WWE has released five wrestlers from their contracts today. The NXT stars that were let go are:
Garrett Dylan
Travis Tyler
Slate Randall
Mac Miles
Dani Jackson
August 1, 2014
WWE Releases Several Wrestlers From NXT Today
July 31, 2014
WWE to End Production of their Official Magazine
The final issue of the WWE Magazine which has been in print since 1984 will be published in October. WWE has reportedly decided to close down their magazine department as part of their ongoing budget cuts.
The Wrestling Observer reports that the magazine could possibly continue using an outside publisher where the company would lease out its name, but WWE itself will no longer be producing it.
WWE Network now available outside of the U.S.
WWE announced today its plans to launch the U.S. version of WWE Network as an over-the-top service in more than 170 countries and territories, starting on August 12. The network is expected to go live in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain and the Nordics, among others countries. WWE Network is also expected to arrive in the United Kingdom by October 2014, with expansion to Italy, UAE, Germany, Japan, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia following at a future date.
WWE Layoffs Update
F4WOnline.com is reporting that an estimate of 55 people were let go from WWE today, or about 7% of their overall workforce. It’s not exactly “good news”, but that is down slightly from the 10% estimate we were hearing earlier this week.
Triple H Announces Date and More for Next Live WWE NXT Special on the WWE Network
It was announced by Triple H at tonight's WWE NXT TV tapings that the next live NXT special on the WWE Network will take place on Thursday, September 11th. Like Arrival and Takeover, it will be two hours. WWE will likely hold another set of tapings that next night.
All titles will be on the line that night and the new NXT General Manager will be revealed. No word yet on the name but we will have more details soon.
Paul Heyman Talks WWE Fans Having a Hard Time Letting CM Punk Go
“It’s a very difficult break-up when an audience loses its ability to thrust its adulation upon their hero. CM Punk clearly established during his time as a Paul Heyman Guy that he was, as the billing suggested, The Best In The World.
“So when he abruptly disappears and the audience doesn’t have the ability to say goodbye or shower him with their affection, then it causes a situation. It causes the audience to miss him even more vociferously, because they never had the closure of letting him know how much they appreciate his hard work.”
July 30, 2014
Batista On WWE Retirement Plans, Acting Career, More
WWE Superstar Dave Batista recently spoke to The Mirror.
On his future retirement: “I kind of have my wish list of guys that I would like to work with, because I realize my career is not going to be that long if I do go back just because physically… realistically, I’m 45 years old now, how much longer can I continue…? You do take a beating in professional wrestling. But I love it. It’s not ‘will I go back?’, it’s ‘when will I go back?’. Hopefully it won’t be far too long. Triple H right now is the guy I really want to work with. I want to go back and that’s hopefully that’ll be my retirement program. Yeah, I’ll have my WrestleMania retirement match with Triple H.”
On wanting more diverse roles in acting: “That’s the thing, when I left WWE to pursue acting, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to pursue acting, which has not been easy to do because I think people automatically want to slap this label on me, which is very frustrating. It is what it is, and I get it… [But] that’s what I’ve been in the pursuit of. More dialogue-driven roles, more character-driven [and] storyline-driven roles, the stuff that I’m a fan of. I definitely hope that Drax will open some doors for me.”
On taking on Shakespeare: “I know it sounds strange and I think unless you knew me very well, you wouldn’t get this… But I would love to do Shakespeare. My first acting lessons were Shakespeare. The first time I ever started working with a coach was doing scenes from Measure for Measure which were tough dramatic scenes. And then Taming of the Shrew, which required comedic timing. And that’s the kind of stuff I love. The thing I would struggle with Shakespeare is actually remembering all the dialogue because you have to be so precise. [But] that’s not out of my imagination at all. I can very easily see myself in pursuit of Shakespeare.”
