The Rise And Fall Of All Japan Pro Wrestling

Stephanie McMahon Talks Upcoming Book, Why She Loves Playing Heel, Being a Part of the WWE Creative Process, Triple H Proposal & More

Stephanie McMahon did another Q&A with the official WWE Facebook page talking about the process behind her upcoming book. She noted that she does have a ghost writer for the autobiography, his name is Pablo, and he created a structure that Steph is currently going through and re-writing, filing in details and telling her story in her own words.

You can check out the interview in its entirety above, which I actually recommend because it shows a very out-of-character Stephanie that’s very passionate about her family, her kids, and the work she does with WWE behind the scenes and as a character, which she loves doing. Here are the key details:

She will be talking about her home life and her experience as a mother and relationship with her daughters, which is something that doesn’t come out with Stephanie McMahon the character very much.
There will be a book tour and signings that likely correspond with WWE live tour dates.
There will be some details and stories that “shock” the WWE Universe.
Her inspiration for writing this book is that she is turning 40 soon.
Steph says that Vince is very excited for the book and has read the first half so far.
The book has a tentative release date of October 4th.
Triple H does NOT cook dinner at home, unless it can be grilled.
Steph says her kids understand that she plays a character on TV but they don’t understand why she would choose being a villain. She says it’s the most fun, and loves being a heel because the better she is, the better she can make the babyface look.
Her most embarrassing moment was having the wardrobe malfunction where Triple H gave her a Pedigree and her breasts popped out of her top, and then having Howard Stern bring it up on his show.

Cruiserweight Classic Second Round Results

WWE Announces New Roles For Booker T And Jerry Lawler After Commentary Team Changes

As noted, WWE announced new commentary teams earlier today but left Jerry Lawler off RAW and SmackDown. They just announced that Lawler and Booker T will be key analysts on WWE Network pre-shows and Kickoff specials:

In addition to the commentary booth updates on Raw, SmackDown Live and more, WWE Hall of Famers Booker T and Jerry "The King" Lawler will bring their decades of experience in sports-entertainment to recurring Pre-Shows and Kickoffs as key analysts, among other names still to be announced.

Jonathan Coachman Comments On WWE Concussion Lawsuit

ESPN posted the following video featuring Jonathan Coachman appearing on ESPN First Take to discuss the recent news of a concussion related lawsuit against WWE by a large number of former talents.

Coachman talks about his own experiences with concussions and his relationship with Vince McMahon, then says he does not like how people blame Vince for their issues. He says Vince paid them for years and has still helped them out, and in response they sue WWE and blame the company for not taking care of them.

List of WWE Names Left Off Tonight’s Draft

The following is a list of WWE.com roster names who were left off tonight’s draft due to injury or special circumstances. As noted, Heath Slater was labeled “not drafted” by WWE, and no reason was given.

Emma (out with a back injury)
Heath Slater (not drafted)
Luke Harper (Injured with a torn ACL)
Nikki Bella (out with a neck injury)
The Rock (Only makes special appearances)
Rosa Mendes (Currently on maternity leave)
Ryback (Currently amidst a contract dispute)
Tamina Snuka (Injured with torn ligaments)
Triple H (Only makes special appearances)
Tyson Kidd (Out with a spinal cord injury)
The Undertaker (Only makes special appearances)

WWE commentary gets a facelift for the New Era

It’s a New Era for the entire landscape of WWE, which continues to change and evolve with the WWE Brand Extension Draft. That includes the announce teams for WWE programming. The teams for Raw, SmackDown, "WWE Superstars" and WWE Main Event are all experiencing a major shakeup, including one major voice changing shows and several rising commentators being inserted into the lineup.

The new announce teams for WWE’s New Era will feature Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton Monday nights on Raw, while Mauro Ranallo, JBL and David Otunga handle the commentary for SmackDown Live every Tuesday night.

Also receiving a makeover will be the announce teams for WWE Superstars and WWE Main Event. Both shows will be led by Tom Phillips, and he will be joined each and every week by Graves on WWE Superstars and Otunga on WWE Main Event.

2016 WWE Draft Results

Brock Lesnar Reportedly Fails Second UFC 200 Related Drug Test

According to MMAFighting.com, in addition to failing an out of competition drug test taken by USADA from a June 28th sample prior to his UFC 200 fight, Brock Lesnar also failed an in-competition drug test prior to defeating Mark Hunt at UFC 200.

