WWN Live has issued the following:
April 1st: Top WWE Officials William Regal, Matt Bloom and Canyon Cemen made an unprecedented visit at yesterday’s WWN Seminar/Tryout. They each lectured the participants with invaluable knowledge. Regal even got involved with the in ring training. Bloom paid WWN Seminar/Tryout Head Trainer Drew Gulak the ultimate compliment by saying “Drew shows you the WWE way.”
Cemen, Regal and Bloom had a lengthy discussion with WWN’s Sal Hamaoui and Gabe Sapolsky about the future of the relationship. We can reveal now that many exciting and interest possibilities were put on the table. The next few months are going to be very interesting as the relationship moves forward. There is no telling what will happen next. We could see the ramifications as early as this weekend’s EVOLVE and WWN Supershow events.
We would like to thank Mr. Regal, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Cemen for their visit yesterday. This proves that WWE is proactive about strengthening the future of pro wrestling and the independent undercurrent.
Triple H announced on yesterday’s NXT conference call that Zack Sabre Jr. will be in the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. The tests start for Zack Sabre Jr. this weekend with the conclusion of his “Best In The World Series.” It’ll be Sabre Jr. vs. Will Ospreay at today’s EVOLVE 58, vs. Matt Riddle at tomorrow afternoon’s EVOLVE 59 and vs. Chris Hero at tomorrow night’s WWN Supershow. Is Zack Sabre Jr. the new Best In The World? Watch all three matches at www.WWNLive.com on live iPPV to follow Zack’s road to the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series.
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April 1, 2016
Top WWE Names at WWN Live Tryout
Bill DeMott Talks WWE Firing And If He Left On Bad Terms, NXT’s Growth, Perception Of Vince McMahon Being ‘Hands Off’ With NXT
Former WCW and WWE star – and NXT trainer – Bill DeMott joined the IN THE ROOM podcast with Brady Hicks, The Stro (WCW’s Maestro), Kathie Fitzpatrick, and Derrick McDonald this past Tuesday, March 29, 2016 to talk about his 28-year career in wrestling. Check it out as DeMott offers his thoughts on everything from the allegations of bullying lodged against him last year to where WWE and NXT could be headed in the near future. Plus, DeMott comments on his “Laughing Man” persona, compares WCW to WWE, talks about what might have been had WCW won the “Monday Night Wars,” and speaks on WWE’s presentation of AJ Styles thus far.
Definitely a fun listen! The program is available via vocnation.com or directly at http://thebradyhicks.com/2016/03/in-the-room-with-bill-demott/
Bill DeMott Comments On The Idea Of Things “Going Sour” Between He and WWE:
The running line around that company – and I guess a lot of companies – is that “Perception is Reality.” Everybody has this perception that it was a sour thing. I didn’t leave on bad terms with the company. I didn’t leave with any negativity … I’m not the most well-liked person on the Internet. 95% of it is by people who have no idea about me and just go by what they read or what they heard from somebody else, but there’s no sour grapes and there’s no negativity … If I could sum up the whole thing, I took the high road … I was very honored to start something with Triple-H [that’s] become the brand that is NXT. There’s no negativity. There’s [just] a couple individuals that are off my Christmas card list.
DeMott Talks NXT and the Job that They’ve Done Building The Brand:
I’m not a miserable person, contrary to popular opinion. I loved my job and I’m one of the best at it. I look at them every week and there’s nothing but pride. It felt good and I’m happy for them. The running joke is to be careful what you ask for, because you’re going to get it. Now they’re running … The fear is that it becomes the next brand and the next part of WWE. I think the thing that makes NXT different is that it’s still a different approach to the business … I never had a doubt it would grow.
DeMott Comments On The Idea Of Vince McMahon Being “Hands Off” With NXT:
That’s an ever-growing conversation [regarding] how do we keep it from becoming Raw or Smackdown or ECW before they went away … I think it’s a fair assessment because people tend to look at it like because NXT is not under Vince, it can be different. Like it or not, it’s all under Vince. And the fact that he gave the reigns to Hunter and he’s running with it … that’s an ever-happening conversation. But I don’t think it has anything to do with whether it’s under Vince or not. I think that’s just peoples’ perception, [that] as long as Vince doesn’t put his hands on it, it will stay great.
Bill DeMott Comments On WWE’s Recent Signings Of Independent Wrestlers:
At the end of the day, Vince’s formula works. It’s a successful business. From my experience of being in those rooms is that, while everyone is well aware of who’s out there – look how long it took for AJ Styles – … [but] you just wait to when it fits … For me, the downside … is that they’ve been [punching] their “bump card” for the past 10 years, and now that they get to WWE or wherever they’re going, that the longevity is not going to be there. But I like to see the diversity … Batista is a big [guy], but we don’t have 14 Batistas standing by. But there’s 35 cats of every shape and size – and divas – that can do everything under the sun. I’m excited to see how that changes the product … While people get all pissed off on the Internet, look at how satisfied they are when it finally happens.
The woman behind Chikara wrestling's crazy costumes
The culmination of the year in professional wrestling builds this weekend as the WWE presents its 32nd annual WrestleMania, the equivalent of the Super Bowl for scripted gladiatorial combat.
Sometime during Sunday's event, take a moment to tune out the spectacle, the muscled behemoths hurling their bodies around the ring, the over-the-top characters playing out their story lines in steel cages and atop precarious ladders, and give a thought to the wardrobe that has to withstand choreographed violence.
