Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against online media company Gawker is set to begin on Monday, March 7, 2016. The $100-million defamation and invasion of privacy trial will take place near Hogan's hometown in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In 2006, Hogan had sex with Heather Clem, the wife of radio personality, Bubba 'The Love Sponge' Clem. The sexual encountered was captured on video and Gawker published portions of the sex tape six years later. Hogan claims that Gawker has violated his privacy, damaged his reputation, and caused him severe emotional and mental distress.
The New York Times paints the legal battle as an unprecedented conflict between personal privacy and freedom of expression in the Internet Era. On one hand, Hogan claims that the privacy of every American is at stake in the trial, as nothing would be private if Gawker prevails. On the other hand, Gawker avers that the freedom of the press will be further eroded if Hogan is victorious.
*******************||Trending||*******************
March 5, 2016
Hulk Hogan And Gawker Head To Court Monday, Potential Jurors Uneasy About Having To Watch Sex Tape
Carmella Talks Transitioning from a Manager to a Wrestler, the Divas Revolution in WWE, Capturing the Womens Title in NXT, More
WWE NXT Diva Carmella recently spoke with Fansided and below are some interview highlights:
You came into the NXT organization as a manager for the tag team of Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Now you have transitioned to become a big part of the women’s roster. Was it difficult for you to make that switch?
I don’t think so, no. It’s just so crazy though. I was a cheerleader for the most of my life and going out there with the boys was just so much fun. I mean, we get along so great and they are my friends. Now, roles have changed a little bit. Instead of people just cheering Enzo and Cass on they get to cheer me on as well and see what I am all about. The roles have definitely changed a bit. I have to be on my game and show the audience and my peers that I’m not just a manager on the sidelines.
It’s still cool, though, that even though I’m with the boys at times I’m still training five days a week inside the ring. People might be a little impressed with me every time I step into the ring, I’m not going to lie. They will see what hard work have been putting in over the last two and a half years.
The main roster is featuring more and more of the Divas division recently. How have you seen the women in the WWE not only grow individually but as a group since you started in the company in 2013?
Well when I first started the Divas Revolution was just beginning. So to see how far it’s come, such as [with] Sasha and Bayley with the match of the year, it’s amazing. I have been put in a great situation where I was No. 1 contender for the Women’s title. It’s just that looking back on where I was and where I’m at now is mind blowing. The fact thatTriple H is giving us the opportunities to show the skills and talent we have is humbling and gives you the motivation to put on the best performance.
Capturing the Women’s Championship would be amazing. Looking at Bayley, who is my best friend and whose taught me so much, and [if] I was to win the title one day I would love for it to be against her. I don’t come from a wrestling background even though my father was one and being a dancer and cheerleader doesn’t turn into wrestling skills. That’s really a testament to our trainers at the Performance Center as well as all the hard work I am putting in. The hard work has gotten me to this point and I will continue to put in the time and the effort to continue chasing my goals.
Professional Wrestling Legend Hayabusa Dies At 47
From WWE.com:
WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Eiji Ezaki, better known to fans around the world as Hayabusa, at the age of 47.
An innovative high-flyer who helped inspire a generation of Superstars, the mysterious, masked Hayabusa was known for throwing caution to the wind. Ezaki created daring moves like the Phoenix Splash, which to this day can be seen in the repertoire of daredevil competitors, including former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. A major star in Japan in the mid to late ’90s, Hayabusa competed in one major American match, teaming with Jinsei Shinzaki (known as Hakushi in WWE) in a losing effort against Sabu & Rob Van Dam at ECW’s Heat Wave 1998 event. Although his career was cut short by injury in 2001, Ezaki never strayed far from the industry, where he continued to impart his knowledge.
The Golden Age of Independent Wrestling Is Right Now: Don't Be Left Behind
There is an awakening. Can you feel it?
Last weekend, there were four independent wrestling promotions running within 45 minutes of each other in New York City - CHIKARA, SWA, House of Glory and NYWC. All four featured good live crowds and in the case of at least three of the events, they sold out. NYWC and House of Glory had so many fans, there weren't enough chairs with a number of fans choosing to pay to stand and watch the shows. In The Carolinas, there were multiple events with upwards of 1,700-2,000 fans showing up to see The Rock N' Roll Express battle the Powers of Pain in a Steel Cage for Big Time Wrestling while CWF Mid-Atlantic presented a 105 minute bout that everyone is raving about featuring Trevor Lee and Roy Wilkins. Multiple shows in California for promotions APW and Revolution Pro were sold out. Beyond Wrestling sold out two back to back shows in Rhode Island that received great reviews.
