Regarding the controversial RAW ending with Paige and WWE Divas Champion Charlotte this week, where Paige took a shot at Charlotte's late brother Reid Flair, PWInsider reports that the idea to mention Reid was presented to Charlotte and she was able to give feedback on the angle, in terms of the verbiage she would use and the way the angle was being presented - as a way to give Charlotte some sympathy from the fans.
The original idea reportedly came from something Charlotte mentioned to WWE creative recently, about how her entire career is a tribute to Reid. Apparently some parts of the angle were dropped throughout the day and other parts evolved. Charlotte was not forced into the segment and was given time to prepare or give feedback during the day.
It was also noted that the angle was discussed a lot throughout the day and senior WWE creative members were against it. Some voiced their opinions to Vince McMahon, who ultimately made the call. There's talk that the angle was actually pulled before RAW went on the air but Vince made the decision to keep it on the show.
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November 20, 2015
Rumor Mill - Backstage News on the Controversial WWE RAW Angle with Paige and Charlotte, Was It Almost Nixed?
Triple H Speaks Out on Hulk Hogan Possibly Returning to WWE, Reveals Whether Or Not He Thinks Hogan Can Be Forgiven and More
WWE star Triple H called into “Greg and the Morning Buzz” today for “Lend A Helping Can” and to promote Survivor Series on Sunday, and during the call-in Triple H talked about Hulk Hogan’s firing and whether or not WWE would have him back. Below is a quote from Triple H:
On whether or not Hogan can one day return to WWE, or at least the Hall of Fame:
“For me I hope so. It’s about reinvigorating his brand and him as a human being and the confidence within the world as to who he is. But the one thing about people in general, when somebody is on top they love to see him fall and when they fall they love to see him make that comeback. They’re great stories and I think that’s where people are. Do I think he can be forgiven and make amends with the world and move forward? Ya absolutely. But at the same point in time for us in that time frame you’re putting up a message to the world of how you’ll tolerate things and how you’ll react to things. And we did what we needed to do and he’ll do what he needs to do to get himself back.
And its not, to me, at the end of the day for him, how he’s perceived by the world, him as a human being, I’m sure is a lot more important to him than anything else. And re-establishing who he is as a human being I’m sure is of utmost important to him and I’m sure he’s gonna do it and when he does we’ll go from there.”
November 19, 2015
WWE Issues Statement On Controversial Charlotte And Paige RAW Angle
As noted, WWE was planning on releasing a statement in regards to the controversial RAW angle with Paige and WWE Divas Champion Charlotte, where Charlotte's late brother Reid Flair was insulted by Paige.
They issued this statement to F4Wonline.com this evening:
"Subject matter this personal is only approved as a result of the strong advocacy of the talent themselves. Notwithstanding that, WWE is ultimately responsible for what airs in its programming."
Rumor Mill - WWE To Issue Statement On Charlotte - Paige Angle
F4Wonline.com reports that WWE will be releasing a statement on the controversial RAW main event angle with Paige and WWE Divas Champion Charlotte soon. The statement will reportedly say that the idea came from Charlotte, and that it was taken out of the script but she insisted it be put in.
Ric Flair Talks About the WWE RAW Ending with Paige and Charlotte
This week's Monday Night Raw made waves, but perhaps not in the manner in which WWE wanted. The show closed with a controversial angle that saw Paige bring up Charlotte's deceased brother Reid. Many fans, wrestlers, and even Reid's mother thought it was in bad taste.
Ric Flair, Reid's father spoke out on his CBS Radio and Play.it Wooo! Nation podcast, about the controversy and said that he was never approached about his feelings regarding the angle.
Flair also said that his daughter Ashley, better known as Charlotte, was probably too afraid to shoot down the angle because she's not been on the roster very long.
"Obviously I have an opinion, but I'm afraid to voice it because I don't want anything to affect Ashley's career," said Ric. "I know that Hunter and Stephanie and Michael Hayes have her back. I don't think she feels she's comfortable enough to say 'no' to anything yet, she's only been up there three-months"
Flair mentioned that just because Charlotte is the current Divas Title holder, it's still tough for anyone to say no to storyline ideas on the WWE main roster.
