Nikki Bella Gets Top Spot In Women's PWI 50

In a move that is likely to cause controversy with at least a few readers. Pro Wrestling Illustrated has announced that former WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella will take the top spot in their annual PWI 50 for female performers.

Bella spent the majority of the year as a dominant WWE Divas Champion, eventually earning the longest reign in the title's history.

See Also: Nikki Bella Confirms Why She Wasn't On WWE RAW

Inside the ring, Bella showed obvious improvement, but still drew the ire of many fans. She's currently sidelined with a neck injury that prevented her from traveling with WWE to Europe. She noted on Instagram that she's doing rehab 8 times a day on the injury.

Bella commented on the achievement, saying "Thank you @OfficialPWI for naming me #1 I truly feel as if I have won an Olympic gold medal! This achievement has made my past decade beyond worth it! I know they'll be haters but if they can't see past the character that's their problem. It's just nice to be acknowledged fpr hard work."

Wrestling Legend Signs New Deal With WWE

Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham announced on Facebook that he has signed a WWE Legends contract after being offered the deal by Triple H. Graham attended last week's WWE TV tapings in Phoenix and met with Mark Carrano of Talent Relations to discuss the deal.

Graham has had several issues with WWE in the past, including speaking out against Linda McMahon during her 2010 Senate campaign. Soon after that, Graham had some health issues and reached out to the McMahons to apologize. Graham sent a letter to Vince McMahon this past summer and asked to take Dusty Rhodes' job in WWE NXT after he passed.

Graham wrote the following on Facebook:

"Hello Facebook fans around the world. I am thrilled to report to all of you that Triple H, via a telephone conversation, has offered to give me an official WWE Legends contract. I of course said yes, and thank you very much! I have received that contract, and signed and mailed it back to the WWE. So I am officially back in the WWE family, proving that miracles still happen !! I did go to the Smackdown show held here in Phoenix on October 27th, as some had reported on the internet. I met with WWE Talent Relations executive Mark Carrano to go over various opportunities for me in the future. Mark Carrano is a real class act and gentleman and was very encouraging on the future release of my WWE merchandise sometime after the first of the year, along with attending WrestleMaina 32 in Dallas as part of the meet and greet fan access festivities. So, I want to thank Triple H and Mark Carrano for making this exciting event happen for me. I am officially back home in the family of the WWE where I belong !!!!"

Last Night's WWE RAW Draws Record-Low Viewership

Monday's episode of WWE RAW, with Team Seth Rollins vs. Team Roman Reigns in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match, drew 3.248 million viewers. This is down 3% from last week's 3.354 million viewers. This is the lowest non-holiday viewership since RAW went to three hours.

For this week's show, the first hour drew 3.375 million viewers, the second hour drew 3.180 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.189 million viewers.

RAW was #3 for the night in viewership behind the NFL on ESPN, which drew 12.404 million viewers, and ESPN SportsCenter. RAW was #4 for the night in the 18-49 demographic, behind the NFL, SportsCenter and Love & Hip-Hop.

WWE Breaking Ground Recap 11/02/15

How NBCU and WWE Are Working Together to Woo Advertisers, More on SmackDown - USA Network

Adage.com has an article about how WWE and NBC Universal have spent the past few months trying to change the image of the company in the eyes of advertisers as the USA Network prepares to bring on WWE SmackDown in 2016, upping their annual WWE content to 263 hours. This effort has led to 37 new advertisers agreeing to run commercials on WWE TV on USA.

NBC Universal's Vice President of Advertising Sales, Dan Lovinger commented:

"In the past, WWE wasn't associated with being family-friendly. We had to redefine what it is to both advertisers and consumers."

NBC Universal began to get aggressive in their pitch to ad agencies and clients at their upfront event back in the summer. Snapple tapped WWE personalities such as Triple H and Stephanie McMahon for a commercial in April, while Paramount promoted "Terminator: Genisys" with a WWE integration that included Triple H making a grand entrance during "WrestleMania" using imagery from the movie.

While WWE is an "easier sell" now, there is still an issue with the low ratings and some advertisers are still shying away from the product due to the content.

The article also notes that SmackDown will serve as USA's lead-in to new original series. Colony will be the first to premiere in January and then USA will debut a new series in the 10pm time-slot each quarter. The first presenting sponsor for SmackDown on USA will be the movie Hateful Eight, the next Quentin Tarantino movie that comes out on Christmas.

Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka pleads not guilty in '83 death of mistress

Former professional wrestling star Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka on Monday pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the death of his mistress more than three decades ago.

Snuka, who recently underwent surgery for stomach cancer, appeared to have trouble answering questions at his arraignment in Lehigh County Court, and Snuka's attorney said he has early onset dementia and post-concussion syndrome. Snuka also told the judge he can't read or write, saying he never went to school.

Authorities found the body of Snuka's girlfriend, 23-year-old Nancy Argentino, of New York, in May 1983 after they were called to a Whitehall Township hotel room she was sharing with the wrestling star. Defense attorney Robert Kirwan II has called her death an "unfortunate accident."

Snuka, now 72 and living in Waterford Township, New Jersey, was charged in September with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after a grand jury concluded he beat Argentino. He has long maintained his innocence.

At his court appearance Monday, Snuka did not appear to know the date or day of the week or the location of the courthouse.

"He has his good days and his bad days," Kirwan said in court. "This is a good day."

The defense said Snuka might not be competent to stand trial.

At prosecutors' request, Judge Kelly Banach issued a gag order in the case. Kirwan objected, saying his ability to comment on the case was "leveling the playing field for the defense."

Snuka was known for diving from the ropes and even the top of steel cages in a career that spanned four decades. He was admitted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1996, according to the organization's website.

source: foxnews.com

WWE Supporting Online Petition

WWE has picked up on a Change.org petition to name the Calgary International Airport after wrestling legend Stu Hart, calling it the Stu Hart International Airport. The petition has support from Bret Hart, Natalya, Chris Jericho and others. You can sign the petition at this link.

WWE Reported To Make Significant Investment Into Tapout Brand, Details On Plans To Rebrand The Apparel Company

PWInsider.com is reporting WWE is making a financial investment into Tapout, essentially branding it as a fitness leader that is not ‘just’ a WWE related brand.

Reports state WWE is making a significant push to partner with the company by opening Tapout fitness centers across the country, which would bring WWE a new source of non-wrestling revenue. The idea presented would have WWE Superstars make appearances in Tapout centers in their hometown, and would even help with classes and give fitness tips instead of a typical promotional appearance.

WWE will plan to open locations in major cities such as New York, Houston, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, in addition to Portland, Phoenix, among others.

Phil Campbell of Motorhead Discusses their Latest Album and Triple H's Song Request

5 Questions With Motorhead’s Phil Campbell

Motorhead fans packed this year’s awesome Motorboat Cruise and guitarist Phil Campbell pulled double duty on the boat as he performed two shows with Motorhead and two shows with his All Star Band (featuring his kids). We had the opportunity to chat with Campbell overlooking the deep blue seas about the new Motorhead release Bad Magic. He also shared his gusto for Motorboat 2016 but not the same enthusiasm for any heavy touring next year.

What was the most memorable moment about creating the latest Motorhead album for you?

When we finished it! No, it was good. We went into the recording studio instead of a rehearsal studio so when we came up with some good s— we recorded it down and then we could build on it all instead of waiting six to eight weeks put it on a CD and leave it. This time it was a greater process, we were spiraling out of control so it was good.

Bad Magic — what does that album title mean to you personally?

Actually, we just thought it sounded really cool. We’re a badass band and to make some of that music it’s kind of magical so it’s an apt title.

The band covers the Rolling Stones classic “Sympathy for the Devil” on the album. How did you decide on what song to cover?

[Wrestler] Triple H wanted us to do some stuff for a podcast or something and there was a list of things and ideas. I said I wanted to do a [David] Bowie cover, which we did, as well, and then the Stones we tried, as well — it was suggested to us. It was good, it sounds like a party song at the end.

Is it ever strange for you when famous people like Triple H look up to you and the rest of Motorhead?

It is.There are people I’ve looked up to when I was younger – it’s good when you get to meet people you admire. Sometimes you become good friends. It’s a blessing, I’m not complaining.

What does the rest of 2015 and maybe into 2016 have in store for you and Motorhead?

