Jim Johnston On How Relationship With Vince McMahon Changed, Not Understanding His WWE Departure

On episode 31 of Prime Time with Sean Mooney, the former WWE play-by-play announcer caught up with longtime WWE composer Jim Johnston. Among many other things, Johnston talked about his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and how it changed over his WWE tenure, how his WWE run came to a close, and what is next for the legendary entrance theme songwriter.

Johnston claimed that he worked very closely with McMahon early on, but Kevin Dunn became more involved over time.

"Well, early on, he and I spent a lot of time together," Johnston recalled, "I was out on the road and fortunately that stopped, so I could really just concentrate on being in the studio. It was actually necessary. It had to stop because of the demands and the need in the company for music was growing so rapidly that I was working seven days a week to keep up with stuff. But early on it was a very direct relationship where he would tell me about new stuff coming up that was needed and it was real simple. Slowly over time Kevin Dunn became a little bit of a go-between between us as well as having his own contributions. Often, he would have very, very good instincts about music."

Johnston indicated that his relationship with McMahon grew more distant as the company grew and their communication got very bad in the last few years.

"And then, as the company grew, sadly, that grew more and more distant because he got swept away into… well, we all got swept away because everything became more important. And then, towards the last years I was there, communication kind of fell apart. I think that's what really got us on a bad road."

According to Johnston, approximately 3 years ago WWE changed and things became more political. The scribe behind 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's legendary theme should have taken 'The Rattlesnake''s advice: D.T.A.

"I guess three or so years ago, I'd say three to four years ago, a lot of politics got involved, personal stuff that I don't want to go into." Johnson explained, "but over the years I've had a failing in myself that I'll probably keep doing because I know in my heart that I don't think it's a failing, but it's not a good trait for business. I tend to get a bit Polly Annish to a point where I tend to trust people that unfortunately I've been shown that I shouldn't trust. There were people that really thought were friends that turned out not to be friends."

With respect to how his lengthy WWE career came to an end, Johnston said that he spoke with McMahon briefly. Johnston went on to suggest that the situation should have played out differently.

"I had a brief conversation with Vince and it was over," Johnston explained. "All I'll say is that I think there were a lot of ways to end it and the way that it ended was… I think there were better ways to end it where everyone could have walked away with a much better feeling. And after 32 years, it seems like a lost opportunity to me and I don't really understand it."

Johnston stated that he is starting from scratch in a way because WWE never rolls credits after its programs and he is not very well known in other circles.  

"This is what I've been doing and it's a combination of not ever having a credit roll in WWE programming, so while fans have been incredibly kind know me well, they're not the people who are hiring to write music for TV shows and films and I'm sort of lesser known there. And while I have a nice resume, it's still something that I'm kind of starting a new business. People kind of know me once I educate them about who I am."

First 2018 WWE Hall Of Famer Confirmed

ESPN has confirmed that Bill Goldberg will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

"At the end of the day, any business, any venture that you embark upon, you want some type of acknowledgement," Goldberg told ESPN. "You always try to make it to a top. There's no reason to do anything unless you want to be the best."

Goldberg will be the headliner for the 2018 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which takes place on Friday, April 6th from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, during WrestleMania 34 Weekend. Goldberg commented on the speech.

"It's hard to conceptualize what it's going to be like, just like it was hard to conceptualize what last year was going to be like after being away for 12 years," said Goldberg. "It's another opportunity for me to show how much I appreciate the support and the love I've gotten from the fans. At the end of the day, it's a validation that I've done something right."

The former WWE Universal Champion also kept the door open on another return to the ring for WWE.

"It's going to be tough, I can tell you that," said Goldberg. "It's kind of like bookmarking the end of your career, although it ain't the end of nothing for me. I'm always living and breathing and looking for my next venture -- and who's to say it couldn't happen there again?"

Rumor Mill - News On WWE Potentially Moving To FOX And Going Back To Two Hours

On January of 1993, WWE launched the Monday Night Raw series on the USA Network. They continued their relationship with USA until 2000, before moving to TNN/Spike TV until 2005. WWE returned to USA in 2005, and went to three hours in 2012.

There has been much speculation of WWE possibly moving to a new network, or at least commencing a bidding war to land the most profitable slot. Their deals with NBC Universal, which includes RAW and SmackDown (as well as Tribute To The Troops), expire on September 30, 2019, however WWE CFO George Barrios said that the company hopes to announce their U.S. distribution plans between May and September of this year. WWE's current contract with NBC Universal generated $180 million last year.

Months ago, Triple H had a meeting with the executives of FOX Sports about potentially airing WWE product on their network. The reason for the potential move would be due to UFC possibly leaving FOX, which would leave space open for another combat sport to fill. WWE has worked with FOX in the past, and the network aired a couple of episodes of Saturday Night's Main Event in the 90s, as well as a WrestleMania 11 special in 1995.