July 29, 2014
July 28, 2014
Dean Ambrose Comments on Working with Triple H
"[We ended up being able to] work with Triple H, and [I would] go up to him with what [I thought] was a brilliant idea, because I tend to think I’m pretty smart. I’ll go up and say I have a brilliant idea, and he’ll shoot 10,000 logic holes in it, and I’ll go, ‘Oh yeah I am stupid, that’s way smarter the way he put it.’ Seeing how Triple H thinks is very educational. Kind of the same thing with Piper, seeing those guys go through their process and think about things, and bring logic to what is often an illogical form of entertainment, is pretty cool."
WWE Confirms Prince Devitt Has Signed, Devitt Comments and Reveals His Main Roster Goal
WWE has confirmed on their website that they have signed Prince Devitt. Devitt commented to WWE.com last week:
“This is something I’ve been looking forward to since I was maybe four or five years old. I grew up watching wrestling my whole life, so to get the chance to step in the ring that I’ve watched on TV so many times is a dream come true.”
Devitt said he's looking forward to learning a new style at the WWE Performance Center:
"I don’t consider myself anywhere close to the finished product, so I’m looking forward to this challenge and learning a new style. I’ve seen a lot of different training schools and dojos, and the sheer level of professionalism at the Performance Center and the state-of-the-art facility just knocked me for a six. It really blew me away."
He also commented on his main roster goal:
"The target would be John Cena, because if you’re wrestling John Cena, you’re in the main event."
TNA Still Negotiationing With Spike TV?, Comments From Viacom And TNA Executive
Spike TV parent company Viacom issued the following in response to a request from PWInsider for comment on Spike and TNA:
"Per Viacom company policy - we don't comment on ongoing negotiations."
This seems to confirm that they are still in talks, as Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter earlier.
TNA executive Bob Ryder also tweeted:
"Reports are not true. Negotiations with @SpikeTV are ongoing."
TMZ Reports Spike TV Will Not Be Renewing TNA's Impact Wrestling Contract
From TMZ.com:
TNA Wrestling's flagship show "Impact Wrestling" could soon be without a home -- Spike TV quietly let the league know it's not renewing their TV contract … TMZ has learned.
Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the deal ... tell us Spike execs contacted TNA President Dixie Carter late last week to break the news -- and the following day Carter informed members of her inner circle.
TNA's current deal with Spike reportedly runs through October. It's unclear at this point when "Impact Wrestling" will stop airing on Spike.
We're told there's no bad blood, and Spike gave TNA such advance notice so it would have time to shop for a new TV deal.
TNA's show debuted on Spike TV in October 2005 -- and helped the league rise to #2 on the wrestling scene … behind the WWE.
We've called TNA and Spike for comment ... so far, no word back.
July 27, 2014
July 26, 2014
Adam Rose Talks Best Advice He's Received From Triple H, His Character In The Title Picture
Chuck Carroll interviewed Adam Rose for CBS. During the interview, Rose credited Triple H with giving him the best advice he's ever received in the business.
"This is a marathon not a sprint. And legends are made through the marathon," he was told.
Rose also hinted that his character will be featured in WWE 2K15 and that he'll be involved at SummerSlam. He was also asked whether he thought there was room for "fun" characters such as his in the title picture when the top guys are often a little more straight-laced.
"I think that either way this could happen down the line," Rose replied. " I don't like the fact we box ourselves in all the time. Everyone is always boxing themselves in to their boxes and saying 'Oh, this is how things are traditionally done.' And yeah, there's a box for that and a box for this. Everything is a mold and molds are made to be broken. I think it's just a matter of having a little open-minded thinking as to what the future holds as to where Adam Rose actually fits."
Rose also discussed whether he actually travels in the Exotic Express, how he'd like to evolve his character, differences between wrestling in NXT and WWE, Sting wrestling in WWE and more. You can check out the full interview by clicking here.
Another Law Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit Against WWE for Making False & Misleading Statements
The following was issued yesterday:
The Law Office of Robbins Arroyo LLP Announces that It Has Filed a Class Action Lawsuit Against World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
SAN DIEGO & WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Robbins Arroyo LLP announces that it has filed a federal securities class action lawsuit on July 25, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut (the "Court"), on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ("WWE" or the "Company") WWE -1.82% securities between October 31, 2013 and May 16, 2014, inclusive (the "Class Period"), against the Company and certain of its officers and directors for, among other things, violations of section 10(b) of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The complaint seeks relief on behalf of the named plaintiffs and all other similarly situated shareholders of WWE during the Class Period. The named plaintiffs are represented by Robbins Arroyo LLP.
