WWE Breaking Ground, an explosive new reality show, comes to WWE Network October 26

Follow the stories of the men and women fighting to become WWE's next Superstars and Divas in the new reality show WWE Breaking Ground, debuting on WWE Network Monday, October 26.

WWN Live Statement On WWE Relationship

WWN Live issued the following today in regards to their status with WWE after NXT Superstar Sami Zayn was announced for live appearances at this weekend's EVOLVE shows in New York City:

"You have supported us and you deserve an answers. You want to know what's going on with WWE and The WWN Family. This is the absolute truth. There are no answers. Yes, there is obviously a growing relationship. What direction it will take is unknown. There are rumors and speculation, but this relationship changes and develops almost weekly. This is a road that has never been traveled before. There is no precedent. We don't know what to expect nor what is possible. All this means is that anything can happen. There are infinite possibilities. The only sure thing is that this will be a wild, unpredictable and thrilling ride. We will all find out where this road goes together. There is no telling what will happen next."

Update on WWE's "Gorgeous George" Biopic

WWE Studios will co-develop the George Raymond Wagner biopic “Gorgeous George” alongside Robert Halmi Jr.’s Great Point Media, with Josh Gad and partner Ryan Dixon writing the script.

“Gorgeous George” will chronicle the life and career of Wagner, the professional wrestler and sports entertainer credited with inspiring the flamboyant personas of performers such as Muhammad Ali and James Brown and helping bring sports into the TV age.

“Gorgeous George was a true pioneer in television,” said Michael Luisi, President of WWE Studios. “Josh is a true talent and we are thrilled to see him and Ryan tackle such a groundbreaking story.”

Gad recently wrapped production on the Disney film “Beauty And The Beast” opposite Emma Watson and Luke Evans. He will begin production in January on STX Entertainment’s “Russ And Roger Go Beyond” as Roger Ebert.

WWE Studios will handle worldwide rights and will use WWE’s platforms, including weekly TV shows, digital and social media and the WWE Network, to market this title.

ESPN's Partnership With WWE Is A Game-Changer

Professional wrestling is real.

That would be the implication of WWE highlights appearing on—or, as some may consider it, blaspheming—the hallowed grounds of the world’s premier sports network.

During Tuesday’s edition of SportsCenter, ESPN announced a partnership with WWE to feature weekly segments of wrestling highlights. The partnership couldn’t have come at a better time for both industry-leading franchises.

ESPN has been struggling with declining subscriber numbers and ratings. Ad revenue was off 3 percent in the three months ended June 27, according to the Wall Street Journal, which dissected the network’s troubles in detail here. ESPN’s ratings dip is tied in part to the rise in popularity of online streaming services like Netflix NFLX +0.91%, which is posing big problems for the television industry at large.

ESPN cut ties with three of its biggest stars this year — Keith Olbermann, Colin Cowherd and Bill Simmons – in an exodus that was not without its share of controversy. ESPN is now looking to regroup by ”nurturing big-name stars,” as President John Skipper put it, in a climate where ratings are shrinking.

Sound familiar?

WWE has had its own share of struggles that are eerily similar to that of ESPN’s. Monday’s edition of Raw once again drew a record-low viewership, 3.285 million. With John Cena nearing the end of his run on top of WWE, the promotion is in a transitional period as first-time champion Seth Rollins (who guested during the aforementioned SportsCenter broadcast) looks to be one of many fresh faces to lead WWE into the future...More?

source: forbes.com

WWE Superstars and Divas Accept 2015 SSFOA Commendation Award on Behalf of WWE

The Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) proudly announces the 2015 recipient of the prestigious SSFOA Commendation Award, WWE.

WWE was presented with the SSFOA Commendation Award at Monday Night Raw in Kansas City, Mo. Superstars and Divas, including WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, Divas Champion Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Ryback, were on hand to accept the honor. Previous commendation recipients include President George W. Bush, actress Ann-Margret, actor Gary Sinise and rock legends Mötley Crüe.