"It's a pressure cooker, and a tough spot to be in," Flair explained. "If you're asked to do something, that's pretty much the way things operate up there. Everybody walks on pins and needles. Just because you're the champ, doesn't mean you say no. It's a very sensitive issue, it's very new. I know her mom is on fire. I'm not going out on a limb to say what I think."
Flair very clearly wasn't happy with the angle, and wasn't approached prior or after it happened on television, saying "I never heard a word about it. I started crying when I was watching." He reiterated that Triple H, Stephanie and Michael Hayes wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt Charlotte.
Flair said that even though he wasn't approached, he doesn't think it would have mattered.
"I don't think that it would have made any difference. If they ask you to do something, what is she going to say? 'No, I quit?," Flair said, before asking his co-host what the fans on the internet thought
Flair also mentioned that he'd be in Atlanta for Survivor Series, and that he thinks this situation will be old news be then. You can hear the full, emotional podcast over at the Play.it podcast network this link.
WWE Awards More $10,000 Scholarships To Full Sail Students, Triple H Comments
WWE sent us the following this afternoon:
WWE® AWARDS $180,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Winter Park, Fla. and Stamford, Conn., November 19, 2015 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) is pleased to announce it has awarded four $10,000 scholarships to the following Full Sail University students:
* Joanne Castillo, a Recording Arts student from San Jose, CA.
* Travis Daniels, a Film student from Buford, GA.
* Brandon Mojica, a Sports Marketing & Media student from Bronx, NY.
* Kas Soloman, a Recording Arts student from Gahanna, OH.
WWE has now awarded 18 scholarships to Full Sail University students, for a total of $180,000 since WWE's partnership with Full Sail began in May, 2012. These scholarships are applied toward the recipient's areas of study within the university.
"WWE and Full Sail University have established a partnership built on our mutual desire to nurture and build the next generation of entertainment and media professionals," said Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Creative & Live Events. "We wish all of today's scholarship recipients continued success."
"We are once again proud to stand alongside our valued partners and friends at WWE as we share this incredible announcement of the latest four scholarships awarded to our students," said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. "On behalf of the Full Sail University community, I extend our tremendous thanks to WWE for continuing to recognize the dedication of our students, while congratulating the recent scholarship recipients."
WWE selected Castillo, Daniels, Mojica, and Soloman to receive these scholarships for exhibiting exceptional professionalism, creative talent and maintaining good academic standing, while shadowing professional WWE staff and crew during the production of NXT® events at Full Sail University.
WWE Contacting More Contracted ROH And LUG Wrestlers, Plans For NXT Expansion In 2016
WWE officials are becoming more aggressive when it comes to contacting wrestlers that are currently signed to Ring of Honor and Lucha Underground.
WWE is preparing to do extensive touring with NXT in 2016 and they are trying to add a lot of top indie wrestlers to the roster, talents that previously may not have been signed due to restrictions on size and look.
The plan was described to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter as a show with the WWE branding and WWE production but with ROH-level main event matches.
WWE Announces WWE Week On USA Network With The Slammy Awards, Tribute To The Troops And More
WWE announced the following today:
'WWE Week' kicks off Dec. 20 on USA Network
NEW YORK and STAMFORD, Conn. — USA Network and WWE will kick off the holiday season with an action-packed "WWE Week." The week begins Sunday, Dec. 20, with "Santa's Little Helper," followed by Monday Night Raw and the 2015 WWE Slammy Awards on Monday, Dec. 21, a live SmackDown on Tuesday, Dec. 22, and a two-hour WWE Tribute to the Troops special on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The week will also include a daytime interviews with WWE Superstars and Divas.
On Sunday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air "Santa's Little Helper," an original comedy from WWE Studios and 20th Century Fox. The film follows a fast-talking businessman who is given the opportunity of a lifetime to become Santa Claus' second-in-command. "Santa's Little Helper" is directed by Gil Junger and produced by Richard Lowell and features WWE Superstar The Miz and WWE Diva Paige. AnnaLynne McCord ("90210," "American Heiress") and Eric Keenleyside ("Godzilla," "The Interpreter") star.