Some time off, I believe, thank God! It’s been the longest year ever! Then we get going again but hopefully next year will be a lot quieter. It was too much for us, I want to do half the amount of shows next year. One tour just rolls into the next. The cruise is good, I have my kids here so it’s quite a good way to wind down. I’d like to do it again next year.

source: loudwire.com

WWE Conference Call: Vince McMahon discusses the third quarter financial report

Vince McMahon and members of senior management served as the hosts of a conference call pertaining to the 2015 third quarter financial report that was released on October 29, 2015. The following are the highlights of the call.

-The call is hosted by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, WWE Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios, and WWE Investor Relations Michael Weitz.

-Vince touted the successful quarter and touted some of the WWE Network content. He said the NXT live specials do extremely well for them. He also spoke positively about the Best in the East special and the MSG special.

-WWE Network will launch in Japan and Germany in January.

-Vince said WWE Network is the most viewed channel on Youtube. He said that's "really important for us."

-Barrios read through the financial presentation, then opened up the line for phone calls.

-One of the themes Barrios emphasized was what WWE business would be like if the network grew at the same rate as Netflix. He was quick to point out that he wasn't forecasting that.

-Barrios said they like the $9.99 price because its easy to message and understand. He pointed to Netflix having difference price points. He noted that they could eventually do the same, but it did not sound like anything is imminent.

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WWE Reports Strong Third-Quarter 2015 Earnings Growth

WWE NXT Matches and More Announced for WrestleMania 32 Ticket Party at AT&T Stadium

WWE has announced a WrestleMania 32 ticket on-sale party for November 5th at AT&T Stadium in Dallas with WWE NXT matches and more. Below are details:

One night before WrestleMania 32 tickets go on sale to the general public, WWE Universe members in the Dallas area will have an opportunity to score tickets at the official On-Sale Party at AT&T Stadium! This one of a kind event is FREE and open to the public.

Join WWE Hall of Famers, Superstars and Divas on the Dallas Cowboys field Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT, as The Road to WrestleMania heats up.

The party will feature live NXT matches and include special appearances by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Lita, Booker T, Lana and Mark Henry, as well as Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson and Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. Corey Graves, Fan Axxess emcee Christian Litke and Greg Hudson will co-host the big event.

The following NXT matches will take place during the evening:

* Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin
* Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger
* Asuka vs. Peyton Royce
* The Hype Bros. vs. Blake & Murphy
* Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss

In addition to WrestleMania 32 tickets, select WrestleMania gear will also be available for purchase at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 5. Fans can bring one item to the stadium to be autographed, but must adhere to the AT&T Stadium bag policy.

WrestleMania 32 tickets will be available at the AT&T Stadium box office beginning at 4 p.m. CT. Doors to the stadium open at 5 p.m. CT for the Party. Fans can enter through Entries A, C, K, & H. Complimentary parking will be available at the stadium. Don't miss the biggest WrestleMania On-Sale Party in history!

Ryback Talks Being The Man To Replace John Cena, Interesting Conversation With Vince McMahon, More

Recently on The Steve Austin Show, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin interviewed WWE's Ryback. Ryback spoke about his relationship with Vince McMahon, believing he can replace John Cena, and the political nature of WWE.

When asked what his relationship with McMahon is like, Ryback said that he tries not to bother McMahon too much and only speaks with him when the subject matter is important.

"I don't want to go to him just all the time for everything and it has to have meaning behind it and it always has because I feel some people abuse that power. He's a busy man. He's pulled in a million different directions, so it's when I truly feel I need to talk to him about something".

One example of a time when Ryback felt it necessary to speak with McMahon directly was in 2012, prior to his return to WWE television in April of that year. According to Ryback, he felt like he was being underutilized, so he told McMahon that he did not need vignettes and that he would get himself over if WWE just put him out in front of the audience.

"I remember I said something about 'your company' to him at one point and at the end of the conversation, he goes, 'you'll be ready when you realize it is our company' and I said, 'our company' and I walked out of there. I was like, 'damn it,' thinking, 'how long do I have to wait now before I go talk to him and somehow sneak in 'our company'' and, luckily though, everything was on track, and, I believe, I debuted a week or two after that."

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Tough Enough Competitors Join New Class at The WWE Performance Center

WWE Tough Enough competitors Mada Abdelhamid, Daria Berenato, Patrick Clark, Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe and Amanda Saccomanno have been signed to developmental contracts and are part of a new class of 19 recruits that have begun training at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando. The former competitors will join Tough Enough winners Josh Bredl and Sara Lee, who began training at the facility in early September.