Following the most recent selection process, the SSFOA founders chose to bestow this year’s honor upon WWE for the organization’s unwavering support of the military through Tribute to the Troops, WWE’s annual television special that salutes America’s armed forces; entertaining troops overseas in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan; coordinating visits by WWE Superstars and Divas to military hospitals and military installations; and donations and fundraising support to organizations that provide direct support to the nation’s veterans. WWE uses the power of its brand and platforms to support important social issues and partners with nonprofits including organizations such as Hire Heroes USA, USO Metro and Armed Forces Entertainment, that serve the critical needs of active military and veterans.

“WWE has a long history of being an organization that understands and appreciates the sacrifices made by members of our nation’s armed forces in protecting this great nation,” said Steve Newton, founder of the SSFOA. “We appreciate the selfless enthusiasm demonstrated by organizations such as WWE in leveraging their resources to support causes benefiting these great warriors.”

“That is why it is my distinct honor to recognize WWE as the 2015 recipient of the SSFOA Commendation Award,” Newton added.

A non-profit headquartered in Clever, Mo., the SSFOA’s primary mission is to support and recognize veterans who are wounded, injured, or have acquired an illness related to their service in a combat zone regardless of service branch or military conflict.

In keeping with this mission, the founders of the SSFOA review nominations and select the winner for the organization’s premier honor. The annual commendation may be awarded to military or civilian personnel, and departments or organizations that have positively affected the lives of wounded and ill veterans. Nominees must demonstrate one or more of the following:

* Taken action(s) which directly influence the care & well-being of the wounded/ill veterans
* Influenced policy that has improved or provided services to our nation’s wounded & ill
* Strived to increase the benefits provided our wounded & ill
* Engaged in activities of such a profound nature, they have actually prevented casualties & injuries.

For more information on the Silver Star Families of America, please visit www.silverstarfamilies.org.

WWE Thanks America’s Armed Forces With Tribute To The Troops Celebration

WWE announced that the 13th annual WWE Tribute to the Troops event will be held on Tuesday, December 8 at Veterans Memorial Arena for military personnel and their families stationed at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. Tribute to the Troops will air on USA Network on Wednesday, December 23 from 8-10 PM ET.

In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music’s most popular acts for our servicemen and women, to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

While in Jacksonville, WWE Superstars and Divas will spend time giving back to those who serve and their families with Be a STAR® anti-bullying rallies, hospital visits and military outreach at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “We can never thank our veterans and military members enough for their brave service to our nation. It is important to frequently honor our American heroes for the sacrifices they have made to keep our families safe. Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation and we are proud to host this year’s Tribute to the Troops celebration.”

“WWE has gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy,” said Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast. “We are very fortunate to have the upcoming Tribute to the Troops right here in Jacksonville, home to more than 22,000 Sailors and their families. I am hearing lots of excitement and energy about this event! This is also a special time for us to say thank you to WWE!”

“It is a privilege for WWE to entertain our military as a way to thank them for their commitment and sacrifice for our country,” said WWE Chairman & CEO, Vince McMahon. “Everyone at WWE looks forward to this annual celebration, and we are proud to partner with the U.S. Navy and Governor Rick Scott to put smiles on the faces of the servicemen and women and their families.”

ESPN Announces Weekly WWE Recap Segment; Highlights Of Seth Rollins Appearance On ESPN News Tonight

On ESPN News, former WWE personality and ESPN anchor Jonathan Coachman announced WWE and ESPN will feature a weekly segment recapping the “top moments” in the WWE Universe.

He did not say if the segments would rotate or return each week, but tonight’s topics were:

Top Line
Top Moments

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins also joined Coachman via satellite, and asked why he wasn’t featured in the highlights. They talked about Rollins’ feud with Kane, and Rollins called himself the New England Patriots of the WWE.

Rollins talked about making fun of Cleveland and Johnny Manziel, then Coachman asked him if there should be an age requirement in wrestling like other sports. Rollins said no he thinks people should be able to pursue their passion, then they talked about Chase Utley breaking Ruben Tejada’s leg. Rollins says accidents happen and it’s healthy competition, so he doesn’t think it was done maliciously. Rollins joked about breaking John Cena’s nose recently, then Coachman made a remark about the New York Mets not liking what was said, and thanks Rollins for being the first guest on the new segment.

