WWE Sells Ring Mat Sponsorship for First Time in ‘Record-Setting’ Pact With Logan Paul’s Prime Sports Drink

On Friday, WWE announced a “record-setting” pact with Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Hydration beverage brand to become the wrestling entertainment company’s exclusive “official hydration drink partner” and the first partner to ever appear on the center of the WWE ring.

With the deal, WWE is following the playbook of UFC, now its corporate cousin under TKO Group formed last year in a merger engineered by UFC owner Endeavor. Earlier this year, TKO brought together the global partnerships teams at UFC and WWE to form “a singular global partnerships unit with a unified sponsorship strategy,” the company said. 

WWE’s new deal with Prime comes after UFC in January 2023 struck an exclusive global partnership with the drink brand. Paul, a digital influencer and wrestling pro, also has a talent deal to appear in WWE’s SmackDown. 

Terms of the WWE-Prime sponsorship deal weren’t disclosed. WWE said Prime Hydration will receive “unprecedented exposure and integration” including on center-mat branding at premium live events including WrestleMania and Money in the Bank along with “key brand placement” within WWE events including WrestleMania XL and Survivor Series, match sponsorships, co-presenter designations and product activations at future live events, and social support from WWE Superstars across retail and digital activations.

“What Logan and his team have built in a short time is phenomenal and we’re excited to help showcase Prime Hydration across our biggest events,” WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said.

Paul commented, “Combining two of my greatest achievements into one knockout partnership is a dream come true. We’ve worked incredibly hard at Prime to build a brand that disrupts the beverage industry and it’s time to join forces with the global leader in sports entertainment.” Paul co-founded Prime in 2022 with KSI, the British YouTuber, rapper, boxer and entrepreneur. 

In January, TKO announced 10-year deal with Netflix for WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” that delivers a significant step-up in fees for the franchise. TKO’s deal WWE “Raw” deal with Netflix ;has an initial 10-year term for an aggregate rights fee of more than $5 billion, or $500 million annually. That’s up from WWE’s current five-year deal for “Raw” with NBCUniversal, said to be worth approximately $250 million-$260 million per year. Netflix has the option to extend the pact for an additional 10 years or to opt out after five years.

source: variety.com

US Express Announced For 2024 WWE Hall Of Fame Class

The 2024 class of the WWE Hall of Fame is coming together with the addition of Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham, the US Express.

While Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham teamed for over two decades, they were only a tag team in WWE from 1984 to 1985. Despite their short stay with the company, the US Express are former two-time WWE World Tag Team Champions.

WWE surpassed 100 million subscribers on its official YouTube channel

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, today surpassed 100 million subscribers on its official YouTube channel, becoming one of only 10 channels worldwide to achieve the milestone.

The return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has helped supercharge the channel’s subscriber total in recent months, highlighted by the WrestleMania XL Kickoff event in Las Vegas on Feb. 8 which added more than 100,000 subscribers in a day. Further, every segment featuring “The Rock” since his surprise Friday Night SmackDown return on September 15, 2023, has drawn more than one million views. Prior to The Rock’s return to WWE television in September, the company was tracking to reach the 100 million subscriber milestone in late April.

With more than 100 million subscribers and 81 billion lifetime views, WWE is the largest sports channel on YouTube and No. 10 overall. The new subscriber total is more than the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL combined. An early adopter of the platform, WWE joined YouTube in 2007 and has since created and curated exclusive and original content to super serve the WWE Universe. Today, the channel combines premiere in-ring action highlights from Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, NXT and premium live events, archival premium live event footage, exclusive interviews and content featuring WWE Superstars, weekly episodes of The Bump, post-event press conferences, and more.

Much of WWE’s success on the platform is owed to original programming created specifically for YouTube. Productions such as WWE Playback where Superstars rewatch classic matches, WWE Now, a news series covering all things WWE, and popular highlight compilations like WWE Top 10 and WWE Playlist have driven massive growth for the channel.

WWE Announcers Are Being Given More Leeway Under Triple H

A ton of things have changed in WWE once Paul "Triple H" Levesque took over creative from Vince McMahon in the summer of 2022 following the hush money scandal. The product has gotten better and morale has increased within those who work for the company. Commentary has also changed after years of McMahon being notorious for yelling at the announcers.

Changes

Corey Graves has been part of the commentary team for years and has worked under both men. Graves took on a new role as the lead SmackDown play-by-play voice last month.

While speaking on the Short and to the Point podcast, Graves talked about the support he has from Triple H, noting he owes a lot, if not his career, due to him supporting his transition from wrestler to commentator.

Experience

“He also is really cool and sort of refreshing in a sense that he gives us [announcers] space. When he's in Gorilla [position] right where the old boss sat, instead of being told and prompted, 'Hey, you've got to say this, you have to do it this way, you have to use this verbiage,' He, I think, understands that we’re all fans and we all love this in different ways. And as the business grows and evolves, you kind of have to let go of the reins a little bit. I still have my guide rails, I just feel like they’re a little bit wider on each side now where rather than trying to stay on a particular path and walk in a certain rhythm and do things a certain way, I have a little bit more leeway to be me and develop my own style.”