To clarify, in-competition is a window of 12 hours before and after a fight.

The report added Lesnar failed both tests for the same banned substance, and the name of the substance will not be revealed unless Lesnar first reveals it himself.

The second test will very likely be folded into the first one and be considered a single potential doping violation.

UFC’s anti-doping policy states two positive tests could be considered aggravating circumstances, potentially leading to further sanctioning.

Lesnar passed multiple drug tests before failing the one taken from a June 28th sample, and as we noted he was tested eight times in the month leading up to the fight and passed the first five tests. Lesnar has now failed at least two of the last three tests. As noted, Lesnar faces a possible two year ban from UFC.

Rumor Mill - WWE To Crown Cruiserweight Champion in the CWC?

According to PWInsider.com, the live WWE Cruiserweight Classic finale, airing on September 4th, will likely be to crown the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. The report added no talents have officially been signed for the division as of yet, but as we noted over the weekend, CWC talents Kota Ibushi and Gran Metalik have signed WWE deals.

WWE will likely be looking to sign additional CWC talents such as Zack Sabre, Jr., Lince Dorado, Jack Gallagher, Akira Tozawa and Cedric Alexander for the returning Cruiserweight division, and they might also use veteran Cruiserweight talents such as Brian Kendrick and Tajiri so there are some familiar faces on Raw in the division.

Full List Of 51 Plaintiffs Involved In WWE Lawsuit

As noted, Bloomberg reported that WWE was sued by "dozens" of retired wrestlers who are claiming that the WWE was responsible for neurological injuries they suffered from years of wrestling.

The full lawsuit is available at this link. Wrestling Inc.'s own Chris Harrington posted the full list of plaintiffs involved in the suit, which you can check out below:

A full list of all 51 Plaintiffs in the latest WWE lawsuit over CTE injuries.https://t.co/g74SmOcikk #wwecte pic.twitter.com/XkVSDlzNGG

— Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) July 19, 2016

New York State Statement On Brock Lesnar's Participation At WWE Summerslam

The New York Department of State, the body that governs the New York State Athletic Commission, issued the following statement to WrestlingINC.com in regards to questions about whether the NYSAC would prevent Brock Lesnar from performing at WWE Summerslam in Brooklyn, New York, on August 21. Due to a potential violation of USADA policy, related to drug-testing for his fight at UFC 200, Lesnar may be suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission. There have been questions about whether New York, which also regulates pro wrestling, would enforce that suspension at Summerslam.

In 2002, New York State passed legislation that scaled back the regulation of "professional wrestling" in many respects based on a recognition that the activity is entertainment rather than bona-fide athletic competition. Under current New York State law, "professional wrestling" is defined as wrestling "primarily for the purpose of providing entertainment to spectators and which does not comprise a bona fide athletic contest or competition" (NY Unconsolidated Laws section 8928-b[1]). As such, the State does not license individual wrestlers, and Mr. Lesnar is not a licensee of the New York State Athletic Commission. In the context of "professional wrestling," as defined above, the State licenses only the promoter, such as the WWE. Per New York law, among other health and safety requirements that apply to the licensing of a promoter, the event promoter is required to have a physician examine each wrestler and determine whether each wrestler is medically fit to participate.

The question of whether Mr. Lesnar is fit to participate in a "professional wrestling" event is one that will be determined by the application of the professional medical judgment of the examining physician, the policies of the WWE, and the choices made by Mr. Lesnar with regard to his own participation leading up to the event date.

It seems the state is confirming it wouldn't prevent Lesnar from participating in pro wrestling events such as WWE Summerslam due to an MMA suspension, because New York doesn't license individual wrestlers, and his participation is merely up to the physician, WWE and Lesnar himself.

New York requires all pro wrestling events to have a medical physician present, who determines whether wrestlers are medically fit to participate. WWE provides their own ringside physicians, such as Dr. Chris Amann.

WWE Issues Statement Responding to Lawsuit Filed By Former WWE Wrestlers, More Wrestlers Named as Plaintiffs

As we noted earlier today, 24 former WWE wrestlers, including Jimmy Snuka, Road Warrior Animal, Chavo Guerrero Jr and more have filed a lawsuit against WWE over brain injuries.

