Rumor Mill - Could WWE Be Considering Time Off For Wrestlers?

HHH refers to NXT as a place for rest…

WWE has a year-long schedule, and wrestlers do not get a break for many months at a time.

In recent years, it’s been suggested that a rotation system or some sort of regular time off would not only make lives better for wrestlers, it would be ultimately best for business as wrestlers wouldn’t burn out or get injured as much.

With the advent of the NXT training system, it seems like WWE could be getting closer to a Talent Rotation System/time off for wrestlers.

Triple H recently talked about NXT as a third brand where main roster wrestlers could come to Florida for a break from being on the road, while staying sharp at the Performance Center.

Triple H said:
(Being a third brand) also allows for guys to come off the main roster who have spent some time – if this is looked as a third brand – to take some time off Raw and Smackdown, come down here, and continue to work, but yet take a little vacation from the main roster and come back in a few months later… or, try something new down here. It’s a huge platform.

Naomi Reacts To Vince McMahon’s Comments On Steve Austin’s Podcast, Says Everyone Was Shocked

WWE Diva Naomi spoke with Chuck Carroll of The Turnbuckle Weekly about Vince McMahon’s recent comments on Steve Austin’s podcast where he said that the current locker room lacked ambition.

“Everyone was pretty shocked and taken back by it,” Naomi said. “I think we all see what the intent was and that’s just to light a fire and push everyone to work harder. I mean if it did nothing else, it definitely pissed us off to where we kinda want to go ten times harder than we were before. I think it’s a good thing, sometimes you have some negative and some positive, and I think that’s what Vince was trying to do to us all.”

Naomi then went on to say that there was “absolutely not” a lack of ambition with the Divas, and that they are all competitive and ambitious.

WWE Network to Unlock New Video On-Demand Content During “12 Days of Attitude”

WWE has sent in the following:

Beginning this Sunday, December 21, ‘12 Days of Attitude’ will bring new video-on-demand content to WWE Network. Each day, WWE Network subscribers will be able to unlock new programming in their video-on-demand library from the Attitude Era. Full episodes of Monday Night Raw, SmackDown and Heat will be among content available. Also included are memorable moments from the Attitude Era such as training vignettes of Vince and Shane McMahon and the interview in which The Rock and Mankind discuss The Undertaker and Big Show being buried alive.

WWE Network features 24/7 scheduled programming, all 12 pay-per-view events LIVE and the most comprehensive video-on-demand library with more than 2,600 hours of content, including every WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view, all for $9.99 per month with no commitment and the ability to cancel any time. WWE Network programming includes groundbreaking original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more. The U.S. English language version of WWE Network is available on an over-the-top basis in more than 170 countries and territories.

Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to subscribe online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TV through connected devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku streaming devices, Sony Playstation 3, Sony Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung.

For a complete listing of WWE Network availability by country and device, please click here.

Regardless of What You Think, It’s Gotta Suck to Be Paul Levesque

USA Network Credits WWE

USA Network issued a press release on Thursday to announce that they are ending 2014 as the most watched ad-supported cable entertainment network for the 9th consecutive year. They said the following about WWE RAW:

"WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW – the most-watched, regularly scheduled program on cable, 52 weeks a year, delivered 4.68MM total viewers P2+, 2.15MM P25-54, and 2.08MM P18-49, making USA #1 Monday nights in 2014 for all three categories among cable entertainment networks. RAW made USA the #1 entertainment network in all of television Monday nights for M18-34."

Hulk Hogan On Why He Wants One Last WWE Match, What Vince McMahon And What Triple H Said

The Sioux City Journal has an interview with Hulk Hogan, who was promoting this Sunday's SmackDown taping at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, IA. We are looking for correspondents for the taping, so if you are attending it, please contact us by clicking here.

During the interview, Hogan talked about crashing and burning and returning to WWE "where it all started." He also talked about wanting to return to action, saying that he gets "the jones."

"Triple H told me I've got nothing to prove but the last time I wrestled was not with this company and I want my legacy to end with the WWE," Hogan said. "I weigh 295. I'm in really good shape and I'm training like I'm going to get in the ring. I'm like a convict given a life sentence.