On Monday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air Monday Night Raw, live from Minneapolis, featuring the annual fan-voted Slammy Awards — WWE's biggest awards event of the year — honoring the best of the year with its own golden statue. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air SmackDown live from Des Moines, Iowa. Both Raw and SmackDown will showcase a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas, and deliver a shot of adrenaline to viewers with over-the-top action, feats of athleticism and high-octane drama.
On Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air the 13th annual holiday special, WWE Tribute to the Troops. 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 — performed for our servicemen and women — to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. This year, Grammy Award-winning rock band Train will perform. WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV's most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year. It will chronicle WWE's visit to Florida's Jacksonville 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. While in town, WWE Superstars and Divas will spend the day giving back to those who serve and their families with visits to each base, a Be a STAR anti-bullying rally and military outreach.
WWE also takes over USA Daytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, through Friday, Dec. 24, as host Cat Greenleaf conducts interviews from her iconic stoop with WWE Superstars and Divas.
TNA Reveals New TV Deal, Timeslot
TNA has announced that Impact Wrestling will debut on POP TV, the former TV Guide Channel, beginning Tuesday, January 5th at 9pm EST. This will be a live episode but they will air every Tuesday night on POP.
Ex-NFL Star Comments On Training With Booker T In Hopes Of Being Signed By WWE
Former NFL star Brennan Williams is currently training with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T at his wrestling school in Houston, Texas. Williams stated a few months ago that he hopes to sign with WWE in 2016.
William recently spoke with Sean Pendergast for the Houston Press about his career. Down below is an excerpt from that interview in which he discusses his wrestling career and training with Booker T.
“I was drafted by the Texans so I could meet Booker T, I signed with Jacksonville so I could have a home in Florida near WWE’s developmental facility and I was signed by the Patriots to get that one week paycheck to pay my rent to train in Houston. That’s honestly how I see it,” Williams said. Williams, who says he watching Raw instead of football when he was called by the Patriots, already has ring entrance music, a gimmick, and his look mapped out.”
WWE Signs Former NJPW And CMLL Star
WWE announced the following today, confirming recent reports that they were close to signing La Sombra:
Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, of Mexico City, has signed with NXT and WWE, joining the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla.
Formerly known as "La Sombra," Oropeza is a third-generation luchador whose grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all competed in Mexico. Oropeza signed with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in 2007 at age 17, where he trained under El Satanico. While there, he held many titles, including the CMLL Trio and Tag Team titles and the NWA Welterweight and Middleweight titles.
The WWE Performance Center's newest luchador also brings experience from Japan; Oropeza made multiple trips to Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), winning the organization's Intercontinental Championship in 2013.
November 18, 2015
Details On John Cena's New TV Project With FOX
WWE announced the following today:
John Cena and Fox team up for 'American Grit'
WWE Superstar John Cena is joining forces with Fox and Leftfield Pictures for a brand-new and unique 10-episode reality competition. "American Grit' will split 16 of the country's toughest men and women into four teams as they work together to face a variety of military-grade and survival-themed challenges.
Cena has recruited an elite group of mentors from the nation's most exclusive military units that will push these civilians beyond their limits. These mentors, known as "The Cadre," include Rorke Denver, Noah Galloway, Tawanda "Tee" Hanible and Nick "The Reaper" Irving. These real-life heroes represent diverse backgrounds and top branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and will impart their first-hand knowledge and experiences to enable their teams to leave no one behind.
At the end of each episode, teams will have to overcome "The Circus" – a punishing, endurance-based obstacle course designed to break the weakest competitors. It is the ultimate test of strength, stamina, the human spirit and teamwork, because one team has the chance to win a $1 million dollar prize.
"The U.S Military is the epitome of resolve and dedication, which is why I am so excited to be a part of 'American Grit'," said Cena. "This show will not only be a challenging and fierce competition, but it will give viewers a glimpse into the perseverance and training of the men and women of the Armed Forces."
