AEW is expected to start on Turner during the first week of October, which is the same week that WWE SmackDown will being airing on Friday nights on FOX. The news was first reported by MMA insider @fightoracle, who first broke the story that Turner Sports would be presenting AEW at their upfronts last month. As noted, AEW applied for the trademark "Wednesday Night Dynamite" earlier this month.
With the television show seemingly airing on Wednesday nights, the premiere date will be October 2nd. Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter that while there are still meetings occurring regarding the show, strategies, and other ideas from the TNT side, the plan is for the show to air on Wednesdays, with 8-10 p.m. being the most likely time slot.
WWE SmackDown will make its much anticipated debut two nights later at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. It was reported in The Observer that FOX will be testing out two new cameras for the debut. FOX is also looking to invite a lot of celebrities and give the show the feel of a major event, which is a reason that it's being held in Los Angeles. It was noted that the idea is to make WWE look as major league as possible, which in turn would make AEW look minor league from the start.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
June 28, 2019
FOX Hoping To Make AEW Look Inferior With WWE SmackDown Debut?, News On AEW Start Date And Time Slot
June 27, 2019
WWE Names Eric Bischoff And Paul Heyman As New Executive Directors Of RAW And SmackDown
WWE has named Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman as Executive Directors.
Bischoff is set to become the new Executive Director of WWE SmackDown while Heyman is set to become the new Executive Director of WWE RAW. Both will report directly to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
The new roles are full-time executive roles. According to Sports Illustrated, there are no current plans for these roles to be introduced as part of a TV storyline.
Bischoff will also work directly with Fox executives as the blue brand plans to premiere on Fox Friday nights in October, SI reported.
The major move will allow WWE to establish "two distinct creative processes for its flagship shows."
Below is the full press release that WWE sent Wrestling Inc.:
WWE® NAMES PAUL HEYMAN AND ERIC BISCHOFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Stamford, Conn., June 27, 2019 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has named Paul Heyman as Executive Director of Monday Night Raw and Eric Bischoff as Executive Director of SmackDown Live, newly created positions reporting directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.
In their executive roles, Heyman and Bischoff will oversee the creative development of WWE's flagship programming and ensure integration across all platforms and lines of business. The creation of these roles further establishes WWE's ability to continuously reinvent its global brand while providing two distinct creative processes for its flagship shows.
With more than 30 years of experience in the sports entertainment industry, Heyman served as President of ECW from 1993-2001, securing pay-per-view distribution for the company as well as a national cable television deal with TNN. After his time with ECW, Heyman joined WWE's Creative team and is widely credited with helping launch the careers of many current and former WWE Superstars.
Bischoff is a former WCW President and New York Times bestselling author. During his WCW career, Bischoff oversaw the signing of some of the biggest names in sports entertainment and helped create and develop the NWO storyline. He was also instrumental in securing a television deal for WCW Monday Nitro on TNT and WCW Thunder on TBS. After WCW, Bischoff co-founded Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment, a production company that launched TV reality shows and mobile games.
CM Punk Files Lawsuit Against Colt Cabana
CM Punk has filed a countersuit against his former friend, Colt Cabana, on June 18th. According to a report from PWInsider, Punk is seeking $600,000 for general damages as well as interest and legal fees in response to an amended lawsuit that Cabana filed in August of 2018.
WWE Doctor Chris Amann sued Punk and Cabana in 2015 for comments that Punk made on Cabana's podcast where Punk said, among other claims, that Amann misdiagnosed a MRSA staph infection as a fatty deposit. Punk claimed that a doctor recommended to him by wife AJ Lee said that he should be dead after wrestling with the staph infection for months. The jury ruled in favor of Punk and Cabana, and they did not have to pay anything to Amann.
Cabana had sued Punk last August for breach of contract and fraud over legal fees related to the lawsuit. Cabana claimed that Punk promised to cover his legal bills, however Punk's legal team dropped him as a client. Cabana got his own representation after their falling out. Cabana is seeking $200,000 for his personal legal costs and additional damages.