The lawsuit alleges WWE failed to care for wrestlers’ repetitive head injuries “in any medically competent or meaningful manner.

Additionally, the lawsuit argues that despite WWE’s ironclad control over the Plaintiffs, WWE refused and continues to refuse to classify its wrestlers as employees. WWE maintains the untenable position its wrestlers are independent contractors, requiring its wrestlers to sign unconscionable “Booking Contracts,” employment contracts of adhesion intended solely for the benefit of WWE and VKM. These contracts were drafted by WWE and its army of attorneys to restrict and abolish all of Plaintiffs’ rights and to fraudulently misrepresent and deceive both Plaintiffs and the federal government. The misclassification of wrestler-employees as “independent contractors” effectively eliminated WWE’s wrestlers’ knowledge of any employment rights they had under federal and state law, including OSHA, FMLA, and the NLR Act. The Booking Contracts are nothing more than an unconscionable scheme to save money in violation of public policy and the legal rights.

WWE has issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit:

“This is another ridiculous attempt by the same attorney who has previously filed class action lawsuits against WWE, both of which have been dismissed. A federal judge has already found that this lawyer made patently false allegations about WWE, and this is more of the same. We’re confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate as his prior attempts and be dismissed.”

WWE Announces New Cruiserweight Division, RAW And SmackDown GMs Revealed

The new WWE General Managers have been revealed - Daniel Bryan for SmackDown and Mick Foley for RAW.

The announcements were made by RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon on tonight's RAW from Providence.

Stephanie also announced that the company will be launching a new cruiserweight division and it will be exclusive to Monday nights. She said this is being done due to the success of the Cruiserweight Classic.

Jimmy Snuka, Chavo Guerrero, Road Warrior Animal, Marty Jannetty, Paul Orndorff and 19 Other Wrestlers Suing WWE Over Brain Injuries

According to Bloomberg.com, Jimmy Snuka, Road Warrior Animal and numerous other former WWE stars are all plaintiffs in a lawsuit against WWE alleging the company failed to care for wrestlers’ repetitive head injuries “in any medically competent or meaningful manner.”

WWE is also accused in the lawsuit of misrepresenting and concealing the nature of long-term neurological injuries they suffered during their careers. The following is a list of plaintiffs who have joined the lawsuit, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet:

Paul Orndorff
Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Bryan Clark aka Adam Bomb
Ahmed Johnson
Kamala
Dave Hebner
Earl Hebner
King Kong Bundy
Ken Patera
Sabu

More?

Draft rules revealed: Everything you need to know about the WWE Draft

With this Tuesday's WWE Draft on the premiere of SmackDown Live on USA Network fast approaching, WWE.com answers the biggest questions of the WWE Universe with a breakdown of the official rules, regulations and procedures for one of the biggest nights in WWE history — including a major update that will change the face of NXT as well.

The rules for the WWE Draft are as follows:

Raw has the first overall pick
Since SmackDown Live is a two-hour show and Raw is three hours, for every two picks SmackDown Live receives, Raw will receive three picks
Tag teams count as one pick unless a Commissioner/General Manager specifically only wants one member of the team​
Six draft picks will be made off the NXT roster​

The list of current WWE Superstars eligible for the WWE Draft will be as follows:

*Triple H and The Undertaker are not on the list

More?

Falcons Alum Signs with TNA Wrestling

During his time in the NFL, Quinn Ojinnaka earned his keep by performing the grueling (and often thankless) tasks of an offensive lineman. He was a versatile guard/tackle who was capable of filling in when needed, and typically not someone whom the media watched closely.

Ojinnaka’s journey into pro wrestling, however, has shown him what it’s like to be a star.

After two years with the wrestling company Ring of Honor, Ojinnaka, who goes by “Moose” in the ring, became the subject of widespread speculation when his last contract expired. Dubbed the biggest name in the sport’s free agency, it was unclear whether he’d re-sign with ROH or head elsewhere. Rumors swirled; Ojinnaka remained coy on social media.

The answer came last Tuesday night, as Moose made a surprise appearance on IMPACT WRESTLING’s live show, Destination X, confirming he joined the company TNA. He surprised fans by interrupting the Title vs. Title Main Event, showed off his new finishing move, The Gamebreaker, and took out both wrestlers to end the night.