This weekend, Northeast Wrestling is expected to have close to 2,000 fans at their Wrestlefest event in Newburgh, NY. Pro Wrestling Guerrilla will present their latest big events, All Star Extravaganza in Reseda, CA that will undoubtedly draw raves and a sellout crowd. MCW in Baltimore will have another big house in Joppa, MD. There are countless other promotions running this weekend as well.
Wrestlemania weekend, there will be no less than TEN independent wrestling events with everyone from SHIMMER to EVOLVE to CZW to the NWA to VIP Wrestling to Queens of Combat to Kaiju Big Battel presenting shows. That number, by the way, does not include Ring of Honor. Most of these events, if not all, will be packed and will feature a lot of great in-ring wrestling. The biggest wrestling event of the year and ten events will be there as the alternative for the 100,000 fans in Dallas.
Mind you, none of what I wrote about mentions other promotions that are currently trying to build their foundation and brand name. AAW in Illinois. AIW in Cleveland. FIP in Florida. Tier 1 in NYC. WrestlePro in New Jersey. Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment in Georgia. Wildkat Sports in New Orleans. There are more quality independent wrestling promotions right now, at the same time, in the United States than at any point before this era.
Nor am I talking about promotions that can be seen in some vein, nationally, on cable. Championship Wrestling Hollywood. Paragon Pro Wrestling....or the countless ones that can be found on Youtube. Just this week, On Point Wrestling in New Jersey launched their own series online.
Now, let's open our scope to include Europe. WXW in Germany. OTT in Ireland. IPW-UK, Revolution Pro, PROGRESS in Great Britain. [Note from Mike: Or ICW, which many fans wrote me about after I neglected to list them here. Sorry!] The level of wrestling and the sheer amount of stuff out there is staggering, even for someone like me, who loves to follow as much as he can.
Holy sh**!
Don't say it's a revolution. Don't say it's aberration. There is no doubt about it. We are living in the golden age of independent professional wrestling, and it's pretty awesome.
So, why is it happening now? There's always been an independent, undercurrent to what mainstream professional wrestling is. Independent wrestling used to be a dirty word. Back in the territory era, anyone who didn't run without permission were considered "outlaw" shows and if those shows crossed the wrong promoter, The National Wrestling Alliance members would team up to trounce them.
When the WWF national expansion took place, suddenly the rules had changed. One, the territory rules no longer applied. Two, many of the smaller towns and venues that had previously been home to spot shows from the larger companies or now-defunct promoters were available. The era of the independents had begun.
Independents used to be, for the most part small, fly by night promotions. They ran shows that were pretty much the equivalent of the circus coming to town for a day. There would be a few names that fans recognized - The Jimmy Snukas, The Terry Funks, The Big Bossmans, The Abdullah The Butchers - either former nationally known names or renowned wild men who were their own men - responsible for drawing the house. Underneath would be a litany of locals, some talented, some not. Most of the locals never made it past that level. The promotions would come in, put on a show and be done. The shows might be good, they might be bad but most often, unless it was a specific promoters, it was likely a haphazard show. How haphazard? I once witnessed Terry Funk beat Abdullah the Butcher in a Texas Death Match...by DQ. These were shows designed to get money and get out. There was no foundation.
Now, following on the blueprint that promotions like ECW, IWA Mid-South and Ring of Honor created, we have independent promotions running regularly in the same venues, with the same talents, telling storylines that exist over multiple months. Some of them are still running and promoting the old grass-roots style and having great success with it. Big Time Wrestling and Wildkat Sports routinely draw good crowds without seeking online audiences. There are also companies building their momentum on DVD sales, digital downloads and streaming websites. We are seeing promotions making good money with multiple revenue streams. They aren't anywhere close to destroying WWE's place as the top wrestling company in the world, but they are making money for themselves and in many cases, thanks to t-shirt companies like ProWrestlingTees.com, the wrestlers have regular additional income coming in for themselves.
So, why are things so hot again? A cross-sectional check-in with independent promoters and personalities show that there's a number of different reasons that all seem to be hitting at just the right time.
March 3, 2016
Rumor Mill - Shane McMahon Wanted To Buy Newcastle United
New reports suggest Shane McMahon tried and failed to buy Newcastle United football club.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes this week that the son of WWE owner Vince McMahon attempted to put together a consortium to take over the club, but ultimately a deal never materialised.