Punk claims that he spent $1.2 million in legal fees between himself and Cabana in the Amann lawsuit and was never reimbursed, which he stated "violated fundamental principles of justice, equality, and good conscience" and breached their contract. Punk also noted that the podcast with Cabana was immensely popular, however he never received any compensation for it.
Cabana's side must respond to the countersuit by July 3rd. You can read more details on the lawsuit at PWInsider by clicking here.
June 26, 2019
Exclusive Details On Harvard's WWE Case Study: Who WWE Sees As Their Main Competitor, Royalties
WWE Network To Stream Big EVOLVE Event With WWE Stars In Action
EVOLVE's 10th Anniversary Celebration will be airing live on the WWE Network.
EVOLVE's 10th Anniversary Celebration will air as the EVOLVE 131 event, on Saturday, July 13 from the former ECW Arena, the 2300 Arena, in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets are on sale now. The live stream on the WWE Network will begin at 8pm ET.
The special show will feature two former EVOLVE talents doing battle in the main event - WWE NXT Champion Adam Cole vs. Akira Tozawa with the title on the line.
Matt Riddle vs. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak in a non-title match will also take place. The event will also feature NXT's Arturo Ruas (Adrian Jaoude) and Babatunde, plus EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory and EVOLVE Tag Team Champions Eddie Kingston & Joe Gacy. A full line-up of matches will be announced soon.
"Evolve was the birthplace for many current WWE and NXT Superstars so it is only fitting that their 10th Anniversary Celebration will be showcased live on WWE Network," Triple Hsaid.
WWE began their working relationship and talent exchange with WWN Live's EVOLVE promotion back in 2015. Booker Gabe Sapolsky now works behind-the-scenes for NXT and the WWE Performance Center.
June 24, 2019
Seth Rollins Continues To Defend WWE Against "Idiots With No Clue
WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins continues to defend the company on Twitter after Sunday's pre-Stomping Grounds tweet about WWE providing the best pro wrestling on the planet.
For those who missed it, Rollins wrote, "Best pro wrestling on the planet. Period."
He later doubled down after the Stomping Grounds Kickoff pre-show match that saw Drew Gulak capture the WWE Cruiserweight Title. Rollins wrote, "Doubling down. Best pro wrestling on the planet. See that Cruiserweight Triple Threat? And that's just one night, one match amongst the many. Find anyone else alive who does what I do as well as I do it as often as I do it. Ya can't. #WWEStompingGrounds #UniversalChampion @WWE"
Rollins later responded to a media tweet that said, "Remember when Seth Rollins said that WWE had the best pro wrestling in the world? #WWEStompingGrounds."
Rollins fired back, "Sure do dorks. And after that PPV I stand by it even more. The crew brought it tonight. From top to bottom all out effort from every person in the ring and out. And you're still talking/writing about it."
Molly Danger creator Jamal Yaseem Igle tweeted and said he loves Rollins, but The Architect should dial it down a notch. Rollins refused. He responded, "Nah dawg, let me dial it up. I've sat back and watched idiots with no clue talk poorly about the place I dedicate my life to EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY. The level I perform at on constant is untouchable. Time to let em know."
As we've noted, Rollins' tweets have received responses from The Usos and Roman Reigns, AEW star Chris Jericho, and top NJPW stars Tama Tonga and Will Ospreay. Ospreay responded to Rollins' "double down" tweet and said he's alive. Rollins fired back and said WWE already has a better version of Ospreay - new WWE United States Champion Ricochet. Rollins wrote, "Ahhhh I'm sorry little guy. We already have a better version of you here and he just won his first US Title tonight (Congrats @KingRicochet). Keep working hard though buddy!"
WWE Stomping Grounds’ Paid Attendance Estimated At Between 4000 & 4500
Heading into Stomping Grounds, it was pretty much public knowledge that the ticket sales weren’t exactly going all too well. Now, though, in the immediate aftermath of the show, there are some estimated numbers for fans to discuss. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, between 4,000 and 4,500 paid tickets were registered for the event. This continues the trend of falling numbers not only in regards to RAW and SmackDown Live, but also for live events and pay-per-views themselves.
