Rumor Mill - CM Punk Granted Release From WWE?

There was talk going around at the weekend house shows that CM Punk was given his official release from WWE on Friday. It hasn't been confirmed and Punk is still shown on the Superstars page of WWE website. We did hear from a few people that spoke to him recently and he is telling them that he is "done".

source: pwinsider.com

MTV UK Looks at the WWE Performance Center

MTV UK was recently given a special look at NXT and the WWE Performance Center. You can check out their coverage at this link. They have interviews with Paige, Triple H, Kane, Sami Zayn and others. Kane noted that if he were to build a wrestling company around one person it would be The Undertaker.

Photo: Triple H, Stephanie & Lemmy

Steph and l always love when we get a chance to see you Lem, you are a true legend and a true friend!!! @myMotorhead pic.twitter.com/3R2a5cfzp5

— Triple H (@TripleH) February 16, 2014

This Day In Wrestling History

Bret Hart defeats Undertaker, Steve Austin & Vader for the WWF(E) Title, starting his fourth reign as champion.
February 16, 1997

The final episode of WWE's version of ECW aired.
February 16, 2010

Stephanie McMahon and Larysa DiDio Workout for Prevention.com

Fitness expert Larysa DiDio has a closet full of bright, fashionable fitness gear. But she usually works out in fleece pajamas. “I wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning and pretty much roll onto the elliptical,” says the mother of two kids, ages 10 and 13. Like many busy moms, the morning is the only time she has to work out.

Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), also squeezes in her cardio before her kids (ages 3, 5, and 7) get up. “I don’t have time to do it in the day,” she says. “Plus, it’s very important to me that I get my time in with my kids.”

But sometimes, even a workout in the morning can seem impossible. That’s why DiDio created the 4-Minute Workout. The idea: You may not have an hour or even 20 minutes in a day, but you probably have 4 minutes to kill before leaving to pick up your daughter from soccer practice, or before dialing into a conference call. “Those little bits of activity throughout the day boost your metabolism and can really make a difference in your health and happiness,” DiDio says.

Watch the video above to see the two fitness friends DiDio and McMahon teach you the 4-Minute Workout. Perform each of the four exercises for 1 minute without rest. Do that several times a day whenever you can fit it in. Or repeat the routine four times with 1 minute of rest between each round for a full 20-minute workout.

Shane McMahon Almost Scammed Out Of $20 Million

The New York Post reports that former WWE executive Shane McMahon was nearly scammed out of $20 million in a scam which was designed to convince McMahon that he was investing in the purchase of Maxim Magazine.

The scam which failed has been documented in detail in the following press release...

More?

One of the Biggest Days in WWE History Today

Today will be looked back upon as one of the most historic dates in the history of professional wrestling as at the end of business today, Comcast's exclusivity to negotiate a new TV deal with WWE will end - setting off a chain of events that will tell the tale of the future of professional wrestling.

Once WWE receives Comcast's new offer for keeping their broadcast partnership and exclusivity going forward, WWE can choose to sign the new deal or open the negotiations up for outside entities to bid on the WWE programming.

As we've noted before, WWE smartly timed this so that all of their cable series - Raw, Smackdown, Total Divas, Main Event - as well as a potentially resurrected Saturday Morning Slam - are part of the negotiations, allowing WWE to move everything as one monster package, similar to what major sports leagues such as the NBA and NASCAR do with their programming partners.

Several months back, Variety noted that WWE had reached out or had meetings with A&E, Disney, Viacom, 21st Century Fox and Discovery about potential broadcast partnerships.

Comcast will have the chance to match any outside offers, according to reports in the NYC media, so even if another entity comes in with a big offer, they will have a chance to keep WWE under their umbrella.

WWE intends to announce their new deal in April or May. Should programming need to move from Comcast to another partner, that would come in early October.

Nothing is certain yet, except this: WWE will be receiving the highest premium for their programming ever, which will be a major positive for their bottom line.

source: pwinsider.com

This Day In Wrestling History

Happy Birthday to:

Big John Studd - February 14, 1948

Ken Shamrock - February 14, 1965

Tommy Dreamer - February 14, 1968

The Big Show debuts in the WWF(E) at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre PPV
February 14, 1999

Video: Jeff Jarrett issues first comments since leaving TNA

Rumor Mill - How WWE Might Try to Counter Punk Chants In Chicago, Latest Reaction to Punk Leaving, More

After a week where the CM Punk talk has started to die down, people within WWE are looking ahead to the March 3rd RAW from Chicago. There is a lot of concern about how that show will play out. With The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan scheduled to return at the February 24th RAW, they could be brought to the Chicago RAW as a way to counter the Punk chants.

