October 15, 2014
Alexa Bliss on Studying Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara, Training Under Sara Del Rey, Eating Disorder, More
Justin Roberts Issues Statement On WWE Departure
Justin Roberts, who was released from WWE following this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, posted what he termed his “final announcement” on his Instagram account on Wednesday. You can read it below:
It might sound cliche, but I am truly overwhelmed & humbled by the messages I’ve received. As a kid who grew up loving & living for professional wrestling, I was able to chase, catch & live an impossible dream. I was a part of events I couldn’t fathom with the heroes I idolized from both WWF & various childhood favorite television shows (Hello Betty White). For a guy in a supporting ambience role–usually unnamed & unseen–I am blown away by the amount of people who apparently not only noticed, but also enjoyed my work. Announcing was my dream, until I realized the absolute best part was using my position to help others. It brought me so much joy to bring a smile to a fellow fan’s face. The Superstars I’ve announced & traveled with over the past 12 years are not only extremely talented to work year round and on the fly, but they are also the most unselfish people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t help others without their support. Not one Superstar or Diva ever once hesitated when I asked them to meet a fan..or autograph..or call..or do whatever was needed. After reading through all of your messages, I just want to say this: Please do not be angry & Please do not be sad. I lived my dream! I’m glad that maybe now someone else will have a spot to live theirs. Many thanks to everyone I have worked with in WWE. Sue, the company gem & my guardian angel. The producers who have taught me so much and constantly let me pick their brains. The referees (They make it look easy. NOT an easy job). Security. Props. Audio. Lighting. PR. Cameras. Travel. TR. Catering. Production. PA’s. My eyes and ears at the bell-Mark Yeaton. Everyone I have met along the way. Everyone who has come into my life because of this job & to those who I have never had the opportunity to meet, but have enjoyed my work. I appreciate & am grateful for everyone’s support. To Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & The Authority who gave me this incredible opportunity, I’ve got two words for ya: Thank You. The journey has been incredible & almost unbelievable. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pen the final chapter of my memoirs.
Stephanie McMahon Selected as Eisenhower Fellow
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon has been selected as a 2015 Eisenhower USA Fellow, one of nine U.S. leaders to participate in the prestigious international leadership exchange program for outstanding professionals, the Eisenhower Fellowships announced today.
“We welcome this talented and enthusiastic group of young leaders into the global network of Eisenhower Fellows to build bridges across borders and work together to make the world more peaceful, prosperous and just,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired).
Eisenhower Fellowships exist to inspire leaders around the world to challenge themselves to think beyond their current scope, to engage others, including outside of their current networks and to leverage their own talents to better the world around them. Fellows are selected based on their proven leadership and success in their professional field, their enthusiasm for continued learning, their active engagement in community activities and their potential for advanced leadership and societal impact.
The nine USA Fellows were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the United States. As an Eisenhower Fellow, McMahon will travel to Asia and South America, to gain a deeper understanding of business implications in the region, local societal challenges, and potential partnerships.
“I am honored to have been selected as an Eisenhower Fellow as a part of such an esteemed class of global leaders,” said Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE. “I look forward to this transformational experience to gain a deeper understanding of the culture in key growth areas, both from a business and community standpoint; develop relationships with my Fellows as well as key influencers abroad, partner with the Women’s Leadership Program, and use this knowledge to help shape WWE’s global business strategies and continue our mission of putting smiles on people’s faces."
Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Eisenhower Fellowships, commended McMahon and the entire class of 2015. “In our globalized world, the experience of an Eisenhower Fellowship will allow these men and women to draw from an incredibly rich international network to enhance their impact in their respective regions and professional fields.” Gov. Whitman said.
McMahon joins other notable Fellows in the 2015 class including David Bray, Visiting Associate on Cyber Security and Culture at the University of Oxford, Chief Information Officer for the Federal Communications Commission and Amy Wilkinson, Author with Simon & Shuster and Senior Fellow, Harvard University. Past Fellows have included Adam Grossman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Development, Boston Red Sox, Anne Gordon, Senior Vice President of Media and Communications, Philadelphia, Eagles, Ines Alberdi, Executive Director, UN Development Fund for Women and Marc Vanheukelen, Chief of Staff, European Commission for International Trade.
October 14, 2014
Date for Next WWE NXT Takeover Special
The next live WWE NXT Takeover special from Full Sail University will be on Thursday, December 11th.
The Very Latest on Justin Roberts’ WWE Release: Reportedly Seen Arguing with Cole, Ring Announce Changes Expected, Y2J Podcast
According to PWInsider.com, below are the latest updates on the WWE release of Justin Roberts:
Roberts was informed of his WWE release right after Raw last night, and he was told by WWE Exec Kevin Dunn. With Roberts gone, it is expected that Lilian Garcia will handle ring announcing for Raw and Eden might be brought in to do ring announcing for Smackdown.
There was talk amongst fans on social media last night that Roberts could be seen arguing with Michael Cole during the Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler match, and at one point Roberts “flipped Cole off.” Whether or not the incident was a catalyst for Roberts’ release is unknown.
Roberts will be the special guest on Chris Jericho’s “Talk is Jericho” podcast on Friday.