WWE Is Accused of Making False and Misleading Statements Concerning the Company's Ability to Double the Value of Its U.S. Television License Agreement
The complaint arises out of false and misleading statements regarding the ability of the Company to transform its earning profile through, among other things, the negotiation of a lucrative long-term television deal. The complaint alleges that, during the Class Period, certain of WWE's officers issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's ability to command a premium fee in upcoming negotiations to renew its television license agreement. Specifically, defendants caused WWE to issue false and misleading statements in public filings, press releases, and conference calls where they publicized their ability to renew their television license agreement at double the value in upcoming negotiations. These statements downplayed the fact that advertisers pay less to reach WWE viewers than traditional sports or other shows on the USA Network and the negative impact on the television license negotiations resulting from the Company's launch of its WWE Network.
WWE's Stock Price Drops on News of the New Television License Agreement Value
On May 15, 2014, after the market closed, the Company issued a press release that it had reached a multi-year deal with NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment increasing the value of the U.S. television license agreement by $57 million, or 50%. Upon this announcement, on May 16, 2014, WWE stock dropped over 43%, from $19.93 to close at $11.27. The omitted and/or misrepresented information is believed to be material to potential WWE shareholders' ability to make an informed decision whether to purchase WWE stock.
If you purchased or otherwise acquired WWE stock during the Class Period and wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than sixty days from July 25, 2014. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue of Robbins Arroyo LLP at 800-350-6003, via the shareholder information form on our website, or by e-mail at info@robbinsarroyo.com . Any member of the Class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent Class member.
Ricky Steamboat Talks About His WWE Status, Not Turning Heel, Having Respect for Flair, More
WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat recently spoke with The Post & Courier's Mike Mooneyham to promote next week's NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte. Below are some highlights:
Never turning heel and suggesting the idea to Pat Patterson in the 90's:
"I cannot come up with a main-event name who throughout their career didn't work as a heel or a face at some point. Not that I didn't try. Pat simply told me that it would probably ruin my career. I just wanted to experience what it felt like on the other side of the fence. As we all know, the heels have the most fun out there in the ring."
Having respect for Ric Flair during their rivalry:
"We never had any kind of locker-room disputes or anything outside the ring. We were very respectful of each other. We grew to enjoy each other in the ring only because of the respect we gave each other and our respect for the business ... and for the match that particular night. It didn't matter if it was 200 fans in Columbia of if there were 15,000 fans in Greensboro. We would go out there and take them on a ride."
Meeting fans at Fanfest on Friday:
"It'll be a good day. If it wasn't for the fans who came out and bought tickets, none of us would be where we're at. It takes the family package to put it all together. And it will be good to see some of the guys I've worked with and sit and reminisce. I've been put here to hang around a little bit longer and very happily give back."
His WWE status:
"I am under a Legends contract. I'm like a diplomat. I do appearances and autograph sessions and speak for the company. It's a great gig for me. I'm glad I'm still able to do this and still have some notoriety, to keep this old dog going until it's time to ride off into the sunset."
Jim Ross Blogs on His WWE Departure
"All my legal commitments to WWE ended Wednesday night at midnight which concluded a 21 year tenure with the company. Coming to WWE in 1993 was the best business decision I ever made even though I really loved living in Atlanta. Great city...great food...many friends...fun, sports town.
Arriving in WWE in 1993 and officially ending my tenure there this week made it 21 years working for Vince McMahon which not too many individuals can say that they did especially on the management level that I was in the majority of the time. We worked through drastic, financial issues, a federal trial, bankruptcy was discussed more than once, but we all pulled together and put our personal lives on hold, got lucky on hiring some amazing talents and then launched the Attitude Era that created the greatest success WWE ever achieved.
It was always a team effort and we had some very talented people working tirelessly to make WWE a more viable brand and to establish their place as firmly the #1 sports entertainment company in the world.
