WWE stock dropped down to $24.01 on Monday morning, a 14.3% drop overall, the day after Wrestlemania 30 and when subscriber numbers for the WWE Network were revealed. WWE touted 667,287 subscribers for the network just 42 days into the launch and that they were on track to reach 1 million subscribers by the end of the year.
source: thestreet.com
April 7, 2014
WWE stock takes a dive the day after WrestleMania XXX
WWE Network On Track To 1 Million Subscribers
WWE today announced that WWE Network has 667,287* subscribers and is well on its way to reaching its goal of 1 million subscribers by the end of 2014 just 42 days after launching in the U.S., making it the fastest-growing digital subscription service. This announcement comes following a historic WrestleMania® 30, which aired live on WWE Network as well as on pay-per-view through satellite and cable providers from a sold-out Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
WWE Network launched on February 24 in the U.S. and will be rolled out in Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordics in late 2014/early 2015.
WWE Network is the first 24/7 streaming network that provides access to live and scheduled programming, including all 12 live pay-per-view events, as well as the most comprehensive video-on-demand library. Available for only $9.99 a month – with a six month commitment – fans can subscribe to WWE Network at WWE.com. WWE Network is available on connected devices including Apple TV, Roku streaming devices, Sony PlayStation® 3, Sony PlayStation® 4 and Xbox 360. WWE Network is also available through the WWE App on iOS devices, including Apple iPad and iPhone, Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices and Android devices, as well as on desktops and laptops via WWE.com.
*Current subscriber number does not account for potential failures to comply with subscription terms and six month commitment
Update Regarding The Undertaker's Loss At WrestleMania XXX
The Wrestling Observer reports that the ending to Sunday night's WrestleMania 30 match between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar was, in fact, the original plan that WWE and The Undertaker himself had set up from the beginning. The word is that this scenario was kept from pretty much everyone, but "betting odds started to change shortly before the match began."
They also note that back in 2010, The Undertaker was quoted as saying that he wanted Lesnar to be the one to end "The Streak" at WrestleMania.
The Wrestling Observer also reports what numerous other sources had reported regarding The Undertaker being taken to a local medical facility after it was feared that he suffered a concussion and neck injury, though as of this report, there are no updates as to whether or not The Undertaker suffered one or both of these injuries.
Jeff Jarrett Officially Announces "Global Force Wrestling" Promotion
After weeks of speculation and unprecedented internet buzz surrounding the hashtag #ItsComing … IT IS HERE!
Legendary performer and third-generation promoter Jeff Jarrett and his wife, Karen, are set to unveil Global Force Wrestling (GlobalForceWrestling.com), which promises to be the most fan-interactive and immersive wrestling experience in history.
“Because of new media, new technology and more ‘in-tune’ fans than we’ve ever had, wrestling is poised for another boom like it experienced in the mid-1980s and late 1990s,” Jeff Jarrett said. “What we’re going to deliver is a multi-platform, innovative brand that will engage fans in ways they’ve never experienced. It will provide a fresh perspective inside the business that fans have been clamoring for.”
Jarrett, the founder of TNA wrestling and a 12-time world champion who wrestled in WWE, WCW and numerous international promotions, and his wife, Karen, have been laying the foundation for GFW since January 2014.
“Jeff was born into this business,” Karen Jarrett said. “It’s his life’s passion. He saw a unique opportunity to fill a need in professional wrestling, and he has tirelessly devoted himself physically, mentally and emotionally to doing just that.”
Videos of the Jarretts previewing the new promotion attached to the hashtag #ItsComing have garnered more than a million views. Meanwhile, Jeff and Karen have been searching the United States and the international ranks in search of undiscovered talent. The response has been overwhelming, with more than 400 performers from across the globe already in the evolving GFW talent database.
“The reality is we want to build a brand in which fans are watching our wrestlers evolve from day one and are truly invested in the lives of our talent in and out of the ring,” Jarrett said.
Global Force Wrestling expects to make several more key announcements in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Ezekiel Jackson Announces Departure From WWE
Ezekiel Jackson has taken to social media to announce his official departure from WWE, as his contract with the organization has officially expired.