WWE Ring Announcer Justin Roberts Released
The official WWE website is reporting that the company has decided to release longtime ring announcer Justin Roberts "effectively immediately"
Below is the WWE.com statement on Justin Robert's release:
WWE has chosen to not exercise its option to renew ring announcer Justin Roberts' contract. Effective immediately, Roberts is released from WWE.
WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors.
October 13, 2014
WWE NXT Wrestler Released
California independent talent Willie Mack, who was about to start with WWE NXT, has been released by WWE before he ever started with WWE developmental, PWInsider.com has confirmed.
Mack, a regular with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Championship Wrestling Hollywood, is a really talented performer with tremendous charisma. He received an extremely emotional farewell at the PWG Battle of Los Angeles event.
F4WOnline.com is reporting that the reason that the reason for the release was because of the results from his medical or physical test.
WWE Network To Begin Airing Advertisements During Videos
WWE sent out the following email today to WWE Network subscribers concerning advertising which will now be featured before and between Network shows:
"Dear WWE Network Subscriber,
Today WWE Network will begin to run limited video advertisements. Here's what you can expect:
No commercial breaks during scheduled programming
Limited advertising between shows
Occasional advertising before our video-on-demand content.
If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please visit wwe.com/help. Thank you for being a WWE Network subscriber.
WWE Network Support"
Advertising from marketers including Pepsi, Mattel and Kmart will start appearing on WWE Network from this week. Averts will range from 30-60 seconds on every fourth stream according to Michelle Wilson, WWE's chief revenue and marketing officer.
Eric Bischoff Talks Vince & Stephanie Similarities
AlternativeNation.net’s Sports section has up Part 2 of their in-depth interview with Eric Bischoff, during which Bischoff discusses how Stephanie McMahon is similar to Vince McMahon and Triple H’s leadership abilities:
“Vince was very, and probably still is, demanding of Stephanie. I think there’s one thing that I saw in Stephanie that made me think that she probably at some point could be Mini Me (laughs), so to speak, and I don’t mean that derisively, but she has a lot of Vince’s same personality traits and characteristics.
She’s super intense, she has an incredible work ethic, she is very strong willed, and she knows what she wants, and what she likes. I saw that when I watched her produce segments, I saw that when I watched her produce my segments. I watched that when I had her rehearse me over and over and over again, until she heard an inflection exactly the way she wanted to hear that inflection. That part of her personality is very similar to Vince’s, it was very very particular, so I saw indications of that early on, but I didn’t have an occasion to see that same thing out of Triple H, because he was probably 75% talent, and 25% in the circle so to speak.”
WWE John Cena Releases Two Songs with Rapper Wiz Khalifa for WWE 2K15 Soundtrack
John Cena announced the following this morning about the WWE 2K15 soundtrack. The soundtrack can be found on iTunes at this link.
"Hard work pays off! I'm honored to announce that I've curated the #WWE2K15Soundtrack!"
"The Dr. of Thuganomics and hip hop royalty @WizKhalifa on 2 new tracks exclusive to the album called "Breaks" & "All Day" #WWE2K15Soundtrack"
"The album also features tracks from @bobatl feat @1future, and @RudimentalUK feat @EmeliSande and @Nas. #WWE2K15Soundtrack"
"and still more from @Official_flo, @knifepartyinc, @TheRealBigSmo, @MysterySkulls, @RoyalBloodUK and @WizKhalifa #WWE2K15Soundtrack"
October 12, 2014
October 11, 2014
October 10, 2014
October 9, 2014
The Forbes Fab 40: The World's Most Valuable Sports Brands 2014
Forbes has listed WWE's WrestleMania at #8 on their Top 10 Most Valuable Event Brands In Sports of 2014 list. UFC was listed at #10 on another list, the Top 10 Most Valuable Business Brands In Sports.
8. WrestleMania
Brand Value 2014: $105 million
Brand Value 2013: not listed
WrestleMania 30 reached a record 1 million households in the U.S. on the WWE Network and pay-per-view combined, the first time WWE's main event has eclipsed this mark domestically.
October 8, 2014
Rumor Mill - WWE Teasing a Huge Match for Triple H at WrestleMania 31
We noted before that there will be a backstage segment with The Rock, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon on this Friday's SmackDown. A match between Triple H and The Rock was teased in that segment and at least one other time during the tapings.
The tease was for a potential WrestleMania 31 match between the two. Rock vs. Triple H was discussed at one point for WrestleMania XXX but obviously didn't happen.
The backstage segment that airs on Friday's SmackDown shows the two going back and forth over who would win if they wrestled again and the two taking shots at each other. Rock actually brought up the main event of WrestleMania 31 and WWE usually doesn't tease something in that direction if it's not in the plans.
Bray Wyatt is influenced by Martin Luther King, shepherded by Triple H and destined to face the Undertaker
WWE Upset with Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio was backstage at recent AAA Lucha Underground tapings in Los Angeles. WWE officials were not happy when photos of Rey backstage and then later at a dinner with some people from the promotion popped up on social media. Those photos were quickly deleted. No word yet if anything will come out of this latest incident but Rey is still under contract with WWE.
