December 18, 2013
Vince McMahon & WWE Stars Headed Overseas
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, along with Big Show, R-Truth, Eva Marie and Alicia Fox, are all headed overseas to visit some of the U.S. Troops. It has not been disclosed which country the WWE crew will be visiting.
December 17, 2013
WWE Aims to Pin Down Rich New TV Rights Deals
If USA Network wants to retain its biggest hit, “Monday Night Raw,” it’s gonna have to pay.
Next month, for the first time, WWE will shop the rights to “Raw” and all of its shows at the same time — a list of weekly series that includes Syfy’s “Friday Night SmackDown,” “Main Event” on ION Television, the CW’s “Saturday Morning Slam” and reality show “Total Divas” on E!
The goal is to significantly increase the $139.5 million in TV licensing fees WWE earns each year for its shows, and attempt to get closer to the rich network deals that sports organizations like the NBA, NHL NASCAR, as well as soccer command.
In the past, deals for WWE’s series were brokered individually on a staggered timeline, usually every three to four years or so. But WWE has spent nearly two years quietly lining up rights to expire simultaneously in an effort to secure higher fees and appease shareholders who have grown increasingly frustrated that the company’s TV deals are not worth more at a time when live “event” programming is more valuable than ever.
Jim Ross On His Experiences Working For Vince McMahon
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke to Total Wrestling Magazine about what it's like working for Vince McMahon:
"I had good days and bad days being produced by Vince. No one likes to be yelled at but after working for Bill Watts there was nothing that could be yelled at me by McMahon that I hadn't heard before."
"Vince is aggressive and a perfectionist and is set in his ways, by and large. Working as a broadcaster isn't easy and being overproduced can detract from a broadcast in my view. I survived aggressive producing better than some because I tried to not take it personally."
"Good producers should motivate and lead... not rant and rave."
WWE Diva Natalya Comments on Stephanie McMahon, Total Divas and Women “Taking Over” the Professional Wrestling World
WWE Divas Natalya was interviewed by the Miami Herald in a continuation on their series about women's wrestling, and the former Divas champ had some kind words to say about WWE executive Stephanie McMahon.
“In WWE, Stephanie McMahon, I would vote for her to be President of the United States. She is beautiful, intimidating and endearing, all at the same time. Women are taking over in WWE. People look at WWE and think it’s very male dominated, but really it’s not. There’s a nice blend and balance of women who are involved in WWE. You look at Stephanie McMahon and Vickie Guerrero and AJ Lee and this cast on ‘Total Divas.’ People are going, ‘Wow, I love watching Natalya on Total Divas. Oh my gosh. Did you see what the Bellas did?’ People are getting hooked on watching us.”
Natalya also answered questions on whether or not she would join the ranks of Sara del Rey, training WWE's future Divas in NXT and at the Performance Center in Orlando, FL.
“Although, I do really enjoy working with new talent, women and men, and I love training people. I think training people makes you better at your craft, but I don’t know. It will just depend on the situation, and if the right opportunity presents itself, but I can’t say what my future holds.”
Total Divas had its last episode of season one this Sunday, and a second season has been announced for March 2014.
December 16, 2013
AJ Styles Issues Statement on TNA Departure
Today for the first time in 11 years, AJ Styles awakes to find himself without a professional wrestling contract. I can't help but think how did I get here, what must I have done wrong, did I not deliver in the ring, etc. All of those are pertinent questions that any man or woman who finds himself or herself unemployed would ask.
I have always prided myself in being the wrestler that stays away from the things in this business that could easily destroy myself, my family, my marriage, and even my career. A wrestler who goes above and beyond to give the fans what they paid to see.
I move forward not bitter, but better for the blessings and memories that I have been a part of since TNA's inception.
When this contract renegotiation journey started several months ago, my wife and I began praying for God to close doors that needed to be closed and to open the doors that He wanted us to walk through. We asked him to prepare us for this journey and to help us to have the faith to be obedient to what He would have us to do. I am assured by the name Immanuel in Matthews 1:23 that I will never be alone. Hebrews 13.5, says He will never leave us or forsake us. There is a lot in this world that I am unsure of, especially in this moment, but there is one thing that I am certain. Contracts may expire, but the promise of Immanuel will never expire.