"Vince (McMahon, the WWE founder) said, 'Never say never.' And that's what I want – one last match, one last run, one last title win, one last title retirement."

WWE Tribute To The Troops Results 2014

Defending Triple H For Firing CM Punk

Rumor Mill - Backstage Update on Brock Lesnar’s Future, Is WWE Expecting Him to Leave?, Superstar Possibly Getting Big Push in Lesnar’s Place

According to F4WOnline.com, WWE has instructed its merchandise department not to make any new merchandise for Brock Lesnar. Instead, the department has been told to make new merchandise for Sheamus.

This seems to be an indication that Sheamus might be in-line for a sizable push when he returns from injury, and Brock Lesnar’s future in WWE beyond WrestleMania 31 is very much up in the air.

The current feeling in WWE is that Lesnar will be leaving the company following WrestleMania, likely to give MMA one more try before he retires. Once Lesnar’s WWE contract expires, which is shortly after WrestleMania, a bidding war is expected to begin for Lesnar, pitting WWE against UFC and Bellator.

WWE Releasing Special Edition Magazine

While WWE no longer publishes WWE Magazine, the company will apparently continue to put out special issues. Joey Styles revealed on Twitter this afternoon that a "Collector's Edition" magazine highlighting the best photos of the year is now out on newsstands.

Rumor Mill - Backstage Fallout From WWE TLC - Unhappiness With The Show, Talent Meeting Held Today At Raw

Reddit.com user MetsFan4Ever, a former WWE backstage worker who still has ties to people in the organization, provided insight into the atmosphere backstage at Raw today at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, following last night's WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs ... and Stairs.

According to him, many people in the company are dissatisfied with how the show came off following the successful TakeOver: R Evolution and are hopeful this will lead to creative changes with WWE's mainline product.

"While many knew it would be tough to top the NXT show, there were people who thought it could be pulled off," he wrote. "There have been rumblings that some talent knew they couldn't top NXT so in a silent protest in favor of Triple H, some superstars were described "mailing in" their matches last night. Many are in favor of Triple H and what he has done with the NXT product and feel it is time for Triple H to take the lead on the main roster."

MetsFan4Ever added that locker room leader John Cena hosted a talent meeting this afternoon that was described as "forceful yet calm." Cena stressed that a silent protest will not help matters. Instead, Cena feels they should step up their performance in order for their point to be proven.

Dixie Carter Announces New TNA Show to Air on Destination America

TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that "TNA Unlocked" will be a new show on Destination America. It will premiere on Saturday, January 17th at 10am.

Triple H Comments On Sami Zayn

"I do think he can succeed, I think it would take some time, he is the slow built kind of guy," Triple H said of Zayn. "Every time you see him he wins you over with that emotion and that quality and that realness. He lets you inside who he is as a person, you know it's very Steamboat-esque, in a way, that level of emotional connection to a talent that takes you and really invests you in him as a person and a character. His growth curve has been phenomenal, he had all the tools, but to see him do what he's done in a relatively short period of time is awesome and I can't wait for him to get that opportunity on the [main] roster."

Rumor Mill - Backstage Pressure on WWE TLC Due to NXT Success

F4WOnline.com is reporting that there is some motivation and maybe pressure on the WWE Superstars on Sunday. With all of the positivity and success from NXT R-Evolution this past Thursday, there is a feeling that WWE TLC will be better than expected.

WWE Exec Talks New Content Being Added To the Network

WWE CFO George Barrios recently talked at at the UBS Financial Conference in New York City. He opened up on how the company is creating new WWE Network content. Below is what he had to say:

“The thing that gets me the most excited is the new content we’re going to create for the Network. Now we haven’t announced it yet, and I think my boss would kill me if I chose the UBS conference to announce the new content, but I’m personally excited about what’s coming, so those announcements, those programs going on there, which to us then leads to in terms of what investors should be focused on is the acquisition and retention of subscribers. So that for us is a key part, seeing continued growth in the subscriber base globally is absolutely a core priority.”