There was less concern this past week because while there were Punk chants at live events, they didn't pick up or last that long. The feeling is that with nothing major happening with the Los Angeles crowd at RAW on Monday, it's pretty much a done situation with the possible exception of Chicago.

Going into the Los Angeles RAW this week, officials feared fans would hijack the show and ruin the John Cena vs. Randy Orton main event. The idea was to bring Daniel Bryan out twice, including right before the main event, have him go over strong and get the chants out of the way.

There remains mixed feelings within the company regarding Punk's status. Virtually nobody agrees with him when it comes to walking out 30 minutes before a live TV shoot. Many have sympathy for some of his concerns but they argue that Punk was legitimately the #2 guy in the company for a while. On a related note, it's acknowledged that Punk was very popular but the belief is that he was not a ticket seller to live events and only on occasion was he a difference maker in pay-per-view business. At the same time, Punk was the #2 merchandise seller.

This Day In Wrestling History - HBK Loses His Smile

On a special Thursday edition of RAW, Shawn Michaels forfeits the WWF(E) Title in a move that many felt he did in order to avoid losing to Bret "Hitman" Hart at WrestleMania 13. In his promo, Michaels said he needed to go home to quote "find his smile."
February 13, 1997

Triple H Talks About the WWE Hall of Fame Airing on The Network, Batista, Lita and More

In the newest interview with Michael Cole and Triple H. Here are some highlights:

* Michael Cole apologized for his actions during last week's interview, for overstepping his bounds. Triple H said the apology is accepted but unnecessary because Cole was just doing his job - asking tough questions. Triple H asked Cole not to push him on questions Cole knows he cannot answer.

* Triple H said he's excited for Lita and proud of her. He called her a trailblazer. He announces the WWE Network will show the Hall of Fame ceremony, in its entirety, live that Saturday night before WrestleMania XXX.

* Regarding Batista getting upset on RAW in the backstage segment, Triple H said he's not sure if Batista is upset at management, he's just a hothead. Triple H said it's up to Batista to prove that he's the same Animal he was four years ago.

* Triple H is not disappointed in Randy Orton for his recent losses to the Elimination Chamber opponents. Triple H thinks Cesaro may be Orton's toughest opponent yet. Triple H said Cesaro is the guy nobody will be expecting and is good enough to walk out the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

* Triple H said he would indeed consider the winner of the Chamber to be the face of WWE.

WWE debuts "30 Years fo Wrestlemania" podcast

WWE has partnered with PodcastOne to debut a new "30 Years of Wrestlemania" podcast hosted by Renee Young. Episode #1 features Shawn Michaels as the guest.

To check out the podcast, click here.

Jingle All The Way 2 and The Marine 4 to Start Production from WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment today announced the next two films that will begin production as part of their continued collaboration. This March, cameras will start rolling on JINGLE ALL THE WAY 2, the sequel to the 1996 hit comedy JINGLE ALL THE WAY. Starring Larry the Cable Guy (Tooth Fairy 2, Cars) and featuring WWE Superstar “Santino Marella®” the film is directed by Alex Zamm (Tooth Fairy 2, Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts) and will release this 2014 holiday season.

Also announced is the fourth installment of THE MARINE franchise, the eighth collaboration between WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox including the theatrical releases of THE MARINE and 12 ROUNDS. Shooting this April, THE MARINE 4 will star WWE Superstar Mike “The Miz®” Mizanin, who will be the first WWE Superstar to reprise his role in THE MARINE franchise, and will also feature “Summer Rae™,” the first WWE Diva to be featured in a WWE Studios production...More?

Roman Reigns Talks Working With The Rock, Triple H, How He's Related To Rock And Usos

Reigns was asked about The Shield hitting The Rock with a triple power bomb through a table at last year's Royal Rumble. Reigns said that it was cool, even though it was in the dark (the lights went out for the attack). He called the Rock "a really cool dude" and said that he enjoyed hanging out with him earlier in the day before the show.

Reigns was asked about people thinking that he's the next big thing. Reigns said his goal it to be the top guy, and that should be everybody's. He said that everybody in The Shield wants to be the top guy, and noted how close they have all become. He said that they are always going to be a good team.

He credited Triple H for giving him a lot of advice, and called him a great resource. He also named Road Dogg, Michael Hayes and Jamie Noble as guys who have helped him. He said that the one person who has helped him the most is Joey Mercury, and that he's a "great help" anytime he's around.

Reigns was asked about his family and he said that he learns a lot from them. He noted that he's been close with The Usos since he was four years old. He was asked how he's related to some of the other members of his legendary family, and he replied:

Rikishi: First cousin.

