Triple H recently remarked “I’m not happy with where it is right now by far” when referring to the NXT brand he created. In a conference call today to promote the upcoming NXT TakeOver: Orlando event he took time to clarify what he meant by the statement:
"Let me just say first off I'll never be happy with the product, probably, because I just never... I think that's the nature of what it is, you always want it to be better than it can be. You always want it to be more than what it is at that time. That being said, I want to make sure that I'm clear on that. That unhappiness had nothing to do with talent; that unhappiness had more to do with my end, with the creative, with our production, with all that. There were reasons for all of it. We were, you know, NXT, the Performance Center, designed to create a lot of things, designed to create everything that we do, really, not just in-ring performers. And it did that, it did that very well. When those people were moved up to take on different and maybe bigger responsibilities within the company, it sort of strip-mined NXT. So about the same time we lost a lot of our performers, at the draft we lost the entire women's division with the exception of Asuka. We had to start over in many ways, but we also did that behind-the-scenes and we kind of had to start over.
"So when I say 'unhappy with the product,' I'm happy with where we had brought it to. There are a lot of things that as NXT came up and changed, some of the things that worked got adopted by main roster, the things that worked got moved up, and we had to reinvent ourselves. I just didn't have the team and the capabilities... we just got caught. I'm much happier where we are now not because it's where I want to be but because I'm on a path to get there. To me, there's nothing worse than saying I'm unhappy with this and I don't have the means or the ability to fix it or I'm not on the way to fixing it. We're on the way to being where I want it to be now, to me. I think I would look to everybody out there as to whether NXT is getting better over time in the last few weeks or months but I feel like it is."
March 23, 2017
Triple H Clarifies His Feeling On The Current NXT Product
March 18, 2017
Shawn Michaels Updates Jim Ross On His TV Show and WWE Performance Center Status
Recently on The Ross Report, professional wrestling veteran 'Good Ol' J.R.' Jim Ross spoke with fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels. Among many other things, Michaels talked about his hunting show, Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures, coming to an end, what professional wrestling shows he watches regularly, hammering out a deal to become a coach at the WWE Performance Center, and working with young talent.
According to Michaels, 2017 will be the final year of his hunting show. 'The Heartbreak Kid' said that he would rather being doing "easier stuff" at this point in his life.
"We are going to wrap up MacMillan River Adventures this year. This is going to be our last year. It's the seventh year. It has just become a little busy, and, again, I'm, I guess, way too lazy to travel that much now. And having enjoyed this warm weather so much, the thought of going away to a bunch of faraway, cold places, and live in a sleeping bag, and things of that nature… it was fun to do for a while just to push myself and to see if I could do it, and go on hunts that I've never had the opportunity to go on, so I'm so blessed and so fortunate to be able to go and do that, but now I'm so fortunate that I've got a ranch in Texas and if I want to hunt I can go there and do it, so Keith [Mark] and I are going to wrap up our final year, 2017, on MacMillan River Adventures and I'm going to just focus on just doing some easier stuff and, honestly, just see where the wind blows me to that."
Michaels divulged that when he watches pro wrestling, it is usually either NXT or 205 Live. 'The Showstopper' claimed that he watches those shows to inform him in his role working with younger talent.
"I watch a little bit. I mean, the majority of it is to… honestly, I watch more NXT and the 205 Live more than anything else, to be perfectly honest." Michaels continued, "I do that because, I mean, that's something that I'm interested in. I think in terms of, again, being here and being able to contribute and see what I can do, if anything, to help the younger wrestlers. That's the part that I enjoy, so, clearly, if you're going to do that, you've got to know about the product, and you've got to watch it, and you've got to be informed with the talent and the people that are there."
March 16, 2017
WWE teases new comedy show 'Southpaw Regional Wrestling'
The WWE has gone retro in the first teaser trailer for a new comedy series titled Southpaw Regional Wresting.
The clip, released Wednesday on Twitter, begins with a VHS tape being inserted into a VCR player as the video switches over to a more low-quality look.
WWE Superstars including John Cena, Rusev, Lana, United States Champion Chris Jericho, Raw Tag Team Champions Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows, Cesaro and more are seen donning various wigs and costumes as they recreate the glory days of professional wrestling.