“It was the first time in about two years I had nerves running through my body,” Ojinnaka, who spent four years with the Falcons, said. “I was shaking. It’s always a great experience when my music hits and I walk out there. It’s a new chapter and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. It was definitely amazing. It was a surreal experience”

Ojinnaka’s transition to a new home marks a big step in his career. At TNA, the second-biggest wrestling company out there, he’ll get to face top competition on a regular basis. He’ll receive plenty of exposure, too, thanks to TNA’s broadcast deal and production value.

“It was a bit stressful because of all the craziness that came with it, but I feel like I made the right decision,” he said. “I’m with TNA and ready to roll.”

source: atlantafalcons.com

Sarah Stock grateful to contribute to ‘limitless’ potential of Women’s division

When Sarah Stock first traveled to Mexico in 2003, she arrived eager to learn all she could about the unique art of lucha libre, even though she spoke no Spanish and had barely a year of ring experience to lean on.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, knew she wanted to pattern her career after the paths laid out by her heroes, fellow Canadians like Chris Jericho and Owen Hart, which meant first establishing herself in her home country and then traveling abroad to expand her skill set in faraway places. What she didn’t realize then was that her sojourn to Mexico, which was supposed to last only three months, would take on a life of its own.

By the time Stock finally left, to accept a coaching position at the WWE Performance Center, 12 years had passed, and the luchadora once known as “The Dark Angel” had evolved into one of the most internationally acclaimed female wrestlers. She learned Spanish, sure, but she also toured Japan and the United States, capturing titles wherever she went, all while maintaining a home base in Mexico, where the opportunities to perform were plentiful. Along the way, she notched historic milestones, too, such as becoming the first female wrestler to force an opponent to unmask inside Arena Mexico, the country’s oldest venue.

Now looking to instill perseverance and mental toughness — “the two things you need to be a survivor in this industry” — in NXT’s recruits, Stock said the transition from competitor to coach has been more fulfilling than she ever imagined.

“When you’re in the ring, you think there can’t be anything more rewarding than an entire arena cheering for you,” she said. “Then you help somebody understand something about wrestling in the ring, or you see a lightbulb go off for somebody who’s new, and it’s even more rewarding.”

After acing a series of guest-coaching stints, Stock officially joined the Performance Center staff in October 2015, just as the Divas-turned-Women’s Revolution was truly taking hold in WWE. With a primary focus of instructing the female Superstars of tomorrow, Stock has quickly proven herself a valuable member of the team.

“It’s been really cool to have a second female opinion, because the girls get another chance, a different viewpoint, but still somebody who’s relatable for them,” Assistant Head Coach Sara Amato said. “She’s been a much-needed addition.”

More?

Brock Lesnar Comments On Possible USADA Violation, Other Tests Came Back Clean, Mark Hunt Ultimatum

As noted, the UFC announced Friday night that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation from an out-of-competition sample collection taken on June 28, 2016. Lesnar issued a short statement to the Associated Press, saying, "We'll get to the bottom of this."

The Associated Press also reported that they received three letters from USADA to Lesnar informing him that he had passed tests on three other samples collected in mid-June, days before the sample with the potential violation was collected.

Lesnar's opponent at UFC 200, Mark Hunt, said that he wants UFC to "sort" the situation out or he wants his release.

"They say they are trying to clean up the sport, but it doesn't feel like it," Hunt told MarkHunt.TV. "The UFC is basically saying if you cheat you won't be penalised.

"This is the third time I've had to fight a cheater in my career. The other two times I didn't ask for compensation, but this is the third time and I'm sick of them getting away with cheating. I've told Dana that I want a release from the UFC if they don't sort this out."

WWE Issues Statement Over Possible Brock Lesnar USADA Violation, Lesnar Still Set For SummerSlam?

From WWE.com:

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential policy violation, stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on June 28, 2016, according to a statement released by UFC on Friday afternoon and reported on by ESPN and other news sources.

Lesnar successfully returned to the UFC against Mark Hunt 12 days later on July 9 at UFC 200. The results of the sampling were received by USADA on July 14.

UFC released the following statement on the matter via Twitter

Statement by UFC on potential anti-doping violation by Brock Lesnar: pic.twitter.com/oydm46UzC5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2016

"Brock Lesnar has not performed for WWE since WrestleMania and is not scheduled to return until Sunday, August 21."