Rumours from a few years ago actually suggested Vince McMahon wanted to buy the club but at the time it appeared to be fanciful journalism, but may now have stemmed from a real situation where Shane McMahon wanted to buy out Mike Ashley. The deal wouldn’t have had any WWE connection, it would have been a Shane project.
Whether he’ll one day return with a bid for an English Premier League football side is unknown. He’s back with WWE for a short term run as a performer, but he’s in no way back in the wrestling business.
Shane also considered buying the MMA group RINGS, and there were also rumours that he thought about buying PRIDE before UFC stepped in.
He’s always wanted to prove himself, whether it was in WWE or outside WWE. However, he’s still waiting for his first major business success. As for WWE, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are now firmly established in the heir to Vince McMahon spot.
March 2, 2016
Kevin Nash Says He Will Donate His Brain And Spinal Cord To CTE Research
ESPN is reporting ex-WWE and WCW Champion Kevin Nash will donate his brain and spinal cord to benefit CTE research after his death.
Nash told ESPN why he decided to make the donation, saying:
“Chris Nowinski started the program and I’ve had several concussions throughout my life and had scans done and stuff and knew that somewhere down the line, I’ve already had short-term memory problems,” Nash said. “I decided to go ahead. The only way you can diagnose this is after you’re dead.
I went ahead and gave my spinal cord and my brain to the study and I carry a card in my wallet that my brain and spine goes to them. It’s in my will. Of course, my wife’s aware of it.”
Nash added that he’s been knocked out during a match a few times and described the feeling:
“Several times. Yes, several times. You’d flash and just wake up and are so disoriented and then you come back and you’re nauseous and you have a headache and you have a headache and you can’t focus on the TV. But you just think, the old school is that you got your bell rung. No, dude, your brain got slammed against your skull.”
Nash talked about the risks involved in any contact sports, saying:
“I always knew when I got involved in this. I got upended in a basketball game and landed on my head and got knocked out. Anything you do in sports, go ice skate and fall and bang your head. It doesn’t take much for your brain to bang off the inside of your skull.
Anything you do in life that’s athletic that has any degree of contact whatsoever there’s that risk that you could be injured or have a concussion. I don’t blame anything except it is my endeavors.”
Former WWE star and Concussion Legacy Foundation’s Chris Nowinski also commented on Nash’s decision, telling ESPN:
“It’s so powerful when icons like Kevin Nash are willing to pledge their brain for research and talk about it publicly. Brain donation is really driving our growing knowledge of CTE and the long-term effects of brain trauma. And so I’m hoping that we solve this problem before Kevin’s time comes but Kevin announcing this means that other families are aware that this research is important and that if they lose somebody, they may think of the concussion legacy foundation.”
EVOLVE Is Coming To Baltimore
WWN Alerts issued the following:
We are very excited to announce that EVOLVE is coming to the Baltimore, MD area for the first time! EVOLVE will have a full card at the MCW Arena at The Joppa Market Place on 1000 Joppa Farm Road in Joppa, MD on May 6th. Tickets will go on sale at www.DGUSA.tv this Friday morning. We'll have much more news on this event in the upcoming weeks.
Three WWE Execs Trump McMahon’s 2015 Pay
Three executives of World Wrestling Entertainment received the first of two big stock awards — the 2015 installment totaling $3.1 million — to keep them on board and reward their extra duties as the Stamford-based company builds up its WWE Network.
The stock awards to George Barrios, Kevin Dunn and Michelle Wilson pushed their total compensation past that received by CEO Vince McMahon, with Dunn getting $4.8 million as executive producer and Barrios receiving $4.5 million in his role as chief financial and strategy officer.
Wilson’s $4.5 million payday as chief revenue and marketing officer bumped the company’s film division head Michael Luisi from the lineup of the top-paid WWE executives, with Luisi making $1.9 million in 2014 as president of WWE Studios.
WWE (NYSE: WWE) paid McMahon $3.3 million, a 37 percent increase from 2014, with McMahon controlling 94 percent of WWE’s class B shares that wield 10 votes on corporate matters to every one vote awarded to holders of class A shares that are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and which are convertible to class A shares.
Paul Levesque received $3.1 million, including $1.7 million from his “Triple H” persona performing at WWE events. Levesque is executive vice president of talent, live events and creative at WWE.