WWE Moving Forward With NXT Kids Show

It looks like WWE is moving forward with the "NXT Kids" project. A new casting notice on Backstage.com reads like this:

PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION: WWE NXT is casting a pilot for a new wrestling show aimed at kids.

REHEARSAL AND PRODUCTION DATES & LOCATIONS: Production will be taking place monthly on Thursday nights at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL.

SEEKING TALENT: Males & Females, ages 7-14, All Ethnicities

ROLE DESCRIPTION: Announcers & Interviewers: (Supporting) with high energy. Must be personable, lively, quick on their feet and a good talker. Kids should have an understanding/familiarity with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment programming. Kids will be acting as announcers/backstage interviewers/presenters.

Triple H Remembers Walter "Killer" Kowalski

Today would have been Walter "Killer" Kowalski's 89th birthday. Had he never laced up his boots...I wouldn't have. pic.twitter.com/z7R94c5EOC

— Triple H (@TripleH) October 13, 2015

Sami Zayn Announced For EVOLVE Shows

Gabe Sapolsky of WWN Live has announced WWE NXT Superstar Sami Zayn for their EVOLVE 49 and EVOLVE 50 iPPV shows in New York this weekend.

Zayn will be appearing in a non-wrestling role it appears and this is part of WWE working with WWN.

WWE NXT Specials on Hulu

WWE is now adding their NXT Takeover specials to Hulu. The recent "Takeover: Respect" special is now available. There may be a new agreement between WWE and Hulu as Takeover specials have not been available until now.

Alex Wright on Power Plant vs. Performance Center, Triple H, More

Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling sent this recap in.

Today get to know the man forever known as “Das Wunderkind” and join The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling’s unofficial “International Summit” with former WCW Superstar Alex Wright. You will experience the absolutely incredible story about how an injury led to Alex having an extremely frightening surgery that almost proved to be not only career threatening but also life threatening. On a lighter not however, John and Chad get to sit back and listen to Alex Wright’s story from being merely a young man in a foreign land tackling the politics of a crazy world known as World Championship Wrestling to his triumphant return home to Germany to build a wrestling legacy with a new crop of talent. Get ready to dance and get ready to feel the beat of Alex Wright.

Rumors that he helped "make" Triple H while they worked together in WCW:

"I wouldn't put it that way that I "teached" him wrestling. He was a great talent and I really enjoyed working with him. I knew he was going to make himself a big name in the world or sport of wrestling but not that he was going to be the boss. If I knew that I certainly would have kept in touch more then I did now. Actually, I met him last year and talked to him about a lot of stuff with my promotion and they invited me over to the WWE Performance Center to train their talent and also see how it is and I was very happy they invited me over."

The WCW Power Plant vs. The WWE Performance Center:

"When I was at the Power Plant it was just a factory hall where they just used to put the stuff like old rings and stuff that they would just keep that if they didn't use it they would put it in there and somewhere between all that stuff there were two or three rings. They didn't really have showers or stuff like that but you really cannot compare it to the WWE Performance Center. The Performance Center is really top notch and professional and you get treated very well and the trainers are really good. At the time in WCW they had good trainers too but it was just tougher. I had to run the ropes eight hours a day and my back was swollen and they still said well keep going. A lot of people threw up and it was so hard and in one side it makes you hard but in the other it was a little bit too hard. Sometimes you got the feeling they tried to break you."

More?

Former UFC Fighter Matt Riddle Talks His Pro Wrestling Debut, Signing with EVOLVE, Reveals He Had a WWE Tryout and More

Former UFC fighter Matt Riddle recently joined The Roman Show to talk about his Florida wrestling debut, quitting MMA, cutting weight, signing with EVOLVE, and his NXT tryout. Riddle will make his Florida pro wrestling debut with Superstar Live Wrestling in West Palm Beach at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2015. Click here for details, and below are some interview highlights:

The Ultimate Fighter contestant says making it to the UFC was faster compared to making it to the WWE. So far, he has signed with the respected independent wrestling promotion EVOLVE, and he also says he had a WWE tryout.

“I did a tryout with the WWE,” he said. “The tryout went extremely well went as well as it could. The wwe was nice enough to set me up with evolve and wrestle with them. It’s a process. From what I see it’s on the right track. It’s not like the transition I had with the UFC.”

