What WWE's Senior Director Of Talent Development Tells Wrestlers After Having Bad Tryouts

WWE's Senior Director of Talent Development Canyon Ceman tells wrestlers who are seeking a second WWE tryout after having a bad first tryout to make themselves into an indie star because they have low chances at getting into WWE through a second tryout.

The old WWE doctrine was to look down on indie guys with the feeling that their style doesn't translate to the big stage and WWE would rather go with bigger, higher quality athletes who they can train from scratch. That doctrine has obviously changed due to what fans are into.

This Day In Wrestling History

Happy Birthday to WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales
October 22, 1942

Shawn Michaels forfeited the WWF(E) Intercontinental title to Shane Douglas.
October 22, 1995

Kurt Angle defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
October 22, 2000

EVOLVE Star Mocking Triple H

EVOLVE star Ethan Page, who used Triple H's entrance and theme song for the EVOLVE 49 event this past weekend, has released a shirt similar to one of Triple H's with his logo, as seen below. Page is the same wrestler WWE NXT Superstar Sami Zayn confronted after EVOLVE 50 on Sunday night.

https://t.co/eBrrGqw1IR On sale now! Get it before I get sued. pic.twitter.com/mgmbPuywoQ

— All Ego Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) October 20, 2015

WWE Signs More WWE Tough Enough Competitors

WWE has reportedly signed Tough Enough competitors Mada Abdelhamid and Daria Berenato to developmental deals, according to PWInsider.

Both Mada and Daria started at the WWE Performance Center on Tuesday. This comes after Patrick Clark was also signed in the past week. He reported to work on Monday.

WWE has now signed Mada, Daria, finalists Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe and Amanda Saccomanno, as well as winners Sara Lee and Josh Bredl.

Backstage Update on WWE SmackDown Possibly Going Live or Moving to Tuesday Nights

We noted recently that WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler teased at New York Comic Con that WWE SmackDown may be going live when it moves to the USA Network in early 2016.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that there has been talk of starting out on USA with a live special but there's also been talk of moving SmackDown to Tuesday nights and going live.

If they are going live, Tuesday works best due to increases in travel costs. SmackDown going live is not a done deal but WWE has been looking at major changes for January but some are still being worked on and not finalized.

WWE Hires Former MMA Fighter

WWE has hired former MMA fighter Seth Petruzelli to work as a striking coach at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, where he lives. Seth will be working for WWE three times each week.

This Day In Wrestling History

Mayor Bosse and the Sheriff of Evansville, IN confiscate the $2,756 in ticket sales from the previous night's match on the basis that they believe the Stecher-Lewis match was "not on the square" and was in fact "rigged." Mayor Bosse then proclaims that there would be no more wrestling in Evansville. Show promoter W. F. Barton is left with just $13 after the incident and claimed to owe $400 to the wrestlers.
October 21, 1915

All Japan Pro Wrestling holds it's first ever show at Machida City Gym in Tokyo, Japan. The show is headlined by a two out of three fall tag team match, with Bruno Sammartino & Terry Funk defeating Giant Baba & Thunder Sugiyama. Funk pinned Sugiyama to win the first fall, Sugiyama pinned Funk to win the second, and Baba & Sugiyama were counted out in the final fall.
October 21, 1972

Ernie Ladd defeats Carlos Colon in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the WWC North American Heavyweight Title.
October 21, 1974

Ken Patera defeats Tony Atlas to win his second NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Greensboro, North Carolina.
October 21, 1978

Bret Hart, ending months of rumors and speculation, signs a 20-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation, turning down a lucrative offer from WCW. As part of the agreement, which will see Hart become a part of the WWF office following his in-ring career, Bret is allowed to go into the ring during a live edition of Raw and discuss his decision. Hart does not blast WCW (as some within WWF were hoping), but does reveal that he is staying with the WWF. One year later, Vince McMahon would be asking Bret to drop the WWF Title to Shawn Michaels at the Survivor Series and releasing him from the contract, beginning the most famous story in wrestling history, the Montreal Screwjob.
October 21, 1996

Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeats Marc Mero the WWF Intercontinental Title, his first title in WWF/E.
October 21, 1996

Chris Jericho defeated The Rock for the WCW Heavyweight title.
October 21, 2001

Triple H simulated sex with a mannequin while dressed as Kane, in the infamous Katie Vick necrophilia skit.
October 21, 2002

Triple H: The Gatekeeper of WWE’s Present & Future

WWE NXT Live Event Branding

All WWE NXT live events starting next month will be branded as, "WWE Presents NXT" instead of just WWE NXT.

Strangulation And False Imprisonment Charges Against TNA Star Dropped, TNA Issues Statement

The Florida State Attorney's office has declined to prosecute TNA star Bram (Thomas Latimer) and the charges of domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment were dropped. As noted, Bram was arrested on August 30th in Gulfport, Florida after an incident with his girlfriend.

Police wrote in their original report that Bram admitted holding his girlfriend down by her throat and refusing to let her leave their bedroom but he still plead not guilty. His attorney issued these comments to PWInsider today:

"Our office is pleased to announce that Mr. Latimer's case has been successfully resolved, resulting in a decision by the State Attorney's office whereby they have declined to prosecute our client on the aforementioned charges. Our office has always maintained that once the entirety of the facts, evidence and witness statements are brought forth, our client would be exonerated of the allegations."

Bram will be returning to TNA action soon as the company suspended him until the issue was resolved.

Official statement on Bram. pic.twitter.com/L3cajg45eM

— John Gaburick (@JohnGaburick) October 19, 2015

Celebrity To Host Breaking Ground, Premiere On Social Media, WWE's Kevin Dunn Comments

The AP reports that actor William Shatner will narrate the 10-episode WWE Breaking Ground series. The premiere will air on WWE's Facebook and YouTube channels this Sunday after Hell In a Cell, then debut on the WWE Network after Monday's RAW.

WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn commented:

"I wouldn't say we're pulling back the curtain at all. We're telling real stories of these real people and the hardships and difficulty of making it to the WWE. I don't think we're giving it away. You're just going to see how this process actually works."

"It's not about NXT. It's about making it to the WWE."

"I think new is always interesting on any level, especially when you have new stars on any TV show."

Dunn also said the return of WWE Tough Enough is uncertain.

Randy Orton Update, Details On His Injury

Randy Orton is currently out of action with a shoulder injury.

Orton is set to have a MRI done soon to find out if he needs surgery. This is why he wasn't on the Mexico tour and why he wasn't at RAW last night.

Orton had been working with a shoulder injury but it got worse and then the dislocated shoulder happened in the past week.

This Week’s Final WWE RAW Rating Hits New All-Time Low

This week’s episode of WWE RAW brought in 3.356 million viewers, higher than last week’s record-low of 3.285 million.

Despite the increase, the final WWE RAW rating still hit a record low, coming back with a 2.21 rating. This number is lower than last week’s 2.33 final WWE RAW rating, and is actually the lowest non-holiday show since RAW went to a three-hour format in 2012.

This Day In Wrestling History

Johnny Valentine defeats Abdullah The Butcher to win the National Wrestling Federation World Heavyweight Title in Cleveland, OH.
October 19, 1972

WWE holds their No Mercy Pay-per-view in Baltimore, Maryland. The show is especially notable for an "I Quit" match between Vince and Stephanie McMahon in which Vince promised to give up ownership of WWE if he lost, and Stephanie agreed to step down as General Manager of Smackdown if she lost. Stephanie lost, and would not appear on WWE programming (in a storyline sense, as she did attend the WWE Hall Of Fame events) until October 3, 2005. It is also interesting to note that the Maryland State Athletic Commission had a rule that prevented male vs. female wrestling matches, and WWE had to pay a fine (which they were prepared to do in advance) in order to have the match. This match also occurred six days prior to her real life marriage to Triple H.
October 19, 2003

Michael Hegstrand aka Hawk of the Road Warriors/Legion of Doom passed away in his sleep at age 46.
October 19, 2003

The King of Kings slams on to canvas: WWE Canvas 2 Canvas

Sting Reveals Why He Lost To Triple H At WrestleMania 31

Sting revealed on his newly released "Into The Light" documentary that he lost to Triple H at WrestleMania 31 earlier this year because it is "the right thing to do" in your last match.