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there is also discussion of FOX possibly buying WWE, which would mean that the network would have them for good. This would also mean that rights fees would not be an issue moving forward, similar to what Viacom did with buying Bellator. Viacom has also shown some interest in having a pro wrestling show on their channels, but that interest does not necessarily involve WWE.

More?

Paige Reportedly Done As An In-Ring WWE Performer

PWInsider.com has reportedly confirmed with multiple sources that following her recent injury at a WWE Live event Paige will not be cleared by WWE doctors to return to the company as an in-ring performer.

They are comparing the situation to Edge’s medical disqualification from the ring that led to his retirement.

Their full report can be found HERE, we have included some highlights below.

Paige was informed of the decision by WWE earlier this week.Paige appears to have received a “stinger” in her six-woman tag match on December 28th after being kicked from behind by Sasha BanksPaige immediately fell to the ground, was looked at by medical officials and the match was stoppedDue to the “stinger” Paige could not feel her extremetiesPaige will be replaced in the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE has yet to confirm this report.

David Otunga Cleared In Domestic Violence Incident

TMZ reports the investigation is complete and Otunga will not face any charges. Otunga has maintained that he has never been abusive towards Hudson or his son.

Otunga and Hudson split in November after being together for over 10 years. Hudson had received a protective order against Otunga as they engaged in a custody battle over their son.

Naomi On How She Developed Her 'Glow' Character

While Naomi has been on the main roster since January 2012, it wasn't until she embraced "The Glow" that she finally broke out in WWE. In an interview with TV Insider, Naomi talked about how the character came to be and more. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Developing her character:

"I think that is why I struggled in the beginning, because I feel like I was put in storylines that weren't me.

"I did the heel stuff. When I first came to NXT, I was wearing the neon stuff. Then I got away from it and ended up being a Funkadactyl dancer, which was awesome. Then I ended up being with Tamina and Team B.A.D. Then I was with the Usos for a little while. I just felt like I needed an opportunity to be on my own. I knew that once I got that moment the 'Glow' was what I wanted to do. That's who I was. I really believe in the 'Glow' and live my life that way. It's about being positive inside and out, and being the best version of yourself possible. I really wanted to incorporate that into wrestling. That was my way of doing it."

Getting the character off the ground after Team B.A.D. split in May 2016:

"I went and had one of the many talks with Vince [McMahon]. I went to him with the idea and he was like, 'Well, we will give it a try.' It was an at a point where they weren't doing anything with me. Thanks to Vince and Triple H and Road Dogg, they really helped me get everything off the ground. It was rough trying to get the gear, trying to get the lighting. I just had to stay on them on that, because this is a machine. There is so much going on each day."

Getting the look right for television:

"We couldn't get it to translate right on TV. It looked cool. It glowed in person, but for some reason on TV, the glow in the dark fabric wouldn't translate on TV. I literally had to charge it backstage with the bright lights. Let it charge and go out. It was just too much. It wasn't going to work. Then we ended up doing the UV reactive stuff, which is where we are now. All of my gear has to be certain fabric that glows. Not all neon things glow. That was tricky, too.

"I would find all this stuff off of rave sites and trying everything. I would get to TV and the stuff wouldn't glow. I got it down now. I have a closet, a whole room of glow stuff that never made it on TV yet or didn't work. Money I've spent on all this stuff."

Gabe Sapolsky To Sign WWE Deal Soon, Backstage News On His Role, The WWN - WWE Relationship

WWN Live's Gabe Sapolsky will be signing a contract with WWE soon, according to PWInsider. The former ROH booker will be working for WWE as a consultant.

Sapolsky has been working for WWE on a handshake agreement for several months, specifically helping out backstage at WWE NXT TV tapings. Sapolsky will continue working with WWN and EVOLVE as this is a continuation of the working relationship between WWE and WWN.

Triple H spoke about Sapolsky during a NXT conference call back in the summer of 2017. He said:

"I like Gabe. I like what he does. I think he's a smart guy that helps to get talent going in their careers. ... It's an opportunity. ... When I have an opportunity for him to be around us and learn from us and I can bring him in and see how his mind works, it's good for everybody.

"I want to work with guys or groups or organizations who are in the business of cultivating talent and not just putting on shows and not just putting on an event, selling some tickets and moving on. ... People that are interested in cultivating talent and helping to push their careers along and to move them along."

Triple H On If WWE Will Make An Exception For Daniel Bryan's Ring Return

The Wrap asked Triple H if there's some sort of exception in WWE's strict policy that might allow SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan to return to the ring. Triple H said:

"There can be no exception medically," Triple H said. "If the belief is that he's not healthy enough and there's a risk [for him] to perform, then I don't know why you'd allow him to step into the ring unless it can be proven otherwise. There will be no exceptions. We have some of the best medical people in the world that work for us. Our wellness policy, our concussion programming, our protocols — I'll put them up there against any on the planet.