WWE’s compensation committee is chaired by Frank Riddick III, CEO of FloWorks International, a Houston-based pipe and valve supplier. The largest holder of WWE’s class A stock is Lindsell Train, a fund based in London, which held 16 percent of the outstanding shares at last report.
WWE scheduled its annual meeting for April 21, 2016, at the Hilton Stamford Hotel in Stamford.
source: stamfordadvocate.com
March 1, 2016
Details on WWE Roadblock Live Network Special, Poster Revealed, Run Time for the Event, Talent Advertised and More
WWE has changed the March to WrestleMania live Network special to WWE Roadblock, and it will be headlined by Triple H vs Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Title.
The event takes place in Toronto on March 12th, and the official website of the Ricoh Coliseum is advertising the following:
-Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus
-The Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho
-Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman vs. Luke Harper with Bray Wyatt
Other talents being advertised include The New Day, The Miz, The Usos, Paige and Brie Bella
The WWE Network has the event scheduled from 8:00pm EST to 10:30pm, making it just short of a normal monthly PPV.
Below is the official WWE Roadblock promo poster:
WWE Studios Releasing New Animated Movie, Triple H And Others Voice Characters
WWE Studios will be releasing "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" soon with John Cena, Paige and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H voicing characters.
I've done a lot of stuff...but voice Hunter the penguin? That's a first. Excited for Surf's Up 2: Wavemania! pic.twitter.com/NS3DD8szL8
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 1, 2016
Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios announced today an animated sequel to "Surf's Up," the 2007 Academy Award-nominated action-comedy about surfing penguins. The companies are co-financing and producing the movie, which is expected to release in 2017, in time for the original film's 10th anniversary. "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" will be distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with WWE Studios providing marketing support by leveraging its extensive multi-platform reach.
Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big-wave-riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, WWE Diva Paige and Mr. McMahon, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where, legend has it, they'll find the biggest waves in the world. Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer. Genndy Tartakovsky's protégé Henry Yu (story artist on "Sym-Bionic Titan" and both "Hotel Transylvania" feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on "Hotel Transylvania 2") and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Abdul Williams ("Lottery Ticket") is writing the screenplay.
"We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring Cody Maverick back to audiences for more adventures, paired with our WWE Superstars in what promises to be a fun animated film for the entire family," said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President.
"WWE has a proven track record with family audiences, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with them and dive back into the fun world of our surfing penguins," adds Kristine Belson, President, Sony Pictures Animation.
TNA Wrestling's Lawsuit Against Scott Steiner Dismissed
PWInsider.com is reporting that TNA Wrestling's lawsuit against Scott Steiner has officially been dismissed.
The website notes that the case was dismissed by a judge at the Chancery Court in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 22nd, noting that the case was being dismissed "with prejudice." This means that TNA Wrestling is barred from re-filing the lawsuit against Steiner and reopening the civil case further down the road.
Steiner was initially sued by TNA Wrestling back in 2012, with the company claiming that Steiner breached his contract (which had expired by then) when he made "disparaging remarks" about the company itself, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Bruce Prichard, and other individuals within TNA Wrestling. The company sued Steiner seeking damages, as well as an injunction to stop Steiner from speaking out.
Steiner responded to the lawsuit, denying the following:
--That he ever agreed to not disparage the company
--That speaking out against the company would be considered a breach of his contract with them
--That he was involved in any kind of a "concerted effort to disparage" TNA Wrestling and their officers
--That he ignored requests to cease his comments
--That he was in a legally binding agreement with TNA Wrestling
--That the company suffered any damages as a result of his actions
Steiner then stated that he was offered a new contract with TNA Wrestling, but decided to turn down their offer.
February 29, 2016
William Regal Representing WWE NXT At Upcoming EVOLVE Shows, WWE Rep At WWN Seminar
WWN Live, parent company of EVOLVE, announced the following updates on their working relationship with WWE NXT in these latest alerts:
The relationship between WWE and WWN keeps getting more interesting. We have more mind-blowing developments. Let's get to it....
February 29th: We are very excited to announce that NXT General Manager William Regal is coming to EVOLVE in Queens, NY on March 19th and Brooklyn, NY on March 20th! Regal will be available for pictures and autographs at both events. There will be a fee. We are working out the details and will have info on the next WWN Alerts.