This thinking is a harp back to an old school mentally that you should put your opponent over in the way to go out in your last match.

Throughout the documentary, Sting says that he thinks WrestleMania is his last wrestling match. His deal since recording this footage has clearly been restructured, as he faced Seth Rollins at the Night of Champions event this year.

Popular WWE Tough Enough Contestant Reportedly Signs with WWE, Reports to the Performance Center

A source close to Patrick Clark has told the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show that the popular former Tough Enough contestant has signed to a WWE developmental contract and is currently at the performance center. Adding fuel to the speculation, Clark was missing from this weekend’s MCW shows where he was advertised to appear and last night in Delaware, his tag team partner Lio Rush dropped the Maryland Tag Team Championship in a handicap match.

You can listen to The Chad Dukes Wrestling Show on Washington DC’s 106.7 The Fan Wednesday Nights at 7pm and on iTunes, Play.it, and at: http://chaddukeswrestlingshow.com/

Sami Zayn Appears in the Ring After EVOLVE 49, Teases Big Things Between WWE and WWN Live

According to PWInsider.com, after last ight’s EVOLVE 49 iPPV went off the air, WWE NXT star Sami Zayn came down to the ring as Johnny Gargano and Ethan Page were recovering from their I Quit main event match.

Zayn said he got his start cutting his teeth in EVOLVE and added he has an “indy sized hole” in his heart. He thanked the fans for supporting him and EVOLVE.

Zayn then said this is the ground floor of something very, very big for EVOLVE and he teased more to the relationship between WWN Live and WWE. He put over Johnny Gargano, who participated in the Dusty Rhodes Classic, and told him that after seeing him in NXT and tonight, that there is no doubt Gargano is the man. Zayn said there’s there’s never been a more important time than now for him to step up and show it. This ended the night.

Adam Rose and Colin Cassady Injured

It appeared Adam Rose might have suffered a concussion during his match last night in Mexico, as his bout against Fandango was stopped and Rose had to be stretchered out. F4WOnline.com is reporting Rose “got his bell rung” but is fine, and Rose himself confirmed he is ok as he Tweeted the following:

"I am fine. Thanks for all the support and concern."

Colin Cassady appeared at last night's meet & greet before the WWE NXT live event in Tampa and was walking on crutches. This indicates that the injury shot with Cassady for the October 28th NXT episode was not just an angle.

Rumor Mill - Backstage News On What Led To Blue Pants Getting Heat In WWE NXT, Brooklyn Incident

PWInsider and The Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently noted that Leva "Blue Pants" Bates was likely done with WWE NXT after catching some backstage heat. The reports were that Blue Pants had heat for how over she got herself and for making comments about being more over than other talents. It was also noted that WWE officials kept using her because they knew she would get a big pop at "Takeover: Brooklyn" as the mystery partner for The Vaudevillains but once Alexa Bliss beat Blue Pants, that was supposed to be the end of her run.

Blue Pants didn't get the heat because of how over she was, but because there was a feeling that she did not appreciate the spot she had. She was often seen on her phone at and during NXT TV tapings, apparently not paying attention to what was going on.

There was also an incident during SummerSlam weekend in Brooklyn where Blue Pants became intoxicated in public. Following the SummerSlam pay-per-view, Blue Pants reportedly drank too much at an outing and acted highly inappropriate. There were WWE Corporate employees from Stamford at the gathering and her behavior did not go over well. This incident led to her missing the flight back to Florida the next morning with the rest of the crew.