Kate Nyx (a.k.a. Nickerson) understands what it takes to costume a pro wrestler. Two years ago, she started Closet Champion (www.closetchampion.com), designing and creating custom wrestling gear out of her South Philadelphia home. A large portion of her income comes from Chikara, a Philadelphia independent wrestling promotion, in its 16th season, that draws equal inspiration from lucha libre and comic books.
Eight months after leaving her day job selling hosiery at a luxury boutique in Center City to focus on the new endeavor, she's tenuously returning to her sewing machines after a bout of tendinitis and nerve pain due to the challenging materials she works with.
"I just don't think my body was prepared for the volume of work that I was doing," Nyx said last week amid a clutter of glittering fabric scraps. "Stretch materials are notoriously hard to work with, and everything I use is basically vinyl, spandex, and elastic. It has to look like a larger-than-life costume, but it has to go through what activewear would go through. Exercising creativity within those limitations has been interesting and sometimes frustrating."
There won't be any Closet Champion designs on display when WrestleMania unfolds Sunday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The closest Nyx has come to that big a stage is through NXT, the WWE developmental program that is spotlighted in its own weekly show on the WWE Network (and that tonight will present its own big show, Takeover: Dallas). Nyx designed the gear for a wrestler named Sarah Dobson (known on the independent circuit as Crazy Mary Dobson), who made her NXT debut last week...More?
source: philly.com
Saints LB James Laurinaitis learned work ethic from pro-wrestling dad 'Animal'
James Laurinaitis didn't exactly follow his father's footsteps -- which would have led him between the ropes and into the world of professional wrestling.
But the New Orleans Saints' new linebacker said he learned his work ethic and toughness from his famous dad, Joe Laurinaitis. Otherwise known as "Animal" from the pro wrestling tag teams Road Warriors and Legion of Doom.
James Laurinaitis says his elbow has recovered after he hyperextended it and tore his UCL ligament last October. L.G. Patterson/AP Photo
"He was my little league ball coach all of the way up until high school," said Laurinaitis, who grew up in Minnesota. "Really, what my dad showed me the most ... was just about work ethic. I saw how hard my dad worked in the weight room. I saw toughness. I saw him work out and perform in his industry through injuries and stuff. Unless something really couldn't be worked around, he'd be out there wrestling and doing everything that he would have to do.
"So that's what he really taught me -- on days that you don't feel good, you gotta go work out, you gotta get after it."
Click here for a photo of the two decked out in each other's gear from an old Sporting News photo shoot.
Laurinaitis, who spoke to the New Orleans media in a conference call last week, said his father's mentality was that "if he ever took a day off or was slacking ... then somebody else is gonna be working that day and really try to come and take my spot or my job."...More?
source: espn.go.com
March 31, 2016
Dusty Rhodes statue unveiled at WrestleMania Axxess
The late WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes was officially ushered into immortality at WrestleMania Axxess with the unveiling of a bronze, life-size statue of “The American Dream.”
The WWE Universe in attendance at the first night of WrestleMania Axxess, alongside the entire Rhodes family and NXT roster, were the first to witness the statue’s presentation, which drew the raucous adulation of the crowd in Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
“I looked to him as a mentor and an inspiration and a creative force behind the scenes. I cannot put into words how much he meant to me and how much he meant to this industry,” said WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, who emceed the presentation after an introduction from Corey Graves and Tom Phillips.
“[He’s] already a Hall of Famer in every way possible,” said The Game of Rhodes, who, along with Triple H, helped to mentor the Superstars and Women of NXT to stardom. “This is just another step to immortality.”
“The American Dream’s” entire family shared the ring with The Game at the time of the statue’s unveiling, which Triple H performed alongside Rhodes’ sons, Dustin and Cody.
“It’s been a tough year for our family,” Dustin said after the unveiling. “Dad was an amazing man, but to us he was just ‘Pops.’ And he was a common man who became ‘The American Dream’ because he had a dream and he captured his dream. I want to say thank you to the fans who supported our father one hundred and ten percent over the years and continue to support Cody and myself.”
“Right now,” he continued, “I can guarantee you Dad is in Heaven getting funky like a monkey with the angels, looking down, very proud of all this.”
Brandi Rhodes, who performs as WWE ring announcer Eden, followed up.
“I only had the opportunity to be one of Dusty’s daughters for about two years,” she said, before thanking the rest of the family for allowing her to share in their moment. “It’s an awesome thing that he was able to be shared with all of us collectively.”
An emotional Cody closed out the proceedings with a pair of stories. One was a fun anecdote about Rhodes’ WWE Hall of Fame induction. (Question: “Who’d you ever beat?” Answer: “Everyone on that stage, baby.”) The second was a more heartfelt one about the elder Rhodes’ time running a promotion and calling up to offer condolences to a performer whose father had passed and made time to ask about what kind of man he’d been.
“Dusty Rhodes was famous for talking but he was a hell of a listener,” said Cody. “If you come to this statue, take a picture. Don’t be shy. Talk to him. Tell him how your day is going. Tell him who you think is going to win at WrestleMania. Tell him everything, because I have to believe that this special group of people that comes to WrestleMania, comes to Axxess, comes to NXT, people that love sports-entertainment, that echoes in heaven and earth.”
As Triple H departed to leave the Rhodes family alongside their father figure’s monument, the strains of Dusty’s theme song, the iconic “Common Man Boogie,” played “The American Dream” off into eternity.