February 29th: William Regal will also be involved with the EVOLVE live events in both Queens and Brooklyn. This will be for the live audience only. We saw Regal interact with EVOLVE Champion Timothy Thatcher and Matt Riddle at EVOLVE 54 in Orlando. Regal even played a part in setting up the Thatcher vs. Riddle EVOLVE Title Match set for March 19th. What will happen when Regal returns to EVOLVE?
February 29th: We have some exciting news for wrestlers interested in our Seminar/Tryouts. There will be a WWE representative on hand for part of the WWN Seminar/Tryout on March 31st in Dallas, TX. This has become the opportunity of a lifetime! Go to the DGUSA.tv Seminar/Tryout page for more info. You must fill out an application and be approved to take part. There are still a few spots left in the March 21st Seminar/Tryout in New York, as well.
WWE Receives YouTube's Diamond Play Button, Touts More Than 10 Million YouTube Subscribers
WWE today received the highly-coveted Diamond Play Button, YouTube's highest honor, after surpassing 10 million subscribers, further solidifying itself as one of the world's top channels on the site. WWE joins Taylor Swift, The Ellen Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as YouTube's Diamond Play Button honorees.
With more than 8 billion video views in the last 12 months, WWE is the No. 1 Sports channel on YouTube. WWE continues to be a leader in digital and social media, with more than 600 million combined social media followers globally and more than 790 million social media engagements in 2015 alone.
Since launching in 2008, WWE's YouTube channel has featured award-winning original short-form programming, including popular shows such as 5 Things, WWE Fury, WWE Game Night, WWE Top 10 and Superstar Ink. In addition, WWE's channel on YouTube airs live pre-shows for pay-per-view events that include exclusive matches and commentary.
Does WWE star Daniel Bryan's concussion retirement signal change for sports?
If you're not a regular viewer of "Monday Night Raw," you missed a look at the future of concussions in sports.
In an emotional retirement speech, WWE star Daniel Bryan, whose real name is Bryan Danielson, said he's walking away from the world of professional wrestling due to concussion concerns.
Danielson spent most of 2015 sidelined after a spring concussion.
WWE would not clear him to wrestle, and as the year went on, Danielson began making noise in interviews about wanting to perform, if not in WWE then elsewhere.
But on the Feb. 8 episode of "Monday Night Raw," Danielson made an about-face and announced his retirement.
Danielson, 34, explained that he'd fought WWE's refusal to clear him because he had gotten EEGs, brain MRIs and neuropsychological evaluations showing he was fine. Then he took another test, and his focus changed.
"A week and a half ago," Danielson said, "I took a test that said that maybe my brain isn't as OK as I thought it was."
Danielson also said he had suffered three concussions within the first five months of his career. Sixteen years later, Danielson said, "it adds up to a lot of concussions."
WWE wouldn't say what specific test Danielson took that pushed him into retirement, nor would they make him available for an interview. On ESPN, Danielson described it as an EEG — basically measuring electrical brain currents, he said — while doing reflex testing.
The test found some "slowing" and a lesion, Danielson said.
Watching at home, my ears perked up. That a person can do well on his tests, then take a new one suggesting he's not "as OK" as he thought is a scary prospect, especially when you consider that the science around concussions still has a long way to go.
Retirements like Danielson's are going to happen more often in the coming years, as new tests give doctors better tools for gauging brain health.
Dave Meltzer, who writes the Wrestling Observer newsletter each week, said he thinks it's the "start of a big deal."
Many wrestlers and football players whose brains were found after death to have CTE — chronic traumatic encephalopathy, defined by Boston University as "a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma" — were guys who would not have retired under normal circumstances, Meltzer said.
"I absolutely believe you'll see shorter careers and people retire earlier because they're going to find out what condition they're in," Meltzer said. "Even if they want to continue, the governing bodies will say (they) can't."
Personally, I suspect many athletes who otherwise appear to have good brain health are less OK than they think...More?
source: chicagotribune.com
The Fabulous Freebirds to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016
The Fabulous Freebirds, one of the most infamous and influential groups in sport-entertainment history, will finally be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on the eve of WrestleMania 32. As first reported by Rolling Stone, The Freebirds will be immortalized in Dallas, the city they famously antagonized in their heyday.
The group was founded in 1979, when Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy and Buddy “Jack” Roberts joined forces to wreak havoc on professional wrestling. Gordy provided raw power and fury, Roberts lent his technical prowess and Hayes was dripping with charisma that made sure the spotlight was always on them. The Fabulous Freebirds quickly found success in the Georgia territory, where they captured the NWA National Tag Team Titles and instituted the “Freebird Rule,” where any two members of the trio could defend the titles.