June 19, 2019
WWE And Netflix Officially Announce New Movie With Kofi Kingston And Other WWE Superstars
WWE and Netflix have officially announced their first movie together, The Main Event.
The film will star Seth Carr, Tichina Arnold, Ken Marino and Adam Pally. Several WWESuperstars will also be featured - WWE Champion Kofi Kingston, The Miz and Sheamus, among others.
Netflix noted that the logline for the movie reads, "After discovering a magical mask, an 11-year-old aspiring wrestler enters a competition to become the next WWE Superstar."
Production on the movie begins this week in Vancouver. The movie is based on an original screenplay by Larry Postel. Jay Karas will be the director.
The Main Event is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2020 some time.
We noted before that this movie also features a reference to John Cena, who reportedly has a cameo role. WWE did not mention Cena being in the movie. It was also recently reported that Bray Wyatt is featured. There are also said to be several WWE NXT references in the script.
This is the first collaboration between WWE Studios and Netflix. The two companies have been working to develop new, original feature films. The projects will be directed towards family audiences.
Netflix sent us the following blurb on the movie:
"The Main Event joins a growing slate of live action movies featuring kids and teens and made for families, which includes the upcoming comedy Tall Girl, A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting, and Hello, Universe, based on Erin Entrada Kelly's Newbery Award-winning, New York Times bestselling novel.
WWE Receives Its Own Category At This Year's ESPYS
For the first time, WWE is getting a "Best WWE Moment" under the Best Performance category at this year's ESPYS, which will be hosted by Tracy Morgan on July 10 at 8 pm ET on ABC.
The nominees for the award are: Roman Reigns' return after his battle with Leukemia, Becky Lynch wins the WWE RAW and SmackDown Women's Championships at WrestleMania 35, Kofi Kingston wins his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35, and Ronda Rousey becomes WWE RAW Women's Champion.
Voting is done by the fans via ESPN's site, which you can do by clicking here.
June 18, 2019
WWE Course To Be Offered At The Harvard Business School This Fall, Triple H Comments
"WWE has been a force in live entertainment, television production, and digital content in its 40+ year history. Thrilled that Professor @anitaelberse will highlight our innovations and challenges as a case study for her @HarvardHBS class this fall," Triple H tweeted on the course.
Below is WWE's full announcement on the course:
Harvard Business School to offer course featuring WWE case study
The prestigious Harvard Business School is offering a case study on WWE as part Anita Elberse's course "The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports," beginning this fall. The course will enroll 180 MBA students in their second year and will also examine other major sports and entertainment brands like The Walt Disney Studios, NBCUniversal, Nike and personalities such as former WWE Champion Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, LeBron James and more.
The course will explore factors that drive sustained success for organizations and individuals in sports and entertainment; understand how companies can diversify beyond their core business to create engagement and value for fans and other stakeholders; and how business can best pursue contracts with star talent.
The course begins in time for the fall semester.
June 13, 2019
Stephanie McMahon Believes A WWE Women’s Match Is In Saudi Arabia’s Near Future
Stephanie McMahon says WWE will be at the forefront of change in Saudi Arabia, and we will see a women’s match in the country in the “near future.”
Stephanie McMahon was speaking at the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon in Orlando today, and was asked by Spectrum Sports’ Despina Barton about WWE’s agreement for events in Saudi Arabia and how it relates to women being able to compete. McMahon referenced Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks getting “this is hope” chants when they competed in the first-ever WWE women’s match in Abu Dhabi. She noted that it took six years for WWE women to perform in Abu Dhabi, and said she believes the women’s match will happen “in the near future” in Saudi Arabia.
It was reported last week that Natalya and Bliss were flown to Saudi Arabia in the ropes of competing at WWE Super ShowDown in Jeddah, but the match request was ultimately turned down.