Triple H On Working With Indies For The WWE Global Series, WWE NXT Growth, Takeover: Dallas, More
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H did a media call today to promote Friday's WWE NXT "Takeover: Dallas" event. We will have more highlights later but below he talks about Takeover, the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series, working with indie promotions and more.
* He mentioned how he always says it's an exciting time for NXT and today is no different as they're about to have their first Takeover special that's a part of WrestleMania weekend. He talked about how they went from Florida to The Arnold in Columbus, the non-televised WrestleMania 31 Week event to this year's Takeover event. He says the brand has grown in a massive way in one year and he's looking forward to seeing it continue to grow. He said it's very exciting and should be amazing
* He reminded everyone that Takeover starts at 9pm EST tomorrow night with the pre-show. The actual main show airs at 10pm EST. He said it will be an amazing show with a ton of talent. He believes Austin Aries' debut against Baron Corbin will be very exciting for fans. He said Corbin has really come into his own recently. He said Shinsuke Nakamura's debut is going to be one of the most exciting things on the card. He's been a big fan of Nakamura for a while and he's looking forward to seeing what he does in WWE. He also said Sami Zayn continues to wow people. Triple H called American Alpha and The Revival two of the best tag teams in the world right now. He said he's been looking forward to Asuka vs. Bayley since Asuka arrived. He praised Bayley as champion and called Asuka a destroyer. He also said he can't wait for the Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor rematch from London to take place.
* They are very excited about the buzz for the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. He talked about working with other indie promotions for the qualifying matches and said it's an exciting time that opens the door to a lot of things. As noted, he announced Rich Swann, Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Zack Sabre Jr., Noam Dar, Ho Ho Lun and Akira Tozawa for the tournament. He called it a very diverse group and said they're looking for the absolute best to be involved with this.
* He announced NXT will return to the UK in June. They will start on June 10-12 at the Download music festival. They will go through Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Bournmouth and Plymouth.
* Triple H then took questions from the media and was asked if they are now signing talents just for NXT to keep there instead of signing them with the potential to go to the main roster. Triple H said he dislikes saying "main roster and NXT" because it feels like it lessens things. He said NXT is a brand and he wants to present it like that. Anyone who is signed with WWE has the potential to be on RAW, SmackDown or WrestleMania. He's sure that is everyone's goal in this industry and if it's not, he would be shocked. He said NXT is an amazing brand in itself and he has guys calling saying they want to be a part of NXT, who are happy with making it to the main roster but fine if they don't. That's amazing to him. He wants to treat it like a brand and doesn't want to lose perspective of what they do. He said as guys come out of the Performance Center and are ready to go to NXT, they will. As they get ready for RAW and SmackDown, they will go. He said there are a lot of guys and girls in NXT who would be ready for the transition. He said it's all about timing and the different positions you need filled. He said, "I can't have 12 short-stops."
* He was asked about the relationships with independent promotions for the Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches. Triple H said they're figuring a lot of that out as they go but he called it a win-win for everyone. He's a big fan of the independent undercurrent of everything they do and he believes it's important to the health of the business. These are things that help those promotions but also help the legitimacy and the image of what WWE is doing. He said it's a great thing and a win-win. He also noted that WWE will be promoting the qualifying matches on their website and other pages.
* He was asked if he sees a time in the near future where they do more than 4 Takeover specials per year. He said anything is possible because the NXT brand grows so rapidly. It's hard for him to say what they can do in the future but he doesn't want to over-saturate the market. He likes what they're doing and the product they have. He always hears people say NXT should be two hours each week but said then you run into bigger problems. He likes the way they're doing things and people like the product so that's wonderful. He said if they can increase things then that's great. He said he's just seeing where everything goes and what the demand is
* He was asked if they will start doing more teasers and vignettes with new NXT talents and NXT talents getting called up. He is open to doing more of those but tries not to follow one plan for everyone. He tries to look at each talent they're bringing in and create a plan. If that includes vignettes that air for 3-4 weeks, like they're doing with "No Way Jose" now, they're open to it.
* He was asked if he or other WWE representatives will be at some of the Global qualifying matches in the UK since the company will be in town. He joked that he doesn't even know what he's doing all day tomorrow and said there are too many things on the calendar to look that far ahead. He said maybe to an appearance by someone. They are working on the relationships to see what he's there. He's not trying to take over anything that Progress or Revolution Pro is doing. He said they are doing a great job and doing their thing. WWE can give them a rub and benefit from that rub in some way, like letting people learn more about the Global Series talents. He mentioned getting the talents and the promotions more exposure. It's not about WWE coming in and planting their flag at Progress, he's not interested in that at all. In regards to working with other promotions, he's open to working with quality promotions of a style and quality that they like and want to do business with. If he likes their style and what they're doing, he's open to working with them. He was asked about Zack Sabre Jr. and Noam Dar. He praised them both, calling them amazing in-ring athletes and phenomenal talents. He said he has a team that William Regal and Canyon Cemen are a big part of. They look across the world for talents that have potential and may be a diamond in the rough. They're just looking for great talents.
Forbes Reveals WWE's Highest Earners
Forbes has a new article where they used a number of data sources to compile an estimated list of WWE's highest-paid earners. The estimates represent pay for the 2015 calendar year, including base salary, bonus pay and, in one instance, executive compensation for Triple H.