WWE and Cena have been longtime supporters of the United States Armed Forces. WWE's mission for the military is to support the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad through programs that boost morale for soldiers on the field, offer free entertainment for active military at home, and provide workforce assistance for veterans.
"'American Grit' is a bold, aspirational competition series that aligns with the spirit of the Fox unscripted brand," said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "The team at Leftfield and the incredible John Cena have created a series built on the pillars of determination, dedication and strength that we know will resonate with our audience. John is not only a phenomenal athlete but a motivational force, who inspires fans around the world, and we are thrilled he is leading the charge."
"We are excited to be working with Fox and John Cena on a show that highlights the American spirit of competition, which is epitomized by Cena," said executive producer and CEO, Leftfield Entertainment, Brent Montgomery. "With John as their inspiration, our contestants will show viewers what happens when you swing for the fences with focus, commitment and teamwork."
November 17, 2015
Rumor Mill - Vince Russo Talks WWE Grooming Triple H Prior to WM 14 Due to Shawn Michaels’ Injury
Vince Russo has posted the latest edition of “Nuclear heat,” which you can watch below. During the video, he discusses having to deal with top stars getting injured and how WWE was grooming Triple H heading into WrestleMania 14, due to the fact that Shawn Michaels would be taking time off due to his back injury…
Heading into WrestleMania [14], we knew that Shawn Michaels was having back issues. We knew that it was only going to be a matter of time before Shawn Michaels was going to be put on the shelf. We didn’t know exactly when, but we knew that the time may come, so we might have to have a backup plan. So, if you go back and you look at all those Attitude Era shows, you will see how slowly but surely, in the background, we were building Triple H. We would give Triple H the mic. Triple H would talk before Shawn spoke. We were getting Triple H over. We were grooming Triple H to take the place of Shawn whenever he was going to leave.
In conjunction with [building Triple H], the New Age Outlaws were coming into their own because we knew we were going to marry the Outlaws to Triple H and Chyna and make them a force in the absence of Shawn Michaels. So, after a couple of weeks when you had DX going strong now, with this new group, all of a sudden, we forgot Shawn Michaels.”
Rumor Mill - “What a show! And what a shocker!” WWE boss Triple H reacts to Ronda Rousey’s shock defeat at UFC 193
RONDA ROUSEY’S defeat has sent reverberations around the world of sports and entertainment - shocking even the man who Rousey hip-tossed across the wrestling ring last summer.
Rousey made a guest appearance at the WWE’s landmark extravaganza WrestleMania, where she teamed up with The Rock to confront Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.
And following Rousey’s shock knockout loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193, the WWE’s executive vice president - real name Paul Levesque - sent a message to UFC president Dana White to express his shock.
Talking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast during the flight home from Melbourne, UFC president White told commentator Rogan about the impact of Rousey’s defeat.
“I have this thing that reality is better than any script you can ever write,” he said.
“It’s so real. Like last night. You put on a fight with the best fighters in the world and reality’s gonna happen. And when you see it, it goes f*****g global and electric like it did last night.
“Even Triple H - your boy Triple H - hit me up last night and said:’WOW!’
“He goes: ‘What a show! And what a shocker!’ That’s what Triple H hit me with last night.
“When you do have that reality, and it goes off like it went off last night, it’s bigger than anything you can ever write.”
source: the sun
November 16, 2015
ROH Leaving Destination America, New Home Revealed
Ring of Honor announced today that they will be leaving Destination America at the end of this month and debuting on COMET beginning December 2nd. They will still air on all Sinclair Broadcast affiliates and other markets.
Ring of Honor to air nationally on COMET starting December 2nd
#WatchROH every Wednesday at MIDNIGHT EST/11pm CST on COMET
(BALTIMORE, MD) – Ring of Honor ("ROH") is proud to announce that beginning December 2nd, ROH will air its weekly television program nationally on the COMET television channel. Fans will be able to #WatchROH every Wednesday night at midnight for the latest Ring of Honor action.
