Earlier today, Triple H and trainer Joe DeFranco noted on social media they filmed content for “Mission Possible”, a show featuring former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand.
LeGrand was paralyzed after a spinal cord injury on October 16th 2010, and is looking to share his motivational story with people and spoke to WWE.com. You can read a few excerpts below:
LeGrand talks about what his new show “Mission Possible” is about:
We did a piece up in New England with Tom Brady and Boston Marathon survivor and double-amputee Jami [Goldman Marseilles]. We got to roll that one out on “FOX NFL Sunday.” We’re doing other incredible stories, people we found that show they’re not letting their disability hold them back. They’re living their lives to the fullest. And that’s what it’s all about. That’s how I try to live my life.
Eric LeGrand talks about meeting Triple H:
Oh man, Triple H was awesome. Just hearing him speak a little bit about his career and about how we’re inspirations to him, that’s really cool. As a kid, you watch Triple H and almost see him as a supervillain. And now, as I’m older, just being able to have a conversation with him and for him to invite us to different events, that’s amazing.
LeGrand talks about what it was like visiting WWE headquarters:
Being a northeast guy, I’ve driven up I-95 so many times, and you pass by WWE Headquarters and you’re like, “Wow, I wonder what goes on in there.” Now, to actually be in there, it’s like a childhood dream to get a tour, to see where some of the people work, to see some of the championships, props and materials. Just hearing the lifestyles of what these guys have to do — being on the road 300 days of the year — it’s pretty crazy. So, being able to come to WWE’s headquarters and do this episode with Triple H is honestly an honor.
October 26, 2016
Former Rutgers Player Eric LeGrand Comments On Filming For ‘Mission Possible’ At WWE Headquarters, Meeting Triple H
Billy Corgan - TNA Lawsuit Update
The Tennessean’s Nate Rau is present at the Billy Corgan / TNA Wrestling hearing today, and is live tweeting some notes about today’s events (events from Rau’s account are summarized below):
It was noted that Dixie Carter is present, however Corgan is represented by his attorney, Scott Sims.
Sims claims his client saved TNA Wrestling on three separate occasions. Sims claims Corgan and Carter entered a pledge agreement that included an insolvency cause, and that TNA misled Corgan about the company’s various debts. It was noted that proving both of these points is crucial to the lawsuit.
Corgan was named President of TNA, but excluded from management decisions, and there is no doubt TNA is insolvent. In regards to a transfer of ownership, TNA’s defense argues no deal making Corgan owner was approved, and Sims says they ‘basically have a pledge with a voting proxy.’
It is said by TNA that financial situation is the same as when Corgan signed his pledge agreement, but Sims says Corgan did not know how much debt TNA was in when he put up money to finance tapings. TNA says talents not being paid is due to the lawsuit, but Sims says it is untrue and TNA is insolvent, noting a 52% increase in liabilities since June, and argues total debts are likely higher.
Sims confirms WWE negotiations, saying there’s been no effort for TNA to assign a value to assets, including the TNA video library, and that WWE submitted a lower offer than their first one.
Sims says WWE’s offer is lower than Corgan’s estimate of TNA’s total liabilites. It is argued in defense that WWE and others may have offered to invest in TNA, but it does not prove the company is not insolvent. Rau notes Sims said Corgan is owed $1.8 million from Anthem, who owns the TNA video library license rights.
Anthem’s previous press release about funding TNA is referenced, noting Corgan’s debt would be paid, and Aroluxe’s Jason Brown would become new CEO. Sims says Carter made Corgan an offer to buy her out, then says she emailed WWE to say she won’t sell to them until Corgan is gone. This would conclude Sims’ argument, with TNA lawyers set to speak.
October 25, 2016
Chyna’s Mother Gains Control Of Her Daughter’s Estate
Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting Janet LaQue, Joanie “Chyna” Laurer’s mother, will be taking control of her daughter’s estate to keep it from being run by a former manager.
LaQue sent Pro Wrestling Sheet a statement saying her court petition to seize control of the estate was approved, adding that this was a big deal for her. She said she is now starting the process of looking into the estate’s activities since Chyna’s death.
It was previously reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet that LaQue was requesting the case for her daughter’s death be reexamined, claiming former manager Anthony Anzaldo was not completely honest about details of the investigation, even claiming Chyna might have fired him before she had died.
Pro Wrestling Sheet says Anzaldo told them: “I’m not at war with Chyna’s mother. She should be the executor. I was just here, merely, to help when it was asked upon me.”