Here's what they came up with:
1. John Cena - $9.5 million
2. Brock Lesnar - $6.0 million
3. Triple H - $2.8 million
4. Randy Orton - $2.7 million
5. Seth Rollins - $2.4 million
6. Roman Reigns - $2.1 million
7. The Undertaker - $2.0 million
8. Big Show - $1.5 million
9. Kane - $1.3 million
10. Dean Ambrose - $1.1 million
Shane McMahon On His Post-WrestleMania Future, Performing For His Sons, Training, More
Shane said he was sore after delivering the big elbow drop to The Undertaker. Coach asked how he can top what he did on RAW and Shane said anything can happen. He's excited and nervous to be in Hell In a Cell. He said it's a whole different atmosphere when you're in with The Undertaker, who he calls the measuring stick of the business. Shane says Taker has carried the business on his back and he's intimidating. Shane said he's going to let it rip on Sunday. He's known for putting his body on the line, especially when the stakes are high, and he will do that. Shane said he's going to give everything he possibly can in the match.
Coach asked what sticks out in Shane's mind from everything he's done and he talked about how he originally thought he would have just one match but that evolved and escalated to where he's at today. Coach asked what's inside of Shane that makes him want to go where he has to go on Sunday and do it for the fans. Shane said it's just his drive, he's always wanted to do more and always had a competitive nature. Shane said he goes into every physical activity he does with the mindset that he's going to push it until he can't push it any further. Coach asked about Shane's three sons having the chance to watch him on Sunday and he said it's emotional. Shane said that's his main reason for doing this. He said the experience of him performing in front of 100,000 fans at WrestleMania is bigger than any give he can give them, so he's very excited about doing it.
Regarding Shane's return to the company on RAW several weeks back, Shane said he was speechless. He still gets goosebumps thinking about it. Shane called the reaction and the sustained reaction humbling. He wanted to soak up all the energy and he did, he was blown away. Shane said he's not articulate enough to describe the feeling. He's been in the business his whole life and never felt or heard something like that. Shane said the emotions got him and he was crying that night. Coach brought up the training videos we've seen and Shane talked about the different coaches he's been working with to prepare for The Undertaker.
In regards to his future after Sunday's match, Shane said he doesn't know but he thinks he will walk out on Monday night in control of RAW.
Shane also talked about watching Vince McMahon start WrestleMania and the lead up to WrestleMania I, working out with NFL star Eli Manning and more.
March 30, 2016
Details on WWE Adding the “Legacy Award” to the WWE Hall of Fame This Year
WWE posted a graphic in its online store advertising the “Legacy Award” at this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
The graphic lists seven pro wrestling legends including Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Lou Thesz, Mildred Burke, Pat O’Connor and “Sailor” Art Thomas.
According to F4WOnline.com, Gotch and Hackenschmidt responsible for the first huge gate and spearheading wresting getting national headlines, Lewis being the most famous wrestler of the 20s, Thesz being the dominant world champion of the 50s, Burke being the first women’s champion to get worldwide attention and O’Connor being one of the smoothest workers of his day.
WWE has already inducted Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers and Antonino Rocca, who were contemporaries of Thesz and O’Connor, however the company has yet to induct anyone into the WWE Hall of Fame prior to the days of television. It appears as if the “Legacy Award” might be honoring the pioneers of pro wrestling who were not TV stars.
More Details On WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series
The new WWE Global Cruiserweight Series is currently scheduled to start airing Wednesday nights on WWE Network beginning July 13th at 9 p.m. EST, right after NXT airs.
The tournament will feature 32 participants, and the whole thing is expected to be filmed from June 20th through the 24th at Full Sail University in Orlando. The tapings would likely see two episodes taped per night, and the finals of the series would air on WWE Network on September 14th. It was noted that the idea for the tournament is to make it an annual event.
As far as the qualifying matches go, they are expected to be taped, but might not air in full on WWE Network. As of right now WWE production teams would not be involved with shooting the qualifiers, and the promotions hosting those matches would provide the footage.
Progress Wrestling, Revolution Pro Wrestling and EVOLVE Wrestling have been announced as qualifying match hosts so far.
WWE Reportedly Replacing The Divas Division With The Women's Division, New Title Belt Created
WWE officials have commissioned a new title belt to replace the current WWE Divas Title and they are replacing the Divas division with the Women's division on the main roster, according to PWInsider.
The changes are set to begin on Monday's post-WrestleMania 32 RAW in Dallas.
Word is that the design for the new WWE Women's Title is similar to the WWE World Heavyweight Title but smaller.
As noted, WWE Divas Champion Charlotte will defend her title against Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat on Sunday at WrestleMania.
WWE Signs New Deal To Help With Production And Content, Back-Up System For Unexpected Disruptions
Avid announced today that WWE has invested in a new production workflow system powered by their Avid MediaCentral Platform. They issued the following:
World Wrestling Entertainment Tag Teams With Avid to Bring Pro Wrestling to Fans Worldwide
Avid MediaCentral Platform provides a resilient back up system while facilitating fast, seamless, collaborative workflows and maximizing the value of WWE's content
BURLINGTON, Mass., March 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avid® (Nasdaq: AVID) today announced that the world's largest professional wrestling company, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has invested in a new production workflow powered by the Avid MediaCentral™ Platform. By embracing Avid Everywhere™, the global sports media company can enable its production teams to work more efficiently. WWE has chosen to protect its investment in the new workflow solution, as well as its media assets by implementing a back-up system so it can continue to produce content in the event of an unexpected disruption.