After running roughshod through Georgia, The Freebirds made their way to Texas and World Class Championship Wrestling, where their careers changed forever. On Christmas Night 1982, during Kerry Von Erich’s NWA World Title Steel Cage Match with Ric Flair, Gordy slammed the cage door shut on Von Erich’s head, costing him the title and setting off a rivalry that would captivate The Lone Star State during the ’80s. The ruthless Freebirds battled the clean-cut Von Erich family in some of the most heated wars in squared circle history.
It was during this time that the Freebirds revolutionized the industry in another way. After years of using Lynyrd Skynyrd’s southern rock anthem “Freebird” as their entrance music, Hayes recorded “Badstreet U.S.A.” in 1983, a hard-rocking tune that became synonymous with the group and opened the door for competitors to have individual, original entrance music...More?
February 28, 2016
February 27, 2016
The Latest on TNA Seeking Investors, Why the Company is Looking to Partner Up, Is Panda Energy Still Funding the Company?, More
As noted yesterday, TNA is currently in talks with outside investors, and Dixie Carter has been taking meetings recently to discuss the future of the company.
With regards to why TNA is seeking outside investors, it’s simply because the company wants to expand, and the current financial situation is not allowing it to do so. The company has had to cut back on office space in recent months, and has also cut certain talents who were supposed to appear on the most recent UK tour. As the company stands right now, it might be making enough money to keep it afloat, but it’s not enough money to turn a longterm profit. So partnering up with an investor who could take a percentage of the company might help TNA realize the 5 year plan Dixie Carter reportedly has in place.
With regards to Panda Energy, which used to fund TNA Wrestling, it’s being said that while Panda might remain an owner in name, it no longer funds TNA and is not actively involved in any aspect of TNA operations. All operations and paychecks are said to be coming directly out of Nashville at this point, and it appears as if Panda stopped funding TNA back when Jeff Jarrett’s minority stake in TNA was bought out.
As for whether or not TNA is for sale, sources in TNA are being careful to note the company is seeking investors at this time, and the company is not for sale. That does not mean, however, that Dixie Carter would not at least consider selling the company if the right money offer was made. TNA executive John Gaburick, however, has repeatedly said TNA is looking for a “strategic partner”, not a new owner, and Dixie Carter has turned down sale offers in the past.
Shane McMahon On The Undertaker, How He Kept His WWE Return A Secret, Working With Family, More
Shane McMahon appeared on The Michael Kay Show in New York City earlier today. Below are highlights and full audio:
* Shane didn't believe he would get a reception that big on RAW and he's still humbled by it. He said it was electric and went through his body. The promo he cut during the commercial about his nipples being hard was real, he didn't know it was going to air. Shane said he will always hold that moment deep in his heart and said it was so emotional. He wasn't sure what kind of reaction he would get but was hoping it would be good. He called it off the charts and wakes up everyday still in disbelief
* When asked if he missed performing in the ring, Shane says there's nothing like being in the ring, feeling the energy and being out there in front of fans as a performer. He talks about the energy from the crowd and called it special. When asked if there's any truth to Shane always wrestling with a chip on his shoulder to prove he wasn't just Vince McMahon's son and was willing to do anything, he says there's some truth to that. Shane says he grew up paying dues, setting rings up, taking jackets for the company, learning the business from the ground up. He's always had respect and admiration for the WWE talents, for what they go through and what they overcome. He always knew he wanted to do something big and tells a story about Mr. Fuji helping him do a dropkick from the top rope when he was younger. That was his first true understanding of what the guys go through. Shane says he was brought up in the business that way and he's just old school
* Shane talks about his 50 foot jump onto Big Show in Chicago and says what they do is really dangerous, you have to know what you're doing out there. The hosts jokingly ask if Shane might jump off the overhead scoreboard at AT&T Stadium. Shane points out he will be locked inside Hell In a Cell but anything can happen in WWE. Shane says he literally transforms when he gets in the ring, doesn't have much regard for his body and leaves it all out there
