Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual “Female 50″ ranking of female pro wrestlers will be included in the February 2015 edition of the magazine. Subscribers of PWI’s digital magazine got the issue early, and the list includes WWE Divas Paige, AJ Lee and Natalya, NXT stand-out Charlotte, TNA Knockouts Gail Kim and Angelina Love, and many others.
The top 10 is featured below, and you can subscribe to the digital edition now for just $19.95 per year.
1. Paige
2. AJ Lee
3. Gail Kim
4. Cheerleader Melissa
5. LuFisto
6. Angelina Love
7. Ivellisse
8. Courtney Rush
9. Natalya
10. Charlotte
This year, PWI has said the list may be more controversial than usual, as women’s wrestling has been more popular than ever due to the rise of WWE’s reality series Total Divas. Paige, who made her debut after WrestleMania XXX earlier this year, topped the list and beat out Divas Champion AJ Lee. It seems her run as NXT Women’s Champion, debut and instant leap to the top of the WWE women’s division was enough to give her Paige the edge.
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November 13, 2014
Paige & AJ Lee Lead the 2014 PWI “Female 50″
Mick Foley Confirms Future Special Airing on WWE Network
Larry Gallagher of ThisIsInfamous.com recently spoke to WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, and during the interview Foley confirmed a future special will air on the WWE Network, as WWE cameras will be filming his November 23rd comedy special in Brooklyn:
“Well you know what? There was a last minute brokering and it appears like the show will be done instead for the WWE Network. Yeah it is awesome. I guess I kind of jumped the gun with the post. It really was like an 11th hour agreement where we both realized we were better off doing this thing together.”
WWE and Warner Bros. team up again for ‘Scooby-Doo 2’
Scooby-Doo and the gang will join forces with WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and an array of other WWE Superstars to crack another mystery crime full of hijinks and adventure. Stay tuned to WWE.com for more on the “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” sequel!
WWE Releases Statement Regarding WWE Network Going Down
WWE Network was down for almost two hours on Wednesday night. WWE issued the following statement to customers today.
"Dear WWE Network Subscriber
Last night at approximately 8:30 pm ET, WWE Network experienced technical difficulties which may have impacted your ability to access video content. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused, but please be assured that we have corrected the problem and restored complete access to WWE Network.
If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please visit wwe.com/help. wwe.com/help .
Thank you for being a WWE Network Subscriber.
WWE Network Support"
November 12, 2014
WWE Hall of Famer Amy Dumas giving back to next generation of female wrestlers
ABC2News.com recently looked at Maryland Championship Wrestling and how WWE Hall of Famer Lita has been working with the women's wrestlers there. Below are some quotes from Lita:
"It’s great to see MCW still going strong. They saw something special in me and I slept on their couches many nights when I was coming up on the independent scene. I’m glad I’m able to give back to them and my fans now in a way I was never able to in the WWE."
"I’m really enjoying the chance to get up close and personal with fans and up-and-coming wrestlers. It’s given me the chance to see how many lives I’ve impacted and that’s pretty special. I was in the WWE during a special time when female wrestlers were given a chance to shine. I’m just now getting the chance to reflect on my career and what I accomplished. Now I have a chance to give back and help the next generation reach their goals too."
Details Behind WWE and Alberto Del Rio's Legal Settlement
Alberto Del Rio and World Wrestling Entertainment have reached a confidential legal settlement concerning Del Rio's non-compete clause.
It is being said that both sides have agreed that Del Rio, real name Alberto Rodriguez, would make no further remarks in a negative manner about WWE, mainly concerning the allegation of racist jokes and insinuating insensitivity by those in power.
Rodriguez on Twitter put out a joint statement with WWE stating, “Following my departure from WWE, an understanding was reached with regards to my future booking opportunities. We wish each other well in our respective future endeavors.”
Another source close to the talks said that there was a last minute change to the agreement. At one stage, the joint settlement was expected to include a WWE apology for inappropriate remarks. The source said WWE agreed, but then in its written settlement agreement, took that out of the deal.
Rodriguez had done media interviews in Mexico, as well as the U.K., talking about racial jokes said by people higher up in WWE. These were claims supported by the original Sin Cara but said he didn't blame that for failing in WWE. Rey Mysterio has remained silent on the issue and recent reports suggest relations could be strained despite this.
Rodriguez said he was told WWE would hire him back after a period but Del Rio was not placated by a phone call with Triple H. Many WWE wrestlers are said to have gone to bat for Del Rio but it was Del Rio himself who declined to return.
Rodriguez was given a one-year, unpaid, non-compete term from the date of his firing. It was highly unlikely such a term, even with the slap being a contract breach, would have held up in court.
Rodriguez had wrestled for AAA and on independent shows in Mexico, as well as for Wrestle-One in Japan, even with the non-compete in effect, with the feeling it would be unenforceable outside the U.S.
It is believed the settlement includes an agreement he would not sue the company, that he would no longer publicly talk negatively about the company, and that the non-compete would be dropped.