Two Diva's removed from Total Divas New Season?

Summer Rae and Naomi do not appear to be part of the upcoming cast of of Total Divas.

WWE published a "Behind The Scenes of Total Divas" photo gallery for the new season and missing are Naomi and Summer Rae. The two are also not featured in the promo video that has been airing on E!.

Reddit Sends Triple H A Fruit Basket Following NXT Takeover: R Evolution

The Squared Circle Reddit community came together following last night’s phenomenal NXT Takeover: R Evolution live special to do something nice for Triple H.

Reddit user “cbartholomew” pitched the idea this morning, stating that if it got more than 100 votes he would personally buy an Edible Arrangements fruit basket for “The Game”. The post reached its goal in less than 15 minutes, and true to his word, he purchased and shipped a $127 fruit basket to WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT.

Unfortunately, Hunter is still at Full Sail University in Florida for tonight’s NXT television taping. But he did post on Twitter that WWE received the gift, and that it was being eating by the “WWE Archivist”.

Thanks for the fruit basket @reddit but I'm at @WWENXT working with the future. #WWEArchivistAteIt @WWE pic.twitter.com/fs8ogk2rGa

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 12, 2014

Triple H Addresses Vince McMahon’s Brass Ring Comment

Vince McMahon stated in his interview with Steve Austin that a lot of today’s talent — millennials — don’t want to grab the brass ring. He mentioned Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns as talent that might want to change that.

Well after WWE NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, Triple H Tweeted the following:

Hey, can anyone help me? I'm missing a whole box of brass rings. #NXTTakeOver @WWENXT

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 12, 2014

There has been a lot of talk about Vince making the “brass ring” comment, while also questioning the ambition of today’s talent. Triple H considers NXT “his baby” and WWE’s future. He’s very proud of what he’s done in overhauling the company’s developmental system and sees the special events as a chance for all of his work to shine.

WWE NXT TakeOver: R Evolution Results

Corey Graves retires from the ring, joins WWE NXT’s announce team

Usually, when an up-and-coming Superstar is forced into an early retirement, the discussion turns toward what might have been. Corey Graves is determined to not let that be the case for him. Though concussions have forced him out of the ring, the final chapter in “The Savior of Misbehavior’s” story has not been written. Starting with NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, Graves will join the broadcast team that calls the action every week on WWE Network.

“I’m really excited to start a new chapter of my career and life,” Graves told WWE.com before announcing his retirement on the TakeOver Pre-Show. “These last eight months have been up and down, emotionally, but I’m really looking forward to being part of the show again.”

Graves’ path to the announce booth traces back to WrestleMania Axxess, when he suffered a concussion during a match at the fan convention.

“I was bummed,” he said after being pulled from competition initially. “I felt like my Christmas got cancelled.”

Though he was not allowed to continue competing during WrestleMania weekend, Graves had every intention of getting back in the squared circle, working with WWE’s doctors and taking ImPACT and exertion tests to track his status. However, because of the frequency of Graves’ previous concussions, which built up over a decade on the independent circuit before coming to WWE, he was sent to see several specialists, who conferred with Dr. Joseph Maroon, WWE’s medical director. In Graves’ best interest, they recommended he step away from the ring.

“I saw Triple H in the [WWE Performance Center’s] gym,” Graves recalled. “I asked if he had any updates for me. His demeanor changed. He said something like, ‘I’m going to be honest with you. If I were you, I’d prepare for the worst.’ You could have told me a million things were going to happen to me that day, that wouldn’t be one of them.”

Faced with the end of his in-ring career, Graves was heartbroken.

“I remember just walking out of the gym in disbelief and going to the locker room, which was empty, and I fell apart,” he said. “I wasthisclose and I had my fingers on the prize. It was like, ‘Oh my God, I wasted my life. What am I going to do?’ I have a family, my wife was eight months pregnant at the time. My world fell apart in that moment.”

Following his conversation with Triple H, Graves officially received the news that he could no longer compete, but that he would be given a chance to do anything else within the company.