WWE Breaking Ground, an explosive new reality show, comes to WWE Network October 26

Follow the stories of the men and women fighting to become WWE's next Superstars and Divas in the new reality show WWE Breaking Ground, debuting on WWE Network Monday, October 26.

WWN Live Statement On WWE Relationship

WWN Live issued the following today in regards to their status with WWE after NXT Superstar Sami Zayn was announced for live appearances at this weekend's EVOLVE shows in New York City:

"You have supported us and you deserve an answers. You want to know what's going on with WWE and The WWN Family. This is the absolute truth. There are no answers. Yes, there is obviously a growing relationship. What direction it will take is unknown. There are rumors and speculation, but this relationship changes and develops almost weekly. This is a road that has never been traveled before. There is no precedent. We don't know what to expect nor what is possible. All this means is that anything can happen. There are infinite possibilities. The only sure thing is that this will be a wild, unpredictable and thrilling ride. We will all find out where this road goes together. There is no telling what will happen next."

Update on WWE's "Gorgeous George" Biopic

WWE Studios will co-develop the George Raymond Wagner biopic “Gorgeous George” alongside Robert Halmi Jr.’s Great Point Media, with Josh Gad and partner Ryan Dixon writing the script.

“Gorgeous George” will chronicle the life and career of Wagner, the professional wrestler and sports entertainer credited with inspiring the flamboyant personas of performers such as Muhammad Ali and James Brown and helping bring sports into the TV age.

“Gorgeous George was a true pioneer in television,” said Michael Luisi, President of WWE Studios. “Josh is a true talent and we are thrilled to see him and Ryan tackle such a groundbreaking story.”

Gad recently wrapped production on the Disney film “Beauty And The Beast” opposite Emma Watson and Luke Evans. He will begin production in January on STX Entertainment’s “Russ And Roger Go Beyond” as Roger Ebert.

WWE Studios will handle worldwide rights and will use WWE’s platforms, including weekly TV shows, digital and social media and the WWE Network, to market this title.

ESPN's Partnership With WWE Is A Game-Changer

Professional wrestling is real.

That would be the implication of WWE highlights appearing on—or, as some may consider it, blaspheming—the hallowed grounds of the world’s premier sports network.

During Tuesday’s edition of SportsCenter, ESPN announced a partnership with WWE to feature weekly segments of wrestling highlights. The partnership couldn’t have come at a better time for both industry-leading franchises.

ESPN has been struggling with declining subscriber numbers and ratings. Ad revenue was off 3 percent in the three months ended June 27, according to the Wall Street Journal, which dissected the network’s troubles in detail here. ESPN’s ratings dip is tied in part to the rise in popularity of online streaming services like Netflix NFLX +0.91%, which is posing big problems for the television industry at large.

ESPN cut ties with three of its biggest stars this year — Keith Olbermann, Colin Cowherd and Bill Simmons – in an exodus that was not without its share of controversy. ESPN is now looking to regroup by ”nurturing big-name stars,” as President John Skipper put it, in a climate where ratings are shrinking.

Sound familiar?

WWE has had its own share of struggles that are eerily similar to that of ESPN’s. Monday’s edition of Raw once again drew a record-low viewership, 3.285 million. With John Cena nearing the end of his run on top of WWE, the promotion is in a transitional period as first-time champion Seth Rollins (who guested during the aforementioned SportsCenter broadcast) looks to be one of many fresh faces to lead WWE into the future...More?

source: forbes.com

WWE Superstars and Divas Accept 2015 SSFOA Commendation Award on Behalf of WWE

The Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) proudly announces the 2015 recipient of the prestigious SSFOA Commendation Award, WWE.

WWE was presented with the SSFOA Commendation Award at Monday Night Raw in Kansas City, Mo. Superstars and Divas, including WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, Divas Champion Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Ryback, were on hand to accept the honor. Previous commendation recipients include President George W. Bush, actress Ann-Margret, actor Gary Sinise and rock legends Mötley Crüe.