WWE is a global sports entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The company is one of the largest producers of original content, which is distributed via broadcast, cable, web, DVD, print, and its own streaming network to 180 countries across the globe. To help manage the huge amount of content it produces—including 40 hours a week in the U.S. alone—WWE needed a scalable, efficient, and integrated workflow to generate and manage content. The media giant also felt it was of utmost importance to include an integrated backup production system in the solution design to maintain its production workflow.
"We can now edit and distribute all of our content seamlessly within the Avid environment," said Mike Grossman, senior vice president of Television Operations at WWE. "With a centralized system, we can manage multiple production groups and repurpose content much more easily. Avid's integration with third-party applications means that the system can grow with us in the future, and the new back-up system mitigates the risk of disasters affecting our production and revenue."
Finn Balor Talks About Becoming The Demon, Getting Butterflies Before NXT TakeOver, NXT's Brand
Finn Balor appeared on Another Wrestling Podcast to promote NXT TakeOver: Dallas. You can check out some highlights below, and the full interview above.
Finn Balor says that he has butterflies in preparation for NXT TakeOver: Dallas. He thinks something would be wrong if there weren't any, and it's that way for the whole roster.
He says any time you're in the ring with Samoa Joe it's a test. He talks about how they're both world traveled, and says Samoa Joe pushes him out of his comfort zone, which is what he wants.
He won't say whether he's going to be Finn or the Demon at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. He says that he takes inspiration from everywhere.
Balor's happy to be at the forefront of NXT and help lead the brand. His goal is to main event WrestleMania, but he's sure he'll get sidetracked along the way on his journey.
He saw a lot of Bullet Club shirts when he arrived in the United States, so he was aware of the American following he had gained during his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Balor goes on to talk about what he has to do to beat Samoa Joe, WWE Axxess NXT Takeover, being on the road and much more on the show., which you can view here.
WWE Announces Full WrestleMania AXXESS Signing Schedule: Randy Orton Appearing, Rollins, HBK, Sting, Reigns, Undertaker and More
WWE has announced the following:
AXXESS DATES AND TIMES (all times listed are local)
Premium VIP sessions
Friday, April 1
7 p.m. – Sting
Saturday, April 2
10 a.m. – Roman Reigns
3 p.m. – The Undertaker
Sunday, April 3
8 a.m. – Seth Rollins
10 a.m. – Shawn Michaels
VIP sessions
Thursday, March 31
6 p.m. – Dean Ambrose
8 p.m. – Ric Flair and Charlotte
Friday, April 1
5 p.m. – Chris Jericho
Saturday, April 2
8 a.m. – Mick Foley
1 p.m. – Alberto Del Rio
1 p.m. – The Dudley Boyz
6 p.m. – Kevin Owens
8 p.m. – Bray Wyatt
Sunday, April, 3
10 a.m. – Randy Orton
General Admission sessions
Thursday, March 31
6 p.m. – Becky Lynch, King Barrett, U.S. Champion Kalisto, Stardust, The Godfather, Damien Sandow, Zack Ryder, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn and more
Friday, April 1
5 p.m. – The Usos, Eva Marie, Ryback, Paul Heyman, Alicia Fox, Natalya, The Ascension, Goldust, Summer Rae and more
Saturday, April 2
Session 1, 8 a.m. – Rusev, R-Truth, Paige, Curtis Axel, Adam Rose, Heath Slater, Vader, Diamond Dallas Page, Lana and more
Session 2, 1 p.m. – Sheamus, Sasha Banks, Dolph Ziggler, AJ Styles, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Kane, Cesaro, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Michelle McCool and more
Session 3, 6 p.m. – Neville, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Jack Swagger, Fandango, Bayley, Naomi, Apollo Crews, Shinsuke Nakamura and more
Sunday, April 3
8 a.m. – WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, Nikki & Brie Bella, Edge, Booker T, Mark Henry, Alundra Blayze, Tyler Breeze, Samoa Joe, Hideo Itami and more
Katie Couric Speaks with Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon About The 2016 Presidential Race, Trump, Clinton, And Women In Leadership Roles
Linda McMahon recently spoke with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric, talking about the 2016 Presidential race, Donald Trump, her future as a politician, Hulk Hogan, and much more. You can view the full interview here.
Linda McMahon comments on her family’s relationship with Donald Trump:
“He was a great partner, a wonderful promoter. He really greased the wheels and made things work very easily… he was fun. We got to know him personally. He is very loyal, he’s a patriot. I think he hires smart people around him, all of the people that we ever dealt with were just really smart and efficient and really good at what they did – very gracious, made you feel welcome and really did exactly what he said he would do.”
Would Linda run for office again?
“I have no absolutely no plans to ever run for office. I ran twice, I gave it everything I had two times. It wasn’t meant to be in Connecticut for a Republican to win, it is a very, very blue state. I gave it all I had, I really wanted to win but didn’t.”
What WWE fans represent about the 2016 electorate:
“The persona of Donald Trump has resonated with them. Maybe their business isn’t growing, maybe they have kids who are graduating who can’t get jobs. All of those things that you hear I think resonate not only with some WWE fans, but across really the specter.”
Linda comments on Gawker’s release of Hogan’s sex tape:
“I don’t think anyone had the right, you know, to take his private tape and put it out. I thought Gawker was wrong, you know, to do that.”