Although the MMA fighter had a five year career fighting inside the cage, he says wrestling has been a career he has wanted to pursue. He started to train in professional wrestling at a high level back in November.

“When people see me wrestle I am not too bad,” he said. “I know what I am doing and I’ve been wrestling pro wrestling my entire life. I’ve had about 40 matches in front of a ring and a crowd but I probably had a couple of thousand in the backyard, you know what I mean. I’ve been doing it for a while just not at this level.”

James Storm Has Not Signed With WWE And TNA Is Making Plays, TNA Cancels House Show Tour

TNA has cancelled its "Hardcore Halloween" house show tour that was set to run between October 29 and November 1, according to a report from F4WOnline.com. The show on 10/30 was set to be a "One Night Only" pay-per-view taping, and all four events are still listed on the official TNA website as of this evening.

- Former TNA world champion James Storm has apparently not yet signed a contract with WWE, despite working last night's NXT taping event and the company making an official announcement about his debut. According to former TMZ Senior Producer Ryan Satin, TNA offered Storm a new contract last week to return to the company, and after officials heard he was at this week's NXT Takeover: Respect show in Orlando, they called him up offering even more.

If "The Cowboy" does opt for a run with WWE past this one-time appearance, he will likely be called into the next set of NXT tapings.

Devin Taylor & Another NXT Talent Released From WWE Contracts Today

NXT interviewer Devin Taylor has been released from her contract with WWE, according to former TMZ Senior Producer Ryan Satin. We have reached out to WWE for comment and will provide an official update when more information becomes available.

According to the source, developmental wrestler Cal Bishop has also been released.

Complete List of NXT Battle Royal Participants

NXT held a battle royal during last night’s TV tapings to name a new #1 contender to the NXT Title. The following talents will compete in the battle royal, which will air on next week’s edition of NXT:

Samoa Joe
Johnny Gargano
Tommaso Ciampa
Apollo Crews
Scott Dawson
Dash Wilder
Blake
Murphy
Rhyno
Baron Corbin
Enzo Amore
Colin Cassady
Bull Dempsey
Zack Ryder
Mojo Rawley
Tyler Breeze
Tye Dillinger

James Storm Arrives in NXT

One night after the critically acclaimed TakeOver: Respect special on WWE Network, NXT has again made waves.

James Storm, an 18-year veteran and former heavyweight champion, made his unannounced debut at tonight’s NXT TV tapings. He competed in a match that will air on NXT on Wednesday, Oct. 21, only on WWE Network.

The official NXT Twitter account broke the news of Storm’s presence in the NXT Arena at Full Sail University, and Triple H also tweeted about the appearance.

Video: Triple H on what TakeOver: Respect was all about

NXT TakeOver: Respect Results

WWE NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Winners Revealed, Complete Brackets

WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor and Samoa Joe won the WWE NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tonight by defeating Rhyno and Baron Corbin in the finals. Below are the full brackets:

Bracket A - First Round Matches
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton
Finn Balor and Samoa Joe defeated The Lucha Dragons

Bracket B - First Round Matches
The Vaudevillians defeated Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy
Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder defeated Tucker Knight and Elias Samson

Bracket C - First Round Matches
Mojo Rawley and Zack Ryder defeated Noah Kekoa and Alexander Wolfe
Jason Jordan and Chad Gable defeated Neville and Solomon Crowe

Bracket D - First Round Matches
Rhyno and Baron Corbin defeated The Ascension
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa defeated Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey

Bracket A - Second Round Matches
Balor and Joe defeated Enzo and Cass

Bracket B - Second Round Matches
The Mechanics defeated The Vaudevillains

Bracket C - Second Round Matches
Gable and Jordan defeated The Hype Bros

Bracket D - Second Round Matches
Rhyno and Corbin defeated Gargano and Ciampa

Semi-Finals
Balor and Joe defeated The Mechanics

Semi-Finals
Rhyno and Corbin defeated Gable and Jordan

Finals
Samoa Joe and Finn Balor defeated Rhyno and Baron Corbin

Corey Graves' Announcement Revealed

The Corey Graves announcement he has been teasing is a new monthly column, "Stay Loud," for Alternative Press. Their website has details at this link. Graves appeared at the AP Music Awards this year to interview musicians and present the Album of the Year Award to Black Veil Brides. Graves commented to AP:

"In my life, there's only been one thing I've loved as much as wrestling, and that's music. Music has always played an essential role in the wrestling/sports entertainment world. From signaling the arrival of your favorite stars, to evoking raw, deep emotion in video packages, WWE wouldn't be what it is today without loud music. I grew up working in record stores and reading Alternative Press, and it's an honor for me to help bring these two worlds together in my new monthly column. Stay Loud!"