Following the most recent selection process, the SSFOA founders chose to bestow this year’s honor upon WWE for the organization’s unwavering support of the military through Tribute to the Troops, WWE’s annual television special that salutes America’s armed forces; entertaining troops overseas in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan; coordinating visits by WWE Superstars and Divas to military hospitals and military installations; and donations and fundraising support to organizations that provide direct support to the nation’s veterans. WWE uses the power of its brand and platforms to support important social issues and partners with nonprofits including organizations such as Hire Heroes USA, USO Metro and Armed Forces Entertainment, that serve the critical needs of active military and veterans.

“WWE has a long history of being an organization that understands and appreciates the sacrifices made by members of our nation’s armed forces in protecting this great nation,” said Steve Newton, founder of the SSFOA. “We appreciate the selfless enthusiasm demonstrated by organizations such as WWE in leveraging their resources to support causes benefiting these great warriors.”

“That is why it is my distinct honor to recognize WWE as the 2015 recipient of the SSFOA Commendation Award,” Newton added.

A non-profit headquartered in Clever, Mo., the SSFOA’s primary mission is to support and recognize veterans who are wounded, injured, or have acquired an illness related to their service in a combat zone regardless of service branch or military conflict.

In keeping with this mission, the founders of the SSFOA review nominations and select the winner for the organization’s premier honor. The annual commendation may be awarded to military or civilian personnel, and departments or organizations that have positively affected the lives of wounded and ill veterans. Nominees must demonstrate one or more of the following:

* Taken action(s) which directly influence the care & well-being of the wounded/ill veterans
* Influenced policy that has improved or provided services to our nation’s wounded & ill
* Strived to increase the benefits provided our wounded & ill
* Engaged in activities of such a profound nature, they have actually prevented casualties & injuries.

For more information on the Silver Star Families of America, please visit www.silverstarfamilies.org.

WWE Thanks America’s Armed Forces With Tribute To The Troops Celebration

WWE announced that the 13th annual WWE Tribute to the Troops event will be held on Tuesday, December 8 at Veterans Memorial Arena for military personnel and their families stationed at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. Tribute to the Troops will air on USA Network on Wednesday, December 23 from 8-10 PM ET.

In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music’s most popular acts for our servicemen and women, to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

While in Jacksonville, WWE Superstars and Divas will spend time giving back to those who serve and their families with Be a STAR® anti-bullying rallies, hospital visits and military outreach at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “We can never thank our veterans and military members enough for their brave service to our nation. It is important to frequently honor our American heroes for the sacrifices they have made to keep our families safe. Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation and we are proud to host this year’s Tribute to the Troops celebration.”

“WWE has gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy,” said Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast. “We are very fortunate to have the upcoming Tribute to the Troops right here in Jacksonville, home to more than 22,000 Sailors and their families. I am hearing lots of excitement and energy about this event! This is also a special time for us to say thank you to WWE!”

“It is a privilege for WWE to entertain our military as a way to thank them for their commitment and sacrifice for our country,” said WWE Chairman & CEO, Vince McMahon. “Everyone at WWE looks forward to this annual celebration, and we are proud to partner with the U.S. Navy and Governor Rick Scott to put smiles on the faces of the servicemen and women and their families.”

ESPN Announces Weekly WWE Recap Segment; Highlights Of Seth Rollins Appearance On ESPN News Tonight

On ESPN News, former WWE personality and ESPN anchor Jonathan Coachman announced WWE and ESPN will feature a weekly segment recapping the “top moments” in the WWE Universe.

He did not say if the segments would rotate or return each week, but tonight’s topics were:

Top Line
Top Moments

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins also joined Coachman via satellite, and asked why he wasn’t featured in the highlights. They talked about Rollins’ feud with Kane, and Rollins called himself the New England Patriots of the WWE.