"That is a new science in a way, too. So we're gonna look at it from all aspects, but the medical experts will make the determination as to whether he can ever step into that ring or not. Look, personally for him, I know it would be something he would love to do, and part of me feels like I hope he has that opportunity. But at the same point in time, he's married and has a child. Certainly, [we put] the human being first."

Bryan has not wrestled since April of 2015. He announced his retirement in February of 2016, but has since said that he plans to wrestle again this year unless doctors advice him otherwise. His WWE contract expires in September.

Kevin Nash On What Vince McMahon Recently Told Him Regarding Current WWE Talent

During a recent episode of the The Ross Report, Jim Ross spoke highly of the potential XFL relaunch, stating that he believes that Vince and company have done significant research to make sure that they will not have another unsuccessful run. Ross also asked his guest, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, about his thoughts on the matter.

"Vince doesn't like to have a black mark anywhere on his dossier," said Nash. "At the beginning [of the XFL], the numbers were great, and it wasn't the right place at the right time."

Nash and Ross also discussed whether WWE will hurt from McMahon not completely focusing on the product, and both agreed that Triple H is next in line to steer the company creatively, and the WWE will be just fine with him at the helm. However, the landscape of WWE has changed regarding the grit of the talent.

"I remember one time I was talking to Vince – it wasn't the last WrestleMania, I think it was the one before – and I just asked him how things were," said Nash. "And he goes, 'The thing that's changed more than anything, [is] back when you broke in here in the fed, it was a shark tank. Like, everybody went after that top prize, and it was a battle. Now, [wrestlers] wait for him to come around with a sword and anoint them.' It's just not the same anymore."

Vince McMahon Files Five Trademarks For ‘XFL'

As we noted moments ago, Vince McMahon has sold 3.34 million shares of WWE stock with the primary reason being for funding his new Alpha Entertainment LLC.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell is reporting McMahon has also applied for five different trademarks for the term ‘XFL’ through his new Alpha Entertainment LLC. It was said that the filings just came into the trademark office, and it was filed on December 16th.

Talk about Vince McMahon’s revival of the XFL first surfaced after journalist Brad Shepard broke the news that McMahon was looking to bring back the league, and an announcement could come as soon as January.

Rovell noted previous XFL trademarks were abandoned over a period of time from 2002 to 2005.

Vince McMahon Sells 3.34 Million Shares Of WWE Stock To Fund His Alpha Entertainment LLC Company

According to a recent SEC filing, Vince McMahon has just sold 3.34 million shares of WWE stock (valued at about $105 million currently) to fund his new Alpha Entertainment LLC company.

The filing stated:

“On December 21, 2017, Vincent K. McMahon (“Mr. McMahon”), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”), sold 3,340,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock in a block trade made in accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Mr. McMahon executed the sale primarily to fund a separate entity from the Company, Alpha Entertainment LLC, which Mr. McMahon established to explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football.  Mr. McMahon has informed the Company that he has no current plan to sell additional shares of the Company’s stock and that he intends to continue in his capacity as the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the foreseeable future.

The shares sold by Mr. McMahon represent approximately 4.3% of the Company’s total outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock.  After the sale, Mr. McMahon beneficially owns 32,193,375 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, which represents approximately 82.8% of the Company’s total voting power and approximately 41.8% of the Company’s total outstanding shares of common stock.”

As noted in the report, McMahon is exploring options in the sports and entertainment worlds with the new LLC. It’s been speculated that McMahon was also looking to bring back the XFL, with wrestling journalist Brad Shepard reporting this is the case, and that an announcement could come as soon as January 25th, 2018.

WWE Announces First All-Female Royal Rumble

The historic first-ever Women's Royal Rumble Match announced for Jan. 28

History will be made at the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Rumble when the WWE Universe witnesses the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble Match.

Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon made the massive announcement on the Dec. 18 edition of Raw, declaring that female WWE Superstars will compete for a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 34.

The much-anticipated contest could not be coming at a more pivotal moment for the ground-breaking women of each brand. In addition to the elite competitors who continue to make the Women's Evolution the cutting-edge phenomenon that it is, the main roster has experienced an influx of talented new Superstars over the past several months, including Raw's undefeated Asuka, the returning Paige and her destructive Absolution cohorts, as well as SmackDown LIVE's Riott Squad. This surge of talent will undoubtedly help make the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble a can't-miss contest.

Who will seize the moment and book a ticket to WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans by winning the monumental bout? Find out when the women of Raw and SmackDown LIVE make history at the Royal Rumble, streaming live on WWE Network on Sunday, Jan. 28!