Triple H Twitter Q&A: Apollo Crews Potential, Fan Chants, Female Talents, Cruiserweights, More

EVOLVE Executives Respond To Praise From Triple H

Triple H held a conference call to promote WWE NXT "Takeover: Respect" this week and made the following comments, courtesy of EVOLVE's mailing list, when asked if he saw WWN Live's EVOLVE as a feeder system:

"As far as EVOLVE and Gabe (Sapolsky) as kind of a feeder system, yeah. I look at all of that as feeder system. I love what Gabe does. I love what EVOLVE does. I think that they are one of the sounder promotions as far as how they handle their talent, as far as how they tell their stories, and as far as how they handle their in-ring product. I do see them as a feeder system. I support them. I supported their shows. A lot of our talent has come through there over the years and they've learned a lot from there. Everybody speaks highly of them, speaks highly of Gabe in that process and that's important to me, as well. It's the quality of the people. Yeah, do I support them? Do I see them as a feeder for us? If I had somebody that I didn't have room here for at the PC or I wanted to give them some further training out there before I had a space for them here, would I send them to Gabe? Absolutely. I think they are a very important part of the business, and I know it's a struggle out there, to keep things rolling, to keep things kinda alive if you are a small promotion, and some of the other, if this makes sense, bigger small promotions are making that more difficult sometimes, for the smaller promotions, so, you know, I support them in anyway I can. If I can help them out, I love to and, you know, promote their events. I think having that healthy independent undercurrent to the business is vitally important and I don't want to see that go away."

WWN President/CEO Sal Hamaoui and WWN VP Of Talent Relations, Creative & Marketing Gabe Sapolsky responded with these comments:

"The WWN Family is something we've been building for years and it is very flattering to get this kind of recognition. We are proud to have so many talents like Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, Neville, Kalisto and Luke Harper, among others, on the WWE roster. We look forward to seeing how even more former WWN talents progress in NXT. Having an industry leader like Triple H say those things about EVOLVE helps push us forward as we get ready for our next WWNLive.com live iPPVs on October 18th and 19th in New York. Thank you." - Hamaoui

"First, everyone in the WWN Family wants to thank Triple H for his comments. We are humbled and appreciative. This support is unprecedented. We are proud to be part of the independent undercurrent and will enthusiastically continue to promote and present today's new stars. It continues on October 17th in Queens, NY and October 18th in Long Island, NY with two EVOLVE live iPPVs at WWNLive.com. These shows are especially interesting after Triple H's comments because we feature several new and rising talents to go along with our regular, standout stars. It is obvious that the progressive NXT brand is offering more opportunities and exposure to independent wrestlers than anytime in history. Who will make the most of these opportunities? Who is next? We might very well find out at EVOLVE 49 and EVOLVE 50 this month. Join us either in person or on live iPPV and show your support for the next superstar. You, the people who support us and the wrestlers with ticket and iPPV buys, make it all possible. Thank you." - Sapolsky

Tough Enough Amanda Gets New WWE Name, Diva Returns To 'Total Divas,' More Details On Next Season

E! issued the following press release regarding the next season of Total Divas. Rosa Mendes will be returning while Tough Enough competitor Amanda will join the cast. It was revealed that Amanda's new WWE name would be Mandy.