WWE Tough Enough, a hard-hitting reality series, searched for the next Superstar and Diva over the course of 10-weeks. Contestants were trained by WWE Legends Booker T™, Billy Gunn™ and Lita™ while judges WWE Superstars Daniel Bryan® and The Miz® and WWE Diva Paige™ helped fans crown one man and one woman “Tough Enough”, with each winning a one-year, $250,000 contract.

“With support from our remarkable coaching staff at the WWE Performance Center, this new class of recruits will be able to develop their skills, in and out of the ring,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “Our unparalleled training facility gives our talent every opportunity to succeed and grow. The sky is the limit for these talented individuals, and I’m pleased to welcome each and every one of them to WWE.”

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Update on Christian's WWE Status

The official WWE website has moved Christian’s superstar profile to the Alumni Section of the website which pretty much confirms he is done as an active in-ring competitor.

His last match was back in March of 2014, and he has been out of action following several injuries, including suffering a concussion. They have updated his bio with the following…

“…Christian was out of action for nearly a year with a shoulder injury. He returned in June 2013, once again poised to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Although he never regain the title, he solidified his legacy and left active competition still at the top of his game.”

Photo: Triple H and Lemmy

I've had the opportunity to do some cool things in my career...but there is only one LEMMY! @myMotorhead pic.twitter.com/purdACF7wG

— Triple H (@TripleH) October 27, 2015

This Day In Wrestling History

Frank Gotch defeated "British Champion" Alex Monroe in Kansas City. Gotch again announces his "retirement" and states that the only American he wished to face was Dr. Benjamin F. Roller, and that he would pin Roller "six times in an hour."
October 27, 1911

Sweet Daddy Siki defeats Sam Steamboat for the Hawaii version of the NWA North American Heavyweight Title.
October 27, 1971

Tito Santana & Rick Martel defeated the Hart Foundation for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
October 27, 1987

Brian Pillman defeated Richard Morton in a tournament final to become the first WCW World Light Heavyweight Champion.
October 27, 1991

Shawn Michaels defeated Davy Boy Smith for the WW(E)F Intercontinental title.
October 27, 1992

Scott Hall & Kevin Nash defeated Harlem Heat for the WCW Tag Team title.
October 27, 2001

Vince McMahon Reportedly Not Upset with Blood in HIAC Match – What Did Lesnar Do to Really Anger McMahon?, More

Earlier today, Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline.com reported he was sent text messages informing him that both Kevin Dunn and Vince McMahon “freaked out” when Brock Lesnar bled during his Hell in a Cell main event match. Vince was further described as “furious” with the amount of blood that Lesnar produced after he was busted open.

According to PWInsider.com, while Vince was indeed not happy with Lesnar bleeding, that was not what really got Vince angry backstage in the Gorilla position.

After Lesnar began to bleed, Vince ordered a WWE doctor to go to the ring and tend to Lesnar, and as seen on camera, Lesnar shoved the doctor out of the way, and that is reportedly what really angered Vince.

Lesnar shoving the WWE doctor was 100% a shoot, as Lesnar was reportedly upset that the doctor intervening interrupted the momentum of the match.

With regards to a possible blade job done by Lesnar, it’s being said that is highly unlikely, as a cut from a blade would not require 9 staples to repair, and everyone backstage in WWE is very aware of the company’s current strict no-blading policy.

Despite Vince being upset during the main event, however, it’s being reported neither The Undertaker nor Brock Lesnar was spoken to about the incident following the match.

Backstage News And Notes On Alberto Del Rio's WWE Return, Will He Finish Non-WWE Dates?

As noted, Alberto Del Rio made his surprise WWE return at Hell In a Cell last night and defeated John Cena to become the new WWE United States Champion.

Del Rio received a very good deal to return. There are conflicting reports on if Triple H contacted Del Rio or if Del Rio approached WWE but apparently Del Rio has been the planned opponent for Cena's US Open Challenge all along.

The deal to bring him back to WWE was reportedly done weeks ago but Del Rio was giving the impression that it wasn't done weeks ago. However, people in WWE have known he was coming in. Del Rio, the current AAA Mega Champion, will reportedly work other dates through the end of November but that also hasn't been confirmed. AAA officials reportedly didn't know about his WWE return until Sunday some time.