Rollins talked about making fun of Cleveland and Johnny Manziel, then Coachman asked him if there should be an age requirement in wrestling like other sports. Rollins said no he thinks people should be able to pursue their passion, then they talked about Chase Utley breaking Ruben Tejada’s leg. Rollins says accidents happen and it’s healthy competition, so he doesn’t think it was done maliciously. Rollins joked about breaking John Cena’s nose recently, then Coachman made a remark about the New York Mets not liking what was said, and thanks Rollins for being the first guest on the new segment.

WWE Moving Forward With NXT Kids Show

It looks like WWE is moving forward with the "NXT Kids" project. A new casting notice on Backstage.com reads like this:

PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION: WWE NXT is casting a pilot for a new wrestling show aimed at kids.

REHEARSAL AND PRODUCTION DATES & LOCATIONS: Production will be taking place monthly on Thursday nights at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL.

SEEKING TALENT: Males & Females, ages 7-14, All Ethnicities

ROLE DESCRIPTION: Announcers & Interviewers: (Supporting) with high energy. Must be personable, lively, quick on their feet and a good talker. Kids should have an understanding/familiarity with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment programming. Kids will be acting as announcers/backstage interviewers/presenters.

Triple H Remembers Walter "Killer" Kowalski

Today would have been Walter "Killer" Kowalski's 89th birthday. Had he never laced up his boots...I wouldn't have. pic.twitter.com/z7R94c5EOC

— Triple H (@TripleH) October 13, 2015

Sami Zayn Announced For EVOLVE Shows

Gabe Sapolsky of WWN Live has announced WWE NXT Superstar Sami Zayn for their EVOLVE 49 and EVOLVE 50 iPPV shows in New York this weekend.

Zayn will be appearing in a non-wrestling role it appears and this is part of WWE working with WWN.

WWE NXT Specials on Hulu

WWE is now adding their NXT Takeover specials to Hulu. The recent "Takeover: Respect" special is now available. There may be a new agreement between WWE and Hulu as Takeover specials have not been available until now.

Alex Wright on Power Plant vs. Performance Center, Triple H, More

Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling sent this recap in.

Today get to know the man forever known as “Das Wunderkind” and join The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling’s unofficial “International Summit” with former WCW Superstar Alex Wright. You will experience the absolutely incredible story about how an injury led to Alex having an extremely frightening surgery that almost proved to be not only career threatening but also life threatening. On a lighter not however, John and Chad get to sit back and listen to Alex Wright’s story from being merely a young man in a foreign land tackling the politics of a crazy world known as World Championship Wrestling to his triumphant return home to Germany to build a wrestling legacy with a new crop of talent. Get ready to dance and get ready to feel the beat of Alex Wright.

Rumors that he helped "make" Triple H while they worked together in WCW:

"I wouldn't put it that way that I "teached" him wrestling. He was a great talent and I really enjoyed working with him. I knew he was going to make himself a big name in the world or sport of wrestling but not that he was going to be the boss. If I knew that I certainly would have kept in touch more then I did now. Actually, I met him last year and talked to him about a lot of stuff with my promotion and they invited me over to the WWE Performance Center to train their talent and also see how it is and I was very happy they invited me over."

The WCW Power Plant vs. The WWE Performance Center:

"When I was at the Power Plant it was just a factory hall where they just used to put the stuff like old rings and stuff that they would just keep that if they didn't use it they would put it in there and somewhere between all that stuff there were two or three rings. They didn't really have showers or stuff like that but you really cannot compare it to the WWE Performance Center. The Performance Center is really top notch and professional and you get treated very well and the trainers are really good. At the time in WCW they had good trainers too but it was just tougher. I had to run the ropes eight hours a day and my back was swollen and they still said well keep going. A lot of people threw up and it was so hard and in one side it makes you hard but in the other it was a little bit too hard. Sometimes you got the feeling they tried to break you."

More?