Brock Lesnar Flagged For Potential Doping Violation; UFC Issues Statement

The UFC announced on Friday that Brock Lesnar has been informed of a potential anti-doping violation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The possible positive test stems from an out-of-competition sample that was collected on June 28.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the UFC said in a news release. “It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.”

The results of the test were received on July 14, five days after Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt in his return to the Octagon.

Lesnar will now await the results of a B sample to see if the positive test is confirmed.

Looking back, UFC 200 was supposed to be the biggest event in the history of mixed martial arts and has ended up being a complete disaster. Jon Jones was scratched from the card after he also tested positive for a banned substance. Jones’ fight against Daniel Cormier was supposed to be the main event, replacing the previous main event which was tossed out due to the embarrassing dispute between Conor McGregor and the UFC (read more about that here).

If Lesnar’s B sample confirms he tested positive for a banned substance, he’ll be suspended from future competition.

source: msn.com

WWE Sends Cease & Desist Letters To Indy Promoters

PWInsider.com is reporting that a variety of independent pro wrestling promoters received cease and desist letters from WWE today. The letters informed the promoters that they are utilizing WWE owned photographs on advertising materials to promote former WWE contracted talents. After speaking with one of the promoters who has received the WWE’s request I can confirm that WWE is giving the promoters five days to stop using the images.

Christy Hemme Compares Triple H To Hulk Hogan; Talks Working With Stephanie McMahon

Christy says HHH gives to everyone while Hulk Hogan is more about himself:

"Hulk is great for Hulk. Triple H is great for business. You know, as far as like, bringing people in, bringing people up...he was always giving to the people...Hulk is like an icon and he is legendary and he is building his own brand."

What it's really like to work with Stephanie McMahon:

"I really love her. She is so poised and so powerful and as a female...She had worked on a couple of my segments and I was always lost when she was talking to me in the moments because she is really one of those people that she's a really good producer...She's really good at connecting and pulling something out of you that she's looking for...but she's softer in like, she's a warm person. She's a strong person but she's a warm person and she's passionate about the females so she's always fighting for them"

Triple H On WWE NXT And The WWE Draft, Bret Hart's Recent Comments, Brock Lesnar, Shinsuke Nakamura

To hear Paul Levesque talk about NXT is akin to hearing a father beam with pride about his firstborn son.

By day, Levesque is the WWE's executive vice president of talent, live events and creative. By night -- though much more infrequently these days -- he's 14-time world heavyweight champion Triple H.

But for all intents and purposes, Levesque is the heart and soul behind NXT, WWE's developmental territory, which has grown to become a legitimate third brand, providing in-house competition for Raw and SmackDown.

Created in 2012, NXT was designed to develop new talent and, in Levesque's words, "bring in a new era of WWE." But even the father of NXT himself has been surprised at how quickly it has grown into something more.

"It's hard for me to imagine that just a few short years ago, NXT was kind of just a concept that we had," Levesque said. "How quickly it has become something so much more than that."

With an old-school feel to the way it's booked and presented, the brand has created a cult following, offering hard-core wrestling fans a much different product from what WWE has traditionally aired on television in recent years. In fact, Levesque outright refers to NXT as the "bedrock" of the WWE Network, where it exclusively airs.

In response to Thursday's announcement that 2K Sports is releasing a collector's NXT edition to their "WWE 2K17" video game, limited to just 50,000 copies on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Levesque took time to answer questions on a number of topics, including NXT's growth.

More?

Cruiserweight Classic First Round Results

WWE Airing Draft Center Experience & Live Smackdown Pre-Show

WWE announced that they will be airing a special WWE Draft Center Live second screen experience during Tuesday's live SmackDown. There will also be a SmackDown pre-show on Tuesday at 7/6 C, followed by a SmackDown post-show at 10/9 C, both on the WWE Network.

John Cena Signs New Entertainment Deal

John Cena continues to make major strides outside of the ring. It was revealed today that Cena has signed a new development deal with Leftfield Entertainment for unscripted TV and online projects. Leftfield Entertainment had produced American Grit on FOX, which was hosted by Cena. Several projects are already under development between Cena and Leftfield, with Cena serving as an executive producer via his Hard Nocks South production banner.

"Whether I'm in the ring for WWE or on a TV or film set, I approach all of my work the same way – with focus, authenticity and total commitment," Cena said in a statement. "I'm eager to bring that same work ethic to the team at Leftfield, and to create new kinds of programming that can inspire and push people to be their best. I'm living proof of what you can accomplish when that happens."