More From Billy Corgan's TNA Lawsuit: WWE, Replacing Management, Wanting Control Of The Company
A redacted version of Billy Corgan's lawsuit against TNA was unsealed today. A lot of it was information that was already known, but here are some details from the lawsuit courtesy of The Tennessean:
* Dollar figures and other details regarding the company's operations were blacked out.
* A hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday.
* Corgan granted an injunction wanting control of the company. He claims that he entered a loan agreement with Dixie Carter who agreed to give Corgan 100% of her stake in the company. Corgan says that the agreement was not honored and he has not been granted control of the company.
* On October 12th, Corgan notified the defendants that he was exercising his right, as holder of (Carter's) voting rights in Impact Ventures, to remove all of the company's managers and have them replaced with his own team.
* Corgan said that the company is "insolvent," meaning that they are unable to pay their debts and their liabilities exceed the value of its assets.
* TNA owed money to Aroluxe Marketing. Corgan invested month into Impact Ventures in order to prevent the company from defaulting on their debt to Aroluxe, which would have allowed Aroluxe to foreclose on TNA's assets.
* It was noted that TNA entered into debt-equity agreements with The Fight Network's parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corporation, which owns the licensing rights to its video library.
* Corgan said that Carter told TNA talent that WWE was looking to but its video library and asked that his loan agreement be recognized, which would allow him to take over the company.
Daughters Of DDP, Hulk Hogan And Others Starting A New Wrestling Promotion
Diamond Dallas Page's daughter Brittany reveals that she's starting a women's wrestling promotion to go against TNA Impact Wrestling, along with Hulk Hogan's daughter Brooke Hogan, Lacey Von Erich of the legendary Von Erich family, Roddy Piper's daughter Ariel Toombs and Bianca Brigitte VanDamme, daughter of Jean-Claude VanDamme. She also mentions Christy Hemme being involved, apparently in an authority role.
Page says they have surprises lined up and are very excited about the project and that her dad will be involved because fans want to see the first generation vs. the second generation.
October 24, 2016
TNA Files Legal Response to Billy Corgan Lawsuit, Details on What Happens Next and the Chances of a Settlement
According to PWInsider.com, earlier this afternoon in a Nashville Chancery Court, TNA filed a legal response to Billy Corgan’s lawsuit. The response documents remain sealed, but the report noted 12 pieces of material were submitted to support a defense argument TNA is making regarding the proof of solvency, which was originally published in a 2007 article in The Business Lawyer. As noted, Billy Corgan previously claimed TNA is insolvent, which in legal jargon means a person or persons has ceased to pay its debts in the ordinary course of business, or cannot pay its debts as they become due, or is insolvent within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code. TNA will attempt to use the 2007 Business Lawyer article about proof of solvency as precedent in the case, as Dixie Carter is claiming the company is not insolvent.
Furthermore, PWInsider is reporting Billy Corgan’s lawyers will file a redacted version of their lawsuit tomorrow at around 3pm. The lawsuit will be redacted as Corgan feels there are details in the lawsuit that should not be made public, as they could be harmful to TNA if discovered by competitors.
It’s being said any chance of a settlement in the case will hinge on what transpires in the next twenty-four hours, to prevent Corgan’s allegations against TNA from becoming public record.
New Streaming Player With WWE Connections Expected to Announce the Acquisition of Independent Pro Wrestling Content
According to PWInsider.com, FloSports, a tech company based out of Austin, TX, built around live, streaming subscription content, has been in contact with a number of top independent professional wrestling companies, regarding bringing their content to the FloSports platform. Over the past year, FloSports has been streaming live sporting events, and last week the company unveiled apps for Roku and AppleTV as a way to expand their reach as a streaming platform.
Back in August of this year, FloSports issued a press release, and the following is a release excerpt, noting World Wrestling Entertainment is one of the investors in the budding tech company:
FloSports today announced it has received $21.2 million in new funding to accelerate the online sports network’s growth into new sports and expand its existing verticals. DCM Ventures and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI) led the financing, with participation from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Discovery Communications and existing investor Causeway Media Partners.
PWInsider is adding FloSports is planning to make a number of announcements this week revealing relationships with independent wrestling promotions which will see their content exclusively shift over to Flosports for streaming. As of now the plan is to charge $20 a month for access to live and video on demand programming, including older events and documentary style features, under the name FloSlam.
It’s also worth noting that background images for the FloSlam website, which you can check out at this link, feature John Cena and Randy Orton while a “People” section on the website includes just about the full WWE roster, complete with profiles. Images used on social media also feature WWE Superstars.
October 23, 2016
Billy Corgan Wants Details On TNA And WWE Sale Negotiations
Documents obtained by Pro Wrestling Sheet pertaining to Billy Corgan‘s lawsuit against TNA Wrestling reveal he is pursuing all correspondence that the company had with WWE about a potential buyout dating back to January 2016.