"Ring of Honor has been enjoying tremendous growth and expansion across the broadcast space, including new local TV deals in strategic markets, and even internationally with L'Equipe 21 in France," said Ring of Honor COO, Joe Koff. "As we continue to push for greater domestic and international distribution, Ring of Honor truly showcases itself as world-class wrestling. Having Ring of Honor on COMET, in addition to the availability in Sinclair markets and independent agreements, means fans across the United States can continue to enjoy ROH television weekly."
Ring of Honor's weekly episodes recently enjoyed great success on Destination America, peaking at 227,000 viewers on a single television airing. ROH's 26-week deal signed in May 2015 with Destination America is set to expire, which will see ROH's final episode air on the channel on November 25th, 2015.
WWE NXT comes to UCF in Orlando for a special WWE Network taping on Jan. 22, 2016
NXT’s Superstars and Divas are set to bring their exciting brand of sports-entertainment to an even bigger stage in Orlando, Fla. On Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, NXT comes to the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida, for a special taping of the weekly WWE Network show that the world is talking about.
Fans have been cramming into Full Sail University for more than three years to catch a glimpse of WWE’s next generation up close. Now, even more members of the WWE Universe will get the chance to see why the future is now at this massive event. Don’t miss your chance to see NXT Champion Finn Bálor, NXT Women’s Champion Bayley, Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady, and more!
This special event is part of a huge WWE weekend in Orlando, capped off with the 2016 Royal Rumble at the Amway Center on Sunday, Jan. 24. If you’re going to be in town for WWE’s annual over-the-top-rope-extravaganza, make sure you catch the Superstars of Tomorrow in action.
November 15, 2015
Stephanie McMahon Named by CableFAX Magazine as One of the Most Powerful Women in Cable for the 6th Time
Stephanie McMahon has been named by CableFAX Magazine as one of the most powerful women in cable for the sixth time. She has been given this honor in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, & 2014. A breakfast for the honorees was held on November 20th at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.
WWE Hall of Famer Nick Bockwinkel Passes Away
From WWE.com:
WWE is saddened to learn that Nick Bockwinkel, a WWE Hall of Famer and four time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at age 80.
Bockwinkel, known for his great in-ring skill and intelligent interviews, began his sports-entertainment career in the mid-1950s after concluding his time on the University of Oklahoma football team. Bockwinkel was trained by his famous father, Warren Bockwinkel, and wrestling legend Lou Thesz. Nick teamed with his father on many occasions, competing in Georgia, Texas and the Pacific Northwest before moving onto where he would find the most success: the American Wrestling Association.
Bockwinkel was famously managed by WWE Hall of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan during his AWA tenure, with the two drawing the ire of crowds everywhere. The self-proclaimed "Smartest Wrestler Alive" was the promotion’s greatest villain, a positioned he cemented when he defeated fellow WWE Hall of Famer and AWA hero Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, ending Gagne's historic seven-year run with the title.
Bockwinkel would go on to accumulate many more accolades as his career went on. From his nationally televised rivalry with Larry Zbyszko on ESPN to guest starring on "Hawaii Five-O," the legend truly did it all. It was only fitting that his great career be capped off by his 2007 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, where he will forever be enshrined as one of sports entertainments' all-time greats.
Ronda Rousey Knocked Out By Holly Holm At UFC 193
Ronda Rousey has been defeated, and the fight wasn't even close.
Each of Holly Holm's professional fights have been working towards a blue print to beat Ronda Rousey. Saturday night (technically Sunday) in Australia, Holm implemented that gameplan perfectly, and dominated Ronda Rousey on her way to become the new UFC Bantamweight Champion.
Early on, Holm was landing big strikes, exposing Rousey's defensive holes. Rousey had her hands down and chin up, exhausted by the ends of the first round. Early in the second, Rousey got rocked and knocked out by a head kick. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the action.
The whole situation was very Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas-esque. Rousey's personal issues have been highly publicized: Her domestic abuse allegations, her mother trashing her coach, her controversial boyfriend outing their relationship, her coach filing for bankruptcy, her absurd media schedule. Many speculated that the mental and physical exhaustion of being Ronda Rousey would catch up to her, but it was truly Holly Holm's skill that took the fight.