As my family and I move forward with my wrestling career, we will turn to Jabez's prayer found in 1 Chronicles 4:10.
Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil.
My family and I are both grateful for the platform that TNA has allowed me to experience. TNA has been a blessing to our family for many years. We have made many friendships and many more memories. While you may not be seeing AJ Styles in TNA, you can be sure that he will be traveling the world and delivering many more Phenomenal matches. Visit AJStyles.org for a complete list of bookings.
Sincerely,
AJ Styles
December 15, 2013
Update on the AJ Lee - Michelle Beadle Story
The entire story from pwinsider.com:
Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer reported earlier today that there were a number of people within WWE upset with current WWE Divas champion AJ Lee for behavior backstage at this past Wednesday's Tribute to the Troops taping. Meltzer's report noted that Lee became unruly with NBC sports personality and WWE fan Michelle Beadle when she encountered Beadle and CM Punk (who Lee has been dating) talking backstage. Meltzer's report is that Lee allegedly became very irate and loud about the fact Beadle was speaking with Punk to the point that others backstage became distracted by the incident.
Beadle was at the event as the "official host" of the Tribute special, which will air in a few weeks on NBC and The USA Network.
PWInsider confirmed this afternoon that Meltzer's report was accurate in that the company was upset with Lee for several reasons, including "unprofessional conduct" with an invited guest of the company who works for WWE's NBC-Universal partner and because the incident took place at the Troops taping, which internally is considered one of the most important events of the year by Vince McMahon.
However, the word making the way among wrestlers backstage at TLC today was that Lee approached Beadle not out of jealousy but because Beadle had spoken to Punk in a disrespectful manner. The version wrestlers have been passing around is that Lee approached Beadle after Beadle had a conversation with CM Punk, not during a conversation between the two.
Beadle allegedly said something in a disrespectful manner that allegedly upset Punk, which led to Lee looking for her. That comment (we have heard several versions and can't confirm what it actually was) led to Lee telling Beadle that she was not to speak to Punk in such a manner again and if she did, there would be issues between the two. Beadle then reported the incident to WWE.
One wrestler who witnessed the incident "from ten feet away" denied that Lee ever raised her voice or cursed. "Anyone who said that is a liar," the wrestler, who spoke under condition of anonymity, commented.
However, since Beadle is a celebrity, there was (and may still be) heat on Lee over the situation since as the same wrestler commented, "Celebs are untouchable in the backstage scene. WWE wants them more than they need any wrestler, so automatically, the wrestler is going to be wrong here, even when [Lee] isn't really."
Beadle acknowledged the incident this afternoon on Twitter, writing in response to a pro-Lee fan, "Hon...it was done in front of company people. I didn't say a word. I thought it was a joke." She also made a reference to losing a "friend" due to "crazy girlfriend" syndrome.
CM Punk, while not acknowledging the situation directly, was apparently unhappy Lee ended up in hot water as well. He wrote on Twitter the day after the Troops taping, "It's difficult to always try to do business the proper way with a company that refuses to practice the same standards."
Michelle Beadle Confirms Report Of Backstage Incident With AJ Lee - 'I Thought It Was A Joke'
NBC entertainment and sports personality Michelle Beadle is lending credence to today's report concerning an incident between herself and WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee at last Wednesday's annual Tribute to the Troops event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer revealed this morning in a podcast on F4WOnline.com that Lee went on an obscenity-laced tirade towards the Access Hollywood co-host upon seeing her chat with CM Punk, her boyfriend, backstage at the event. Beadle didn't believe Lee was serious with her unhinged WWE character-like outburst.
In response to a fan remarking to her this morning on Twitter, "You should have slapped AJ Lee when she got in your face," Beadle wrote, "Meh. I thought it was a joke."
Responding to an upset AJ Lee fan on Twitter, Beadle remarked, "Hon...it was done in front of company people. I didn't say a word. I thought it was a joke."
Beadle's tweet gels with Meltzer's claim, as he noted on the podcast that Lee's Tribute to the Troops incident took place in front of many important people. He added that a number of WWE officials were very embarrassed and angry at Lee over the incident, mainly for "coming off like her character in real life, and not in a good way." She is expected to be disciplined for her behavior.
