to you this way, brother," Hogan said on Friday. "With the right guy, the right situation, with a big enough event, big enough storyline, you're damn right I have one more left in me." Read the full interview at here.

This Day In Wrestling History

Happy Birthday to:
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes
October 12, 1945

Stan "The Lariat" Hansen
October 12, 1949

Bret Hart defeated Ric Flair for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
October 12, 1992

Ken Shamrock defeated X-Pac in a tournament final for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
October 12, 1998

Rumor Mill - Major Top Name Quietly Completes WWE-Sponsored Rehab Stint

Ric Flair is wrapping up a month long stint in a rehab facility, having been sent at WWE’s direction and expense. Both sides have been trying to keep things extremely quiet, with Flair himself misdirecting close friends and family about his whereabouts. According to a source, only Flair’s “absolute inner circle” are aware of where he’s been.

Between the forced retirement of Jim Ross, Flair’s WWE job offer being rescinded and Flair ending up in rehab, the fallout from the WWE 2K14 symposium from SummerSlam weekend is really unbelievable when you think about it.

Ultimately it was Triple H that was able to convince Flair to check into rehab. Hunter has a position in mind for Flair and Flair was led to believe that if he sought help and was able to prove himself, another WWE offer would be forthcoming at some point.

Flair still has a lot of financial issues, which is the reason why he is taking bookings (reportedly at $15,000 per appearance) and is hopeful that if there are no issues, he’ll be brought back into the WWE family before long.

Sources close to Flair’s team say there was concern that endorsement opportunities could take a hit if it went public that he was in rehab. This is why a story was concocted that he was living with his daughter Ashley in Florida and laying low while the heat died down after the infamous WWE 2K14 panel.

source: wnw premium news

Stephanie McMahon serving as honorary team chairwoman at 2014 Special Olympics

WWE executive Stephanie McMahon is serving as an honorary team chairwoman at the 2014 Special Olympics next year in Stamford, Connecticut. McMahon said of the experience, "I look out at this courageous group of athletes and I know that you will make us all proud at the Special Olympics next June." You can read more at here.

Preview of Mick Foley's New WWE Comic

WWE.com and Papercutz are proud to present an exclusive three-page, lettered preview of the first issue of the upcoming brand-new "WWE" comic book series, kicking off a new era in comics!

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley brings us a unique, all-new adventure straight from the world of WWE’s powerful, ongoing clashes!

Welcome to Titan City, a metropolis where everyone’s hiding secrets and there’s no one to trust. In a corrupt world where everyone is looking to cash in, three larger-than-life combatants collide. John Cena’s been framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Randy Orton’s on the verge of achieving city-wide power. And CM Punk is determined to bring the whole corrupt system crashing down. From the scheming south side to the barren desert no man’s land where even the law refuses to go, the powerful factions of Titan City are locked in a battle for control in an unforgettable noir landscape. Featuring AJ Lee, Sheamus, The Undertaker, Daniel Bryan, and more!

WWE #1 ships with four even-split variants by Jill Thompson (The Sandman, Beasts of Burden), Michael Golden (Batman, Micronauts), Dean Haspiel (American Splendor), and Alitha Martinez (Batgirl, New Crusaders), paying homage to classic comic book covers with typographic re-creation by Tom Orzechowski.

A retailer incentive cover featuring The Undertaker by Miran Kim (X-Files, Hellraiser) is free with every 10 copies ordered...More?

This Day In Wrestling History

Jumbo Tsuruta defeats Genichiro Tenryu in Yokohama, Japan for the All Japan Triple Crown (NWA United National, NWA International and Pacific Wrestling Federation Heavyweight titles), becoming the first ever two-time Triple Crown champion.
October 11, 1989

Randy Savage defeats Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Lawler's 16th run with the title. Savage would vacate the title the next month when WWF would break off relations with the USWA.
October 11, 1993

Ultimo Dragon defeats The Great Sasuke in Osaka, Japan to win the eight-belt J-Crown. Dragon would later win the WCW Cruiserweight Title as well, and hold nine belts at one time. The J-Crown consisted of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title, WAR International Junior Heavyweight Title, British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Title, WWF World Light Heavyweight Title, UWA World Light Heavyweight Title, WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Title, and the NWA World Welterweight Title.
October 11, 1996

Jushin Liger defeats Kendo KaShin in Tokyo, Japan to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title for a record 10th time.
October 11, 1999

source: pwinsider.com

The New York Post Reveals Why Stephanie McMahon Has Been Selling Her WWE Stocks

We've noted over the past few months how Stephanie McMahon has been cashing in her WWE stocks. The New York Post reports that Stephanie has cashed in $8.3 million in company stock because, according to a statement WWE gave to the paper, is "selling a portion of her class B shares for personal financial purposes that include building a house."