Rumor Mill - Randy Orton Working a Limited Schedule
Randy Orton apparently has a new agreement with WWE where he's not working full-time on the road for weekend live events anymore.
October 7, 2014
October 6, 2014
October 4, 2014
Rumor Mill - Backstage News on Bad Post-WrestleMania WWE PPV Bonuses, Most of the Roster Affected
It was noted earlier this year that the payoffs for WrestleMania XXX ended up being way better than what was expected by the talents. Many believed that the WWE Network launch would hurt WrestleMania bonuses but that apparently was not the case.
Payoffs are now in for the first pay-per-view events after WrestleMania with the new formula and they were described as "really bad." This could be a sign that talents are being paid based on pay-per-view revenue and that they're not receiving anything extra from the pay-per-view revenue that's been eliminated due to the Network.
There are reportedly some talents who are being taken care of and some who have deals in place that prevent something like this from happening to them. That is not the case with the majority of talents on the roster.
October 2, 2014
Details On Another Developmental Release
PWInsider has confirmed the release of Matt Martlaro, who worked behind the scenes at NXT and as the liaison from developmental to the WWE offices. He also worked as an on-air personality back when developmental was Florida Championship Wrestling.
Martlaro's release came as a surprise because he was considered a hard worker and was seen as a "Triple H Guy" among some of the wrestlers. There's not a lot of sympathy for Martlaro as he was considered "abrasive" and was not liked for the way he treated talents. At the same time, Martlaro was said to be a good employee.
WWE Announces Guest Stars For Monday's RAW In Brooklyn, Stephanie McMahon Comments
WWE has announced Hoda Kotb and Kathee Lee Gifford, co-stars of "Today's" fourth hour on NBC, will be guest stars on Monday's RAW from Brooklyn. Also, journalist Joan Lunden, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, will sit ringside as a special guest along with other breast cancer survivors.
The appearance ties in with WWE's campaign with Susan G. Komen. Kotb is a seven-year breast cancer survivor.
John Cena will make a guest appearance on the "Today" show in the fourth-hour segment on Monday to give Gifford and Kotb a pep talk.
Stephanie McMahon said in an announcement:
"WWE is thrilled to have Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Joan Lunden join Monday Night Raw to help shine a light on the battle against breast cancer. These women continue to be a voice for the millions that are affected by this devastating disease. We are honored to have their support in raising awareness and funds to continue the fight."
Sami Zayn Talks NXT & Kevin Steen; Calls Triple H a “Visionary”
NXT stand-out Sami Zayn talked to Sam Roberts recently on a tour of the WWE Performance Center. Zayn discussed performing on Monday Night Raw, going head-to-heat with the NFL, Triple H as a “visionary” for the future, Daniel Bryan before and after he was popular, and a lot more.
WWE Releases NXT Trainer from Developmental
WWE has released Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore from his role as a NXT trainer in WWE developmental. The release was made today. Dinsmore was hired by WWE in September 2013.
Cover Art Revealed for Triple H's & Stephanie McMahon's Fitness DVDs
Amazon.com has released the cover photos for the upcoming Triple H and Stephanie McMahon fitness DVDs being released in December. You can check the photos below:
October 1, 2014
Stephanie McMahon Talks Taking Over Vince’s “Character”, Dealing with Injuries in WWE, WMania Returning to Chicago, NXT & More
Stephanie McMahon recently did an interview with Chicago Now, and below are some interview highlights:
For many years your father (Vince McMahon) was the main heel of the WWE. With “The Authority” now in the picture it seems that you have slowly transitioned into that role. What is it like for you to become that character?
I wouldn’t say I am taking over for my Dad. My husband and I are involved in a fun storyline where we represent the “evil owners”. Playing the bad guy is so much fun for me and I’m not sure why. But it’s very impactful when I do the community service such as the anti-bully campaign. I have the opportunity to tell these kids about entertainment versus reality. Are whole goal is to give these kids tools to stand up to bullying.
It’s funny when I get to show footage during a speaking engagement such as Hijack Raw that happened in Chicago. I will often to show footage that features my character in villainous light and people laugh. The speech I’m giving is in my executive voice and me as a person. Seeing me in character is a complete opposite take of who I am outside of the ring. It’s fun and enjoyable and at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.
With the NXT you have a great development system to help combat main roster injuries when they happen. How have you seen the roster been able to adjust quickly to somebody who is expected to miss an extended period of time?
In terms of the creative writing process, injuries will happen. We just have to prepare for those types of unforeseen incidents. NXT is absolutely one level of our developmental systems. That is really our foundation. The NXT slogan is “The Future Is Now” and we have to prepare the next superstars and divas for that call they could get at any time. The plan also is to have several talent at many levels ready to move up when an injury occurs.
Chicago has been a host to WrestleMania multiple times. Could another WrestleMania be in the future for either the Allstate Arena or down the street inside Soldier Field?
I would say we would love to have that happen again. Like I said before these fans are the most energetic, engaged and passionate fans and Chicago is a huge part of the WWE history.
Nothing can be announced officially, but we would love to come back for another WrestleMania.
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