Hogan’s interest in coming back to the WWE:
“I think you never say never at WWE, but I wouldn’t speak on behalf of anyone there.”
March 29, 2016
WWE Off The Top Rope: HHH Talks Wrestlemania Moments, Working With Ultimate Warrior, Returning At MSG After His Quad Injury
The following is a recap of highlights from tonight’s new ESPN WWE Off The Top Rope segment with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H:
Triple H talks about Wrestlemania 32 marking his 20th Mania match, and he says it feels like just yesterday where he was at Wrestlemania XI backstage. He talks about all of the pageantry back then with Jenny McCarthy and Pamela Anderson and how it changed the next year with getting his own match against the Ultimate Warrior. Coach asks about their relationship, and HHH says it’s mind-boggling because of Warrior’s passing, but his Mania debut doesn’t bother him like most people think. He says Vince asked him to work with Warrior, and now they built a relationship 20 years later with Warrior coming back for the WWE Hall of Fame before he passed. HHH says he stays close with Warrior’s family like it should have been, then Coach asked about HHH’s favorite Mania moment. He says Wrestlemania 28’s “End of an Era” match stands out, especially the moment at the end where they were on the stage together at the end of the night. He talks about how much it meant to him personally, and he made up plaques to mark the occasion, but it’s a night he won’t ever forget.
Coach asks about this Sunday’s crowd being bigger than the Wrestlemania III crowd, and Triple H says he’s just as nervous now as he was the first time. HHH says they may break the attendance record and him getting that type of moment one time is just really special. Coach talks about HHH’s quad injury and infamous return at Madison Square Garden, and HHH talks about how it all went down and fighting to come back. HHH says he stayed in an Alabama Embassy Suites and trained for nine months, and just worked to come back. HHH says they did return videos and hype his return, but once he made the return it clicked and it was one of the biggest nights of his career. He talks about being away for so long and having doubts, and you can’t get outside of your own and just hoped people would react the right way. He says WWE stars rely on the connection with the fans more than anything, and there’s nothing like it, so people keep coming back and hopefully that happens Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
TNA Announces New Partnership
TNA sent us the following today:
Comprehensive Global Content Partnership
Toronto – Fight Network, the world's premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, and TNA Entertainment announced today they have entered into a comprehensive content partnership to seize a global digital audience for fight-based content.
Fight Network's over-the-top (OTT) app available on digital platforms will become the global home for TNA Wrestling content starting in the second quarter of this year. Fight Network and TNA Wrestling will collaborate to produce digital content and will also partner on cross-promotion and joint sales efforts in global markets, as well as in the U.S. and Canada.
Fight Network's OTT app is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Verizon Go90, Layer 3 and KlowdTV.
Fight Network is currently the home of TNA Wrestling programming in Canada, including its two hour flagship weekly program IMPACT WRESTLING, TNA Wrestling's Greatest Matches and TNA Xplosion. Fight Network will now also air select TNA Wrestling archive programming on its linear channels in select U.S. markets and in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East where Fight Network currently broadcasts.
"As a TNA Wrestling broadcast partner, we see the quality of the content, the viewer reaction and the potential to bring great programming to the world," said Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. "Our global OTT service now available on several platforms will be immeasurably strengthened by this partnership and we see this as just the first step in building global fight themed destination channel together."
"Our enhanced partnership with Fight Network to deliver new and archived content through linear and over-the-top platforms, as well as to bring TNA programming to new and emerging markets around the world, is a significant step in the execution of TNA's strategic plan," said TNA president Dixie Carter. "Fans are hungry for easily accessible content they can view on demand, and come this summer, the action of TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will be more available than ever."
For more information about the Fight Network OTT, visit fightnetwork.com.
WWE's Next Scooby-Doo Movie
Get ready...Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon is coming this Summer to Blu-ray, DVD and DHD! pic.twitter.com/exrlCBs7YU
— WWE Studios (@WWEStudios) March 29, 2016
WWE Takes Over Dallas For WrestleMania Week
Fans from around the world will descend upon Dallas for a week-long lineup of festivities in celebration of WrestleMania, taking place in front of a capacity crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, April 3 and live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT. WWE will also host more than a dozen community outreach events designed to give back to the local region. WrestleMania Week begins tomorrow, Wednesday, March 30, and includes the following events:
• WWE Community Caravan – Wednesday, March 30
WWE Superstars AJ Styles, Sin Cara and Sami Zayn and WWE Divas Paige, Naomi and Tamina will visit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
WWE Superstars Mark Henry, Darren Young, Goldust and Jack Swagger and WWE Diva Eva Marie will visit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and North Texas Youth Education Town.
WWE Superstars and Divas will visit children and families, take pictures, sign autographs and donate action figures, WWE 2K16 video games and WWE Network subscriptions for the facilities’ play rooms.
• Be a STAR TM Anti-Bullying Rally – Thursday, March 31, East Dallas Boys & Girls Club
Earlier this year, WWE and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched a multi-year partnership focusing on youth development and bullying prevention efforts around Be a STAR, WWE’s anti-bullying initiative (#BeaSTAR). WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Superstars The Miz®, R-Truth and Sin Cara, WWE Diva Natalya®, WWE announcer Corey Graves and representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America will speak about the importance of bullying prevention to members at East Dallas Boys & Girls Club.