November 11, 2014
November 10, 2014
Alberto Del Rio and WWE Reach A Joint Settlement
Alberto Del Rio and WWE have appeared to have reached a joint settlement in their on-going legal dispute over Del Rio's contract since departing the company several months back.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was released after an incident in which he slapped a WWE.com social media manager after the manager allegedly made a racist remark. WWE claimed Del Rio was in breach of his contract and tried to keep him from wrestling until August 2015.
The agreement reportedly means Del Rio can take bookings going forward with the understanding that neither he or WWE will disparage each other.
His new ring name will be "El Patron" (The Boss).
@VivaDelRio: I want to announce the following joint statement by me and the WWE... pic.twitter.com/tbk4dxUHN8
— Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) November 10, 2014
November 9, 2014
WWE Raises Big Money for Susan G. Komen
Nancy Brinker of Susan G. Komen thanked WWE on Twitter for raising over $1.5 million for the fight against breast cancer.
November 8, 2014
Mick Foley Reveals That He Wants To Return To WWE
Mick Foley posted the following on Facebook in which he reveals that he has changed his tune on becoming the WWE Raw General Manager.
FOLEY FOR GM?
"When asked how I would feel about another run as GM on social media a few months ago, I said. "I don't think I will be asked, and would turn down the offer if I was."
Well, after my appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw a few weeks ago, I've kind of changed my tune.
I think there is a chance I'll be asked about becoming GM within the next year - and if asked, I think I'd do it"
So after the WWE and Triple H bashing, someone wants back in. Could it be that Mick is crawling back because his daughter is training to be a wrestler?
November 7, 2014
WWE Announces WrestleMania 31 Party with NXT Stars, WWE Legends and More
WWE has announced a WrestleMania 31 On-Sale Party for Friday, November 14th from 6pm until 9pm at Intel Plaza inside Levi's Stadium. Tickets officially go on sale the next morning.
Stars scheduled to appear include Daniel Bryan, Bad News Barrett, Charlotte, Tyler Breeze, Rosa Mendes, Booker T, Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart. The event will be hosted by NXT's Corey Graves and Fan Axxess emcee Christian Litke.
Also, a DJ will be playing throughout the night and fans will have their first opportunity to get official WrestleMania 31 merchandise.
Stephanie McMahon Named by CableFAX Magazine as One of the Most Powerful Women in Cable for the 5th Time
Stephanie McMahon has been named by CableFAX Magazine as one of the most powerful women in cable for the fifth time. She has been given this honor in 2009, 2011, 2012, & 2013. A breakfast for the honorees will be held on November 20st from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., at the Grand Hyatt in NYC.
November 6, 2014
WWE NXT Moving To Wednesdays On WWE Network
Michelle Wilson, chief revenue and marketing officer, WWE, told Variety that NXT will move to Wednesday nights at 8 PM on the WWE Network in response to Smackdown’s move back to Thursday nights. You can read their coverage at this link.
November 5, 2014
Backstage News On Kevin Steen's WWE NXT Debut
Kevin Steen's new NXT ring name Kevin Owens is indeed a tribute to the late Owen Hart, who Steen named his son Owen after. We noted that Steen recently filmed vignettes for his NXT TV debut and that he's expected to debut at either Takeover on December 11th or the TV tapings on December 12th. Steen also did an individual work-out in front of Triple H a few weeks back.
Details on WWE's Gerald Brisco Trying to Recruit MMA Fighters and Pro Hockey Players
WWE's Gerald Brisco has been recruiting athletes who would have normally gotten into MMA with the idea that they can have a longer career in pro wrestling. Brisco is also going to be recruiting tough hockey brawlers from Canada soon.
Brisco is also using the idea of making better money to attract those athletes. Brisco also tries to sell potential MMA fighters that they can follow the path of Brock Lesnar by using their pro wrestling success to get into MMA.
Rumor Mill - Backstage News On Rey Mysterio Turning Down Recent WWE Return
WWE reportedly asked Rey Mysterio to come back before the Mexican tour as they were concerned that ticket sales were below the company's normal standards. Mysterio told officials he didn't want to return.
Mysterio flew into Buffalo, New York, on Monday to meet with WWE officials and then returned home to California on Tuesday.
No word on what went down as yet.
Vince McMahon apologizes for WWE Network UK delay
Earlier today, WWE.com posted a video of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon apologizing to UK fans for the delayed launch of the WWE Network in the UK that was slated to take place this past Monday (11/3). The video is only being made available on WWE.com to those who have a UK-based IP address, but the following is a transcript of McMahon's apology to UK fans:
"On behalf of WWE, I want to personally apologize for the delayed launch of WWE Network here in the United Kingdom. There's no one more important than each and every one of you in the WWE Universe, especially here in the United Kingdom, where we've shared so many great memories together. We appreciate your patience as we work through the details in the roll-out and potential partnerships. I assure you that we are working day and night to launch WWE Network as quickly as possible. And I promise that WWE Network will be well worth the wait. Again, thank you for your understanding."