A man in a dinosaur costume along with Superstar TJ Perkins wearing a championship belt also make appearances.
"This is Lance Catamaran and you are watching Southpaw Regional Wrestling," Cena announces while wearing a wig.
WWE plans on releasing Southpaw Regional Wrestling on Friday on the WWE Network.
The Rock Says Triple H & Steve Austin Were His Favorites to Work With
“I have worked with the greatest of the greats in wrestling and I love all these guys,” he said. “There’s two guys in pro wrestling in terms of wrestlers: one would have to be Triple H, and the other one would have to be ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Both guys I love, both guys I respect [and] admire. They’re great friends to this day.”
March 13, 2017
Eric LeGrand to receive Warrior Award at 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Eric LeGrand, a former standout for the Rutgers University football team-turned-motivational speaker, has been named the recipient of the third annual Warrior Award. The news was first reported by ESPN.com.
Named after WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.
The award will be presented to LeGrand by Dana Warrior, widow of Ultimate Warrior, at the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will broadcast from Orlando, Florida’s Amway Center live on WWE Network at 8 ET/5 PT on Friday, March 31. USA Network will also broadcast a special presentation of the ceremony on Monday, April 3 at 11 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following Raw.
LeGrand was a key player on the Rutgers University football team, before a spinal cord injury sustained during a game in October 2010 left him paralyzed from the neck down. LeGrand’s tremendous courage and unwavering strength throughout his rehabilitation captured the attention of the nation. He resumed his college classes via Skype and launched his sports broadcasting career as an analyst for Rutgers Football Radio Network. LeGrand founded the charity Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation in 2013, and is now a highly sought-after motivational speaker. In support of LeGrand’s mission – raising funds for research to find a cure for paralysis and to help improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries – WWE will make a $25,000 donation to Team LeGrand.
The Reason Why Impact Wrestling Owners Anthem Threatened Hardys With Legal Action
Further details have emerged as to why Impact Wrestling owners Anthem sent cease and desist orders to the Hardys, Ring of Honor and PPV distributors over Matt and Jeff appearing as their “broken” characters.
As reported by PWInsider, a source claims that Hardy filing the trademark for the "Broken Matt Hardy" name was the trigger as they believe Hardy wasn't the only person to create the character with names such as Dave Lagana, Matt Conway and Billy Corgan all being mentioned as key figures in having come up with the concept, therefore Anthem believe others deserve revenue from the character.
They want to pressure Hardy into signing a deal that gives Anthem a percentage of profits made from the gimmick.
ROH was forced to pull their recent PPV from DISH Network and the Hardys toned down their act for the PPV itself. According to Reby Hardy, The Hardys have full ownership of the gimmick.
McMahon Family WWE Salaries Revealed
If you're looking to start a little, mom and pop, family run business that you can one day pass on to your children, might I suggest opening up your own ridiculously successful multimillion dollar wrestling organization. F4Wonline.com recently revealed the 2016 salary details for the four members of the McMahon family namely Vince McMahon, his son Shane McMahon, daughter Stephanie McMahon and son-in-law Triple H.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon hasn’t been seen inside a WWE ring since he gave Shane and Stephanie joint control over Raw at Payback last year, but the Boss is reportedly still at nearly every taping and remains in 100% creative control over the main roster.
Meanwhile, ‘Shane-o-Mac’ and his sister continue to be a regular feature on WWE television in their roles as Commissioner of SmackDown Live and Raw respectively. Triple H, too, is seen quite often on RAW as the COO of WWE, as well as on NXT posing with anyone who wins a Championship. The Game has also spent a several months last year as the WWE Champion when he won the 2017 Royal Rumble.
So, how much did all these roles pocket the McMahon fam? As reported by F4Wonline.com, Stephanie McMahon earned $2,000,000 in her roles as an executive and a performer in 2016. Her brother, Shane McMahon, surprisingly did even better in his comeback role, as he managed to gross a figure of $2,150,000. Besides taking on the televised authority figure role, Shane also wrestled at Survivor Series and WrestleMania; nearly killing himself at both.