The Usos: Second cousins.

The Rock Second cousin.

Umaga: First cousin.

Yokozuna: First cousin.

The Next Inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Is...

Lita

Hulk Hogan Officially Booked to Return to WWE RAW This Month with Another Hall of Famer

PWInsider reports that Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart are both now officially booked for the February 24th WWE RAW from Green Bay, Wisconsin. This is the same night the WWE Network launches.

Hogan has had an agreement to return to WWE for some time following his TNA departure. Hogan was originally slated to return during the WWE Network announcement in Las Vegas but the company changed those plans the night before.

As noted, The Undertaker will also be on that RAW. Other top stars are expected to appear.

New WWE Logo Update

PWInsider reports that WWE will begin using a new company logo once the Network launches later this month. It is the same logo we've seen on Network material and the new WWE jet that Stephanie McMahon posted a photo of last week, which you can check out below:

This Day In Wrestling History - Curt "Mr. Perfect" Henning Passes Away

Curtis Michael "Curt" Hennig
March 28, 1958 – February 10, 2003

WWE Hall of Fame Profile

Men's Health Magazine Looks at Tough Women's Wrestlers

Men's Health has an article up on women's wrestlers who can kick ass. They list Aksana, Cheerleader Melissa, The Bella Twins, Gail Kim, AJ Lee, Taryn Terrell, Thea Trinidad (Rosita) and Rosa Mendes. Click here.

Valentine’s breakup: NBCUniversal and WWE may split up

This Valentine’s Day NBCUniversal will either be giving WWE a big kiss or they’ll be breaking up.

The two parties are grappling over continuation of the sport-meets-reality TV programming on NBCUniversal’s USA Network and SyFy Channel.

An exclusive negotiating period ended last week with no deal in sight. We hear the pressure is on for a deal to get done in the next few days.

An industry source told On the Money, “NBCU has until Friday, Feb. 14, to respond to WWE’s final offer.”

It’s not clear where the price tag stands, but reports have suggested the last deal was priced at $140 million, and the WWE had been looking for a leap up that gives it a similar premium accorded to sports rights.

WWE — which announced the launch of its own over-the-top network for wrestling fans at CES — is one of the few things on TV ( besides sports) that fans want to watch live.

source: nypost.com

Rumor Mill - What Caused Negotiations Between TNA Wrestling & Toby Keith to Fall Apart; Dixie Carter Responsible?

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Carter family came very close to selling TNA Wrestling to company co-founder Jeff Jarrett and country music legend Toby Keith. Jarrett reportedly put the deal together, and the two parties – Keith and Carter – even met to finalize plans.

Apparently, the deal breaker was that Bob Carter wanted to sell the company, but had one stipulation prior to making the deal: that Dixie Carter remain as on-screen TNA President, and retain some power within the company. Keith refused to make the deal with any "creative limitations" on the line, and negotiations fell apart from there.

It was at this point that both Jeff Jarrett and Toby Keith took a step back, realizing that they could build their own promotion from the ground-up. Jarrett left TNA in December.

Rumor Mill - New Name Being Discussed For a Match Against Triple H At WrestleMania 30

There are a lot of current possibilities with the WrestleMania 30 card, as we have been reporting, and the final decision has yet to be made on some of the top matches.

Inserting Daniel Bryan into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Randy Orton and Batista is being discussed as we previously reported.

WrestleZone is reporting that if Bryan is put in the WWE title match, which would make a Shield triple threat match unlikely, then Triple H versus Roman Reigns is a strong possibility for the big event.

WWE is currently very high on Reigns, and the company would use the storyline of The Shield having been the henchmen for The Authority in the past year as the launching point of a singles match between Reigns and HHH.

Rumor Mill - Major name set to return to WWE during the 2/24 RAW

The Undertaker is scheduled to return to WWE during the 2/24 RAW taping in Green Bay, Wisconsin according to a report by Mike Johnson. This will be his first appearance on WWE television since the 4/26 Smackdown taping where he was put through the announce table by The Shield. Undertaker's return was described as being "locked in" within the last 48 hours and will take place on a huge night for the company coming off the Elimination Chamber PPV and the launch of the WWE Network later that night. His appearance is expected to kick off his build for another match at Wrestlemania 30 this year in New Orleans.

source: pwinsider.com

WWE Superstar John Cena Becomes Most-Liked U.S. Athlete on Facebook

WWE Superstar John Cena passed Kobe Bryant to become the most-liked active U.S. athlete on Facebook with more than 18.6 million followers.