November 4, 2014
Sky TV Comments On WWE Network UK Issues
It was reported that the WWE Network UK launch was delayed at the last minute due to negotiation issues with Sky. Sky has denied this on social media today. They are telling customers that it was WWE's decision to delay the launch and that the WWE Network is an independent service that they won't be providing. F4Wonline.com reports that WWE sources close to the situation insist that it was the ongoing talks with Sky that delayed the launch.
November 3, 2014
Why The UK WWE Network Launch Was Delayed Today
WWE was expected to launch the WWE Network today for fans in the UK. Within the hour of the launch, WWE announced via social media that the launch has been delayed until further notice.
WZ spoke with sources inside WWE who have informed us the delay was caused by a legal matter with Sky Sports.
For those unfamiliar, Sky Sports is the carrier of WWE pay-per-view content in The UK. A 2015 contract had already been negotiated upon for the distribution and payment of the WWE PPV’s. It seems Sky Sports has been disputing WWE over the legalities of the Network and its interference on their agreed upon deal. This has been the cause of the numerous delays for the information and launching in the UK stemming back to the original 10/1 launch date.
What is not yet clear is the probable communication breakdown with WWE announcing a launch to happen today, and then at the last minute having to delay it, again, appearing to be caused by Sky Sports.
A source in WWE told us the company could buyout the deal with Sky Sports but it would be a costly hit and potentially not worth it financially considering the Network hasn’t had as much financial success anywhere in the world as originally hoped.
Specifically, the new deal between WWE and BSkyB mandates all WWE PPV events will air on Sky Sports Box Office. Up until this year, 4 pay-per-views would air on Sky Sports at no extra charge for people who have the channel, while the remaining shows were on Sky Box Office at £14.95 per event.
We’re hoping to bring you more information as soon as we get it, but it should be noted that WWE is just as unhappy about the launch delay as the fans are. This is not something WWE just decided to do because the company was unprepared, the impression given to us was Sky Sports got involved and WWE was left unable to launch the Network.
Recap of Daniel Bryan on SI: Bryan Talks Current Injury Status, Why He’s Unable to Return, His WrestleMania 31 Status & More
Injured WWE star Daniel Bryan appeared via phone call on Sports Illustrated Now earlier today.
Bryan spoke on a number of topics, including his recent appearance at the San Francisco Giants World Series parade, and how it felt to have 14,000 fans all around him doing a “yes” chant.
Bryan described the feeling as surreal, and the show hosts noted the new Sports Illustrated cover will feature the Giants celebrating their big win with the headline reading “Yes! Yes! Yes!” The hosts also noted the cover will be shown on Raw tonight.
With regards to his in-ring status, Daniel Bryan says he’s unable to return to the ring because he has not regained full strength in his right hand, and that can be dangerous to both him and his opponents if he returns too soon.
Bryan said he’s not in any pain but doctors are having trouble figuring out how to get his strength back.
Bryan was asked about WrestleMania 31 and he said he will be heartbroken if he can’t compete. Bryan added they are hoping he will be ready for the big PPV but he will be disappointed if he’s not able to perform.
Bo Dallas suffers foot injury, out 6-8 weeks
WWE.com released the following statement today announcing that WWE star Bo Dallas will be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks with a foot injury:
"WWE.com has learned that Bo Dallas has suffered an injury to his left foot. As a result, Dallas is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks. Stay with WWE.com as more updates on Dallas become available."
WWE Network Delays UK Launch at the Last Minute
The WWE Network was scheduled to launch at 8pm London time tonight but it won't be happening. WWE Network tweeted the following today, less than 30 minutes before the launch in the UK:
"The launch of @WWENetwork in the U.K. has been delayed until further notice."
November 1, 2014
WWE denies rumors that Undertaker has taken a backstage job at ‘NXT’, won’t comment on rumors of retirement
WWE has denied the Undertaker has taken a new backstage role with ‘NXT,’ despite reports to the contrary.
“The reports are inaccurate,” a spokesperson told The Washington Post. The spokesperson had no further comment when pressed about whether ‘Taker was in talks with ‘NXT’ about a position, nor did the spokesperson comment about the rumors of retirement.
John Cena Grants Wish To Maryland Boy
Below is from prweb.com and The Kids Wish Network, which talks about John Cena granting a wish to a boy in Maryland.
Josh Whaley has been a dedicated WWE fan for years; it is one thing that can distract him from his illness. Josh was diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome when he was only 1 years old. Crouzon’s is a genetic birth disorder characterized by the premature joining of certain bones in the skull during development. It affects the shape of the head and face and can cause a variety of development issues.
So far, Josh has suffered through 15 facial surgeries, each requiring flying to an out-of-state facility. Josh required a shunt after the first two surgeries and is monitored closely as the shunt could eventually cause another life-threatening disorder, spina bifida. The teen also suffers from bowel problems and a loss of hearing in one ear, and he faces more surgeries in the future.
Kids Wish Network sent Josh and his family on an exciting New York City experience where he got to meet Superstar John Cena before a WWE RAW event. While waiting for John Cena to make his appearance, Josh got to meet many other WWE Wrestlers and Divas as well.
“Josh’s eyes kept lighting up when another wrestler would turn the corner,” recalls mom Anjolene. “He kept correcting all of us on facts about each one.”