Lee is scheduled to defend her WWE Divas Championship tonight at WWE TLC against Natalya.
source: f4wonline.com
Rumor Mill - AJ Lee In Hot Water Over Backstage Incident At Tribute To The Troops
Reigning WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee is reportedly in hot water with WWE management after "causing a scene" at last Wednesday's Tribute to the Troops event in Pierce County, Washington.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer disclosed in a podcast (posted Sunday morning on F4WOnline.com, available here via subscription) that Lee saw NBC personality Michelle Beadle (who was on hand hosting the event) chatting with CM Punk backstage at the event and "freaked out." More specifically, Lee threw an obscenity-laced tirade at the popular television personality.
Meltzer says that a lot of people in the company were very embarrassed and angry at Lee over the incident, mainly for "coming off like her character in real life, and not in a good way." She is expected to be disciplined for her behavior.
A message Beadle posted the following day on Twitter appears to allude to the situation: "Lost another friend to CGFN....crazy girlfriend neutering. It's real people. Check your buddies. Affects everyone."
Meltzer noted that Punk is very upset with company officials over the matter. A message Punk posted Thursday evening on Twitter appears to allude to the situation: It's difficult to always try to do business the proper way with a company that refuses to practice the same standards."
Lee is scheduled to defend her WWE Divas Championship tonight at WWE TLC against Natalya.
source: f4wonline.com
December 14, 2013
MLB Star Thanks Vince McMahon
As noted last month, MLB presented Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer the Cy Young Award and issued both men a WWE-style replica belt. Vince McMahon later promised to send both players a real replica. Apparently the gift was received, as Scherzer posted the following tweet and photo with the belt and thanked Vince McMahon:
WWE sent me this for the CY. Gotta give a huge thanks to @VinceMcMahon #freakinsweet pic.twitter.com/3nL8lNM40H
— Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) December 14, 2013Roman Reigns Comments on His Family, Winning a Slammy for His Spear, Spearing Triple H
The Houston Press recently spoke with Roman Reigns to promote Sunday's TLC pay-per-view. Here are some highlights:
Coming from the legendary Anoa'i family:
"It's a responsibility; I'm from such a prestigious linage. Multiple WWE Hall of Famers are in my bloodline. It's one thing to reach par, but I'm trying to hit hole-in-ones every single night."
Winning a Slammy for his spear:
"The spear speaks for itself, but it's nice to be on the same page as the fans. It was flattering."
Reigns also commented on who he wants to spear that he hasn't yet:
"Maybe Triple H. That would be pretty cool."
December 13, 2013
Vince McMahon Bringing Big Names with Him to Las Vegas for 2014 Announcement
WWE will be making a major announcement at the 2014 International CES, a consumer and electronics trade show, on January 8th in Las Vegas.
Besides Vince McMahon, it's now confirmed that Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena and Steve Austin will also be appearing.
Speculation has been that WWE will make a Network announcement.
December 12, 2013
More On The Recent WWE Corporate Changes
Regarding the recent WWE corporate changes, Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon's noted to The Wrestling Observer in Santa Clara this week that since she is also a talent, she may have ideas at times but as far as working creative on a day-to-day basis, she will no longer be part of that process. Stephanie was always more of an administrator in creative than an idea person and the person running creative at the end of the day, the real head writer is, was, and for the foreseeable future, is Vince McMahon. Triple H will take over the administrative parts of the creative department.
Scooby Doo to investigate mysteries at WWE WrestleMania
Always wondered what Scooby Doo would look like in a wrestling singlet? Craved to see John Cena fist drop a giant bear that is on fire? Well get yourself down to a DVD bargain bin where you will soon find a copy of ‘Scooby Doo: Wrestlemania Mystery’.
Scooby and Shaggy will forgo haunted houses and abandoned schools for one night only in order to solve a case at WWE’s flasgship event, aided by wrestlers like John Cena, Triple H, Kane and more.
The straight-to-DVD animated movie is a different direction for WWE Studios, who usually make films where up-and-coming superstars point guns at things and disappointingly don’t suplex any henchmen.