Cena is the No. 7 most-followed athlete in the world on Facebook and has more followers than Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Roger Federer. Cena also has more Facebook followers than Kevin Durant, Michael Phelps and Tony Hawk COMBINED.

WWE has eclipsed 260 million fans through its global social media networks, further cementing its position as one of the most followed brands in the world. Currently, WWE has more than 172 million Facebook fans and 82 million Twitter followers across all of its networks. WWE’s network of Facebook pages has more followers than the NFL and its 32 teams’ pages combined.

Q&A with Mickie James

WWE Network to Edit Over The Edge 1999, Stephanie McMahon Comments on Benoit & Owen Decision

CBS Pittsburgh has published an article on WWE deciding to air the controversial Over The Edge 1999 pay-per-view on the WWE Network.

WWE issued the following statement on Friday:

“WWE Network will be airing the 1999 Over The Edge pay-per-view. However, portions of the event will be edited out of respect for Owen Hart.”

Before the Royal Rumble last month, CBS spoke with Stephanie McMahon about Over The Edge 1999 and she said they had not made a decision at that time. Stephanie did confirm that Chris Benoit matches will be on the Network.

In the video above, Stephanie said:

“They are incredible challenging decisions to make. At the end of the day, we try to do what’s right for our fans and we try to give them exactly what they want to see.”

Jim Ross Opens Up About WWE Departure

Josh Stewart of Newsday has a new piece featuring quotes from Jim Ross to promote his upcoming spoken-word tour that begins with two shows at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on March 1, 2014. In it, JR sheds more light on the event that resulted in his departure from WWE.

The event was a “30 Years of WrestleMania” symposium by 2KSports to promote the new WWE 2K14 video game the night before SummerSlam on August 17, 2013. JR clarified it was 2KSports that hired him to moderate the Legend’s panel, not WWE. Below is an excerpt from the Newsday piece:

“I knew that when it was over, a lot of the top WWE officials were very anxious to get Ric Flair out of the facility,” Ross recalls. “So I knew there was some concern there, but I didn’t know that the concern involved me. A story started out of misinformation that I had been drinking with Flair all day. And the issue was that if they [WWE officials] had checked their schedule, I had been booked all day with WWE activities and SummerSlam that had nothing to do with Ric Flair.”

JR explained there was no script, no teleprompter and no producer. Making matters worse, Ric Flair, who was on the panel, was clearly inebriated.

“My job was to keep the rudder in the water,” Ross said. “I didn’t do that. And so, the decision was made that we part ways. And to be honest with you, and this is not looking back, or trying to cover somebody’s tracks, or cover my own [behind], I was really looking for an opportunity to move on. I wanted to get into the podcast business, I wanted to get into one-man show stuff . . . I wanted to look at other opportunities, like this Fox Sports thing that I’m doing now. And I knew I couldn’t do those things while I was under contract to the WWE. But to be honest, to be totally frank with you, I had such a loyalty to that company, and I still do, that after 20 years I didn’t know how I was going to say goodbye.”

KaBOOM! and WWE Team Up to Build Playground in New Orleans During WrestleMania Week

CHIKARA Announces Details of Return Event

CHIKARA released the following:

Tickets On Sale Right Now for 5.25.14 - Will You Be Admitted Free?

CHIKARA is back at last! Tickets are on sale right now for "You Only Live Twice" on 5.25.14, but you may not need one. Over the course of the last 9 months, fans from far and wide had the chance to take part in #IAmCHIKARA rallies and meet-ups organized by Icarus.

If you attended one of these, signed his petition and have the I Am CHIKARA shirt he gave you personally, make sure to wear it on 5.25.14...and you will be admitted to the event absolutely free!

Per CHIKARA tradition, all children ages 12 and under will get a FREE general admission ticket to this event, when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are already selling in record numbers for this landmark event - don't miss out! Order your advance tickets to "You Only Live Twice" today!

CHIKARA: You Only Live Twice
-Sunday, May 25th, 2014 @ 3:00 pm- @ Live at The Palmer Center
4100 Green Pond Rd :: Easton, PA 18045 Order Advance Tickets

WWE Creative Visits NXT Tapings, NXT: Arrival Poster

WWE NXT Women's Champion Paige tweeted a photo of the poster for WWE's NXT: Arrival event that airs on the WWE Network later this month:

Members of the WWE creative team attended last Thursday's NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University to evaluate some of the developmental talents, possibly looking to come up with debut storylines for some of them.

Listing of over 400 Pay Per View events on the WWE Network

WWE.com has released a list of over 400 WWE, WCW and ECW Pay Per View events that will be provided during the launch of the WWE Network beginning on 2/24.

To view the entire listing, click here.