• WrestleMania Axxess – Thursday, March 31 through Sunday, April 3, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
WrestleMania Axxess (#AXXESS) is the ultimate fan experience for the WWE Universe. This year’s WrestleMania Axxess will take place from Thursday, March 31 through Sunday, April 3, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Fans will have unprecedented access to meet their favorite WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends through a host of interactive fan experiences, including autograph signings and live NXT matches. For the first time ever, WWE will broadcast The Stone Cold Podcast with special guest Mick Foley from WrestleMania Axxess, which will air live on WWE Network Thursday, March 31 at 10 pm ET.
Stephanie McMahon Talks WrestleMania 32, The WWE Divas Revolution, Being The Boss's Daughter
In regards to what challenges Stephanie has faced in a male-dominated business, she said she also dealt with challenges being the boss's daughter. Stephanie said she's constantly had to prove herself but doesn't mind that at all because she doesn't want anything handed to her and wants to work hard for everything. Stephanie said she tries to earn people's respect every single day.
Stephanie was also asked about women in sports getting more recognition. She brings up the "#GiveDivasaChance" hashtag that fans had trending for three days last year. Stephanie said the WWE fans want to see more than eye candy and that's why they started the Divas Revolution. Stephanie said women's sports is on the rise and it was time for WWE to get with the times.
Storm also asked about WrestleMania 32 coming to AT&T Stadium and Stephanie revealed that Dallas Cowboys executive Charlotte Jones Anderson came and gave a big pitch to WWE. Vince McMahon was impressed and gave her the answer right there on the spot.
Triple H talks building a legacy entering his 20th WWE WrestleMania
As busy as Paul "Triple H" Levesque is these days, it's no surprise that he might neglect to stop and appreciate a career milestone.
On camera, Triple H is a sadistic and violent WWE world heavyweight champion, an extreme representation of abuse of power. He's preparing for a main-event showdown with Roman Reigns with the title on the line at WrestleMania 32, set for Sunday, April 3 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. That much on its own -- being relied upon to be one of the top performers in a show expected to break attendance records -- is a lot to deal with.
Away from the bright lights, Levesque is WWE's executive vice president of talent, live events and creative. In the simplest terms, he's in charge of the lifeblood of WWE: the wrestlers, the storylines, the overall experience of a live WWE show. Taking his eye off that ball could have very dire consequences for WWE.
So it's no wonder Levesque hadn't taken a beat to notice that he was about to cross an impressive threshold for an active WWE superstar. On April 3, Triple H will wrestle in his 20th WrestleMania match.
Only one other person -- The Undertaker, who will perform in his 24th WrestleMania match vs. Shane McMahon this weekend -- has ever crossed the 20-match mark at the biggest event of the year.
During a candid interview with CBS Sports, Levesque seemed a bit surprised to hear his match count was so high.
"I was unaware of my milestone," Levesque said. "Thank you for pointing it out."
Most wrestlers are lucky to have 20-plus active years in the ring, period. In the physical sense, Levesque's 20 WrestleMania matches mark an extraordinary achievement. Looking back at his list of opponents in past years -- names like Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, Owen Hart, The Rock and Sting, to name a handful -- Levesque feels appreciative.
"Starting out with Warrior [at WrestleMania XII in 1996], that being my first WrestleMania, and walking into the ring with the Ultimate Warrior?" Levesque began. "I don't know that the average person can put that into context for themselves, you know? 'Hey, it's your first WrestleMania. You want to work with one of the biggest stars ever in the business?' It's like, 'Yeah.' You know, all the way through to moments I had with Owen [Hart] and just ... it's just been an incredible ride."
At age 46, Levesque keeps himself in impeccable physical condition. He still can -- and does -- hold up his end of a great match, as displayed just a few weeks ago in his impressive title match against Dean Ambrose at WWE Roadblock. With his in-ring ability still at such a high level, Levesque said it feels odd to look back on his past.
"You know, it's funny that all of a sudden you find yourself at a point in your career where people are talking about your legacy," he said. "It's a weird thing.
"I've been lucky. I've been lucky to have a great career and a large number of very talented people to work with along the way at all of these different WrestleManias."
After all this time, Levesque said he's still awestruck by the magnitude of the so-called "Showcase of the Immortals."
"It is a pretty cool thing," he said. "I'm in the main event of WrestleMania in front of a record-breaking crowd in Dallas. That's gonna be amazing and mind-blowing to me."
Across the ring from Triple H will be Roman Reigns, a main-event babyface whose ascension to the top of the WWE ladder has been met by occasional resistance from fans. While Triple H is Reigns' hated adversary in storylines, Levesque has nothing but praise for the youngster.
"He's a great kid, and I'm really happy for his success and how well he's done," Levesque said. "But it's a tough road and a long road. That success has come fast. Sometimes that can be a blessing and sometimes it can be a curse. So I think he's done the best that he can with it."
As for the mixed crowd reactions for Reigns, Levesque chalks that up to the changing times.
"You know, the hardest thing in this business to do now is, as a character, to either make everyone love you or everyone hate you," Levesque said with a laugh. "The world is a divided place in politics, in music and everything. Choices now, and people's opinions, are front and center more than ever. The Internet makes that readily available to everybody. They know all of the machinations of everything and the behind-the-scenes of everything, you know.