E!'S HIT SERIES "TOTAL DIVAS" BEGINS PRODUCTION ON SEASON FIVE, FOLLOWING LAST WEEK'S SEASON HIGH FINALE REACHING 1.6M TOTAL VIEWERS AND 1.0M A18-49

The Bella Twins™, Natalya™, Eva Marie™, Paige™, Rosa Mendes™, and Alicia Fox™ Return In 2016 Along With WWE's Newest Diva Mandy™

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 6, 2015 – Production on season five of E!, WWE® and Bunim-Murray Productions' hit series, "Total Divas," has begun, with the season slated to return in early 2016. The announcement comes on the heels of the show's season four finale on Tuesday, September 29 at 9pm, which marked its highest rated installment of the season with 1.6M Total Viewers and 1.0M Adults 18-49 in L3 ratings.

The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie Bella), Natalya (Nattie), Eva Marie, Paige, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox will continue to give viewers an exclusive inside glimpse at balancing life in the spotlight and the non-stop action of their professional careers with the drama of their personal lives.

In the upcoming season, Mandy, the runner-up on the most recent season of "WWE Tough Enough®" is joining the Divas, bringing her own flavor to the already dynamic group and looking to prove she belongs amongst the veteran Divas. Plus, with Nikki Bella recently losing the championship title, the cast members of "Total Divas" are all vying to claim the title of Divas Champion.

Overall, season four of "Total Divas" remained a powerhouse for E!, reaching 1.5M Total Viewers and 1.0M Adults 18-49 in L3 ratings, solidifying its spot as one of the network's hottest programs.

All-new episodes of "Total Divas" return in early 2016.

Lita Reportedly Working With WWE On A Full-Time Basis

WWE Hall of Famer Lita is now working with the company full-time in a behind-the-scenes role.

According to PWInsider, talk is that she may be working with both the WWE creative team and the producers, perhaps in some sort of liaison role.

Lita has been at all recent TV and pay-per-view events, involved with different meetings and discussions backstage.

Notes From Triple H's 'NXT TakeOver: Respect' Media Call: Finn Balor - TNA, Working With NJPW, Vince

Triple H conducted his usual NXT TakeOver media call this afternoon. You can check out several highlights below.

* Triple H was a little tardy getting to the call. He says that he was late due to wishing Bruno Sammartino a Happy Birthday.

* HHH says that the "Respect" theme for this week's TakeOver has a double meaning. It's for the women, as well as a tribute for a all of the respect the NXT roster has for the late Dusty Rhodes.

* Triple H expects this week's Sasha Bank vs. Bayley match to be better than the one in Brooklyn.

* He compares the demographic of NXT to punk rock and hip hop, and the WWE to pop music in that WWE gets a much wider demographic.

* He says he's more than open to speaking to New Japan Pro Wrestling and other promotions about bringing in talent like they did with Jushin Thunder Liger.

* HHH says that all of the Divas made the Divas revolution possible, not just one.

* Finn Balor sent Triple H the picture of him doing the "suck it" crotch chop outside TNA offices in Nashville and asked if he could post it on social media. Triple H approved because he thought it was funny and anyone who had an issue with it takes this all too seriously.

* Vince McMahon has no say about anything that goes on in NXT. He could overrule Triple H if he wanted but he never does. He claimed Vince told him he's looking forward to the Bayley vs. Banks match. Vince McMahon watched NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn and liked it.

* They debated calling the Bayley vs. Sasha Banks Iron Man match an "Iron Woman" match and Lita told them she thought it would be demeaning to do so.

* He likes the idea of Evolve as a feeder system.

Bob Backlund Comments on Triple H

“He’s done everything he said he would with me since I met him. I can’t say he’s Vince McMahon Sr, but you can’t judge somebody in a years time span. You gotta do business with them for quite a while before you could really know that he is that person you’re hoping that he is. So far, I believe he’s a very good person and I know he’s a good family man.”

Rumor Mill - Backstage Updates On Vince McMahon And WWE Creative

Vince McMahon was responsible for all of the creative at Saturday night's live WWE Network special from Madison Square Garden.

With all the talk of Triple H taking over things backstage, Vince is still very much the man in charge and all ideas or decisions still go through him. PWInsider notes that lately when new ideas are brought up, the response is something along the lines of "we'll have to check with Vince" or "see if Vince likes it."

As the WWE TV ratings slip, Vince is apparently micro-managing creative and overseeing all aspects of the company more than usual.