Stephanie McMahon's WWE NXT Meeting
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon was in Orlando this week for a business luncheon. She also visited the WWE Performance Center and Wednesday's WWE NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University. Stephanie reportedly held a talent meeting before Wednesday's tapings, which was described as a pep talk.
Stephanie reportedly pushed how great everything is with the company, and how talents get to be their own brands in the company. Stephanie also pushed social media in a big way. Her presentation included a big screen that showed how Forbes recently listed WWE and WrestleMania as one of the top 10 most powerful brands on social media, among other points.
June 8, 2019
Triple H Talks Match With Randy Orton, What The Future Holds
Triple H was unable to defeat Randy Orton during the WWE Super ShowDown, but he was able to get through the match without injury, and because of the fact that he was back in Saudi Arabia after suffering an injury there, Triple H discussed his future after the match.
“I came back in six months, but that had nothing to do with it. said Randy Orton would be the coal that would be squeezed into a diamond. Still to this day … one of the absolute best that there is in this business, bar none,” he said. “For me to walk out there in this stage of my career … 100-degree heat, six months after a pec tear, it’s a win for me.”
Triple H went on to say that there was nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to losing to Orton, and praised the fans in Saudi Arabia, but noted how hot it was. “All air left the building at about the two-minute mark, but my hats off to Randy Orton, one of the best there is.” According to Triple H, their back-and-forth lead up to the match was nothing but “heat of the moment” stuff, and there’s still lots of respect between the two.
When asked what his plans next were for Triple H, he said that while the opportunities to continue doing in-ring action were “few and far between,” they still mean a lot. “I’m going to fly home, I’m going to take a minute, be with my family, and see what’s next.” he said. Triple H also said that he’d continue to head down to Florida to watch NXT, and make sure the WWE was in good hands for the future.
June 3, 2019
WWE NXT Takeover Draws More Than RAW And SmackDown
As noted, Mauro Ranallo announced that Saturday's WWE NXT "Takeover: XXV" event from the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT was sold out, but no attendance figure was given. Triple H revealed in his post-show media call that the 25th Takeover special was the highest-grossing event WWE has done at that arena.
"This brand can stand on its own, and tonight was special. This was the highest-grossing WWE event we've done in this building. We've done RAW and SmackDown here, and this outdrew them."
There's no word yet on the actual number of fans in attendance but the Webster Bank Arena has a capacity of 10,000 for concerts, up to 9,000 for basketball games, and around 8,400 for hockey games.
June 1, 2019
Jon Moxley: Vince McMahon Doesn’t ‘Know What The F— Is Going On,’ Triple H Should Be In Charge
The Jon Moxley podcast tour continues and he’s continuing to be straight up with how he feels about his former employer. While talking to Pro Wrestling Torch, Ambrose discussed his issues with Vince McMahon. He says that while he used to be a genius, he’s not out of touch.
“In the 80s he was a genius,” said the former Dean Ambrose. “When he created ‘Hulkamania,’ and took over all the territories, and foresaw cable television and all that. He was a genius. In 2019, I don’t think he knows what the f— is going on.”
Moxley went on to say that Vince needs to step aside and let someone else do it if he can’t figure things out. The logical replacement is Triple H, who is being groomed for the role. “When Vince isn’t there, [Hunter] the guy you defer to. He’s got good ideas. His ideas are his ideas, but, he’s a lot more cerebral. He’s not a super open collaborative. … I think he would be more open to giving people more freedom, but he’s smart and he sees things his way. So, if he sees you doing something and he envisions a better way, and a lot of times you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s even cooler.'”
May 30, 2019
Triple H On Tyler Breeze Back On NXT Roster, Creative Decisions When NXT Stars Join WWE Main Roster
In WWE as in life, sometimes things don't go as planned and adjustments are made. An example of that is someone in NXT being called up to the main roster because of necessity which then affects both NXT and whatever brand they join.
Triple H was asked by Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman about those creative decisions and also the possibility of the 24/7 or Women's Tag Titles being defended in NXT.
"It's definitely a possibility on both," Triple H said. "When Sasha and Bayley had the tag team championships, they talked about it. It's something I would love to have, but it really just comes down to scheduling. Trying to match the schedules up is the biggest problem. But who knows? You could see any of them at any time."