I have no regrets and am thankful for the opportunities that were presented me. I wouldn't have done a thing differently but I'd have preferred to not have had three Bells palsy attacks but that's the hand I was dealt. I've always tried to man up and navigate through those challenging waters. Obviously, my 'look' after the Bells attacks did me no favors as a TV broadcaster and some folks even had fun imitating me but that's something that they have to live with and not me.
I will always take great pride in how our staff in talent relations delivered time and time again when the company was going through it's toughest period ever. We got the work done, were honest and straight forward to the talents, managed some highly motivated and talented athletic performers, and recruited and signed some of WWE's all time biggest stars.
I'd like to think that my work at ringside with Jerry Lawler and with Paul Heyman along with Vince McMahon contributed some to the process. It sure as hell was a lot of fun working with such talented men at the announce desk."
"My departure from WWE over the Summer Slam symposium in 2014 was a fiasco of misinformation and rumors allegedly spread by some perhaps with dubious character, agendas and with an overall lack of information. My side of the story will be told thoroughly some day to the chagrin of some and, yes, there are two sides to every story. But that was then....today is a better day with great things on the horizon."
July 25, 2014
July 22, 2014
SummerSlam Panel Series
Members of the WWE Universe can get closer to their favorite Superstars and Hall of Famers than ever before this summer when Club Nokia at LA LIVE in Los Angeles hosts the live SummerSlam Panel series Aug. 15-17. Tickets for the interactive events go on sale at AXS.com starting this Saturday, July 26, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
The panels give the WWE Universe the opportunity to ask questions directly to their favorite WWE Superstars and Hall of Famers including:
Hulk Hogan on Friday, August 15 at 7 PM PT. The WWE Hall of Famer and pop-culture icon will talk about his legendary career in and out of the ring, as well as his recent return to WWE.
"WWE 2K15" Roster Reveal hosted by Stone Cold Steve Austin featuring John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Roman Reigns, Sheamus and Cesaro on Saturday, August 16 at 10 AM PT. In addition to speaking about their respective WWE careers, the panelists will reveal the official roster for 2K’s upcoming WWE 2K15 video game, which is available October 28. VIP Ticket holders will receive their photo opportunity with Roman Reigns for this SummerSlam Panel.
D-Generation X, featuring Triple H and Shawn Michaels on Saturday, August 16 at 7 PM PT. One of the most popular and controversial groups in WWE history will address their rebellious exploits and discuss their lasting legacy.
Stone Cold Steve Austin on Sunday, August 17 at 12 Noon PT. The WWE Hall of Famer will discuss his monumental rise to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history.
Each panel will feature a two hour discussion and Q&A with fans in attendance. VIP experiences will follow. Ticket prices per panel are $50 for lower balcony seating; $100 for floor seating, which includes an exclusive SummerSlam Panels collectible pre-signed poster; and $200 for a VIP experience, which includes priority floor seating, a professional photo with select panel Superstars and an exclusive SummerSlam Panels collectible pre-signed poster. For more information on the SummerSlam Panels, please visit www.SummerSlam.com.
July 19, 2014
Rumor Mill - Who Is Triple H’s “Right Hand Man” Now?
It’s said there recently has been a notable power shift backstage in WWE and that Producer “Road Dogg” BG James has ascended as one of Triple H’s key men when it comes to “kicking around” booking ideas. Road Dogg’s official title is Producer but he’s been gaining more clout creatively.
While Vince McMahon is still the head of creative, a lot of Road Dogg’s ideas are being funneled through Triple H and it’s Triple H that presents them to Vince. Word is that Road Dogg is “very well liked” and quickly gaining influence in creative.
July 18, 2014
Natalya Comments on Drunk Dialing Stephanie McMahon
Thank goodness I have an impeccable reputation! It’s funny because at the time we’re filming this reality show and sometimes things get a little wacky on the show…
Nobody, including Steph, ever expected something like [that] to happen. It’s something now that we laugh about. The lesson learned is don’t ever go into “Brie Mode” (a.k.a. getting rip-roaring drunk)…
Stephanie, despite the role that she plays on TV, she is one of the women that the Divas really look up to… I’m so glad that Stephanie and I have moved past that and I will continue to try to make her proud.