The lawsuit reads that Corgan's legal team want to see “all documents sent or received from WWE or any of its representatives from January 1, 2016 to present.”
Corgan wants TNA to admit they have to default on a loan which they were suppose to pay him back in June. This would allow Corgan more control over the company including firing top executives and installing his own team.
As reported by PWInsider, Corgan wants the company to admit that they can’t pay their debts. Carter and Impact Ventures, however, have both filed responses saying they’re not insolvent.
Corgan has also requested that the location of TNA’s tape library be disclosed.
Bankdirect Capital Finance, LLC Files Lawsuit Against TNA
Yes, another ONE has emerged out of nowhere. This one has been filed in Cook County, Illinois for late charges, interest and attorney fees.
This lawsuit is for $207,612.29 and it was filed against TNA Entertainment, LLC on 9/29. BankDirect paid TNA $400,146.00 so that TNA could pay insurance premiums. An agreement was made for TNA to give money back to BankDirect, but they are still $207,612.29 behind on paying them back. TNA was supposed to make ten monthly payments of $41,032.45. The new lawsuit was first reported by Dave Meltzer over on The Wrestling Observer.
TNA has lawsuits filed by the following companies:
Audience Of One production company – $223,000 plus interest and post-judgment costs
Billy Corgan – most of the lawsuit details are sealed
Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment – $114,500.02
American Express Travel Related Services Company – $269,040.50
Dwayne Johnson Developing Wrestling Comedy at Fox
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is going back to his beginnings for his latest project.
Fox has nabbed a hot comedy from the wrestler-turned-superstar and producer Will Ferrell, inspired by the real life experiences of Johnson and former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz, Variety has learned.
The project, hailing from Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions, received a put pilot commitment at Fox. Andrew Gurland, who created FX’s “Married,” will write the pilot script.
The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional professional wrestling outfit and chronicles the one-of-a-kind odd couple relationship that develops between a charismatic young character, like the The Rock, and a painfully awkward comedy writer new to the world of wrestling. A fish-out-of-water among all of these alpha males, this beta former sitcom writer needs as much help as he can get navigating the extremely passionate, sometimes crazy and always unpredictable world of professional wrestling.
“This November will mark the 20th anniversary of my professional wrestling debut,” said Johnson. “I was 24 years old, putting in the hard work, making $40 bucks per match and had no clue of the long journey that lay ahead of me with characters and backstage stories so colorful you’d think there’s no way that can be true. The entertaining show that goes on in front of the crowd pales in comparison to the insanely entertaining show that goes on backstage. Brian and myself can’t wait to tell our stories.”
Gewirtz added: “Coming from Hollywood to the wrestling industry, with its intense backstage atmosphere and larger than life personalities, was a major culture shock. After working in the business for over 15 years, Dwayne and I had encounters and experiences that were unbelievable as well as unforgettable. We can’t wait to bring this project to the fans.”
October 22, 2016
Bruce Prichard discusses how TNA botched Bobby Roode’s contract talks in 2013, Dixie Carter’s mishandling of talent pay
On this week’s episode of Bruce Prichard’s podcast “Something To Wrestle With,” the main topic of discussion was Prichard’s run with TNA Wrestling. Prichard joined the company in 2010 and eventually became VP of Talent Relations. He worked with TNA until July of 2013.
There are tons of TNA stories included in the podcast but one of the most interesting stories is about former TNA World Champion Bobby Roode. Prichard said that, in 2013, Roode’s contract was supposed to roll over for another year so essentially TNA had the option to extend it for one more year. Prichard said that he signed it well ahead of time and he had the emails and copy of the signature. Prichard said that he got a call from Roode saying that his contract expires in 3 days and he had not heard anything from the TNA office. Prichard responded, “Bobby, I sent you an extension. I signed your roll over a couple of months ago.” Prichard then forwarded the email to Roode but this was the first time that he had heard about any of this. Roode’s contract stipulated that he had the option to negotiate elsewhere if TNA did not sign off on the rollover.
Prichard went to the person that was supposed to mail out the original signed contract that was supposed to be sent to Roode and he says that the person told him that she mailed it out so he asked for a copy of the bill showing that it was mailed out. Prichard said that her face (the person at the TNA office) kind of went white like she saw a ghost and said “well, I don’t know if I can get that.” Prichard was told that there was a problem with their FedEx account so they were only using UPS. Prichard knew at that point that the roll over contract was never sent out to Roode. Prichard said that “the folks that were in charge of actually doing that felt that Bobby Roode wasn’t necessarily necessary and that if his contract expired then they wouldn’t be obligated to pay him what his contract called for and they could renegotiate at a lower rate. The problem with that is that Bobby Roode was worth every penny that he was being paid [and] probably more. The other thing about it was that we had him figured into our [creative] plans. We had long-term plans with Bobby.”