Triple H Coments On His Recent Jabs At AEW, NXT Possibly Airing On FOX
During a TakeOver media call earlier today, Triple H was asked by Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman about NXT possibly being used by FOX.
"We're looking at everything," Triple H said. "There's a lot of interest in NXT as a brand and it's also very valuable to us on the Network. That's being vetted through here on every level to see what's the best outcome. We'll get there, but everyone will have to wait and see… As will I."
Hunter also discussed how the production of a TakeOver show compares to that of a Raw or SmackDown. He said that Raw and SmackDown are 2-3 hour shows so they are very different than TakeOver.
"When you talk about the TakeOvers, the simplicity of what we do is them in the ring letting them do what they do. This is the culmination and epic fight scene in the movie. The writing and build-up of characters and everything that goes into making that epic fight scene mean something is what takes place prior to that at those one-hour shows," stated Triple H.
May 27, 2019
Road Dogg Reportedly Working Full-Time On The WWE NXT Brand
According to PWInsider, WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg is now working full-time on the WWE NXT brand. His official role and title haven't been confirmed yet though.
As it was reported earlier this month, James has been working at the Performance Center. He also made a cameo today on the WWE PC Combine, which is airing on the WWE Network.
Last month James stepped down as the co-lead writer of SmackDown Live. He quit the position because he was reportedly frustrated with Vince McMahon always making changes to the TV scripts.
May 22, 2019
XFL To Host Eight Summer Showcases Sessions
League Commissioner Oliver Luck and Doug Whaley have now announced that the XFL summer showcase tryouts will be taking place this summer. It will give players with professional experience the opportunity to showcase their skills.
There are no open tryouts, and the summer showcase will be invites only.
Check out the dates and locations for the tryouts below:
June 7th: Arlington, TX
June 8th: Houston, TX
June 14th: Montclair, NJ
June 15th: Springfield, VA
June 21st: Long Beach, CA
June 22nd: Seattle, WA
June 29th: Tampa Bay, FL
July 13th: Earth City, MO
WWE Issues Statement On Ashley Massaro Allegations
WWE is saddened by the death of Ashley Massaro, and we reiterate our condolences to her family. However, we regret that her attorney Konstantine Kyros, who filed multiple cases against WWE, lost all of them, and was sanctioned multiple times by the Court for repeated misconduct and false allegations, is using Ashley's death to further his malicious campaign against WWE by releasing an affidavit that she submitted to the Court and later apologized to WWE for being involved with, so we wish to make certain things crystal clear.At no time was Vince McMahon or the management of WWE ever informed by Ashley Massaro or anybody else that she had been sexually assaulted, drugged, raped or sodomized by a military doctor with a nurse standing guard while on a goodwill tour in 2007 to U.S. military bases in Kuwait. In fact, if she ever articulated such a claim to WWE, we would have reported it immediately to the Base Commander.At no time was there ever a meeting with Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn, John Laurinaitis or other company executives in which she told them of such a claim and was instructed to keep it quiet.
May 15, 2019
WarnerMedia Partners With All Elite Wrestling, TNT To Air Weekly TV and More
WarnerMedia announced today that it is partnering with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the new professional wrestling promotion featuring a world-class roster of diverse male and female wrestlers, giving fans a new wrestling experience for the first time in 20 years. WarnerMedia and AEW together will build this powerhouse sporting league from the ground up and will begin airing weekly matches later this year. With this league, AEW is introducing a new generation of wrestlers to fans, offering fun, gripping and authentic athletic matches that will make wrestling more accessible to a broad audience. WarnerMedia will utilize its position as a next-generation global media company to build this league into a global pro-wrestling franchise.
May 14, 2019
WWE Fines Lars Sullivan $100,000 For Past Bigoted Comments
WWE has fined rising Superstar Lars Sullivan $100,000 for past comments made, mostly between 2007 and 2013, that were recently unearthed. The comments resurfaced in November of last year before dying down, but the troublesome controversy returned once again when WWE veteran and New Day member Big E publicly addressed them via Twitter:
Many are aware. If true, he has to bear the albatross of being a bigot & working in a company that is now filled with minorities.