Below is Jackson's post from his official Instagram account:
"In July 2008 I made my #smackdown television debut with “Thee Brian Kendrick”… much love to TBK for seeking me out and choosing me. I was fulfilling a dream I had as an 8 yr old kid who saw and fell in love with professional wrestling for the first time through my neighbors window in #Guyana South America… On April 6th 2014 my contract expired so #WrestleMania 30 was #bittersweet. I thank God for all the blessings he’s bestowed upon me in the last 7 years. In my time in the #wwe I became the last #ECW Champion and a one time Intercontinental Champion… I’ve also traveled the world given the opportunity to do what I love. Encountering some of the most passionate and reliable fans in the world… I am deeply appreciative to Vincent McMahon and the #WWE for allowing a snotty nose lickle bai from Victory Valley Linden Guyana to live out my childhood dream on the highest level. #Godspeed to the company and all of my friends and colleagues. #beblessed Extremely excited for the next chapter in my life. I’m looking forward to this new season…. I’m still 290 pounds and #healthy. I can be reached for bookings, sponsorship and signings through my manager at: Rjsmanandco@gmail.com #Godbless"
Identities Of Women Involved In Triple H's WrestleMania XXX Entrance
The women who were involved in Triple H's WrestleMania XXX entrance were NXT Divas Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte.
Undertaker taken to the hospital after WrestleMania XXX
Prowrestling.net is reporting that The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) was taken by ambulance to a hospital in New Orleans after his WrestleMania 30 match with Brock Lesnar on Sunday. It is believed that he suffered a concussion during the match.
April 6, 2014
Shane McMahon Reveals His WrestleMania 30 Status, Talks Whether or Not a Civil War Resulted in Him Leaving WWE
BuzzFeed has a big story on Shane McMahon, who discussed leaving the family business to make it on his own. In the interview, Shane denied rumors that there was a power struggle between himself and Stephanie McMahon.
"No, there was no civil war," Shane said. "My sister is still involved in the company now with her husband Triple H. They're there. My dad is there. Things are moving forward."
Shane also admitted that his father could be a difficult boss.
"My dad held me to a different standard, without question, sometimes unfairly so and that's OK," he said. "It's tough to bat .1000 all the time. It's that one wrong all the time. It teaches you. It definitely teaches you. It's a way of teaching."
The article also interviewed Vince McMahon, Kurt Angle and Court Bauer. Bauer discussed the differences between working for Shane and Stephanie.
"I liked his approach. It was very playful, and really just an exciting, 'What if we did this?'" Bauer said. "If you went into Shane's department, it was fun, laid-back, loose vibes. The energy and positivity wasn't there in creative the way it was in digital. When it came out [in 2009] that he was leaving the company, I spoke to people at WWE, a lot of people were walking around like someone had died. 'Oh gosh, he's going to leave us?'"
Shane also discounted reports that he would be at WrestleMania tonight but said that he's open to coming back as some point "because anything can happen in the WWE."
Read the full article here.
The Ultimate Warrior Signs a New Multi-Year Deal with WWE
The Ultimate Warrior revealed at tonight's Hall of Fame ceremony that he is now working as an official ambassador with WWE, meaning he's likely signed a Legends contract. Warrior noted that he's signed a multi-year deal with the company.
April 5, 2014
The Kliq at the WWE Hall of Fame
Now that's a selfie........#kliqrules pic.twitter.com/sEHa8RLfVH
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 6, 2014Triple H and Stephanie Taking On a Bigger Role at WrestleMania
From people working on the show this weekend, it's said that while Vince McMahon is there, it's really been Triple H and Stephanie McMahon who have been in charge as far as producing the event goes.
source: fw4online.com
John Cena Talks About His Match with Bray Wyatt, His Legacy, Taker's Streak, Triple H, More
John Cena recently spoke with AMNY.com to promote WrestleMania XXX. Here are some highlights:
What are you doing to prepare for your match with Bray Wyatt?