October 21, 2016
Billy Corgan Says TNA Is Insolvent; Corgan To Approve New Business Deals, Tape Library Note
Court documents in Billy Corgan's lawsuit against TNA and others were unsealed today. One such document, a temporary restraining order against the defendants (TNA, TNA's parent company Impact Ventures LLC, Dixie Carter, her husband Serg Salinas, and TNA Chief Financial Officer Dean Broadhead), revealed that Corgan claims that Impact Ventures is "insolvent."
In part, the order provides that Corgan "is likely to prevail on the merits of its claims because Impact Ventures LLC is insolvent, and, as a result, plaintiff is entitled to exercise controlling voting rights in the company."
Also, the order dictates that TNA and Impact Ventures are prohibited from taking any action without Corgan's consent. Essentially, this means that TNA cannot enter into any new business deals without Corgan's approval.
Additionally, neither side of the litigation may sell TNA or its tape library until ordered by the Court. This development may put TNA in a difficult position; however, it also prevents Corgan from selling his claim to TNA to a third party.
Richie Steamboat Talks NXT Injury That Ended His Career, If He Might Return To The Ring
Former FCW Heavyweight Richie Steamboat was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. During the interview he discussed the Hall of Fame career of his father, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, as well as his time in FCW. They sent us these highlights.
Watching tapes of old matches to hone his craft:
"To know where you're going, you have to know where you've been. In professional wrestling, even are far back as the 50s and the 60s, understanding the business and how far it's come, and the changes that have happened over the time... Going back to the territory days and watching film, I got a lot of my passion from [that]. As a young kid (I was born in 1987), and my dad retired in '94, so I didn't get a lot of years to watch my father live on TV, so I would go back through old footage and watch things. Not only his wrestling match, I would watch The Four Horsemen, Tully Blanchard, Harley Race, all the legends of our sport."
Being told to wear a mouthguard in Japan:
"I was 21 at the time, maybe 20. What a life-changing experience that wasn't a culture shock for me. Not just the wrestling aspect of it, but the whole Japanese culture. I have Japanese in my blood, my grandmother is full Japanese, and it was my first experience in Japan. What a wonderful time I had with the culture and the fans, and the friends that I made there. But the wrestling is much different than it is here in the states. It's on the front page of the paper, next to the sumo wrestling and the baseball. It's a real sport.
"I'll give you and example. The first thing they asked me when I got to the [Pro Wrestling Noah] dojo, I put my bags down, they asked me if I had a mouthpiece. Because every single night, every show I went to, there [were] multiple people getting knocked out, shoot knocked out every single night, and it is legit."
Why he was forced to retire from in-ring competition:
"The [back] injury couldn't have happened at a worse time in my career. It was really getting to the point where things were taking off, all the hard work I had done for so many years was paying off. I was having a feud with Kassius Ohno on NXT, and I injured my back doing a moonsault. I landed wrong and I lost feeling in everything from my chin down. I could still move everything, but I couldn't feel anything. Over the next few days, feeling started to come back to me, and I wrestled through it. I worked several more weeks and really kind of kept my mouth shut about it because I was given this position and I wanted to make the most of it, I didn't want to give up that opportunity.
"And it got to the point where my son at the time was like two or three and I couldn't even pick him up. I sat down and talked to the WWE doctors to discuss things with then and I flew up to Pittsburgh to see some specialists. The best idea for my career and my future would be to kind of put the breaks on for a little bit and get some things fixed in my back."
A possible return to the ring:
"I've always had that itch for wrestling. It's always been missing from my life... I feel good, my back feels good. I've really been listening to my body and how I feel. I weigh about 215. I love the sport of professional wrestling, I love all the fans, and I appreciate everyone so much and everything that they've given to me. Their cheers and everything that goes along with the sport. I just feel like I need to give back. I don't know, we'll see what happens."
Steamboat also talked about Ricky Steamboat's return to WrestleMania XXV, wrestling dozens of house show matches against Chris Jericho during WM and Backlash season, and more. You can check out the full interview here.
First Case of CTE Diagnosed in MMA Fighter
He was only 25, but Jordan Parsons was a cage fighter, a professional mixed martial artist who on his best nights beat his opponents into submission. On his worst nights, Parsons was sent spiraling to the canvas by devastating blows to his head.