The story also notes that Stephanie cashed in about 1/3 of her WWE B (super-voting) stock to finance the home. The sales were carried out over 43 separate transactions, the last on October 7th. The Post noted that Stephanie owns properties in Westport, CT and Manhattan.

They may need to check their records again. The Levesques own homes in New Hampshire and Connecticut. I did not find any property records for them in New York.

What Caused The Cancellation Of A Popular WWE Television Series & Details On A New Show Still In The Works

We have more details on the cancelation of WWE Saturday Morning Slam.

As previously reported, there were ideas tossed around that if the show did well that it would be expanded from thirty minutes to an hour and essentially become its own brand. One of the ideas included a prospective show based around cruiserweight-type talent with high flying move sets, colorful characters and masked superstars that were very marketable towards children.

The hang-up was that WWE is still hoping to bring a cruiserweight show to the prospective WWE Network. While the CW Network was happy with the ratings of SMS, they wanted the aforementioned expansion. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, when WWE refused to change the format, the CW Network pulled out of negotiations. It seems the CW Network wanted more of a presence rather than a couple of short throwaway matches each week.

source: wnw premium news

Backstage News on Road Dogg's Role in WWE

Former WWE Superstar "The Road Dogg" Jesse James has been receiving praise for his work as an agent backstage in WWE and he is reportedly climbing up the ladder as far as his influence backstage goes. And with Michael Hayes recently being sent home, word is that Road Dogg has taken over Hayes's duties backstage and is doing a good job so far.

Road Dogg is said to be particularly well-liked among the Superstars and they enjoy knowing that he's a part of the creative process.

WWE Issues Statement Regarding Michael Hayes

Somebody from WWE reportedly issued the following statement to PWInsider.com regarding Michael Hayes being sent home:

"Michael is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons."

As previously reported, the rumor going around is that Hayes was suspended indefinitely for allegedly offering alcohol to WWE Diva Rosa Mendes who is known to have an alcohol problem that she just got out of rehab for.

Rumor Mill - Michael Hayes Suspended for Incident with Rosa Mendes?

Michael Hayes was reportedly seen drinking at a bar with Rosa Mendes following a WWE event a few weeks ago and subsequently suspended as a result. The story was broke by former WWE creative writer Court Bauer on his “Bauer + Pollock #20” podcast. According to Bauer, the suspension is for a “few weeks” and Hayes isn’t going anywhere. Bauer feels had it been anyone else, he would have been fired.

Mendes has a history of alcohol problems and was sent to rehab shortly following problematic behavior on WWE’s post-Wrestlemania European tour in April. Mendes has been back on the road for the last few weeks after a prolonged absence and worked in the 6-Divas tag team match on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw. Earlier on Wednesday, I was told that Hayes was noticeably absent from TVs but wasn’t given a reason as to why.

Hayes currently works as WWE’s head of road agents/producers.

You can listen to Court Bauer’s latest podcast with John Pollock here.

WWE Teases Triple H’s “Injuries” Are More Serious, Big Show “Faces Arrest”

WWE “canceled” this week’s kayfabe Triple H interview with Michael Cole to sell his injuries at the hands of The Big Show.

Instead of the normal sit down interview, WWE posted a video report by Cole where he played up current storylines. In-character, Cole said sources reveal that Hunter’s injuries could be more serious than just a concussion and he may have a “broken jaw” and could face having his mouth wired shut. He said Big Show could face criminal charges in the state of Pennsylvania for “criminal trespass” and “assault.” Obviously, this is all kayfabe.