The trailer sees Scoob co-opt The Rock’s ‘Just bring it!’ catchphrase and even enter the squared circle himself for a tag-team match, the mystery oddly being not ‘what is the appeal of John Cena?’ but ‘why has a massive flaming bear been put in a cage match?’
source: metro.co.uk
Photos: Triple H and Vince McMahon at Tribute to the Troops Taping
.@TripleH @VinceMcMahon backstage recording #TributetotheTroops right now! The set is a C-17! pic.twitter.com/kmYHuu4SV0
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 12, 2013@TripleH @VinceMcMahon @CHRIS_Daughtry @WWE #troops pic.twitter.com/7QI9mBGgXX
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 12, 2013December 11, 2013
WWE and DK Celebrate 50 Years of WWE History
DK Publishing is pleased to reveal WWE 50, celebrating 50 years of WWE history. WWE 50 delivers an unprecedented and in-depth look into the story of global entertainment powerhouse, WWE. With a multitude of interviews and imagery from all eras, no stone is left unturned as DK Publishing traces the evolution of the company from a regional promotion to a global pop-culture phenomenon.
Learn the real story behind all the key events in WWE history:
-- WWE's split from the National Wrestling Alliance
-- The sale of WWE to Vince McMahon by his father
-- WWE's national expansion
-- Innovations of WrestleMania, Raw, SmackDown, Survivor Series and more
-- Triumph in the Monday Night Wars
-- Taking WWE public
Plus, get an inside glimpse into today's WWE as it prepares for another 50 years of nonstop family-friendly entertainment. From the creators of the WWE Encyclopedia, WWE 50 gives you the inside knowledge to become the ultimate WWE fan.
Visit DK.com to purchase WWE 50. To request a review copy, please contact Katie Hemlock at katie.hemlock@bradygames.com.
WWE's George Barrios Talks Network Online vs. TV, New RAW and SmackDown Deals, More
WWE's Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios spoke at the UBS Annual Global Media and Communications Conference today. Here are some notes:
* If WWE were to leave USA Network, USA would go from #1 in prime-time to #4 or #5, which gives WWE leverage.
* Barrios said any top 50 network could pick up RAW or SmackDown and it would get them into the top 10
* WWE viewers watch their TV shows like a sports shows and sports are getting big increases in rights fees.
* They still may start the WWE Network on TV and not the internet. On the internet, WWE still needs 1 million subscribers per month to break even because there are additional costs they wouldn't have running a network on TV.
* They are hoping to sign new contracts for RAW and SmackDown by the end of April.
* Barrios noted that WWE gets one-fifth to one-tenth the money for their programming per viewer watching than NHL, NASCAR, NBA and MLB.
* They believe India will be huge for them long term.
* They believe their TV is more valuable than NASCAR, which gets six times as much money, because their viewer numbers are the same but NASCAR viewers are far more skewed over age 40.
* One year ago, WWE's data showed doing a network on the internet wasn't viable. Today they believe it is because of changing viewer habits.
Triple H Talks About Daniel Bryan's Reaction on RAW, Randy Orton Apologizing and More
WWE has posted their weekly interview with Triple H and Michael Cole. Here are some highlights:
* Triple H wasn't surprised by the reaction for Daniel Bryan on RAW. He said Bryan isn't what's best for business but is a great asset to the company.
* He said RAW got out of control and a lot of people did a lot of stupid things. He had a week to think if Randy Orton vs. John Cena is the biggest match in WWE history and it is. He says Orton vs. Cena might make Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels pale in comparison. He ignored a question about punishment for CM Punk.
* Stephanie is fine after getting knocked down on RAW. Randy Orton wants to apologize on SmackDown and Triple H will grant him that time. Triple H wants to see how sincere Orton is before he accepts the apology.
* Regarding John Cena being the new "flavor" and the way RAW ended on Monday with him and The Authority, Triple H said Cena has always been the face of WWE. He said he knows the future - the winner at TLC will become immortal, will be the champion of champions.
Vince Gives Huge Stock Gift to Linda McMahon
Vince McMahon made a gift of 8,500,000 shares of Class B WWE Stock to a Irrevocable Trust account that he created, which Linda McMahon is the beneficiary of. The trust account was created for "estate planning purposes."