Now, six months after he was struck and killed as a pedestrian by an alleged drunken driver, Parsons is the first fighter in the multibillion-dollar MMA industry to be publicly identified as having been diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The diagnosis was disclosed to the Globe by Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist who first discovered CTE in a professional football player (in 2003) and a professional wrestler (2007).
Omalu also announced the discovery of CTE in professional wrestler Jon Rechner, whose ring name was Balls Mahoney, as well as signs of early stages of the disease in Rechner’s tag team partner, Brian Knighton, who went by Axl Rotten. Both died this year at age 44...More?
source: bostonglobe.com
October 19, 2016
The Fight Network's Parent Company Issues Statement On TNA, Helping TNA Pay Debt To Billy Corgan
The Fight Network's parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corporation, which owns a stake in TNA, sent us the following statement regarding their relationship with TNA. It was noted that they offered to provide TNA funding to repay the loans made by Billy Corgan and that they are "positioned to provide additional transitional assistance to the company":
Toronto – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. ("Anthem"), the parent company of Fight Network, today confirmed that it recently made a working capital loan to fund the operations of TNA Impact Wrestling. Fight Network is a licensee of TNA programming for broadcast in the U.S., Canada and other international markets, and is also the exclusive licensee of TNA for streaming Internet-delivered TV.
Fight Network has also offered to provide TNA Impact Wrestling with funding to repay the loans made by Mr. Billy Corgan and is positioned to provide additional transitional assistance to the company.
"TNA is a strong property for Fight Network and as a licensee and global distribution partner we have a keen interest in seeing the company not only survive but continue to grow and thrive, alongside our own growth," said Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem. "We are hopeful that the company can soon get back to doing what it does best, which is to produce great wrestling content."
WWE Developmental Talent Arrested, Suspended
The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover, MA reports that Terrance Jean-Jacques was arrested on Sunday and arraigned today on charges of assault and battery, kidnapping, witness intimidation, destruction of property and threatening to commit a crime.
It's alleged that the 24 year old hit his pregnant girlfriend Jillian Gilman, who appeared in court today with his parents. Judge Stephen Abany ordered Jean-Jacques held without bail at the local Middleton jail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Jean-Jacques was said to be on the verge of tears as he faced the judge today. His family told the judge they have retained Boston defense attorney Edward Harrington to represent their son but today he was represented by public defender Courtney Joy Wednesday. His mother asked the judge to release her son to their care, as he is scheduled to undergo surgery this week, but the judge denied the request.
Tommy End, Big Damo and "Crazy" Mary Dobson join WWE Performance Center
Three internationally acclaimed Superstars have arrived at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., to begin training.
Tom Budgen, Damian Mackle and Sarah Bridges — known around the world as Tommy End, Big Damo and "Crazy" Mary Dobson, respectively — are among the newest signees to WWE developmental contracts. Their official start in Orlando comes after months of speculation that all three were on their way to WWE and NXT.
Tom Budgen is a 14-year veteran from Amsterdam who boasts an extensive background in kickboxing and pencak silat, a class of Indonesian martial arts that involves grappling, striking and weapon fighting. Trained by the likes of Chris Hero, Nigel McGuinness and MMA pioneer Bob Schrijber, "The Anti-Hero" has emerged as one of wrestling's most prolific and dangerous strikers, a tatted, black-metal mutilator whose kicks, elbows and knees threaten to cave in skulls. Budgen competed across Europe, Japan and the U.S., including with EVOLVE Wrestling, London's PROGRESS Wrestling, Germany's Westside Xtreme Wrestling and California's Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
Damian Mackle comes to the Performance Center from Northern Ireland, where the barrel-chested brute is called "The Beast of Belfast." Inspired by local hero and legendary tough man Fit Finlay, Mackle made his ring debut in 2005, and has studied under former WWE Universal and NXT Champion Finn Bálor and current NXT coach Robbie Brookside. At 6-foot-3 and more than 300 pounds, Mackle was a premier super-heavyweight on the independent scene, having wrestled under the banners of U.K.-based Insane Championship Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and New England-based Beyond Wrestling, among other organizations. He has also locked horns with Samoa Joe and NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in the past.
Indiana native Sarah Bridges, meanwhile, brings nearly brings nearly five years' experience to the WWE Performance Center. Only 23 years old, Bridges has toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe, as well as Japan, where she also lived and trained under former WWE Superstar Taka Michinoku. Initially carving her niche in the hardcore-wrestling circuit, Bridges has competed in Shimmer Women Athletes, Shine Wrestling and Ring of Honor. She is often recognized for her war paint and for entering the ring in an eerie hockey mask straight out of "Friday the 13th." Outside of wrestling, Bridges trains in Olympic weightlifting and has won several competitions.