* The hosts asked if there is real animosity between he and Vince McMahon. Shane calls that a private moment and says there has been. He says any family working dynamic isn't easy but it is rewarding. He says it's lots of fun but also challenging. They ask if this comeback has anything to do with his three sons never getting to see him wrestle live. Shane says he's getting emotional and admits that is a big driving force and they will be there for WrestleMania. He's really excited and really proud. He hopes they will be fifth generation one day if they want to be. His kids did not know about the return on RAW and they were shocked. He says his wife Marissa secretly recorded their reactions and says they were going bonkers. He says getting to do something like that for your kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do
* He says it looks like they have a shot at breaking the attendance record in Dallas but is proud to be a part of it either way
* Regarding how they kept his return a secret, Shane says he's very old school and very guarded, he still lives by kayfabe and kept everything close to the vest. Shane says that's how it should be. He loves surprises, no matter what he's watching but especially WWE. He talks about how hard it is to have surprises with today's media and technology
* His favorite wrestler growing up was Superstar Billy Graham. He had great respect for Bruno Sammartino also. He says the older guys like Ivan Putski would stretch him, lock him in lockers and beat up on him in the locker room, saying he was the mascot to them. He wouldn't change anything and says he had an amazing childhood in the land of the giants
* The Shane O'Mac Shuffle was inspired by Apollo Creed, Muhammad Ali and The Rock's father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson
* He's training 3 times per day for the Hell In a Cell match against The Undertaker. He started getting in shape last summer for surfing with his kids. He started getting serious about it and hooked up with his old strength & conditioning coach Jimmy Quinn. His biggest thing is Muay Thai training and he's been into that for a while. He's working with Phil Nurse and other coaches, who worked with GSP, Rashad Evans, Frankie Edgar and others. Shane says they are carefully calculating a gameplan on what to do against The Deadman. Shane says it will be interesting and he has a gameplan. Shane says he's definitely putting in the work
* The hosts ask if Shane came back to help with the business side of things in WWE. As of right now, he's only focused on WrestleMania and what leads up to that night, and that's his main priority. Anything else after that, Shane says we will see what happens.
* They ask if he has any message for The Undertaker. Shane jokes that Taker should just relax, take it easy and stop training. He says he's been friends with Taker for 25 years. He says they have experienced a lot of life and had a lot of fun together. He says this match is a very serious thing. He knows you have to deliver, you have to be in shape and give it all you got or you're not doing the right thing for the fans. Shane says they're both working hard and there's an immense amount of pride. He says with friendship comes a lot of "stiff liberties" and he's coming for Taker
February 26, 2016
TNA Seeking Outside Investors, Executive Comments On 'Strategic Partnership Talks' And Growth Plan
TNA is reportedly seeking outside investors to work with the company and President Dixie Carter was recently in Los Angeles for related meetings, including one at the POP TV offices, according to PWInsider.
TNA's John Gaburick confirmed to PWInsider that the company is seeking outside investors and said they have been in "strategic partnership talks with several major global media companies and investment firms about the company's next phase of growth."
Gaburick also confirmed that Dixie was in Los Angeles for those meetings, adding that she and other TNA executives have also spent a lot of time in New York City lately. Gaburick said this is all a part of the 5 year growth plan that Dixie has mentioned in past media interviews. He called it a very exciting time for TNA.
Backstage News on Shinsuke Nakamura’s Pay in WWE, His Projected Run in NXT, His Signing a Major Sports Story in Japan
It has yet to be reported how much actual time Nakamura will spend in NXT, but all signs reportedly point towards a lengthy run in the brand, which makes his high pay interesting to note.
Nakamura’s signing has been treated like a major sports story in Japan, as the February 22nd press conference in Tokyo at the Hard Rock was attended by over 100 reporters, photographers and videographers.
WWE officially shoots down speculation on Shane McMahon's backstage power
In a bit of 'Reality' Era publicity WWE surely loves, the New York Post ran a story yesterday openly musing about what Shane McMahon's on-screen return to the company means about the behind-the-scenes power structure of the company.
Officially, WWE gave the paper a statement downplaying any changes to their corporate org chart:
A WWE spokesman advised against reading too much into Shane's bid to run "Raw," saying the son's merely "playing a character on a TV show."
That the story exists in a mainstream media outlet like the Post gives some life to the angle among casual fans. In story, Shane is fighting Undertaker for control of Raw. On the internet, moments after the pleasant surprise of his re-emergence sunk in, questions about what this meant for his sister, Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and brother-in-law, Executive Vice-President Paul "Triple H" Levesque arose.