"There's nowhere you can go with John Cena without eliciting respect, pure joy and excitement from everyone he meets," Leftfield Entertainment CEO David George added. "Beyond his physical strength and presence, his humor, strength of character and genuine desire to give back always comes through. That's an inspiring place from which to create entertainment content, so we're extremely proud and happy to be in business with John."

Val Venis Opens Up About The Chair Shot From Triple H That Changed His Life

You likely remember Val Venis from his time in the WWE. He worked for the company for over a decade from 1998-2009 in various roles. He is a European, Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion with the WWE during his tenure. Since leaving the WWE, Val Venis has still wrestled independently along with owning his own Medical Marijuana business. In a heartfelt facebook post, he recently spoke about the chair shot that changed his life. It is a really detailed post about the brain injury he suffered as well as his recovery.
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Val Venis (real name Sean Morely) posted this on his Facebook page about the chair shot from Triple H that changed his life:

THE CHAIR SHOT THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

It was a November 2005 match against HHH where I took one of the most vicious chair shots to the head the wrestling industry had ever seen. This chair shot was a humbling and very scary experience. Prior to that chair shot, I felt indestructible. After that chair shot, I realized I was mortal. I never said anything to the staff, trainers, medics or any of my colleagues as I wanted to continue performing on the road and knew I would be pulled off the road if I mentioned anything about the chair shot rattling my brain into a heavy concussion. I did not even tell Lourdes at the time as I knew she would have called the office and spilled the beans. I spent almost 1 full year with one pupil dilated wide open while the other pupil was the size of a pin hole. I experienced nausea for about a month but it soon subsided. Ringing in my ears was the norm for quit a few months after this chair shot. I had many sleepless nights, found reading difficult as my focus was drastically reduced. Remembering spots or finishes became noticeably difficult for a few months after that chair shot. I remember feeding HHH and getting my hand up followed by looking up at the ceiling of the arena not knowing where I was or even what I was doing there. I’m guessing it took about 10 seconds or so before I realized I was performing in a match and I needed to finish out this segment. I do not recall taking the pedigree afterwards or even being back in the ring after said chair shot. My ears rang at a constant level for quite some time afterwards. Needless to say, in March 2010, I was joyful over the fact the WWE banned chair shots to the head. I would like to see all wrestling companies ban chair shots to the head. It’s just not worth fucking up your brain or your life. I can honestly say that chair shot to my head began one of the most difficult years of my life and I could not tell anyone. Brain injuries take a long time to heal if the brain ever does actually heal. I had taken many chair shots to the head prior to that one November 2005 match with HHH. None caused me any grief or noticeable injuries. That said, it only takes one heavy blow to the head where you feel the lasting, annoying and extremely frustrating effects that will throw a monkey wrench into everything that defines you as a human being. WWE absolutely did the right thing banning chair shots to the head. Performers who cling to the old school mentality of “if your not tough enough to take a chair shot, you should not be in the business” are putting their lives in serious jeopardy. It’s extremely difficult to put into words how it feels to have a severe concussion. It’s life changing. I do regret not speaking up and seeking treatment at the time and if I could go back in time, I would have sought treatment and not have worried so much about losing a spot on the roster. I appauld the WWE taking the initiative to ban chair shots to the head. The company did a tremendous favor to the current crop of WWE Superstars. Let’s hope other wrestling companies around the world follow the WWE’s lead and adopt the same policy. Hopefully, in the future I can appauld the WWE for changing their policy in regards to cannabis. Cannabis absolutely helps brain injuries. But that is another rant for another time.

Daniel Bryan On Triple H's Idea For CWC Being Annual, If WWE Should Bring Back Cruiserweight Title

Daniel Bryan recently took part in a media conference call to promote the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, which kicks off tonight on the WWE Network. The Fan Garage was on the call, here are a couple of questions that they asked:

If we could expect similar tournaments from WWE in the future:

"I can't say I know. But when Triple H had talked about it... he had mentioned that he wanted to make this an annual thing. He thinks that it's a great show for the Network to have, and I say why not? I mean it's a great concept.

"As for the tournaments, I don't know what the WWE wants to do going forward, but I have been a fan of tournaments for a long time, so we will wait and see. if this thing takes off, who knows... we may see another one on RAW (laughs)."