Daniel Bryan Says WWE Is Sending Him To A Third Doctor, Comments On Returning To The Indies

Daniel Bryan recently spoke with IGN to promote the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game. The full interview is at this link. Below are a few highlights:

His status:

"So, we don't know. I had a concussion in April, and obviously they're very hyper-sensitive about concussion stuff right now. One neurologist who specializes in concussions - who was the neurologist for the Super Bowl last year - cleared me with no limitations. All my testing came back excellent. But the WWE's medical doctor is skeptical, because of my history of concussions and that sort of thing. So they will not clear me. So now, we have two doctors: one saying no, one saying yes. They're going to send me to a third doctor at some point in the near future and that doctor will decide my fate."

"The WWE doctor Joe Maroon [is] amazing and highly respected in the concussion field, and if they send me to a third neurologist who's also highly respected in the concussion field and they say literally no...well, then is it really smart to go against two doctors? I get all fired up...and then I'm like, maybe that's not the best thing for me and my family going forward."

If he would work indies if WWE doesn't clear him:

"John Cena and I actually had this discussion. He said, 'if something were to happen to you and the WWE, would you go back to doing the indies?' Absolutely!"

Bryan said he's got a fascination with lucha and the idea of doing a mask vs. hair match is appealing to him as is main eventing a CMLL anniversary show.

CM Punk's UFC Debut Slightly Postponed Due to Injury Suffered While Training

ESPN reports that CM Punk's UFC debut has been slightly postponed due to an injury.

Punk's head coach Duke Roufus told ESPN that Punk has been sidelined for a few weeks after tweaking his shoulder while scrambling in training. Punk will see a doctor on October 14th and could be cleared then.

"He got caught in a scramble, so right now he's taking a little time off," Roufus told ESPN. "He was doing great before that. His progress has been good. He's got a great attitude and he's a hard worker. He got a place in Milwaukee where he lives all week when he's here training, so he's in it to win it. Our biggest thing is we want him to 101 percent before [we resuming training]. We don't have a hard date for his fight to force the issue, so making sure he's completely healthy is possible."

Roufus has stated multiple times that he wants Punk completely prepared before making his UFC debut. When asked how close Punk is to that point, Roufus told ESPN he's at 50%. He said:

"The UFC will probably book him a fight three to four months in advance -- a guy of his magnitude. We're probably looking at a fight in the next six to 10 months. The injury throws us back one month. We had a ballpark. We were looking at mid- to late-spring. Now, we'll just have to see how he comes back from the injury."

Top 10 NXT Matches

WWE's website has re-ranked the top 10 NXT matches in history and the list looks like this:

#10 Big E vs. Seth Rollins - NXT Championship Match — Jan. 9, 2013
#9 Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch - NXT Women's Championship Match — NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable
#8 William Regal vs. Cesaro — Dec. 25, 2013
#7 Adrian Neville vs. Bo Dallas (NXT Championship Ladder Match) — NXT ArRIVAL
#6 Neville vs. Sami Zayn vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Tyler Breeze - NXT Championship Match: NXT TakeOver — Fatal 4-Way
#5 Natalya vs. Charlotte (NXT Women's Championship Tournament Finals) — NXT Takeover
#4 Paige vs. Emma (NXT Women's Championship Match) — NXT ArRIVAL
#3 Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro (2-out-of-3 Falls Match) — Aug. 21, 2013
#2 Neville vs. Sami Zayn - NXT Championship Match — NXT TakeOver: R Evolution
#1 Sasha Banks vs. Bayley - NXT Women's Championship Match — NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn

UFC Responds To Allegations Of Drug Test Cover Up

UFC responded to a Deadspin report of a shaky drug test from Vitor Belfort that came to light from 2012 after UFC 192 Saturday night.

"I think one of the things to keep in mind with this particular topic is, any suggestion or inference that there was a coverup in regards to that was categorically false," said Dave Sholler, UFC public relations head.

"That period of time with TRT is one that was tricky for everyone: For the UFC, for athletic commissions for athletes alike. I think when everyone came to a conclusion it didn't have a place in the sport and was outlawed in 2014, we were quick to make sure that we followed suit, as Nevada has said," said Sholler.