Triple H Announces Women's Wrestling Legend For 2024 WWE Hall Of Fame Class

Following the news earlier this week that Paul Heyman would be part of the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame class, the company's Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque has now announced the second performer set to be recognized — former All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling star Bull Nakano. Levesque revealed the news on X and recognized the retired wrestler for her contributions to the industry.

"An unbelievable talent with an unforgettable look, and a mean streak a mile long," Levesque said. "Bull Nakano isn't just one of the best women's wrestlers of all time — she's one of the best of all time, period."

Following the news earlier this week that Paul Heyman would be part of the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame class, the company's Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque has now announced the second performer set to be recognized — former All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling star Bull Nakano. Levesque revealed the news on X and recognized the retired wrestler for her contributions to the industry.

"An unbelievable talent with an unforgettable look, and a mean streak a mile long," Levesque said. "Bull Nakano isn't just one of the best women's wrestlers of all time — she's one of the best of all time, period."

Nakano began her wrestling career in the early 1980s when she was still a teenager. She captured the AJW Championship before the age of 18 and promptly held onto the title for more than three years. In the early 1990s, after years at the top of the promotion, Nakano left AJW.

In addition to her main body of work in Japan, Nakano made various appearances for both WWE and WCW, primarily from 1994 to 1996. Throughout this time, Nakano had a lengthy rivalry with Alundra Blayze (AKA Madusa). The two feuded in WWE in 1994 and 1995, including a match at WWE SummerSlam 1994, and Nakano later won the WWF Women's Championship for a time. Both Nakano and Blayze wound up leaving the WWF for WCW in 1996 and their feud continued there.

After retiring due to injuries in 1997, Nakano spent some time as a professional golfer. She would later come out of retirement twice for very brief spots in gauntlet matches. It was also recently announced that Nakano would serve as the onscreen commissioner for Sukeban, a United States-based promotion that focuses on Japanese women's wrestling.

Paul Heyman Set for 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Paul  Heyman, the manager behind some of WWE's greatest talents, is set to join the prestigious ranks of the WWE Hall of Fame later this year.

The announcement of Heyman's induction, reported by The Associated Press, carries special significance as it will take place in Philadelphia, PA. This city holds a profound connection to Heyman, as it was the epicenter of ECW's electrifying shows during his tenure as a key figure in the promotion.

Reflecting on his time with ECW, Heyman emphasized the ethos of hard work and staying ahead of the curve that defined the promotion's legacy.

"The extreme in ECW stood for the work ethic involved... The legacy of ECW is firmly rooted in the very simple concepts of paying attention to the cultural curve and obsessively trying to stay a few steps ahead of it.”

WWE & MLW Settled Lawsuit For $20 Million

The MLW lawsuit against WWE was settled for $20 million, according to a new filing. As you may recall, WWE and MLW settled the antitrust lawsuit in December of last year. MLW had originally filed the lawsuit back in 2022, alleging that WWE violated the Sherman Act regarding anti-trust practices and more.

According to a 10-K filing that WWE made with the SEC, the settlement was for $20 million. The filing reads:

On January 11, 2022, a complaint was filed against WWE by MLW Media LLC (“MLW”), captioned MLW Media LLC v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., No. 5:22-cv-00179-EJD (N.D. Cal.), alleging that WWE interfered with MLW’s contractual relationship with certain media platforms and engaged in other anticompetitive and unfair business practices in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and California law. On December 22, 2023, the parties notified the court that they had entered into a settlement agreement in the amount of $20.0 million and stipulated that the case should be voluntarily dismissed with prejudice. In light of the settlement, the case was dismissed with prejudice on December 26, 2023.

The lawsuit was originally dismissed in February of 2023 but MLW refiled it with amendments, and a judge denied a motion to dismiss last June.

UFC, WWE partner on 5-year deal to bring events to Anaheim

The UFC and WWE merged last year into one company, the publicly traded TKO Group owned by Hollywood talent agency Endeavor. And now, some of the effects of that merger are coming to light. 

The UFC and WWE have signed a joint live event partnership with sports and entertainment district OC Vibe that will bring multiple events from both promotions to Honda Center in Anaheim, California, over the next five years, officials told ESPN on Thursday. An official announcement is expected later Thursday. 

Beginning this year, the UFC and WWE will hold at least three events each at the arena through 2028, including the possibility of UFC pay-per-view and Fight Night cards and WWE Raw or SmackDown television programs.

The deal does not specifically call for the UFC and WWE to hold events on back-to-back days or in the same week, though it's a possibility. The deal is the first of its kind since TKO Group formed officially last September -- and it could be indicative of how the new company will package the UFC and WWE together to jurisdictions and tourism authorities in the future. Both promotions have been actively looking for partners for these types of arrangements across the world, where local governments or private companies will pay to bring either one -- or both -- to their respective regions.

source:  espn.com

The Rock Recalls Getting Emotional After Recent WWE Headquarters Tour With Triple H

With The Rock recently confronting Triple H and the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff, and Triple H firing shots at The Rock on SmackDown, there has been a lot of speculation about the two names’ dynamics backstage.