“That night, I pulled Triple H aside and thanked him for the opportunities,” he said. “I looked him in the eyes and said, ‘I’m not done here.’ He gave me a smile and said, ‘I know you’re not.’”

Graves took the weekend to gather his thoughts, then returned to the Performance Center and jumped at the opportunity to help with whatever he could, whether it be production, promotion or giving advice to new arrivals to the Performance Center.

But “The Savior of Misbehavior” gravitated toward the microphone. At the behest of The Voice of WWE, Michael Cole, Graves tried his hand at announcing and showed an aptitude that surely comes from his days of talking trash in the ring.

“I got in the booth here with Rich Brennan every day, we really developed chemistry,” Graves told WWE.com. “Knowing the business and growing up watching it like I did, I feel like I took to it pretty quickly.”

While he’s not afraid to admit he’s still learning the ins and outs of play-by-play, Graves is ready for whatever the future holds.

“It’s taken some time to get there, but I’m very excited to try something new,” he said.

Most of all, he’s grateful for the opportunity to stay in the industry he loves.

“WWE could have very easily discarded me and said, ‘You’re not able to do what we hired you for any more, so good luck to you,’” Graves said. “I like to think that they saw value in me, not only in the ring, but in what I’ve been able to prove I can do in the months since then.”

Alberto Del Rio Heading to ROH

Ring of Honor has issued the following press release:

Alberto El Patron Is Coming To ROH In 2015

The hottest free agent in the world makes his debut in the organization known for the best wrestling on the planet as Alberto El Patron debuts in Ring of Honor on January 3rd, 2015 in Nashville, TN.

Formerly known in WWE as Alberto Del Rio, Alberto El Patron is a former 4 time World Champion in World Wrestling Entertainment and the current AAA Heavyweight Champion in Mexico. Known for his brash demeanor, this Mexican aristocrat brings an attitude and desire to prove his greatness to Ring of Honor but how will that attitude mesh with the ROH stars?

One thing that is certain is Alberto’s credentials. A celebrated amateur wrestler in Mexico, Alberto has won numerous amateur championships and tournaments. In addition to his amateur accolades, Alberto has won numerous world championships in his home country of Mexico, including the CMLL Heavyweight Championship. But would you expect anything less given his bloodlines? Alberto is the son of legendary luchador Dos Caras and nephew of Mil Mascaras, continuing one of Mexico’s greatest wrestling legacies.

Upon signing with ROH, Alberto has requested that Ring of Honor matchmaker Nigel McGuinness challenge him with the very best that ROH has to offer, and many of the stars in Ring of Honor have already started making phone calls to Nigel to take on El Patron.

More?

WWE Acquires Original WWWF Title Belt

F4WOnline.com is reporting WWE recently acquired the original WWWF title belt worn by Bruno Sammartino, apparently for display in the long-rumored physical WWE Hall of Fame.

Dan Lambert of American Top Team (MMA) is a title belt collector and mentioned in an interview that WWE contacted him about the WWWF belt, which he owned. Lambert didn’t say when he was contacted, but he got a few other championships from WWE in exchange for the original title.

WWE’s Hall of Fame is rumored to be built in the Orlando, Florida area whenever it is announced.

Triple H Q&A Highlights: Tonight’s Takeover Special, How Would He Fare in a Match Against Sting?, NXT vs WWE Possibility & More

TNA Announces Move to Friday Nights, Details on Destination America Partnership, Encore Programming & More

Impact Wrestling will be moving to Friday nights in 2015 on their new home, Destination America. The company sent out a press release detailing the move, as well as announcing encore programming for the network.

The press release is featured below in its entirety, but the major news is that each week TNA will be given a four hour slot on Friday nights, with an encore immediately following each first-run broadcast. Confirming our earlier reports, a “new” show called “IMPACT WRESTLING: UNLOCKED” will air every Saturday from 10 AM-12 PM ET that will feature “a reloaded edition of the previous week’s IMPACT WRESTLING that will be a whole new viewing experience featuring extra content and never-before-seen footage.”