Triple H earned a whopping $3,993,417 in the year 2016. It should come as no surprise that Vince McMahon is the highest earning member of the McMahon family having drawn a huge salary of $5,348,624 last year; which really isn't quite as much as one might think it would be.
March 12, 2017
March 11, 2017
Impact Wrestling Threatening To Sue Cable Providers Who Air The Hardy's
Reby Sky has claimed on her personal Twitter that Impact Wrestling are issuing letters to cable providers threating to sue them if they show the Hardy's in ROH.
UPDATE: TNA sending "spooky" letters to cable providers threatening to sue if they air Hardys. Trying to screw ROH & ruin wrestling for fans
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 11, 2017
Christopher Daniels: At the crossroads of immortality and oblivion
Christopher Daniels has been a witness to a lot of wrestling history since his career started in 1993. He saw the rise of the "Attitude Era" and the Monday Night Wars, as he wrestled for WWE, WCW and ECW.
Once the latter two organizations had folded, and after a spell in WWE developmental, Daniels struck out for himself and made an immediate impact on the independent wrestling world. He wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling, won the "King of the Indies" tournament and otherwise traversed the globe, but ultimately, the next two decades of his career would tie Daniels to the fate and history of two companies: TNA and Ring of Honor.
Daniels was there in the formative stages of each company in 2002, and the defining moments of his career have come in these two organizations, for whom he's performed concurrently and independent of one another at various points over the last 15 years. He's had titles every step of the way, on both a tag team and singles level, but the man who will forever be known as "The Fallen Angel" has one major gap among his many career accomplishments -- a major world title.
With TNA (now Impact Wrestling) in his rear-view mirror, the now 46-year-old Daniels has the ROH world championship as his holy grail. As the company celebrates its 15th anniversary in Las Vegas on Friday night, Daniels gets another chance for that breakthrough against Adam Cole. Amidst a wave of fan support and emotion, following his victory in the ROH "Decade of Excellence" tournament and the betrayal of long-time tag team partner Frankie Kazarian to Cole's cause and the Bullet Club, it could very well be Daniels' last chance at a storybook ending...More?
source: espn.com
Matt Hardy On Why He Signed With ROH
ROH has a new interview with Matt Hardy, who was promoting tonight's ROH 15th Anniversary pay-per-view, where they will defend the ROH Tag Team Championships against The Young Bucks and Roppongi Vice in a "Triple Threat Vegas Street Fight." Make sure to join us tonight for our live coverage of the pay-per-view. Below are a few highlights from the interview:
You and Jeff already had a match with The Young Bucks signed for Supercard of Honor on April 1, so why did you decide to show up at Manhattan Mayhem last Friday to challenge them to an ROH World Tag Team Title Match that night?
"It was just the time. I told Vanguard 1 the Seven Deities have said it is time to teleport to the honorable ring and procure the ROH Tag Team Titles of the World. It was not my decision; it was something bigger than me. The day of deletion had arrived for the Bucks of Youth. We just had to follow through with the action we were mandated."
Fans have access to so much information these days that it's very hard to surprise them anymore, yet you've been able to do that multiple times now.
"The most important thing in the professional wrestling industry in this day and age of technology and the Internet and social media is to be able to make wrestling unpredictable. We were very happy we were able to do that, and it's one of the things I take a lot of pride in, along with my universe. I do all that I can to surprise people and make things unpredictable because that is what makes wrestling fun. Matt Hardy may be dysfunctional, but you can't spell dysfunctional without fun. My goal in the professional wrestling industry is to put fun into the dysfunctionality of it."
It's fair to say that ROH has the most talented tag team division in the sport. Let's get your thoughts on some of your top challengers, starting with the former ROH World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, whom you and Jeff will face in a Triple Threat Vegas Street Fight also involving Roppongi Vice at the ROH 15th Anniversary pay-per-view. Do they remind you of a young Matt and Jeff Hardy?
"Ah, yes, they do, especially when you look at their style and their clothing. When we were in our mortal vessels we were spot monkeys as well. I'm going to allow my brother to indulge in his spot monkey addiction for one night only [tonight] in the Street Fight. We will bring tables, ladders and chairs, all inanimate objects the Hardys made famous."