Speaking with ET ahead of the Kickoff event, The Rock revealed that Triple H recently gave him a tour of WWE Headquarters. Admitting that he got choked up at one point during the tour, The Rock said: “(Triple H) goes, ‘Hey, I got one more thing to show you,’ and we went downstairs, (where) you see on the wall these pictures of these wrestlers. He goes, ‘Oh, look at that one.’ And over in the corner is this incredibly well-lit picture, black-and-white, of my dad and Tony Atlas, the day they made history and became the first Black tag team champions.” 

“I have never seen that picture before and I was so choked up… I was really moved. In that moment, I thought, ‘Man, they were wrestling in what was a field house back then and wrestling has changed!’ My dad just made history and the bumps and the bruises and the sacrifices that he made and that all those guys made. “Now we’re talking about the biggest WrestleMania of all time and the company signs a $5 billion deal with Netflix. It’s just incredible.”

The Rock’s father Rocky Johnson won the World Tag Team Championship alongside Tony Atlas in 1983 to become the first black tag-team champions in WWE history. 

The Undertaker Comments On Triple H’s Management Style in WWE

During the latest episode of Six Feet Under (via Fightful), The Undertaker gave his thoughts on how Triple H runs WWE creative, describing it as a ‘very calm’ management style. He also noted that it was almost “too calm” for him.

He said:

 “He’s doing it calmly. So I’m not I’m not around, obviously, like I used to be. When I was working full-time, or even when I wasn’t working full-time. It was just so chaotic. There is like this calm backstage. The crew itself, the talent, they’re relatively young. Top to bottom, they’re young people. They’re all so chill. I’ve seen Triple H get worked up, but I haven’t seen him yell at Talent. I haven’t seen him bad mouth anybody. There’s been times where you come back through the curtain and you know that ass-chewing is coming. I haven’t seen that with him. Like I said, I haven’t been around a whole lot, but I’ve been around enough, and I know him well enough, and I can just tell it’s such a chill vibe. For me, I almost don’t like it because it’s almost too calm. To me, and this is just me on the outside looking in, it’s like they don’t care enough. It’s not that. It’s just the atmosphere.”

WWE and X Partner Up to Launch "WWE Speed"

WWE has unveiled its latest venture into the world of fast-paced entertainment: WWE Speed. This innovative weekly video series is set to revolutionize the wrestling landscape by featuring explosive, up to 5-minute matches, ensuring a high-octane experience from start to finish. Scheduled to kick off in Spring 2024, WWE Speed is tailored to cater to fans craving quick, action-packed bouts without compromising the quality and intensity synonymous with WWE's brand of wrestling.

WWE Speed will be distributed exclusively on X, marking a significant partnership that leverages the platform's vast reach and dynamic content delivery capabilities. This collaboration promises to bring WWE's thrilling action to an even broader audience, offering a unique format that's perfectly suited for the digital age.

Attorney For John Laurinaitis: Most WWE Management Knew Of Ashley Massaro’s Allegations

Tim Marchman of VICE News reports that a lawyer for former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, says that most WWE management knew about Ashley Massaro’s allegations that she was raped in Kuwait during a WWE tour in 2006. Massaro had claimed that top executives, including Vince McMahon and Laurinaitis, told her not to talk about it.

McMahon was accused of covering up the alleged incident and of sexually harassing Massaro, according to legal documents and people who knew her. Marchman writes that an attorney for Laurinaitis confirmed that the latter was aware of the allegations, and that “most upper-level management did.” WWE previously claimed that executives were unaware of the claims.

Per Marchman, the Naval Criminal Investigation Service opened an investigation into Massaro’s claims after her death by apparent suicide in 2019. The investigation closed in January 2020, per an NCIS spokesperson, and further information could not be released without doing so through the Freedom of Information Act.

Massaro previously said WWE covered up her rape. Marchman states that people who knew Massaro say that Vince McMahon sexually harassed her. Additionally, Marchman states that what Laurinaitis’s lawyer says is corroborated by a former WWE doctor.

Laurinaitis’ Lawyer Responds To Ashley Massaro’s Allegations

In the report, Marchman cites Laurinaitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, who responded to questions about Ashley Massaro’s allegations.

“Any allegations that Mr. Laurinaitus helped to cover up an alleged rape allegation is an outright lie,” Brennan wrote. “Johnny, like most upper level management at sometime became aware of the allegations and ensured all proper WWE protocols were followed, including privacy for the alleged victim. We object to the use of the term cover up as no such plan or plot ever took place to hide or assist in the alleged rape.”  

Furthermore, Marchman states that a spokesperson for TKO declined to comment. A lawyer said to represent McMahon did not respond to requests for comment either.

McMahon and Laurinaitis are both implicated in Janel Grant’s lawsuit, in which she alleges that they engaged in sexual assault and sex trafficking of her. 