Sami Zayn Comments on feedback from Triple H after his match with Cesaro at "Arrival"
It was awesome. If I'm being honest again, actually the first time that I got that kind of feedback from HHH was actually the two out of three falls match (with Cesaro), which had been about a year, nine months prior to the Arrival match. So we had this match, now has gotten a lot of talk, buzz or whatever it is. As I was in the ring and the crowd was like just going nuts, giving us this standing ovation, which was so cool. And as I was on my back, out of the corner of my eye, I kinda saw the replaying some of the highlights of the match and the crowd with each replay started getting louder and louder to the point by the time they were replaying the finish, it was another standing ovation. So it was actually one of the most incredible moments of my career. Just to lay flat on my back and just hear them continually getting louder way after the match. And they (crowd) start chanting match of the year, match of the year and I haven't told anybody this on camera or anything like this. I really didn't know how that reaction was going to go over. At this point, I was fairly new to the WWE system. I didn't know if I overextended myself, if we had done more than they wanted, I don't know. I really didn't know. And then we came back and I had no idea what to expect, I really didn't. I thought I'd get chewed out over like what the hell are you doing out there? I really didn't know. And I got back there and HHH was the first one to pull us aside. He said that was awesome. He gave us a very candid speech. That was the first time I got insight into his mind and the way his mind works. I was so happy because yes, its not gunna be this like, I have my vision. the office has their vision. It was this guy who likes good stuff and he appreciates good stuff. And it was an amazing experience and amazing thing validated by a guy who is not only your boss, but as one of the most accomplished and greatest professional wrestlers/WWE superstars of all time. It was really cool to have him on your good side for sure.
July 17, 2014
Bo Dallas On How WWE's Performance Center Helps, DeMott On How It Has Raised The Bar, Triple H
Brian Fritz of The Orlando Sentinel has an in-depth article on the WWE Performance Center, which just turned 1 year old. The article features quotes from Bo Dallas, Terry Taylor and Bill DeMott, who revealed what he thought when Triple H first wanted to launch the center:
"I thought he was a little nuts in a good way. Think big, right? Think big, make big things happen and that's what he did."
Bo talked about how the Performance Center has helped him:
"Coming here, I sharpened and fine-tuned everything I had and needed. What I thought of as myself as a performer, I looked back and was like, 'Wow, I improved from where I was.' I thought I was ready and then saw the improvements I made which were unbelievable. It makes the transition from down here to up there (the WWE roster) so much easier because you're prepared for what they need you to do. It's not like you're jumping into a whole other world. You're prepared for what they need."
DeMott also talked about how the Performance Center has raised the bar for everyone:
"I think the expectations are higher, and I think that falls back on this coaching staff and everybody here. The nice connection from main roster to developmental is we're working like that -- which we always have been -- but there's less of a gap and they're TV ready."
You can read the full article at this link.
Triple H on WWE’s signing of Kenta
On July 12, 2014, WWE made the huge announcement that the company had signed Japanese wrestling sensation Kenta. WWE Hall of Famer and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan presided over the ceremony, which took place in the ring at a Live Event in Osaka during WWE’s recent Japan Tour. Hogan, who became a star in Japan before Hulkamania ran wild at Madison Square Garden, mentioned Kenta in the same breath as Japanese legends (and Hogan contemporaries) Antonio Inoki, Riki Choshu and Tatsumi Fujinami.
Kenta has the potential to be as transformative as any of those stars. Rising to fame in Pro Wrestling Noah — an organization he helped build alongside owner Mitsuharu Misawa — Kenta caught the attention of American audiences during stints with independent organization Ring of Honor, where he wrestled Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins in acclaimed bouts.
WWE.com spoke with WWE’s COO Triple H to learn more about Kenta’s unique style and the global ramifications of him joining WWE.
WWE.COM: When did Kenta first come on your radar?