DESTINATION AMERICA PINS DOWN DEBUT DATE FOR IMPACT WRESTLING

(Silver Spring, Md.) – Brace for IMPACT! Destination America iskicking-off the New Year as the new destination for professional wrestling following the announcement that Discovery Communications and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Entertainment have signed an exclusive broadcast deal bringing IMPACT WRESTLING to the only network dedicated to celebrating the people, places and stories of the United States. IMPACT WRESTLING debuts on Destination America with a special LIVE broadcast on Wednesday, January 7 from 9-11 PM ET, televised from New York City’s legendary Manhattan Center. IMPACT WRESTLING will move to its permanent time slot on Fridays from 9-11 PM ET beginning January 16 on Destination America.

“We’ve been listening to what fans have to say and, with their feedback in mind, IMPACT WRESTLING’s live debut on Destination America will be nonstop, in-your-face action with no filters, big personalities, and epic battles,” said Marc Etkind, general manager of Destination America. “Wrestling is a national pastime that combines dynamic entertainment with intense crowds, and we can’t wait for IMPACT WRESTLING’s passionate fans to bring their ‘fandemonium’ to Destination America in January!”

“A week after the ball drops in New York City, fists will fly as IMPACT WRESTLING begins a new era with our LIVE debut on Destination America,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “IMPACT WRESTLING will be the most compelling two hours of wrestling on television.”

The special live broadcast on Wednesday, January 7 will feature a main event for the richest prize in IMPACT WRESTLING: the World Heavyweight Championship, Roode vs. Lashley III. A decisive rematch in this epic trilogy, reigning champion Bobby Roode defends the title against dominant former heavyweight champion Bobby Lashley to prove who’s the best in IMPACT WRESTLING. Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Gail Kim, Ethan Carter III (aka EC3), and all the stars of IMPACT add to the explosive debut. An encore will follow from 11 PM-1 AM ET.

More?

Triple H Talks Sami Zayn Impressing, Kevin Owens’ NXT Debut, How Charlotte Was Booked On Raw, NXT Touring & Much More

During a conference call at the WWE Performance Center Triple H gave some time to the media today to talk about NXT Takeover R Evolution airing Thursday night on the WWE Network. Triple H also enjoyed talking about the business in general and where WWE is headed. The following are some highlights:

- He noted he looks forward to these conversations and likes being able to speak with the media directly.

- He said they are “feverishly” working on getting the WWE Network in the UK but that the NXT special will be airing on television in UK.

- He talked about how proud he is of Charlotte and Sasha Banks. He talked about how some people were upset that Charlotte was used quickly in a loss on RAW. Apparently they were given more time originally but due to factors of live television, when they got to that segment they had to shorten their time. Triple H noted the important thing was exposure for NXT and Charlotte. Once she is a regular on the main roster, she would be be booked stronger.

- In a discussion about all the different types of athletes and backgrounds who come into NXT, HHH noted some talents pick things up quicker than others. He said Kurt Angle picked up professional wrestling faster than anyone he can recall.

- Finn Balor was overwhelmed in the past when they would walk him through entrances, music cues, where cameras can be and all of the other factors of being a television show. Triple H said Balor explained he had never thought about all that stuff. In the past he just walked to the ring and whoever was filming just captured him walking to the ring. Triple H was excited when speaking about the collaboration of WWE and great talent such as Balor.

- It has been discussed and is possible that the NXT title could be featured on the kickoff shows for the main roster pay-per-views or the events themselves. He said he likes when he hears people talk or suggest it because it’s a good sign the NXT brand is wanted.

- Gave a lot of praise to Sami Zayn. Talked about how he can be hard to describe sometimes to someone but is a great talent. Triple H said it might take longer for Zayn to reach his full potential with the audience, but once he gets there, it’s going to be great. He said Zayn is great with emotionally captivating an audience and has strong facials for television. At one point he compared Zayn to Ricky Steamboat. Triple H went on to say how impressive that is considering Zayn worked for so many years prior to WWE with a mask on.

- We were running short on time, but Triple H said if Vince can add more time to interviews because he owns the WWE Network than Triple H can add more time to his phone call, so he did.

- He gave a lot of credit to William Regal being a great scout for talent and evaluation talent.