Federal Prosecutors Investigate Vince McMahon Sex-Trafficking Allegations

WWE co-founder Vince McMahon is under federal investigation over the allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking against him, according to a report

Prosecutors in New York have been in touch with alleged victims of McMahon, people familiar with the investigation told the Wall Street Journal.

McMahon resigned last week from the WWE after former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexually abusing her and trafficking her to other men inside the wresting giant.

The former honcho has denied the allegations and said the federal investigation won’t find wrongdoing.

“I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name,” he told the outlet in a statement.

 WWE didn’t respond to requests from the Journal about the investigation or about the individual women’s allegations. 

Brock Lesnar Pulled From WWE Digital Game Following Janel Grant Allegations

WWE star Brock Lesnar has reportedly been removed from the WWE 2K Supercard Digital Collectible Game, following allegations against him in the Janel Grant case. 

As per "PWInsider," Lesnar has been taken off the digital card game, and he will likely be "downplayed" or removed from various 2K games going forward. This is following the company's stance on Lesnar, who was originally supposed to be part of the men's Royal Rumble match last weekend, but was removed at the last minute following the news of the Vince McMahon allegations. 

The recent lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against McMahon alleged that the former WWE CEO asked Grant to reportedly create "personalized sexual content" for Lesnar, to persuade him to sign a new deal with WWE in 2020. Lesnar, who was to return to WWE at the Royal Rumble, was replaced by Bron Breakker in the match and the young star impressed in his Royal Rumble debut.

Following the allegations, Slim Jim, who had signed a deal with WWE last year, paused their contract with WWE, before returning to the fold after McMahon's resignation from TKO. WWE also removed a Vince McMahon shirt that was being sold at the Royal Rumble venue last Saturday after the allegations against McMahon came to light, while his WWE.com profile page was also removed. 

Dave Meltzer recently claimed that fans may have seen the last of Lesnar and McMahon in a WWE ring, due to the seriousness of the allegations against them. 

John Laurinaitis Seemingly Confirms Vince McMahon Allegations, Says He's Also A Victim

Last Thursday, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a 67-page lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and former WWE executive John Laurinitis outlining allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and a number of other abuses. McMahon has since resigned from his corporate positions at TKO Group Holdings despite denying the accusations against him. Laurinitis, on the other hand, has seemingly confirmed the allegations against McMahon — though not the allegations against himself.

According to a statement provided by Laurinitis' lawyer, Edward Brennan (via VICE News), the former WWE Head of Talent Relations maintains that he is a victim in this case, much like the plaintiff, Janel Grant.

"Mr. Laurinaitis denies the allegations in the misguided complaint and will be vigorously defending these charges in court, not the media," Brennan wrote on Laurinaitis' behalf. "Like the plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not a predator. The truth will come out."

When Brennan was then asked to clarify whether he was claiming McMahon was the predator in this case, he wrote, "Read the allegations. Read the Federal Statute. Power, control, employment supervisory capacity, dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met. Count how many times in the complaint Vince exerts control over both of them."

As cited in the lawsuit, Laurinaitis was named as one of the men that McMahon allegedly recruited for Grant to regularly have sex with, both with and without McMahon himself involved. Grant was supposedly told to create "explicit content" for Laurinaitis, who she also claims raped her alongside McMahon inside Laurinaitis' office in WWE Headquarters. Grant's lawsuit charges Laurinaitis with civil battery, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.

Triple H When Asked About Vince McMahon Allegations: I Want To Focus On The Positives

At the WWE Royal Rumble post-show press conference, Jon Alba asked WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H about the allegations against Vince McMahon and how the situation affects WWE.

“I’m gonna do exactly what you would expect me to do here,” Triple H said. “Look, we just had an amazing week. A ten-year, $5 billion Netflix deal, Rock joining our board. We just sold out the Royal Rumble, put 48,000 people in Tropicana Field. I choose to focus on the positive. Yes, there’s a negative, but I want to focus on that and just keep it to that.”

Triple H was then asked to describe what is being done to make sure people in positions of power can’t take advantage of employees under them.

“I’ll give you the most generalized answer that I can. Everything possible. That is a very important thing to us, a very important topic to us. It’s as simple as everything possible.”

Triple H Says He Has Not Read The Lawsuit

Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics subsequently asked Triple H whether he read the lawsuit featuring the allegations against Vince McMahon.

“I did not. I did not,” Triple H said. “I think Cody mentioned it, that we all found out real-time when you were, and that’s the truth. I’ll go back to what I said before. This is an amazing week for us. I just, at this point, I don’t even want to get bogged down in the negatives of it. I just want to focus on the positives and where we’re going, and we’re at the most exciting time of the year for us, we’re at the most exciting point, to me, business-wise I think that we’ve ever had.

“I think [it’s] the best positioning of this company since the A.ttitude Era. I’ve been through that era. I understand what it’s like. I feel like we are in the middle of something that, while we might not be able to put our finger on it right now, five, ten years from now, we’re gonna be saying wow, what a time that was. I want to focus on that.”

source: wrestlezone and wrestlenomics

End Of An Era 2.0

For the first time since its inception as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation in the 1950's, the only member of the McMahon family currently with the WWE is a Levesque. End of an era.