TRIPLE H: I’ve known about Kenta for years. He’s one of the biggest stars in Japan. He’s a huge talent, obviously. I’m excited for him to try to bring his brand of sports-entertainment to WWE and see how he does.
WWE.COM: Had you seen his work or was it only word of mouth?
TRIPLE H: No, no, I was absolutely familiar with him. It’s funny, because WWE is a different world. You’ll hear players all the time talk about making the switch from college football to the NFL and the difference in the game. I think it’s the same when you come to WWE. I don’t care where you’ve been or how big you’ve been anyplace else. When you get here, it’s a whole different world. There’s no ceiling for anybody in WWE. You just have to come here and prove that you belong to be in the ring with the best in the world. If you can hang with them, that’s exactly where you’ll be. Kenta has all the tools to be able to do it — he’s proven that for years in Japan. Now let’s see what he can do in NXT. Adapt or perish.
WWE.COM: Who would you like to see Kenta wrestle in NXT when he goes down there for the first time?
TRIPLE H: There’s a massive amount of talent I’d love to see him work with down there. The obvious guys are Sami Zayn and NXT Champion Adrian Neville, but there are ton of guys down there like Tyson Kidd, Justin Gabriel and anybody in that class. NXT is the proving ground to get to WWE, and that’s where Kenta’s gonna have to prove himself. He’s gotta prove that he belongs in WWE.
WWE.COM: What is Kenta’s training status and when can we expect to see him on Raw?
TRIPLE H: He just signed with us. I was there when he had his tryout at the Performance Center and I met with him there. We’ve been working on this for a while. His training will start when he gets here. The thing is, you can be a big star anyplace else in the world. That gets you in the door. What you do once you get here is a whole different ballgame. He’s no different than anybody else once he walks through the door of the Performance Center.
WWE.COM: What makes Kenta different than other international stars WWE has signed in the past, and what does he do for WWE’s international appeal?
TRIPLE H: For the Japanese markets, it’s a huge opportunity to see one of their stars come try to make a name for himself in the US and on a global basis. We are a global company and we recruit globally. We are looking for the biggest and brightest athletes all over the world.
WWE NXT Holding a Tag Team Tournament
On the July 24th episode of NXT, Tag Team Champions The Ascension will announce a tournament to crown new #1 contenders. That tournament kicks off on the August 7th episode and we will have more information later.
Major Reason Why WWE Signed KENTA, Backstage Details on His Involvement in WWE’s Japanese Expansion
According to The Wrestling Observer, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to WWE signing KENTA, and him joining the company is more than a simple talent signing.
A major reason why WWE signed KENTA is because the WWE Network will be launching in Japan next year, and the company has wanted a top Japanese star to help with WWE’s expansion in Japan.
As we previously noted, KENTA will be reporting to Orlando this coming week, and is expected to be a regular on NXT TV by the fall. This coincides with WWE’s announcement that J Sports, a Japanese satellite channel, will begin airing NXT very soon.
Once KENTA arrives at the Performance Center in Orlando, another press conference is expected to take place.
July 15, 2014
Sting Talks About Working with WWE and a Possible Match Against The Undertaker
Sting recently spoke with The UK's Mirror Online to promote the WWE 2K15 video game. Below are some highlights:
Being involved in the game:
"Why now? It's a now or never thing. I've done so many things in the wrestling business but the one thing I'd never done was wrestle or be a part of the WWE family. I didn't want too hang it all up and retire and disappear again without having done that in some capacity."
Having a match for WWE against The Undertaker:
"I've made it clear I'd love to have one last hurrah, one last big match hopefully. And of course I've been outspoken about Undertaker being the opponent. I know what happened at Wrestlemania where Brock Lesnar broke his streak. I think, or at least I'm hoping, that Taker's still going to come back and that he's not done. If he's not done, and he would consider doing it, I'd love to work with him one time. I'd love to wrestle him one time before I call it quits."
Sting also noted that he's "all for" appearing on WWE TV to promote the video game and the match with The Undertaker could take place at WrestleMania 31. Sting also said it would be an honor to go into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