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) May 8, 2019
After facing pressure from fans, and as the budding scandal drew attention from major sponsor Mars Wrigley, WWE issued the following statement to me via email:
WWE supports a culture of inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we are committed to embracing all individuals as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.
Dylan Miley (aka Lars Sullivan) will be fined $100,000 and required to complete sensitivity training for offensive commentary uncovered from his past. WWE will also facilitate meetings for Dylan with community organizations to foster further discussion around the power of social media and the impact of your words.
WWE has come under fire in recent years for their dealings with individuals and organizations who are perceived to have bigoted philosophies. Last week, I criticized the promotion for developing a pattern of turning a blind eye to bigotrygiven its re-signing of Hulk Hogan, dealings with Saudi Arabia and now the Lars Sullivan debacle. WWE’s delayed, yet appropriate, action against Lars Sullivan is an encouraging step in the right direction for a global promotion that will only thrive without racist toxicity rooted within its culture.
Alfred is a contributor to Forbes Sports Money. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty, Instagram @Akonuwa and LIKE him on Facebook.
May 11, 2019
WWE Issues Email To End Support For The WWE App From The Following Older Devices
WWE's statement on the WWE App and older applications future access to the app:
Our goal is always to provide you with the best possible viewing experience on WWE Network. Unfortunately, several device manufacturers have stopped updating the operating system of older products, which may impact your ability to stream high-quality video. As such, the WWE Network app will no longer be available on the devices listed below starting May 21, 2019:
• Amazon Fire Tablets
• Apple TV – 3rd Generation and earlier models
• LG – 2016 and earlier models
• PlayStation 3
• Samsung – 2016 and earlier models
• Samsung and Sony Blu-Ray Players
• Sony – non Android TVs
• Windows 10 Desktop
• Xbox 360
You can stream WWE Network on many other supported devices. For a full list, please visit WWE Network Support.
Sincerely,
WWE Network Support
www.wwe.com/wwenetwork
May 9, 2019
WWE Announces New Triple H Special
A new WWE Network special on Triple H will air on Saturday, June 1 after the WWE NXT "Takeover: XXV" event goes off the air from Bridgeport, CT. The special will look at The Game's recent Road to WrestleMania 35 for the No Holds Barred win over Batista.
Siena softball’s Ouellette dreams of WWE future … like her Uncle ‘Triple H’
In the break between the first inning’s top half and its bottom during this season’s Siena College softball home games, it was common for the loudspeakers to blast Motörhead’s “The Game.”
Siena sophomore Neysa Ouellette was in on the joke.
She laughed, too, as she remembered how her teammates first reacted when that song was played before the Saints batted: “This is so aggressive. Why is this playing? We didn’t pick this, did we?”
They hadn’t — but it’s a familiar tune for Ouellette.
“Well,” Ouellette told her teammates, “this is my uncle’s song.”
Ouellette’s uncle is Paul Levesque . . . who is better known as professional wrestling personality “Triple H,” a 14-time WWE world champion who has mostly used Motörhead songs as his entrance music during his decades-long wrestling career. While Levesque still frequently appears on WWE programming, his main job now is as the company’s executive vice president of talent, live events and creative, and he is married to WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.
Nobody questions Ouellette on how she refers to her aunt.
Her uncle, though, is a different story.
“Everybody always asks me, ‘What do you call him? Triple H?’” Ouellette said. “But, no, he’s Uncle Paul.”
May 8, 2019
Dean Ambrose Signs On For New MMA - Wrestling Movie Produced By Former WWE Star Christian
Former WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose has signed on to star in a MMA-themed action movie, according to Deadline.
Billed under his real name, Jonathan Good, Ambrose has joined the cast of Cagefighter, which is currently in pre-production. The movie tells the story of a lauded MMA champion who unexpectedly loses a heavily promoted fight to a pro wrestling star making his crossover debut in the world of MMA. Humiliated by the loss, the fighter must fight his way back to the top and earn a rematch.