Holm avoided a first round armbar and continued to a dominant round 1, by the time she claimed victory, she had the massive crowd at Etihad Stadium on her side. After the fight, she emotionally took to the microphone.
"I'm trying to take it in, but it's crazy!," Holm said. " I had so much love and support. I just felt like, how could I not do this with all that love? I have not spent any more time in the gym than any other fight I've ever had in my life."
Rousey's striking was worrisome. She threatened with clinch work a few times, but looked far too willing to stand and trade a with a championship boxer, despite being outclassed in every manner on the feet. Holm, who's been training with Jackson-Winklejohn for 16 years, made Rousey pay.
It's likely the two will be booked in a re-match, and you should probably expect a much different fight out of Rousey. Either way, the fight was one of the all-time greatest gameplans to help execute one of the all-time greatest upsets.
November 14, 2015
WWE Announces Second Performance Center All Access Experience, Video From The First Event
The first WWE Performance Center All Access experience a few months back must have been a hit because WWE has announced another for Saturday, January 23rd. The $1,499 passes go on sale Monday, November 23rd. Below are details and a video from Triple H with footage from the first event:
Take a look behind-the-scenes like never before. @WWEPerformCtr All-Access, tix avail 11/23.
https://t.co/fOihtVDIXS
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 13, 2015WWE is opening the doors to the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 23, giving a limited number of fans from the WWE Universe the chance to experience NXT like never before! The unique event will present the opportunity to gain knowledge from the best in the business, be part of a private NXT Live Event and rub elbows with some of your favorite NXT Superstars!
November 13, 2015
WWE Network Debuting In Another Country Soon
WWE announced today that WWE Network will begin streaming in Germany on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016. New subscribers get their first month free. WWE's Chief Strategy & Financial Officer George Barrios commented:
"Germany is a strategically important market for WWE with a passionate and engaged fan base. We are committed to growing our brand internationally, and global expansion of WWE Network is critical to achieving that goal.
WWE NXT Trainer Billy Gunn Fired for PED Test Failure
According to F4WOnline.com, WWE NXT trainer Billy Gunn, real name Monty Sopp, has been fired by WWE for testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone in a powerlifting meet on July 25.
According to the report, Sopp’s drug test at the meet came up with a 37-1 testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, well over the 4-1 limit, and he was suspended from powerlifting for four years.
It’s also being said WWE officials did not become aware of Sopp competing as a powerlifter, or the fact that he had been banned from the sport four years ago, until a few weeks ago.
November 12, 2015
WWE Contract Details Revealed Due To Lawsuits: Downside Guarantees, Royalties, PPV, More
The several pending lawsuits against the WWE have provided some interesting information regarding contracts with the company from 1993-2007. Contract details for Ryan Sakoda, Viscera, Luther Reigns, and Russ McCullough were uncovered by Chris Harrington and posted today.
Several renditions of Viscera's contracts were revealed, dating all the way back to 1993, when he portrayed the "Mabel" character in the Men on a Mission tag team. In addition to this, other court documents show espite the fact that Viscera's widow is suing WWE, WWE says they advanced her $10,000 against future royalties to help prevent her from being evicted from her home.
Viscera was paid weekly with a downside guarantee of $100,000 in his 2007 deal, and WWE held rights if Viscera chose to write a book about his career in wrestling. The company also held the rights if Viscera chose to auction off items in relation to his WWE character, which they owned the intellectual property to.
There's also a large section about royalties for merchandise and DVDs. The contract reads "f WRESTLER is considered a "Featured Performer" in respect, of the sale of the first one hundred and fifty thousand units of a DVD and/or home video,shall pay five percent (5%) of the Net Receipts paid to (WWE) with respect to the Licensed Product Sale of the DVD and/or home videos to. If (Viscera) is the only Featured Performer or if there are multiple Featured Performers then to (Viscera)all other Featured Performers in such DVD and/or home videos on an equal/pro-rata basis. lf the aggregate DVD and home video sales (exceeds) 150,000 units, (WWE) shall instead pay ten percent (10%) of (WWE's) Net Receipts paid to(WWE) if.(Viscera) is the only Featured Performer or if there are multipleFeatured Performers then in the equal/pro-rata basis as set forth in the preceding sentence retroactive to the first 150,000 units."