Nielsen Announces Social Media Incorporation; How This Effects Pro Wrestling Programming

Nielsen announced "Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings", a new technology that will measure the influence of social media on television broadcasts each week. According to their press release, "Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings are available for TV programming across over 215 English-language U.S. broadcast and cable networks" and they are working directly with Twitter to incorporate Spanish-language networks into the fold.

Nielsen has also launched a weekly Top 10 list of socially active television shows through SocialGuide.com. A new list for the previous week (Monday through Sunday) will be released each Monday, with a three hour window on either side of a show's air time. ABC's season premiere of Scandal dominated the first list - September 30th through October 6th - with Saturday Night Live, The Voice, and X Factor all making appearances. Monday Night Raw did not make the top ten, which isn't a surprise as last week's episode had one of the lowest ratings scores in years.

This is great news for WWE, who has a major social media presence on Monday nights. WWE will be able to measure their influence on Twitter - which has a direct correlation to television ratings - with precise data for the first time. Of course, TNA will be able to do the same for Impact Wrestling on Thursday nights.

Check out SocialGuide.com for more information.

WWE Doing Concussion Angle with Triple H

WWE posted a Tout video of Triple H being helped to the back after Big Show knocked him out on RAW last night. They are saying he suffered a concussion.

Video: Big Show Knocks Out Triple H

Video: Stephanie McMahon fires Big Show

Rumor Mill - More on Dusty Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon

Dusty Rhodes actually has backstage heat right now in WWE for going off-script and talking Stephanie McMahon down in his promos on Raw. While some people are said to “love it” backstage, as one source has said, they aren’t the right people to shoot on.

Sports Legacy Institute to Honor WWE in Boston, Triple H Comments

The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) will honor global entertainment company WWE with the 2013 Impact Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their commitment to solving the concussion epidemic.

The award will be presented at the 6th Annual Impact Awards dinner on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Boston Harbor Hotel and accepted by Stephanie McMahon, Executive Vice President, Creative, WWE and Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE.

WWE is being recognized for its commitment to brain trauma research as well as its commitment to concussion education. In 2013, WWE gave a $1.2 million gift to SLI to launch a new three-year research program led by Boston University researchers Ann McKee, MD and Lee Goldstein, MD, PhD aimed at developing a treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with brain trauma and known to affect athletes, military veterans, and others who suffer brain trauma. SLI is a Boston-based non-profit organization founded by Dr. Robert Cantu and Chris Nowinski to advance the study, treatment, and prevention of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups.

WWE has also collaborated with SLI to educate WWE performers about concussion education. Every WWE Superstar and Diva has been required to attend a SLI “Conquering Concussions” seminar led by SLI executive director and former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski, aimed at preventing concussions and increasing the reporting of concussions when they do occur.

“Our partnership with SLI is a key component of WWE’s talent health and wellness program,” said Paul Levesque. “Talent is the only natural resource that WWE has, and we are committed to their well-being.”

The Impact Awards will be hosted by Jim Braude, host of New England Cable News (NECN) show “BroadSide” and co-host of Boston Public Radio on WGBH. Current and former professional athletes will also be in attendance, including a number of former New England Patriots including Joe Andruzzi and Pete Brock. The 6th Annual Impact Awards are presented by the Mintz Levin, Trinity Partners, the Andlinger Family and Carol Quimby-Bonan and the Bonan Family.

Last year’s Impact Awards gathered over 250 attendees, athletes, and distinguished guests from across the country and raised more than $260,000 to support concussion advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Prior honorees include The Ivy League, the NFL, Dr. Ann McKee, and athletes Ted Johnson, Micky Ward, Keith Primeau, and Kevin Turner of the Kevin Turner Foundation.

WWE Battleground PPV Results

Video: WWE COO Triple H finds more ways to make Big Show's life a little more difficult

Q&A with WWE Encyclopedia Co-Author Brian Shields

Staffing Updates at the WWE Performance Center

Things continue to progress at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The facility is not up and running at full speed as there is still a need to hire more trainers. There are usually several rings not being used as there are simply not enough trainers right now. The company is also expected to hire someone to handle scheduling.

WWE is looking to bring in three more trainers. The only reason the slots haven’t been filled is they want to hire the person to do the schedule first so they don’t have a bunch of coaches that do not know what their work schedule is.