If WWE should bring back the WWE Cruiserweight title:

"You know, that's a fascinating question because so many of the top guys now would be considered cruiserweights back when WCW had the first cruiserweight matches those many years ago. The cruiserweight championship I remember was for 225 lbs and under (102 kgs) and the Cruiserweight Classic is 205 lbs and under.

"But if you look at the WWE roster today, everybody is a bit smaller because now, fans want more action which requires more mobility, which requires you to be a bit lighter.

"One of the things that I think we will see is that some of these guys who are say only 160 lbs., which might be 75 kgs, they are amazing and people want to see them. So, I wouldn't be surprised, especially with the brand extension set to come, that the WWE does restart the Cruiserweight championship."

Bryan also discussed if there are other wrestlers he would have liked to have seen in the CWC, Kota Ibushi and more. You can read more from the call by clicking here.

Meet the Cruiserweight Classic Alternates

Over the past month, the WWE Universe has become familiar with the 32 grapplers from around the world that will take part in the first-ever Cruiserweight Classic.

Anything can happen, however, during the 10 weeks the CWC will play out. The mat game is grueling, and injuries are always a threat to competitors, especially those with high-risk styles. Plus, the strict 205-pound weight limit for the tournament means that the wrong meal could lead to an early exit.

So, what happens if one of the initial 32 competitors can’t continue in the tournament? WWE officials prepared for the worst and have five alternates ready to step in, should the need arise. The WWE Universe may have seen them in training at the WWE Performance Center on social media, but WWE.com caught up with these elite competitors at the Cruiserweight Classic Combine to learn more about them and how they’re preparing in case their name gets called. Click here.

Dana White confirms $4 billion UFC sale to WME/IMG

UFC president Dana White confirmed late Sunday night the accuracy of a New York Times report that the company had been sold for approximately $4 billion to a group headed by talent agency WME/IMG.

White told Yahoo Sports via text message that he would remain with the company. The new group bought the shares of the company owned by Frank Fertitta (40.5 percent), Lorenzo Fertitta (40.5 percent) and White (9 percent).

The Abu Dhabi-based Flash Entertainment, which purchased 10 percent of the UFC in 2010, will keep its share for now. White said he will remain as an owner, president and head of day-to-day operations and the Fertittas have a minority interest in the new company, but he could not disclose specifics.

“I’m obviously bummed about not being in business with my best friend [Lorenzo Fertitta] and my partners of 20 years,” White said. “I am happy about the future of the UFC, the sport and my role moving forward.”

In 2001, White and the Fertitta brothers purchased the company for $2 million from Semaphore Entertainment Group. Each Fertitta had 45 percent at that point and White had 10 percent. In 2010, the Fertitta brothers sold 9 percent and White 1 percent to bring on Flash.

The UFC struggled in those early days and by 2004, the company was more than $40 million in the hole. It funded the entire cost of the first season of the reality series “The Ultimate Fighter” on Spike in a last ditch effort to save the company.

White has said the show was the Trojan horse that allowed the company to reach the 18-to-34-year-old demographic that would become its strongest constituency.

ESPN reported in May that the company was up for sale, which White denied. He said on “The Dan Patrick Show” the day after the ESPN report that the company wasn’t up for sale, but this time added, “if someone comes to us with $4 billion, we’ll talk.”

Last month, FloCombat reported the sale had been completed and that White would stay on. The UFC denied that report too, saying it had written a letter to its employees telling them it wasn’t true.

On Sunday, The New York Times reported that the WME/IMG group also included private equity firms Silver Lake and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and an investment company owned by Dell Computers founder Michael Dell.

WME/IMG is not expected to play an active role in running the company.

Ari Emanuel, the brother of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is close with the Fertitta brothers and has represented the UFC in the past. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is represented by WME.

The sale is expected to close before UFC 202 on Aug. 20.

Brock Lesnar's UFC 200 Purse Revealed

Brock Lesnar's purse for defeating Mark Hunt in the co-main event of UFC 200 last night was $2.5 million, according to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports.

This is not only Lesnar's biggest UFC payday but the highest guaranteed pay for any UFC fighter in history. Conor McGregor was previously guaranteed $1 million in March for UFC 196.

Lesnar will also receive money for pay-per-view sales.