Del Rio's new WWE schedule is said to be easier than most talents but not as easy as Chris Jericho, Brock Lesnar or The Undertaker's schedules.

WWE Sending Referee, Signed NXT Title Belt and More to "Fat Frank" JAPW Memorial Show

WWE will be sending a signed NXT Title belt, referee Shawn Bennett and other items to Jersey All Pro Wrestling for their Frank Iadevaia Memorial Show on November 14th. "Fat Frank" was loved by many in the business and worked with many current WWE talents. JAPW issued the following:

WWE REFEREE SHAWN BENNETT TO HOST CHARITY RAFFLE AT JAPW FRANK IADEVAIA MEMORIAL SHOW 11/14

Former JAPW referee, and current WWE referee Shawn Bennett will be in attendance at the JAPW 19th Anniversary Show to host a special raffle to benefit the family of "Fat Frank" Iadevaia. Numerous members of the current WWE and NXT rosters have spent time working with Frank throughout JAPW's 19 year history.

100% of all money collected will be donated to Frank's wife Jenn, and their two children.

WWE has donated five one of a kind items to be raffled off at the JAPW show on 11/14 in Rahway, NJ.

Top prize will be a replica NXT Championship belt signed by JAPW alumni that are currently on the WWE and NXT rosters. Signatures included Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Solomon Crowe, Sara Del Ray, Drake "Younger" Wuertz, and Eddie "Bandido Jr." Orengo.

Other prizes include a rare "WWE Fall Tour 2015" crew t-shirt signed by the same JAPW Alumni, a NXT poster signed by the cast of WWE Network's "Breaking Ground" documentary series, a four pack of NXT autographed photos, and a NXT poster signed by the "Four Horsewomen" Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley, as well as their trainer, WWE Performance Center Assistant Head Coach & former JAPW Women's Champion Sara Del Ray.

Prizes will be on display throughout the event. Raffle tickets will be available starting when doors open for the event at 5:30pm until partway through the second half of the event. Raffle will be done "tricky tray" style, meaning that you can choose what prizes you are trying to win by placing tickets into the corresponding bin for each prize. Tickets will cost $2 each, 3 for $5, 8 for $10, 15 for $15, or 24 for $20.

For more details, visit www.JAPW.net.

This Day In Wrestling History

Dan McLeod defeats Martin Burns in Chicago, Illinois, to win the American Heavyweight Title.
October 26, 1897

The Executioners (Killer Kowalski & John Studd) were stripped of the WWWF World Tag Team title when they had a third member (Nikolai Volkoff) participate in a title defense against Chief Jay Strongbow & Billy White Wolf in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Strongbow & White Wolf would go on to win the belts in a three team tournament with the Executioners and, ironically, Volkoff & Tor Kamata.
October 26, 1976

Sweet Brown Sugar defeats Ernie Ladd to win the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Lafayette, Louisiana.
October 26, 1979

Bret Hart announces his retirement from professional wrestling on his official website, ending his 23 year run in the business.
October 26, 2000

Alberto Del Rio Returns to WWE

WWE United States Champion John Cena had his US Open Challenge answered by Alberto Del Rio at tonight's Hell In a Cell pay-per-view in Los Angeles.

Cena's challenge was first met by Jack Swagger's theme song as Zeb Colter came out on a scooter. Zeb talked about how it was time for Cena to lose the title to someone who will do more with it than Cena ever did. He then introduced current AAA Mega Champion Alberto Del Rio.

The match ended clean with Del Rio capturing the WWE United States Title. This is his first run with the US Title.

I'm grateful for a 2nd chance to come back to @WWE #hellinacell and I'm happy to be performing again

— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) October 26, 2015

Former NFL Star Training For WWE Contract In 2016

TMZ has a story up on former NFL star Brennan Williams (@GREATBLACKOTAKU) training with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T at his wrestling school in Houston. The offensive tackle has played for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, but after being waived by the New England Patriots this past week, Williams has decided to pursue one of his long-time passions: pro wrestling.

Physically, he's a perfect fit for a WWE Superstar. At only 24-years-old, Williams stands 6'6" and weighs in around 315 pounds. He told TMZ he plans on training with Booker T through the end of the year, and is shooting for a WWE contract as early as January.