"It used to be that the good guy was the guy that didn't cheat, you know what I mean? It was just very simple. The world has changed. I think [Reigns has] done a phenomenal job. He's, you know, from a behind-the-scenes standpoint, a great human being. I'm really happy for his success, as I am for all of them."...More?
source: cbssports.com
March 28, 2016
Snoop Dogg to be Celebrity Inductee in WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016
Snoop Dogg has sold more than 37 million albums worldwide, he’s the first artist to have his debut album top the Billboard charts, and he has won American Music, MTV Video Music and Source Awards. Now, Snoop can add another accolade to his lengthy resume: WWE Hall of Famer. The music icon will be the celebrity inductee in the Class of 2016, taking his place in the Hall this Saturday, live at 8 ET/5 PT on WWE Network.
Snoop’s contributions to hip-hop almost need no introduction. After bursting onto the scene as a collaborator on Dr. Dre’s solo debut album in 1992, Snoop Dogg branched out on his own. His 1993 solo debut, Doggystyle, produced hit singles like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin & Juice,” and helped Snoop establish himself as one of hip-hop’s most revered artists.
When he’s not laying down the hottest tracks in music, Snoop is an avid member of the WWE Universe, and has even joined WWE’s Superstars and Divas to create several memorable moments. He brought his unique flair to WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, where he served as the Master of Ceremonies for what could only be described as a unique Lumberjill Match between Divas Maria & Ashley and Melina & Beth Phoenix. Coming to the ring in a custom Mercedes-Benz cart, Snoop led the Lumberjills to the squared circle and introduced the competitors in his inimitable fashion. Later, when Santino Marella tried to confront his ex-girlfriend Maria after the battle, Snoop leveled The Milan Miracle with a clothesline, then shared a smooch with the beautiful Diva.
Snoop returned to WWE in 2009 as the special guest host of Raw. Right off the bat, he showed he was more than willing to give the WWE Universe what they want, making a blockbuster matchup between John Cena and Triple H. The hip-hop icon showed that he wasn’t afraid to get physical, either, protecting Hornswoggle from a beating at the hands of Chavo Guerrero by stopping the third-generation grappler in his tracks with a huge spear.
Snoop Dogg keeps a close eye on WWE to this day, and is arguably the biggest fan of his cousin, “The Boss” Sasha Banks.
Now, the never-ending party that always follows Snoop Dogg joins the WWE Hall of Fame! How will Snoop keep the good times rolling in Dallas? Find out during the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, live and only on WWE Network this Saturday at 8 ET/5 PT.
Brock Lesnar Talks His First Run in WWE, Admits to Past Substance Abuse Problems and Leaving Wrestling to Save His Life, Talks UFC and More
When Brock Lesnar finally retires from athletic competition he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest crossover sensations the sports world has ever known.
Lesnar won an NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship at the University of Minnesota before pursuing a highly successful career in the WWE. From there he decided to try out for the NFL and made it deep into a training camp with the Minnesota Vikings.
Lesnar was asked about his decision to head to WWE straight out of college, and Lesnar said WWE made him a money offer that was too good for a “poor college kid” to turn down. He said he never watched pro wrestling growing up, and the hardest part about working in WWE was getting used to the lifestyle. He said he was not ready for it when he first started in WWE, and admitted to having substance abuse problems, mainly using Vicodin and vodka, while he was WWE Champion and on the road. Lesnar added he needed to get out of the wrestling business to save his life.
Lesnar then opted for a mixed martial arts career where he became a defending UFC heavyweight champion before eventually re-signing with the WWE where he remains one of the biggest stars in the professional wrestling world.
Lesnar then talked about his decision to try the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, and how he got his start in UFC after Dana White wouldn’t take his phone calls.
But for all his accomplishments and accolades, Lesnar swears he's not concerned about the legacy he'll leave behind one day. In fact, Lesnar couldn't even locate his UFC titles if you asked to see them.
"I'm not much for legacy," Lesnar told "SportsCenter" on Monday. "I guess people have their way of remembering what I did. I'm not about accomplishments. I don't have a trophy room. I don't have any symbolic things. I'm not a sentimental guy. I couldn't even tell you where my UFC titles are or my WWE championships or my NCAA plaque, my heavyweight plaque. I don't even now where that is right now.
"But I do know one thing -- how much money's in my bank account."
Lesnar has already accomplished more than most athletes could ever dream but the fact that he's pulling in a hefty paycheck for his current work schedule seems to be what matters most to him.
During his days with the UFC, Lesnar was the biggest draw in the sport although he's surrendered that title to Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, who have recently pulled in massive numbers for recent pay-per-view offerings.
None of that seems to matter much to Lesnar these days as he's focused on his WWE career where he's preparing for WrestleMania 32 this weekend in Dallas, Tex. where he takes on Dean Ambrose in a "No Holds Barred Street Fight".
source: foxsports.com
Details On WWE Global Cruiserweight Series Tapings
The WWE Global Cruiserweight Series tournament will be filmed over five days during the week of June 20th from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, according to PWInsider. As we've noted, tournament qualifying matches will be held at upcoming EVOLVE, PROGRESS and Revolution Pro indie events.
Triple H on the Cover of the April 2016 'Muscle and Fitness' Magazine
Always honored to be the cover of @muscle_fitness & Apr '16 is no exception. Great shoot w/1 of the best, Per Bernal pic.twitter.com/lGeufwn5xB
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 28, 2016
Another UK Promotion Hosting WWE Global Series Qualifiers
The UK's Revolution Pro Wrestling announced today that they will be hosting qualifying matches for the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. No word yet on when they will take place or what talents will be in the match. As noted, UK promotion PROGRESS Wrestling and EVOLVE will also be hosting qualifying matches.