Statement from Vince McMahon as he officially resigns from TKO

“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.” 

“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effectively immediately.”

Vince McMahon Resigns from Executive Roles at TKO Group Amid Legal Turmoil

Vince McMahon has stepped down from his roles as the Executive Chairman and Board Member of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., a conglomerate created by Endeavor, incorporating both WWE and UFC.

In a communication with employees, WWE President and member of the TKO Board, Nick Khan, announced, "Vince McMahon has relinquished his positions as TKO's Executive Chairman and as a member of the TKO Board of Directors," as reported by Variety. "His involvement with both TKO Group Holdings and WWE has come to an end."

This development follows a lawsuit filed against McMahon by Janel Grant, a former WWE employee. The lawsuit charges McMahon, along with the company and ex-WWE executive John Laurinaitis, of abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking her to other individuals, including Laurinaitis, previously the head of talent relations at WWE.

Vince McMahon Makes Public Statement on Abuse and Trafficking Claims

A representative for Vince McMahon has issued a statement in response to serious allegations brought against him. These allegations, which include sex trafficking and abuse, have been detailed in a lawsuit filed on January 25, 2024. 

Responding to the lawsuit, Vince McMahon's spokesperson told Deadline:

“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.”

Statement From TKO Group Holdings Concerning The McMahon Lawsuit

After WWE founder Vince McMahon was sued by a former employee, who alleged that he abused and sexually exploited her when he was CEO of the wrestling-entertainment company, a spokesperson for TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, said in a statement:

“Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. While this matter predates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”

WWE Founder Vince McMahon Accused of Sexual Abuse and Trafficking in Lawsuit by Former Employee

It's arguably been the most newsworthy week in WWE history, after the promotion announced a 10-year, $5 billion deal with Netflix Tuesday, with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon front and center at the New York Stock Exchange. Now on Thursday, McMahon is front and center again, for all the wrong reasons.

The Wall Street Journal reports that McMahon has been sued by former WWE employee Janel Grant, who has accused McMahon of sex trafficking. The lawsuit, filed Thursday morning, further alleges that McMahon abused and sexually exploited her while he was still WWE's Chief Executive, that he coerced her into sexual relations with the "promise of career advancement," and would later traffic her to other men within WWE.

Grant, who signed an NDA with WWE in 2022, claims she first met McMahon in 2019 in the apartment building they both lived in. McMahon allegedly promised Grant work at WWE and proceeded to "shower her with gifts." The suit goes on to allege that McMahon pressured her into sexual activities in order to secure her a job. Grant was hired by WWE in June 2019 as "administration coordinator," a position McMahon allegedly created for her. She subsequently had little work to do, leading to other WWE employees complaining, and Grant believing her job was "unearned."

Grant further alleges that McMahon would send her sexually explicit messages, increased demands for sex, and began forcefully using "toys" during sex, injuring her. She also claims McMahon would share photos and videos of her with other WWE execs and wrestlers, and that he recruited others in WWE to have sex with her, including then WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis. The suit further alleges Grant's mental and physical health deteriorated, leading to McMahon sending her to what was described as a "celebrity doctor" in November, and later paying $20K for surgery.

The suit goes on to claim that Grant would be transferred to the talent-relations division in May 2021, leading to her working directly under Laurinanitis. Grant alleges that a month after the transfer, McMahon and Laurinaitis would lock her in an office, and took turns sexually assaulting her, followed by McMahon assaulting her again a week later.

The suit further claims that Grant would sign an NDA in January 2022, after McMahon told her his wife, Linda McMahon, had learned about their relationship. Nevertheless, McMahon would only pay $1 million of the agreement before ceasing making payments and continued his abuse through March 2022. Grant would also once again text explicit photos to the WWE star, but the two would still never meet.

Netflix to Become New Home of WWE Raw Beginning 2025

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago.

Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions to be added over time. Likewise, as part of the agreement, Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. as available, inclusive of Raw and WWE’s other weekly shows – SmackDown and NXT – as well as the company’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally beginning in 2025.

“This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO. “It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, dramatically expands the reach of WWE, and brings weekly live appointment viewing to Netflix.”

“We are excited to have WWE Raw, with its huge and passionate multigenerational fan base, on Netflix,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members. Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.”

“In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base.” 

With 1,600 episodes to date, Raw is the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered action, compelling drama and unmatched athleticism – 52 weeks a year. Blending the best of scripted content with unpredictable live entertainment, the three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple  H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair.

The show is currently the No. 1 show on USA Network, where it brings in 17.5 million unique viewers over the course of the year. One of television’s best performing shows in the 18-49 advertising demographic, Raw trends on X 52 weeks a year while each new episode is airing. On social media, WWE has more than one billion followers across its platforms.

TKO Appoints Dwayne Johnson to Board of Directors

Johnson Granted Full Ownership of Trademarked Name, “The Rock”

TKO Group Holdings, Inc., a premium sports and entertainment company, has appointed Dwayne Johnson to its Board of Directors, effective today.