March 10, 2017
March 6, 2017
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat to induct “Ravishing” Rick Rude into WWE Hall of Fame
WWE announced the following today:
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat to induct "Ravishing" Rick Rude into WWE Hall of Fame
"Ravishing" Rick Rude will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by one of his greatest rivals, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. The news was broken by Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview with the 2009 inductee.
The two locked horns several times in WWE in the late 1980s, including a memorable bout that kicked off the first-ever Royal Rumble event in 1988. However, their rivalry reached its boiling point in the early 1990s in WCW. With Rude as the centerpiece of Paul Heyman's nefarious Dangerous Alliance, "The Dragon," one of the most heroic competitors ever, was one of the first to stand up to the villainous faction.
Steamboat zeroed in on Rude, the reigning United States Champion, in a series of matches that thrilled WCW fans. Their rivalry came to a head at Beach Blast 1992 in a grueling 30-Minute WCW Iron Man Match, where Steamboat eked out a narrow 4-3 victory in the waning moments of the battle.
Now, "The Dragon" will have the chance to reflect on the impact "Ravishing" Rick Rude had on sports-entertainment as he inducts his late rival into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017. What will Steamboat have to say? Tune into the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, live on Friday, March 31, at 8 ET/5 PT, exclusively on WWE Network!
March 2, 2017
Anthem Sports CEO On Why They Bought Impact Wrestling, If They Would Work With Billy Corgan
The Financial Post has a story on Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. CEO Leonard Asper, who discussed the company purchasing Impact Wrestling. During the interview, Asper noted that he was a wrestling fan when he was younger and would mimic AWA matches with his brother, David. Below are a couple of highlights:
Why they bought TNA:
"I like sports. But I'm not doing this because I'm a wrestling fanatic. It's a business decision. We want to own content as a company."
Possibly working with Billy Corgan:
"He was going to do some other things in the wrestling world. We said when we get all of this blocking and tackling done, we'll reconvene and see what we'll do together."
You can read the full article by clicking here.
March 1, 2017
Stephanie McMahon part of 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows
The Aspen Institute announced that Stephanie McMahon will be part of the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows, which recognizes leaders under the age of 45 who can apply their skills to build a better society.
WWE’s Chief Brand Officer will meet with the rest of the Fellows for four weeks over a two-year span in a structured retreat to discuss their leadership, values and vision for society. Each Fellow will also launch a new venture that will positively impact their communities, their country or the world.
“We are especially delighted with this year’s class of Henry Crown Fellows, the 21st since the Fellowship was founded,” said Peter Reiling, executive director of the program. “For society, they represent a potent force of talent, ready to focus their energies on some of the greatest challenges of our times. For them, they are embarking on a personal journey — a journey ‘from success to significance’ — that will change their lives forever. I know. I’m a Henry Crown Fellow, too.”
Stephanie responded to the news on Twitter, expressing her excitement for the honor.
Cesaro Joining Triple H's Heel Faction?
One of the biggest moments of Monday's RAW may have come in a seemingly meaningless backstage segment between former Ring Of Honor rivals, Samoa Joe and Cesaro. Was what appeared to be just a way to set up a match for later in the evening actually the beginning of a much bigger play for RAW's most gifted athlete?
With just a few verbal jabs, Joe pointed out some very poignant truths about Cesaro's place on the WWE roster.
"Same old Cesaro, still trying to figure it out."
When you look at Cesaro in his Velcro James Bond suit, it looks more like someone pretending to be a spy for Halloween than it does a WWE superstar comfortable in their gimmick.
Joe also references Vince McMahon's comments on a previous Stone Cold podcast where Vince said Cesaro had failed to grab the brass ring.
"Are you mad that you are still desperately grasping for the brass ring?"
Joe's dialogue wasn't just aimed at getting under Cesaro's skin. It adds to the narrative started two weeks ago when Enzo Amore cut a mostly forgotten promo that pointed out everything that is wrong with Cesaro. Enzo noted that Cesaro was suffering from an identity crisis. He calls himself a Swiss Superman but comes out to the ring dressed like James Bond. Enzo said once he's in the ring, Cesaro looks like a Baywatch lifeguard.
Joe really laid the groundwork for a longer story that ends with Cesaro deciding he is tired of settling for the mediocrity that has plagued his WWE career and joining forces with Triple H.