- With regards to promos, Triple H said less heavily scripted promos are good, but not everyone can do them. He said a script isn’t a bad thing as long as the talent can put emotion into what is written for them and not sound like they are reading off of a piece of paper. He said some guys learn better than others with it. He noted Adrian Neville couldn’t speak when he first got to NXT but is now a lot better.

- NXT Takeover R Evolution will air on J Sports in Japan.

- Triple H talked about it being a fine line with Kevin Owens in terms of embracing what he’s accomplished in the past but moving forward and creating a WWE product. He says there is no point in ignoring Kevin’s accomplishments, but at the same time you don’t want to live in the past.

- Says he would like to get NXT touring more. Right now they tour in Florida and some of Georgia, but he would like to expand to more regions to continue growing the brand.

Photo: TNA reveals new logo for Impact Wrestling

TNA President Dixie Carter posted the following on Twitter:

"I want to share with you first the new Impact Wrestling logo! Now share with your friends. LOTS more to come today!"

TNA Wrestling On Netflix?

Variety.com has a new article up highlighting Discovery’s desire to partner with Netflix, to stream more of their content on the website. They currently have a deal in place with Hulu for exclusive on-demands rights to “Deadliest Catch”.

Discovery is the new home of Impact Wrestling, which will debut on Destination America in January 2015. While a potential deal between Discover and Netflix is still being worked out – Variety says its a matter of determining value – it could lead to TNA content coming to the over-the-top network in the future.

WWE “Tribute to the Troops” Holiday Special to Air on USA and NBC

WWE Confirms A New Pay-Per-View For 2015

The WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is no-more, at least for the month of February which has been home to the event since 2010.

WWE issued the following promotional material to media outlets regarding a new event titled "WWE Fast Lane" which will be the last stop on the road to WrestleMania 31.

"New ground will be broken Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, when the inaugural WWE Fast Lane pay-per-view takes over the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.!

Get tickets starting this Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT at the FedExForum box office orwww.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone by calling (800) 745-3000.

The historic event marks WWE’s first pay-per-view in Memphis — one of sports-entertainment’s richest cities — in more than eight years. Though WWE Fast Lane is brand new to the WWE Universe, one thing’s for sure: With the WWE Universe racing down The Road to WrestleMania 31, your favorite Superstars and Divas will kick the action into high gear on Feb. 22."

Complete List of 2014 WWE Slammy Award Winners

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon named editorial adivsors to 'Muscle & Fitness' and 'Shape,' respectively

WWE and American Media Inc. announced today that Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, has been appointed Editorial Advisor to "Shape" magazine and Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative, has been appointed Editorial Advisor to "Muscle & Fitness" magazine.

In these roles, McMahon and Levesque will consult with the editorial staff of "Shape" and "Muscle & Fitness," respectively, on print and online content pertaining to health and fitness. Together, they currently appear on the cover of the December/January issue of "Muscle & Fitness," sharing an inside look at their fitness routines as well as a sneak peek at exclusive workouts from "WWE Power Series: Triple H" and "WWE Fit Series: Stephanie McMahon," available now on DVD at mass market retailers and as a digital download online.

" 'Shape' and 'Muscle & Fitness' only work with the most trusted and authoritative experts in the world of health and fitness," said Shawn Perine, Chief Content Director, Enthusiast Group and Editor in Chief, "Muscle & Fitness." "With their vast experience and knowledge, Stephanie and Paul are perfect ambassadors for the global health and fitness movement, and are highly valued partners to our brands. I'm excited to be working with them."

"It is an honor to join the team at 'Shape,' " McMahon said. "This role provides me with the ability to connect with women from all walks of life and share my passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle."

"My approach to fitness training has evolved since my days as a young athlete, and today, I'm in the best shape of my life," Levesque said. "I share my knowledge and experience regularly as the executive in charge of WWE Talent and look forward to doing the same for the readers of 'Muscle & Fitness.' "

WWE Issues a “Newest Endeavor” Wish to CM Punk Following His UFC Signing

From WWE.com:

WWE wishes Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk) the best of luck in his newest endeavor.