WWE Breaking Ground Series Premiere

Happy 12th Anniversary Paul & Stephanie

October 25, 2003

This Day In Wrestling History

Ivory defeated The Fabulous Moolah for the WWF(E) Women's title and Bret Hart defeated Goldberg for the WCW US Heavyweight title.
October 25, 1999

Bubba Ray Dudley Says WWE NXT Is The Best Of Both Worlds

"There's not one bad thing to say about NXT. There's no negative down there. Yes, it's a developmental system that's meant to mold up-and-coming talent, but it's also become its own promotion. That's the best of both worlds. It's great for rising wrestlers who are just getting their first taste of the business and it's also great for guys like a Samoa Joe or a James Storm because it's another place for wrestlers to go and work. Joe's been doing great there and I'm sure Storm will be amazing. And it seems like wrestling fans all over the world are really hot about NXT. It works on all levels."

'Cowboy' James Storm on what led him to NXT

It was like a scene out of an old Western, but instead of whispers of disbelief spreading through a crowded saloon, the news broke on Twitter: The Cowboy had ridden into town.

James Storm’s unannounced debut in NXT — a decisive outing against Danny Burch that aired Wednesday on WWE Network — has been greeted with adulation and genuine shock. In this WWE.com exclusive interview, the celebrated outlaw says he is ready to prove himself inside NXT’s yellow ropes. And with 18 years of hard-fought ring experience to back up his reputation, much of it on an international stage, make no mistake: This isn’t James Storm’s first rodeo.

WWE.COM: Can you walk us through how the conversation of you coming to NXT began?

STORM: It came about because I’m good friends with Road Dogg and Billy Gunn. They put it in Triple H’s ear that I was free and clear of all contracts, to see if there’s some interest there. I actually called Road Dogg to see if it was OK that I went up to the NXT Nashville show not too long ago. He said, “Yeah, just try to stay out of sight.” So, I stayed in the locker room. There were reports that I was sitting in the front row at an NXT show, and I didn’t deny that I was there. I just said, “I saw the reports and I’m sorry, but that was not me sitting in the front row.” [Laughs.]

Then, [WWE Performance Center Head Coach] Matt Bloom pulled me aside and asked if I was available to come down that Wednesday and Thursday to Orlando. I went down and talked to Triple H at the NXT TakeOver: Respect special. Then the next night, he asked if I was willing to appear, and I said yes.

WWE.COM: A lot of people probably thought they’d never see the day when you’d be in an NXT ring. Did you ever feel that way?

STORM: No. I was actually really good friends with Dusty Rhodes, and he told me long ago, “You’ll know when it’s your time.” I’ve had a couple chances to come to WWE before, but I just didn’t feel like it was my time yet. I just had to wait for the right timing, and I feel like this was it. I felt like I had done all I could do, and it was my time to prove myself on a big stage...More?

WWE Network Launches In India

Beginning Monday, November 2, WWE Network will be available in India for $9.99 (U.S.) per month, with no commitment and the ability to cancel any time. Fans in India can sign up online by going to WWENetwork.com and can watch WWE Network on their desktop, laptop and mobile devices.

WWE Network subscribers in India will receive their first month of service free and have access to the U.S. English language version of WWE Network. Subscribers will get access to 24/7 scheduled programming and the most comprehensive video-on-demand library with more than 3,700 hours of content, including Raw® and SmackDown® re-airs, and every WWE, WCW™ and ECW™ pay-per-view. In addition, all 12 WWE pay-per-views will be available to subscribers 24 hours after they air in India, and will be broadcast live on WWE Network beginning in 2017.

“India is a strategically important market for WWE and we are thrilled to make WWE Network available to our fans there,” said George Barrios, WWE Chief Strategy & Financial Officer. “The global expansion of WWE Network is a key driver in our commitment to growing the WWE brand internationally.”

WWE YouTube Stats For September

According to OpenSlate and Tubefilter, WWE's YouTube channel was the second most-viewed for the month of September with 365 million video views. The netd muzik channel had 371 million views. WWE had 342,467 subscribers this month. WWE's YouTube channel has 5,344,307,281 all-time views and 7,766,722 all-time subs. In August, the WWE channel was the #1 most-viewed channel with 454 million viewers.

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