Johnson, one of the most decorated WWE Superstars in company history and the most followed American man globally on social media platforms, brings decades of experience in live entertainment and sports to the Board. Through his expansive business portfolio, which includes Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock, and the recently combined spring football league, the United Football League (UFL), Johnson has significant experience identifying and cultivating revenue generating media rights, live events, sponsorship, licensing, and social media opportunities. The appointment of Johnson reflects TKO’s commitment to delivering long-term value and strong performance for shareholders through strategic growth initiatives across both UFC and WWE.

Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of the Board, TKO, said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock. We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, said: “My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle. At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing. I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”

Ariel Emanuel, CEO, TKO, said: “I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board. Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”

WWE has also entered into a services and merchandising agreement with Johnson that provides for his promotional, licensing, and other services, and an intellectual property assignment agreement pursuant to which Johnson has secured ownership of the trademarked name, “The Rock”. The name is derived from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, who was the first Black champion in WWE history (alongside partner Tony Atlas). Johnson’s grandfather, Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler, was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

The addition of Johnson, as well as today’s appointment of Brad Keywell to TKO’s Board of Directors, will increase TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.

Johnson has been a client of Endeavor’s WME agency for nearly 13 years.

WWE Executive Kevin Dunn Leaving The Company

Kevin Dunn is reportedly exiting WWE.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider broke the news on Saturday that WWE Executive Producer and Chief of Global Television Distribution Kevin Dunn has given his notice to leave WWE after over 30 years with the company. Their sources stated that it was Dunn's decision to retire in wake of changes made to the television production department post-Endeavor. While shocking to some, the news isn't surprising in the present day considering it was believed that Dunn would not work for anyone other than Vince McMahon who officially left when Endeavor formed TKO this year. Nevertheless, the ramifications may be sizable considering Dunn's fingerprints are all over WWE's television presentation.

When Dunn missed WWE Survivor Series: WarGames in 2022, there was speculation that he had left following McMahon's initial departure. That turned out to not be the case as WWE's Board of Directors had asked Dunn to remain with the company when McMahon stepped down. Dunn has served as an executive producer since "Monday Night Raw" began airing on the USA Network in 1993. He also served as WWE's director and line producer which involved overseeing the production budget and crew members, among other major responsibilities behind the scenes.

Regarding who will replace Dunn, it was once believed to be Michael Mansury who now holds a similar executive position in AEW. PWInsider noted that it's likely to be a mix of people sharing responsibilities for the time being. Dunn reportedly has stepped back in some ways to let others take over certain responsibilities since the Endeavor era started.

WWE Reportedly Sets All-Time Record At Madison Square Garden Live Event

Business is booming for WWE right now, with the promotion reportedly setting an all-time record at the recent Madison Square Garden live event.

"Fightful Select" has reported that the December 26 live event at the iconic New York venue is the highest-grossing domestic non-televised event in the history of the promotion. The show saw CM Punk wrestle for the first time since his return to WWE, defeating former "NXT" North American Champion, Dominik Mysterio, whom he will face once again at a live event in California. The report added that WWE has stated internally that the show was sold out, with WrestleTix revealing that over 15,000 tickets were sold for the show. 

"Fightful" has also revealed that the live event in Baltimore, featuring the "WWE SmackDown" roster, was the highest-grossing non-televised WWE show in the region.

The stacked card at the Madison Square Garden show featured several of "WWE Raw's" top stars, including the likes of Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Becky Lynch, and Cody Rhodes. Rollins and McIntyre closed out the event, where the former retained his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Finn Balor and Damian Priest retained their tag team titles against Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, while WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Ivy Nile and Shayna Baszler in a triple threat match.

The "Raw" and "SmackDown" rosters have a string of live events lined up ahead of the new year. This week's "SmackDown" will air a best-of show, recapping the highlights of 2023 from the blue brand, much like the "Raw" show on Christmas day.

Hagerstown native, WWE superstar LA Knight, receives key to city

Hundreds of people turned out in University Plaza on Saturday to see North Hagerstown High grad Shaun Ricker, aka WWE wrestler LA Knight, receive a key to the city. Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez addressed the crowd. Several youth were on stage with the WWE star and helped with the presentation of the key to the city to the Hagerstown native.

There were a lot of "Yeah"s exchanged Saturday between the Hagerstown native and hundreds of local fans. "Yeah" is a signature saying of the professional wrestler's.

Hagerstown Councilman Matthew Schindler went to school with Ricker and reached out to his former schoolmate to help arrange Saturday's presentation of a key to the city. Ricker joked that he thought 10 people would show up Saturday to see him receive the key to the city. Hundreds turned out at University Plaza. He said he was humbled to receive the honor and encouraged people to pursue their dreams.Ricker told the crowd to pursue their dreams. The Superstar said he had several setbacks, including sleeping in his car at times, but now he's at a point where he can help others.