October 18, 2016
WWE RAW Sees Big Jump In Viewership For Bill Goldberg's Return
Monday's WWE RAW, featuring Bill Goldberg's WWE return, drew 3.130 million viewers. This is up 13.5% from last week's 2.758 million viewers.
For this week's show, the first hour drew 3.167 million viewers, the second hour drew 3.106 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.118 million viewers. It is the first time that the show has drawn over 3 million viewers since football season started.
RAW was #4 on cable for the night in viewership, behind the NFL's Monday Night Football, Major League Baseball and The O'Reilly Factor. RAW was #2 in the 18-49 demographic, behind the NFL.
The NFL drew just over 8.3 million viewers on cable last night while the MLB drew just over 4 million.
TNA Reportedly Being Sued for Unpaid Travel Bills
According to F4WOnline.com, TNA is being sued by the American Express Travel Related Services Company for unpaid bills dating back to this summer.
The suit was filed in the Supreme Court of New York state on July 20th, and it claims nonpayment of $269,049.50 in travel-related expenses. The suit further claims TNA’s American Express Corporate account was charged various amounts for items and the bills were never paid.
In total, American Express is asking for $269,049.50 and for all legal costs to be paid for. AMEX claims TNA agreed to payments on the receipt of monthly billing statements, as well as delinquency fees and finance charges.
Additionally, Wrestling Observer Radio host Dave Meltzer noted the following on last night’s edition of the show:
“[TNA is] probably gonna end up filing for bankruptcy. And then what happens? I don’t know…Dixie is still trying to figure out a way to – this is why it hasn’t been sold – to…I don’t know if it’s to stay in control, but the whole thing is she doesn’t want to look bad publicly.”
WWE Says 19 Of The More Than 50 Wrestlers In Current Concussion Lawsuit Signed Away Right To Sue
WWE today filed motions in all of the consolidated lawsuits that deal with both contract issues and concussions in regards to former talent. In particular, one of the exhibits is something that was sent to the plaintiffs by WWE back in August, which proves that a total of 19 out of the over 50 wrestlers involved in the lawsuit actually signed away their right to sue the company. This is a similar issue that was brought up back when Rene Dupree attempted to sue WWE over royalties involving the WWE Network.
Below are the 19 names involved, as well as the reasons WWE say they signed away their right to sue:
--Carlene Moore-Begnaud (aka Jazz); signed a contract on January 18, 2007 that entitled her to an advance on royalties totaling $13,000.
--Rodney Begnaud (aka Rodney Mack); husband of Jazz, who signed the same type of contract on the same date as his wife.
--Mark Canterbury (aka Henry Godwinn); signed a contract on June 15, 2016 "from any and all personal injury claims, now known or later discovered, arising out of or related to [his] past affiliation with, or performances rendered to, WWE."
--Bryan Emmet Clark, Jr. (aka Adam Bomb/Bryan Clark); signed a contract stating that, effective January 9, 1996, released Titan Sports (WWE's former name) from any future claims after he was released by the company.
--Marc Copani (aka Muhammad Hassan); signed a similar contract to Bryan Clark that became effective upon his release on September 20, 2005.
--Mike Enos (aka Blake Beverly); signed a similar contract to both Clark and Copani that became effective upon his release on September 9, 1993.
--Bill Eadie (aka Demolition Ax); signed an agreement on May 25, 2001 "with the knowledge, advice, and consent of his legal counsel" after being involved in a lawsuit with WWE for over a decade over issues that included the rights to his "Demolition" gimmick.
Goldberg Returns To WWE On Raw And Accepts Brock Lesnar's Challenge
On Monday night's edition of WWE Raw, Goldberg made his first appearance on WWE programming in 12 years to officially accept the challenge for a match laid out by Brock Lesnar that was delivered through Paul Heyman on last week's broadcast.
It was not announced when the match would officially take place; however, it has been heavily rumored that it may take place at November's Survivor Series event.
During the segment, Goldberg stated that he first started to think that after the drama that was created through his ongoing promotion of the WWE 2K17 video game, he should probably leave everything alone involving Lesnar, but then thought that after Lesnar's challenge, he may just have one more match, Spear, and Jackhammer left in him. He then said that Lesnar would not only be "next," but he would also be "last."
October 17, 2016
Former TMZ Senior Producer Ryan Satin Looking For Wrestlers From 18-26 For New Reality Show
Former TMZ Senior Producer and current ProWrestlingSheet.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Satin is currently helping to cast and produce a new pro wrestling reality show.
Below is the official submission info to be considered for the show. If you or someone you know qualifies for the casting I highly recommend submitting.