December 10, 2013
The San Francisco 49ers Hype WrestleMania 31, Notes From Today's Press Conference
WWE stars at today's WrestleMania 31 press conference in Santa Clara, California were John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Big Show, Fandango, The Great Khali, R-Truth, The Bella Twins and Summer Rae. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and other WWE executives were also in attendance. Here is the official logo:
As noted, Vince McMahon says this will be the most interactive WrestleMania ever due to the technology that will be at Levi's Stadium.
Press Release: Silicon Valley to Host WWE WrestleMania 31
More Backstage News on Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards, Their Current WWE Tryout
As noted, Davey Richards is done with Ring of Honor and will not be having a farewell this month. Richards and partner Eddie Edwards are still under a trial period with WWE developmental and are expected to work the next two sets of NXT TV tapings. Their debut match came against The Ascension last month and may or may not air on the December 18th episode.
WWE had insisted that both Edwards and Richards finish up with ROH, even though they aren't under a WWE deal yet. ROH was willing to continue using them, even having them do an angle where them being on NXT would be part of the storyline in ROH. However, WWE was insistent that while they could finish their commitments to ROH, which were through the end of this year, they couldn't extend those commitments because WWE wanted them on nothing that would air while they were being used on NXT TV.
It's sort of a bad situation for Edwards and Richards because while they're not making big money with the tryout, it's costing them both payoffs for shows until WWE decides if they will be signed or not.
After their appearances at the next two sets of NXT TV tapings, the belief is they will have either convinced Triple H to sign them or the tryout will be over.
2013 WWE Slammy Awards Sets Record With More Than 1.6 Million Votes
WWE announced today that the 2013 Slammy Awards set a new record with 1.64 million votes via the WWE app, an increase of 180 percent from last year’s record-setting awards show.
The winners of the 2013 Slammy Awards include:
• Superstar of the Year - Daniel Bryan®
• Diva of the Year - The Bellas™
• Double-Cross of the Year - Shawn Michaels™
• Match of the Year - The Rock® vs. John Cena® at WrestleMania® 29
• Insult of the Year - Stephanie McMahon
• LOL Moment of the Year - The Rock Concert at Raw 20th Anniversary
• Fan Participation Award - Yes! Yes! Yes!
• Extreme moment of the Year - CM Punk®
What Happened After Raw Went Off The Air?
After HHH performed the Pedigree on Orton, the ring cleared leaving HHH, Steph, Kane, and Cena standing together looking at Orton. The three Authority figures then left and Cena called for a mic, getting a pop for mentioning Seahawk football before challenging Orton to a dark match main event. Both titles were hanging over the ring for the short match, which saw Orton get disqualified for using a chair. Cena recovered and performed an AA on Orton, then called for the mic again.
Cena requested Daniel Bryan come out, and after a short exchange about being near Bryan's hometown called for a Daniel-roonie. Booker T came out, and as he was walking to the ring the Wyatt family got out from where they were hiding under the ring and sprinted up the ramp to the back, getting a long laugh from the crowd. Cena claimed he was seeing things and blamed it on our coffee. Once Booker was in the ring, Bryan and Cena each did weak versions of the Spinaroonie, playing to the crowd. Booker called out John Laurinaitis, Titus O'Neill, Stephanie McMahon (!), and finally CM Punk in turn and each also did a Spinaroonie. Punk came out barefoot in a hoodie and briefs, not even his ring trunks. After Punk's spin, he went and hugged Steph. Booker thanked the crowd for our attendance and the show ended at about 8:45pm local.
source: wrestlezone.com
December 9, 2013
Rumor Mill - Why WWE is Unifying the Titles at TLC
WrestleZone has learned from a source within WWE that the original plan for the WWE TLC pay-per-view was NOT to unify the WWE and World Championships.
According to two different sources who participate in WWE production meetings, the original plan went out the window in the past 10 days, with the opinion being expressed to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that WWE is better off both in terms of positioning programming in 2014 and even on live events with only one recognized top champion.
WZ has also learned both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon had expressed their opinions "to the troops" that WWE was better off with one champion. So, unless they are misleading the writers and producers, which we doubt, apparently WWE is intent on crowning one champion this Sunday at TLC.