Getting folks invested in the worked program via interest in possible real-world drama is an old trick, and one WWE must be only too happy to see come into play on the road to WrestleMania 32 as they prep for the huge show with an injury-depleted roster.
It's a story that easily lends itself to such speculation, too, because it makes so much sense. As "Wrestlenomics" expert Chris Harrington is quoted in the Post, the ventures Shane left WWE to pursue exposed him to a market his father's company is now trying to tackle as they push WWE Network into China and other Pacific countries:
"He has spent years focused on the issue of how do you generate real revenue with Chinese OTT media," Harrington wrote Wednesday in a piece for Seeking Alpha. "That's a topic where WWE needs an expert."
For however long Shane is back, rumors will persist that there's something going on in the halls of Titan Tower in Stamford.
And that's just the way WWE likes it.
source: cagesideseats.com
Christopher Daniels Says He 'Bummed Out' That WWE Never Hired Him, Talks WWE Signing TNA Stars
Christopher Daniels joined the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Podcast this week. Daniels recently signed a long-term contract with ROH and said, at 45, he expects to finish his career there. He was also asked if he he was bothered at all seeing many of his contemporaries from ROH and TNA now in WWE, while he never got that opportunity.
"I wouldn't be human if I didn't wish that had come my way," Daniels admitted. "I certainly am proud of the guys that have gone on and done that. But that's their hard work . . . I'm not jealous of that part of it. I wish the timing had been different.
"If WWE had softened their perception of the independent scene five years earlier than they did, maybe that would have been me. When I got to TNA in 2010, their attitude seemed to be very set against that idea. At the same time, too, I feel like at the time when I might have been most appealing to the WWE in terms of character and in terms of connection I had made with the fans, I was under contract with TNA. So, to me the bad thing about it was just timing. There's nothing you can do to change that. For me to dwell on that would just be a useless exercise in futility. I'm bummed out about it, but at the same time, I'm content where I'm at."
In the interview, Daniels also discusses working the main event of the very first ROH event, taking on a leadership role in the ROH locker room, age discrimination in wrestling, Daniel Bryan's retirement and more. The Pro Wrestling Illustrated Podcast is available to be streamed at pwi-online.com.
Shane McMahon On Possibly Working Another Role With WWE, How Hard He's Training For WrestleMania
Shane McMahon appeared on The Michael Kay Show in New York City today to promote WWE's WrestleMania 32. We will have a full recap up soon but Shane was asked if he also returned to work on the business side of things. Shane said he's focused on WrestleMania 32 right now but he will "see how it goes" in regards to doing other work with the company.
Shane also revealed that he's training three times each day for the Hell In a Cell match against The Undertaker. He started getting in better shape this past summer as his kids enjoy surfing but he's started getting serious about training and has been doing Muay-Thai for a while now.
Photo: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at the Black Sabbath Concert
Thank you Ozzy and Sharon...amazing @BlackSabbath show last night @TheGarden! @StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/5gK2WGRQCL
— Triple H (@TripleH) February 26, 2016
February 24, 2016
News On Shane McMahon's Employment With YOD In China, More Speculation On His WWE Future
Christopher Harrington of the Wrestlenomics website has a really good article looking at Shane McMahon's WWE return. You can check it out on business website Seeking Alpha at this link. Harrington looks at Shane and the Chinese company YOU on Demand, which he went to work for as Chairman and CEO in 2010. YOD is looking at being a top OTT streaming and subscription service in China but has had financial troubles and other issues.
Shane has invested several million of his own dollars into YOD while their annual losses for the past seven years have ranged from $6 to $16 million. There's a lot of potential for a company like YOD in China but they face several obstacles such as piracy, state-censorship on Western content and other regulations. Shane stepped down as CEO a few years back so there could be a CEO located in China and his current title with YOD is "Founder and Vice Chairman" but he is still on the Board of Directors and was recently re-elected. He has other ties to the company through stock and several million dollars worth of loans he's made to them. Harrington also reported that Shane's most recent employment agreement was made in January 2014 and included a term of two years, which was to automatically extend for additional one-year terms unless terminated before. Harrington pointed out how Shane's role with YOD appears to be diminishing as new investors move in, especially after the most recent restructuring. There has been no official announcement that Shane resumed an executive position with WWE or that he's done with YOD but it makes for interesting speculation.
Harrington also looked at Shane's role with YOD and what it could mean for the WWE Network in China as the company looks to expand there. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he takes on with WWE after WrestleMania 32, if any, as things change with YOD in China.