Looking for male and female professional wrestlers between the ages of 18-26 with an interesting life story to tell.
Interested parties please email ProWrestlingSheet@gmail.com and include the following in the email:
Your name
Social media handle
Age
Why you’d be an interesting reality show character
Any other details about your life that would help sell you as someone that would be needed on the show
Photos and videos of your work
Location doesn’t matter.
NOT LOOKING FOR FAN SUBMISSIONS!
This is not a Tough Enough competition-like program.
Strictly professional wrestlers.
Vince McMahon To Write Foreword For WWE NXT Book
Vince McMahon will be writing the foreword for the WWE NXT: "The Future Is Now" book that comes out on April 11th, 2017. You can pre-order the book at this link. Below is the synopsis and artwork:
The first comprehensive book on WWE's hottest brand
NXT: The Future Is Now follows the rise of WWE's popular NXT brand from its conception to the brink of taking over WWE with its own rabid following. For decades, sports-entertainment had no centralized system for recruiting and training talent. Recognizing this need, Paul Levesque — better known as 14-time World Champion Triple H — convinced Vince McMahon that WWE must reinvent itself. This book delivers the revealing story of Levesque's vision and the revolutionary impact it has already had on the WWE landscape, cultivating such world-renowned stars as Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Charlotte, Finn Bálor, Sami Zayn, Sasha Banks, and so many more.
October 16, 2016
Top Names Set To Roast Booker T
The Roast of Booker T will take place on November 10th at Houston Improv in Houston, TX. The Dudley Boyz, Stevie Ray, Brother Love, MVP, Sharmell and others will be there to roast the WWE Hall of Famer. There will also be special video messages from The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam and Diamond Dallas Page.
The Brooklyn Brawler Talks Approaching Vince McMahon About John Cena, Turning Down WWE Lawsuit, More
Recently on Talk Is Jericho, the greatest WWE Intercontinental Champion of all time, Chris Jericho, welcomed the ironman of enhancement talents, Steve Lombardi, to the podcast. Lombardi, who also worked behind-the-scenes at WWE, talked about knowing John Cena was going to be a major star very early on. Also, Lombardi, better known as The Brooklyn Brawler, talked about his loyalty to Vince McMahon and the ongoing concussion class action lawsuit lodged against WWE. Finally, Lombardi discussed why WWE is so highly scripted now.
According to Lombardi, who produced the promotional spots for local markets and other videos for WWE, he knew Cena was going to be a star right away.
"I remember Cena came in the room and he didn't come in the room. He was standing around. He had a mohawk. He called himself The Prototype. And, I mean, he was just standing in the back and I said, 'why don't you come in here and cut a promo?. I hear you can talk.' And he starting doing this interview and then he did it in reverse. And then he, like, rewind, kind of deal." Lombardi added, "I went to Vince. I said, 'Vince, we have a ringer.' He goes, 'really?' And then, he [said], 'take him off the dark match and put him on SmackDown.'"
Also, he named MVP and Mr. Kennedy as two other performers he put over to WWE higher-ups.
"A couple of times [Vince has listened]. I put [Cena] over, I put MVP over, I put Kennedy over one time because Kennedy came in and he had some good talent, but he didn't work out, obviously."
Lombardi remains loyal to Vince McMahon despite parting ways with WWE this summer and stated that he would even take the witness stand for WWE in its defense of the continuing concussion litigation if need be.
"This investigator calls me up. He goes, 'apparently, you parted ways with WWE.' He says, 'would you like to join the class action lawsuit for concussions because we're really going after them?' I said, 'I'll join the lawsuit, but it's going to be on Vince's side because your lawsuit is so frivolous. It's stupidity!' He goes, 'why would you say that?' [Lombardi replied] 'Because you're asking me to join the lawsuit and you never asked me if I had a concussion.' I said, 'you're the dumbest man alive.' I said, 'have your attorney call me. I'd love to tell him he's a dumbass too.' Do you know what I mean? He goes, 'you should be bitter!' I said, 'I have no bitterness in me.'"
During the podcast, Lombardi revealed that Roddy Piper would ask him to get WWE brass to let him go off script, but he did not have that type of influence backstage. Lombardi suggested that WWE being so scripted today is due to performers taking liberties and McMahon not being able to trust them.
"It's almost like Vince couldn't trust the guys anymore because some of them took privileges that they shouldn't have [taken]. Do you know what I mean?"
October 15, 2016
Bill DeMott Speaks On Working With Triple H, Kevin Owens On RAW, Tough Enough
Former WWE performer and trainer Bill DeMott recently took part in an interview with PlanetaWrestling where he names his time working with Triple H in NXT as the greatest time in his career. DeMott feels that working with the talent in NXT was his greatest accomplishment.