The movie also stars real-life MMA fighter and actor Josh Herdman, Michael Jai White, Gina Gershon, Michelle Ryan and Jason Maza. MMA legends Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva and Alexander Gustafsson will also appear.
Former WWE star Christian is the Executive Producer of the movie. There's no word yet on when it will be released, but we will keep you updated.
May 6, 2019
The XFL Has Four New Homes
The XFL will be showcased on ABC, ESPN, Fox Sports and FS1 when the new season launches next year.
The news was broken via tweet, as games will be played both on weekly TV as well as cable.
"We look forward to showcasing the XFL on ESPN and ABC, including the kickoff game and championship during the league’s inaugural season,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Scheduling.
The XFL will launch in February 2020, and will feature teams from Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C.
"We welcome the XFL to the FOX Sports Family and are pleased to expand our relationship with Vince McMahon,” said Eric Shanks, FOX Sports CEO & Executive Producer.
The new XFL will be a follow-up from the 2001 league, which closed after one season.
Triple H Announces 25th WWE NXT Takeover Special For Bridgeport, Connecticut In June
Triple H has announced that the 25th WWENXT Takeover event will take place from the Webster Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
He wrote, "Florida, Toronto, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, Texas, BROOKLYN, Phoenix, Philly, New Orleans... ...to our TWENTY-FIFTH take over. @WWENXT #NXTTakeOver: XXV is LIVE from the @Webster_Arena Sat, June 1, 2019."
"Takeover: Bridgeport" or "Takeover: XXV" will take place on Saturday, June 1 from the Webster Arena. Tickets go on sale at 10am ET this Friday via NXTTickets.com.
May 1, 2019
WWE Hall Of Famer Joins NXT Broadcast Team
A WWE Hall Of Famer is the newest member of the NXT broadcast team.
Beth Phoenix will be replacing Percy Watson joining the team of Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness.
Pheonix has been hugely active on WWE television of late, returning prior to WWE before WrestleMania and she was also part of the Women’s Tag Team Championship match at Mania.
It was also announced a few days ago that she will be wrestling on the WWE European tour.
Jon Moxley Returns In Teaser Promo
Now that Dean Ambrose has left the WWE, it seems a teaser promo was soon to follow ushering in the return of Jon Moxley shown in a video from his only visible post on Twitter (@JonMoxley).
https://twitter.com/JonMoxley/status/1123438186410205184?s=19
WWE Confirms Bill Goldberg, Brock Lesnar and Undertaker for Upcoming Saudi Arabian PPV
The following press release comes from WWE.com:
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA and STAMFORD, Conn. — The Saudi General Sports Authority, in partnership with WWE, will host an event at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. AST. The event will feature WWE Superstars Roman Reigns, Undertaker, Kofi Kingston, Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Goldberg, AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar, and stream live on WWE Network.
Additional details on the event’s matches, ticket availability and pricing, and regional broadcast information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Brock Lesnar Retires From MMA
Brock Lesnar has decided not to return to MMA, according to ESPN. The Beast is now retired from the sport.
UFC President Dana White said that Lesnar has informed the company that he does not plan on fighting in the Octagon again.
Lesnar had been rumored for a summer 2019 fight against UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier. That fight will not happen as Lesnar told White last week that he is retired from the sport.
"[Lesnar] told me he's done, he's retired," White told ESPN. "We're going to move in another direction with Cormier."
White now plans to book a rematch between Cormier and former champion Stipe Miocic.
Lesnar's last MMA fight came at UFC 200 in July 2016, a win Mark Hunt over that was overturned due to a failed drug test from Lesnar. He had put himself back in the USADA drug-testing pool last July, which made him eligible to fight again for the UFC this past January.
Lesnar lost the WWE Universal Championship to Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 35 earlier this month and is not currently scheduled for any WWE events. He has been rumored for WWE's next event in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to take place on Friday, June 7th.