Injured WWE Star Liv Morgan Arrested For Drug Possession

Injured WWE Star Liv Morgan Arrested For Drug Possession

Former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan was arrested in Florida for drug possession after a traffic stop. According to PWInsider, the 29-year-old was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drugs, possibly that of a synthetic cannabinoid, on Thursday evening. The injured star was arrested after a Sumter County sheriff's deputy saw the Jeep she was driving cross over the white and yellow lines of the road. 

When the deputy approached Morgan's vehicle, they smelled marijuana, according to the arrest report. According to PWInsider, a small plastic bag of marijuana and a vape pen that "held an oil-like substance" that later tested for marijuana were found in the vehicle. Morgan bonded out of jail and was released Thursday night around 10:00 p.m. WWE has yet to either comment to the outlet or release a statement.

Morgan has been out of action since suffering an injury on a July episode of "WWE Raw" that saw WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley attack her before their advertised match, an angle to write her off television. Morgan had just returned to the ring from a previous shoulder injury before suffering another, reportedly to her opposite side. The initial injury led Morgan and tag team partner Raquel Rodriguez to vacate the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.

WWE Reaches Settlement With MLW Over Antitrust Allegations

Just about two years ago, MLW initially filed its antitrust lawsuit against WWE. In its litigation, MLW alleged that WWE had pressured third parties into abandoning deals with MLW, most notably Vice TV and Tubi. But after all the legal rambling, things look to be headed for a settlement of some sort.

Per Wrestlenomics, MLW and WWE have come to terms on a settlement with both parties filed for the agreement today. According to the documentation, both sides were "in the process of completing the final settlement documents." Should all go well, both MLW and WWE will file dismissal papers within the next 30 days, officially ending the lawsuit. 

The settlement ends a saga that featured numerous twists and turns, including a judge at one point dismissing the lawsuit in February 2023, followed by MLW filing an amended version of the suit just one month later. This time it stuck, with a judge later denying WWE's motion to dismiss the lawsuit in the late spring. While updates regarding the case have become scarce as of late, the lawsuit was said to be in the discovery phase.

The terms of the settlement so far have not been disclosed, and no one from MLW or WWE has officially commented on the matter. 

TNA Wrestling has partnered with Endeavor Streaming to deliver its global, on-demand streaming service, TNA+

TNA Wrestling (formerly IMPACT Wrestling)—a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment and a division of Anthem Sports Group—has partnered with Endeavor Streaming to deliver its global, on-demand streaming service, TNA+, to its passionate fans, launching Friday, January 5.

 As part of a multi-year deal, Endeavor Streaming will power the new TNA+ app to deliver an enhanced user experience to all fans across the top streaming platforms, as well as mobile and connected devices. 

This partnership combines TNA’s expertise as a top professional wrestling promoter with Endeavor Streaming’s unparalleled knowledge in delivering innovative direct-to-consumer offerings, marketing tools, analytics, and predictive modeling. TNA+ will leverage Endeavor’s experience working with the world’s biggest sports organizations to scale TNA+’s business operations and further grow its fan base and digital revenues.

In addition to reclaiming the iconic TNA moniker, the TNA+ app is relaunching with an all-new dynamic look, as well as expanded options and increased functionality. The app puts the power back in the fans’ hands, delivering the ultimate premium experience where they can stream the company’s flagship weekly TV show and tune into exciting pay-per-view events, view TNA’s full archive, get exclusive original content and wrestler-created series, and even have the chance to interact with some of TNA’s top stars.TNA+ will be available at TNAWrestling.com, via iOS, tvOS and Android mobile apps, as well as big screen devices such as Android TV, Fire TV and Roku, with more platforms to follow. Subscribers will have the choice of a “Special Attraction” membership tier that features access to the full TNA/IMPACT Wrestling library and all TNA+ special PPV programming other than the 4-tent pole annual events offered at a price of $9.99 monthly or $95.99 per year, and a “World Championship” membership tier that includes all the perks of the Special Attraction tier, plus the 4-tent pole PPV events, offered at a price of $219.99 per year. Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.

“This is truly an incredible opportunity for us as we forge into an exciting new chapter of the TNA legacy,” said TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore. “We are proud to partner with Endeavor Streaming on this initiative, and we look forward to continuing to provide our fans with the absolute best in new, classic and exclusive professional wrestling content, available to them anywhere, anytime, on their favorite devices, when TNA+ launches on January 5.” Pete Bellamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Endeavor Streaming said, “Wrestling fans are some of the most passionate in the world of sports and entertainment and TNA+ is the perfect ‘always-on’ personalized OTT service to help TNA build a deeper relationship with its global audience. We’re looking forward to working with TNA to deliver the best streaming experience for wrestling fans.”

Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.

WWE-UFC Merger Challenged In Lawsuit Alleging “Sham Sales Process” for Megadeal

Investors claim that WWE board members favored a merger with Endeavor's UFC to allow Vince McMahon to stay on as executive chairman of TKO Group.

Vince McMahon’s corporate coup that paved a path for him to force his way back onto the WWE board and merge the sports entertainment powerhouse with Endeavor’s UFC is back in the spotlight, with a lawsuit arguing that he ignored more lucrative offers at the expense of investors.