"Good luck being clever. I see it's doing good things for you so far."
Cesaro has had a nice run working with Sheamus, but they have already achieved their goal of winning the tag team championships. It's time for Cesaro to be positioned for big individual success, and there is no better way to do that than by aligning himself with Triple H, Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens.
Not only would Cesaro thrive as a member of one of WWE's most powerful factions, but his athleticism and style of wrestling would be a perfect compliment for Owens and Joe's more bruising styles.
With Triple H pulling the strings, Joe, Owens and Cesaro would be a stable so dominant that it might force another former trio to get the Hounds of Justice back together.
source: comicbook.com
Jim Ross believes Triple H vs. Seth Rollins could be the best match at WM 33
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. Ross talked about Seth Rollins wrestling Triple H at WrestleMania 33. He said that this storyline is the most intense and personal issue that the WWE is booking right now. He believes that this match should be a slobber knocker and that there’s no reason why this match can’t be the match of the night in Orlando. You can read the entire blog here.
February 27, 2017
The Hardys Not Re-Signing with TNA, Backstage Details on Matt & Jeff Feeling “Disrespected” By TNA Officials, Their TV Future
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, Matt and Jeff Hardy will NOT be signing new deals with Impact Wrestling, and it’s reportedly because the brothers felt disrespected during contract talks.
Sources are reporting The Hardys agreed to terms on a new TNA deal back in December, but requested a few minor changes, and were simply waiting for the finalized offer.
The deal was supposed to be for 1-year, but weeks and weeks passed, with Matt constantly checking in, but they were consistently given the run around.
Eventually Matt and Jeff’s lawyer informed Impact Wrestling officials that they wanted a creative control clause written into their new deals, but that was shot down immediately. One source claims the Hardy’s lawyer told Ed Nordholm of Anthem Sports & Entertainment there was interest from other companies and he responded by saying, “Well, tell them to go to WWE then.”
This set Jeff Hardy off, who at that point said he was no longer interested in re-signing. Matt continued talks, but when they sent a new contract last week it was now a 2-year deal and terms had been snuck in which stated they’d receive 10% of all his profits outside of Impact.
Matt’s lawyer said he’d be a fool to sign, so he informed the company he wasn’t interested in doing so, but would still come to the tapings to write off his characters. However, he was told he was crazy to think they’d want him on TV without a contact.
Impact Wrestling officials are reportedly trying to get their tag titles back.
Another 2017 WWE Hall Of Fame Inductee Announced
WWE announced the following today:
Beth Phoenix to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017
Beth Phoenix, one of the most dominant female competitors in sports-entertainment, will take her rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame when she is inducted as part of the Class of 2017 during WrestleMania 33 Week. The news was first reported by USA Today.
Phoenix first arrived in WWE in 2006, brutalizing Mickie James and aligning herself with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. Unfortunately, a jaw injury forced Phoenix to the sidelines just weeks after her debut. She returned to Monday Night Raw more than a year later, ready to dominate the competition. Possessing great beauty and power, Phoenix dubbed herself "The Glamazon" and went right to work.
Within months of her return to WWE, Phoenix captured the Women's Championship and dominated the division for months, muscling around the competition with ease before planting opponents face-first into the canvas with her patented Glam Slam. She also was part of an unlikely, yet infamous power couple with Santino Marella. The duo, dubbed "Glamarella," found great success, often in spite of the wacky antics of The Milan Miracle. In fact, it was Phoenix who won herself a second Women's Championship and Marella the Intercontinental Title in a Winner Take All Tag Team Match at SummerSlam 2008.
Phoenix went on to capture the Women's Championship once more, as well as the Divas Championship before stepping away from the ring in 2012. On top of her championship glory, The Glamazon was a pioneer, truly showing what women could do inside the squared circle. Phoenix was the second woman ever to enter the Royal Rumble Match, eliminating the towering Great Khali in the 2010 edition of the 30-Superstar, over-the-top-rope melee. She wasn't afraid to throw down in a hardcore match and even took part in the first ever Tables Match to feature women at WWE TLC 2010.
And now, Beth Phoenix is blazing a trail toward sports-entertainment immortality, as she enters the WWE Hall of Fame.