More interestingly, it's at the WWE's discretion if a performer is considered "featured performer." In addition to this, 25 percent of the WWE's PPV revenue was reseved to give to the talent pool.
WWE released annual payouts to Viscera in the response to the lawsuit, which were as follows:
1994 - $127,659.15
1995 – $100,648.28
1999 – $159,081.44
2000 – $136,951.85
2005 – $124,252.74
2006 – $152,659.51
2007 – $178,359.64
2008 – $251,023.65
In addition to these, some other downside guarantees were revealed. Luther Reigns was guaranteed $75,000 during his first year, Ryan Sakoda $52,000, and Russ McCulluogh at $60,000. It appears the percentages as it pertains to royalties, DVD sales, PPV sales and other things were uniform across the board in these contracts.
Breaches of the contracts include failing drug tests and physical exams, and not maintaining satisfactory physical condition, at the WWE's discretion. Being habitually late, or not obtaining necessary athletic commission licenses are also included among breaches.
Official Trailer for First Ever WWE NXT DVD
A trailer for “WWE NXT’s Greatest Matches Vol. 1″ DVD and Blu-ray has been released and is now confirmed for the UK and Europe.
The UK and European release date will be March 7th, 2016, which is one day before the North American release date.
Below are matches confirmed so far:
* NXT Title Match: Big E vs. Seth Rollins, 1/9/2013
* NXT Title Match: Sami Zayn vs. Neville, Takeover: R Evolution
* NXT Title Match: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, Beast In The East
* NXT Women's Title Match: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks, Takeover: Brooklyn
* NXT Women's Title Match: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, 7/15/2015 (Blu-ray exclusive)
* Tyler Breeze vs. Apollo Crews, Takeover: Respect (Blu-ray exclusive)
November 10, 2015
ESPN's Relationship with WWE
ESPN was credited by WWE for breaking the news of Seth Rollins tearing his ACL and MCL, and it appears as if the relationship between WWE and ESPN will see WWE crediting the sports with network more breaking news, according to Bryan Alvarez. On the most recent edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez noted we should expect to see more WWE breaking news being reported from ESPN in the future, which will in turn be cited by WWE.
Full Details On WWE Network's 'The Undertaker Week'
WWE Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers pay tribute to the legacy of The Phenom during Undertaker Week on the award-winning WWE Network.
Monday, Nov. 16 - following Raw
Legends with JBL: Undertaker's Greatest Rivals Part 1
On this special edition of Legends with JBL, John Bradshaw Layfield goes in-depth with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Undertaker. The panel discusses the evolution of Undertaker in WWE, including his decades of loyalty and his respected locker room presence. JBL's panel of guests also set the record straight about Internet rumors, and provide behind-the-scenes accounts of The Undertaker's greatest matches.
Tuesday, Nov. 17 - 10/9 C
Undertaker: 25 Phenomenal Years
Journey back through 25 years of the most memorable and unforgettable moments in the career of WWE's one and only Phenom, The Undertaker.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 - 9/8 C
The Undertaker's Gravest Matches
Relive 25 years of The Undertaker's most dangerous matches. Descend into the darkness as The Dead Man battles among caskets, flames and cells.
Thursday, Nov. 19 - 10/9 C
Legends with JBL: Undertaker's Greatest Rivals Part 2
JBL continues his trip down memory lane on this special edition of Legends with JBL. John Bradshaw Layfield, along with his illustrious panel consisting of Triple H, Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, unearth never-before-heard topics from The Undertaker's remarkable career. From the "BSK" to The Streak, no topic is off limits.
November 8, 2015
Stephanie McMahon Appears On UFC Embedded Show
UFC recently interviewed Stephanie McMahon for the UFC 193 Embedded episode for Ronda Rousey vs. Holm. Stephanie can be seen in this extended preview and in this photo that she tweeted.