One staff change that already has been reported is that Joey Mercury was promoted to a main roster producer and Nick Dinsmore was hired as a trainer to take his place.

Mattel Creating New Lex Luger Action Figure; Vote for Which Gimmick You Want to See Designed

Mattel will be creating a new WWE Flashback action figure for former WCW World Champion and Royal Rumble winner, Lex Luger. A member of the Mattel design team is asking fans which gimmick from Luger's career they would most like to see created. The choices are:

NWA Four Horsemen Lex Luger
"The Narcissist" Lex Luger
WWE Allied Powers Lex Luger
NWO Wolfpack Lex Luger

Currently, the Allied Powers model is in the lead by a good amount. This is somewhat of a surprise, given that the Allied Powers - Luger and the British Bulldog - was a short-lived WWE tag team that had a small run in 1995, before Lex returned to WCW. You can cast your vote here.

Rumor Mill - Vince McMahon Unhappy With Triple H & Stephanie McMahon Storyline?

Vince McMahon remains unhappy with the way the Stephanie McMahon and Triple H characters are coming across on television. One observer blamed it on the week-by-week writing of the angle and the constant changes to the final script. This same observer noted how Hunter and Stephanie look almost as confused as the viewers that are trying to following the angle.

Update on Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards WWE Tryouts

It's being reported that as of last week, neither Davey Richards or Eddie Edwards have heard back from anybody in WWE after their tryouts in August. However, they did reportedly stand out the most out of the 30 people who went to the tryouts at WWE's Performance Center.

Regarding how this process works, the talents are observed by various staff members and then they give their feedback to Triple H. HHH then takes all of this into consideration before deciding who gets signed to a developmental deal.

Darren Young Says He Was "Terrified" To Come Out As Gay, Wanted To Take Boyfriend To WWE Events

Darren Young opens up to People in the Oct. 14 issue about his sexuality. Quotes from the article have surfaced online and it is revealed that the WWE Superstar was terrified to come out of the closet.

“I was terrified of losing friends, losing my job, just everything,” Young said. “I had no idea what would happen if I came out.”

Young's decision to come out was not an easy one. Family and close friends found out two years ago while he was competing on WWE NXT, but he continued to live a troubling "double life."

Young explained that he was "tired of hiding" and that he "wanted to be able to take [boyfriend of two years Niccolo 'Nick' Villa] with me to WWE functions." He also wanted to be able to go out to dinner without looking over his shoulder, hold hands in public, and do other things heterosexual couples do without hesitation.

Young, who's real name is Fredrick Douglas Rosser III, went public on Aug. 15 in an impromptu airport interview with a TMZ cameraman. The WWE Superstar, however, immediately second-guessed the decision.

“It was spur of the moment, and I said what I said and I was confident. But when I left, I said to myself, "What the hell did I just do?" Young said. "I went straight to my hotel room and I was sick as a dog, throwing up and crying. I was terrified of how people would perceive me."

Despite his fears, Young was greeted with support by not only the sports-entertainment organization's management and fans, but his colleagues as well.

"His sexual orientation never had anything to do with him as a person, and at the end of the day it shouldn't matter," said tag team partner Titus O’Nell.

“They all embraced me, and that was just shocking to me. I truly love them,” Young said. “It was such a relief. I’m not hiding anymore and I’m living the dream."

The issue officially hits newsstands on Friday. Click here for additional details.

Rumor Mill - Backstage Plans For Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger

Look for WWE to break up the Real Americans team of Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro, with Cesaro turning babyface. WWE officials are hoping that this Cesaro Giant Swing move he's been doing will impress the audience and help get him over more in preparation for his face turn.

No word on what will be done with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter, but one might assume that they'll just go back to how they were before Cesaro joined the faction.

Another Update on WWE Saturday Morning Slam

As of right now it looks like WWE's Saturday Morning Slam program won't be returning for a second season. It's not listed on WWE's website anymore and the new television season on Vortexx has already begun without it.

There were reportedly some creative differences between WWE and the CW Network. The CW reportedly wanted WWE to change the show to be more like NBA Inside Stuff and they didn't even want any matches anymore. This was the turnoff for WWE as they didn't want to completely change the format of the show.

Nothing has been officially announced but as of right now it looks as though Saturday Morning Slam is a thing of the past.