A suit, unsealed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on Nov. 22, alleges that McMahon pushed a “quick sale” of WWE to Endeavor chief Ari Emanuel, his “close friend and longtime ally” who proposed a sweetheart deal that allowed the wrestling mogul to stay on as executive chairman of TKO Group and avoid scrutiny in connection with sexual misconduct allegations that could’ve ousted him from the company. According to the complaint filed by investors, WWE board members “conjured up a sham sales process” designed to favor Endeavor and “exclude other bidders seeking to axe” McMahon, disregarding at least two all cash offers with betters terms.

The complaint extensively details McMahon’s turbulent tenure as head of WWE, culminating in September with the formation of TKO Group through a $21 billion merger between UFC and WWE. He had returned to the company in January after having stepped down as chief executive amid a sexual misconduct investigation into $17.4 million in hush money payments to four different women formerly employed by the company. McMahon, as WWE’s controlling stockholder, removed and replaced three then-serving board members with himself and former executives George Barrios and Michelle Wilson.

“If McMahon was found to have breached his duty of loyalty, WWE stockholders could have sought his removal as a director,” states the suit. “Such scrutiny appears to have prompted McMahon to seek a ‘quick’ sale of the Company that also allowed him to continue running WWE.”

WWE announced on the same day as McMahon’s return in January a review of strategic options. In a statement, he said that he wanted to lead any talks about a possible sale or rights negotiations himself. Investors claim that he immediately turned to Emanuel, his former agent whom he “knew would allow him to remain at the helm” of the merged entity. They say that both the process and price point were unfair, alleging there were betters deals on the table.

According to the complaint, this included undisclosed companies submitting cash offers at $95-$100 and $90-$97.50 per share. But because they contemplated cashing out WWE stockholders and barred McMahon from rolling over his shares, which would’ve signaled his “complete ouster” from the wrestling world, the board “never bothered to make” counterproposals, the suit states.

Instead, WWE exclusively negotiated with Endeavor, proposing an all-stock deal that was contingent upon McMahon serving as executive chairman of the combined company, the complaint says. Endeavor ultimately agreed, with it owning 51 percent of the post-deal firm and former WWE stockholders owning the remaining 49 percent. Investors allege that merger was consummated at $95.66 per share, which fell below two competing, all-cash offers. (Those WWE suitors were redacted in the complaint. But the companies were described as “major institutions with significant access to capital” that had “compelling reasons to close an acquisition of WWE.” One of them likely had “significant runway to increase its offer due to the outsized synergies it could generate in a combination with” the company, the suit says.)

“Not only did he secure a future for himself at post-merger WWE, McMahon also stuffed his pockets and those of his loyalists before agreeing to a deal,” states the complaint, which points to he and former chief executive Nick Kahn securing so-called golden parachutes, along with Khan, McMahon’s son-in-law and WWE chief content officer Paul Levesque (known professionally as “Triple-H”) and WWE president Frank A. Riddick getting a combined $25 million in cash bonuses.

The suit argues that the $21 billion price tag undervalues WWE. It’s “far below the offers” the board could’ve obtained from multiple other bidders had it “made any effort to negotiate in good faith,” investors claim.

According to the complaint, McMahon and his allies on the board “timed negotiations” to favor a deal with Endeavor, including by providing early due diligence and backchanneling information to the company so that it was able to make an early offer. During this process, WWE only secured a budget for UFC’s current fiscal year rather than insisting on a full set of multi year projections, as is customary, despite agreeing to merger consideration that depended on valuing UFC accurately, the suit says. By rushing to secure a merger with Endeavor without conducting adequate due diligence, investors argue the board got an unfavorable deal in agreeing to a 51-49 split.

The complaint, filed by an Ohio pension fund, names McMahon, Khan, Levesque, Barrios and Wilson, among others. It contains various claims for breach of contract and seeks to represent all stockholders who cashed out their shares in the merger.

WWE didn’t respond to a request for comment.

source: Hollywood Reporter

WWE Hall Of Famer Tammy Sytch Receives Sentence In DUI Manslaughter Case

After over a year and a half of lawyer changes, courtroom incidents, and everything in between, a resolution has been reached in Tammy Sytch's DUI manslaughter case. The WWE Hall of Famer is looking at a long stint in prison.

TMZ reports that Sytch was handed a 17-year prison sentence today for her role in the death of a 75-year-old man during a traffic accident in March 2022. In addition, Sytch will serve eight years probation after she is released in 2040, and her driver's license has been permanently revoked. The 17-year sentence represents a slight reprieve for Sytch, who faced up to 25 years maximum.

Sytch was first arrested for the incident in May 2022, after her blood alcohol levels were revealed to be well over the legal limit. Sytch would at first plead not guilty to all charges, but eventually pleaded no contest earlier this summer after reaching a plea deal. The WWE Hall of Famer addressed the victim's family today in an emotional scene, though she reportedly remained stoic during her sentencing.