“There is no denying what [Triple H] and NXT are doing is successful,” DeMott said
Demott was a trainer for the third season of WWE’s Tough Enough reality show back in 2002, and ended up landing head trainer positions at several developmental territories. DeMott was a trainer on Tough Enough during the seasons that brought us John Morrison, The Miz, and Ryback.
“I was so grateful for the first opportunity to coach on Tough Enough, it turned into the biggest part of my career and I was part of the most successful shows WWE ever did,” DeMott said. “I am truly proud of everyone that competed, because win or lose I spent every day with them and know what they went through.”
DeMott was the head coach of NXT while Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Neville were all there, and says they are changing the face of the industry now on the WWE roster. He says he’s particularly proud of those three, and gets a “nervous energy” when he sees how well they’re doing on TV.
DeMott resigned from WWE in March of 2015 following accusations of misconduct and abuse by several ex-trainees. DeMott denies the allegations.
October 14, 2016
Tennessee State Reportedly Files Lien Against TNA For Unpaid Business Taxes, Further Filings List TNA in $3.4 Million Indebtedness
According to The Tennessean, The Tennessee Department of Revenue filed a lien against TNA Wrestling last month for unpaid business taxes. The lien against TNA’s holdings was filed with the Davidson County Register of Deeds on September 8th.
Furthermore, the report notes Anthem Sports and Entertainment, MCC Acquisitions and Aroluxe Media, have all filed similar statements listing TNA as a debtor. Those three filings combined to list $3.4 million in maximum indebtedness owed to the three firms by TNA.
As we noted earlier this week, TNA President Billy Corgan has filed a separate lawsuit against TNA, Dixie Carter and TNA Executive Dean Broadhead, and a temporary restraining order was approved. A hearing for a temporary injunction has been scheduled for Thursday, October 20th at 11:30am local time, and Corgan has requested a six-person jury to decide the case.
Filings for the lawsuit have been sealed until further notice.
Matt Sydal Arrested In Japan For Drug Possession
Former WWE Tag Team Champion and current New Japan Pro Wrestling star Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne) was arrested in Japan on September 23rd while entering the country. Police found 2.12 grams of liquid marijuana in his possession at the Kansai Airport in Osaka Bay. The liquid marijuana was presumably to be used in an e-cig.
Sydal was convicted on October 13th but there are no details on his punishment yet. This could mean the end of his wrestling career in Japan due to their strict drug laws. He is facing deportation. This could mean the end of his career in NJPW.
Sydal missed several NJPW dates last month and noted on Twitter that he had an issue at the border, causing him to stay in Hawaii. However, this arrest indicates that Sydal never left Japan.
Hi everyone. Had passport trouble at the border after spending an extra day at LAX. Chillin in Hawaii until this sorts out #travelwoes
— Matt Sydal (@findevan) September 25, 2016
William Shatner Talks About His Relationship With WWE, How Vince McMahon Would Fit In On Star Trek
William Shatner recently spoke with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated Extra Mustard‘s Week In Wrestling, taking part in this week’s Five Questions segment.
Shatner talks about his relationship with WWE; you can read a few highlights below:
William Shatner talks about how his relationship with WWE began:
I had written, produced, and directed TekWar, which was a detective story from the future. One of the publicists said, ‘I can get you on WWE out of Texas, and they’re on the hour before TekWar goes on and it will be great publicity and a great intro. So I went down there and tossed Jerry Lawler out of the ring. Thank God he jumped as high as he could with only a little assistance from me, and out of the ring he went. I had the best time with the entire wrestling world. Since then, I’ve loved coming back. I introduced Jerry Lawler at the Hall of Fame, and got booed. The people didn’t want to see a Hollywood fake in there, they wanted to see a real person. But I’ve had the best time with them, and they want me to come back and do a number of projects, and I’m looking for the time to do it.
Shatner explains how the “William Shatner Sings Superstar Entrance Theme Songs” came up, and his favorite WWE theme he performed:
Someone from WWE asked me to do it, but it was one of those things where sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. It turned out to be great fun. My favorite song was John Cena’s. He is a guy I know, and since Lawler is retired now, Cena is my favorite wrestler, even though he’s more of an actor now.
Would Vince McMahon fit on the Starship Enterprise?
Vince McMahon would have been great on the Enterprise. We talk every so often, and he had a writer that I knew and cared about and I’d worked with. That writer has since died, but he was responsible for a lot of the best plot lines. McMahon has created a form of entertainment that is very amusing, and it is both antiquated and brand new.