This one is peculiar. You ask me any other WrestleMania opponent I’ve ever had, I’d be able to give you a clean cut shot: “John Cena’s going to walk into wherever and kick the holy hell out of somebody.” But the Bray Wyatt situation is different. He’s a difficult opponent to scout because I don’t necessarily know what he wants to do at WrestleMania. A lot of my WrestleMania opponents in the past want to simply win. Bray Wyatt has stated that the most important thing for him to do on April 6 is ruin my legacy and he’s also that that doesn’t necessarily come at the cost of defeating me. He’s done some very awkward stuff on “Monday Night Raw” at the cost of victory, having victory within his grasp or one of his family members having victory within [their] grasp and then just throwing away victories just to create an embarrassing moment, or undermining moment for me. So, it’s very been very difficult for me to scout Bray, very difficult for me to come up with a battle plan or a playbook and I think, from an outside perspective, that’s what makes WrestleMania interesting. It can be the first match that I’ve been in where I may win, but I may wind up the loser, if that makes any sense.
What is your legacy?
I’m certainly not afraid to address the fact that there are a lot of people that enjoy my performances, a lot of people that don’t. I think the one thing that I’ve been consistent to over the years is the reason I go out there. I’ve openly said I love the WWE. I truly operate on a schedule of hustle, loyalty and respect. That’s the term on the T-shirt, but it simply means hard work, respect everyone, even though they may be your enemy, and be loyal to those who are loyal to you. That’s pretty much my ideology -- so good, bad or indifferent. You know, I’ve been around for 12 years now, so when you come out and say that the first time, people may not believe it, but 12 years people, people are like, you know what, this is what this guy stands for. And I think Bray’s trying to do what he’s trying to do – he may see me in a different light or whatever, but he says he’s going to change the way people think about me.
What matches, as a fan, are you looking forward to watching?
I’m looking forward to The Shield, because I really find excitement in new. I’m a member of the WWE Universe. I’m a fan as well as a superstar, so when I see these new superstars, I get excited. … I’m really looking forward to the Andre the Giant over the top Battle Royal because it’s a 30-man situation with so many new superstars and somebody is going to have a WrestleMania moment there. I hope it’s a breakout moment for someone. The match that I am most interested in is Triple H versus Daniel Bryan, only because for six months, maybe even longer than that now, Daniel Bryan has been labeled as the guy who will never ever get an opportunity, the guy who is always beingkept down. And I agreed with that, until Daniel Bryan occupied Raw and madedemands. And those demands were met. And I think Daniel Bryan is a wonderful competitor. I think he has as much passion as anyone else in the WWE. But he asked for these matches, and it looks like a pretty unfair set of circumstances, but if you go back and watch the Raw where he took over, he asked for it. So if he doesn’t take advantage of that opportunity, if he doesn’t capitalize on that opportunity, then you really can’t say he never got one. As unfair as it may be, it’s the exact one that he asked for. So, as I said, WrestleMania is made of defining moments and when you ask for an opportunity at WrestleMania and you’re gifted opportunity, you better perform, so my eyes are on that match, big time.
Triple H hasn’t wrestled much recently. Do you think he’ll be rusty?
He’s my boss, but I’ve also been in there with him and I’ve been in there with him at WrestleMania. So he is above all else, he can wear a suit and be Triple H, or whatever he calls himself at the Tower in Stamford, Conn. When he steps in there, he’s The Game. And that is 100% true and he has that same passion that I have. I want a bigger stage. I want more eyes. I want this event to be as big as it can be, because I’m going to show the world that I’m at the top of my game. He’s a veteran of that. Daniel Bryan, I don’t know if he knows what those moments are about. Congratulations Daniel, you got everything you asked for, but hold on, man, you just got everything you asked for. It’s one of those scenarios, and I’m really looking forward to seeing that.
What are your thoughts on the Undertaker’s impressive 21-0 win streak at WrestleMania?
A couple things you know about WrestleMania – it’s the biggest show we do and always stay away from The Undertaker around WrestleMania season. He’s got a pretty good streak for himself. But you know what, in looking at it in years past, he had two fantastic matches with Shawn Michaels, and a wonderful match with Triple H. Wonderful matches. But after over 20 years, that’s a lot of wrestling. That’s a lot of performing. I feel old, and I feel the bumps and bruises and this is going to be my 10th WrestleMania. I can only imagine what’s that like. And I will say this, I haven’t been in the ring with Undertaker at WrestleMania, but I’ve been in the ring with the Undertaker and I’ve also been in the ring with Brock Lesnar. Brock Lesnar is a hoss. This guy is a 100% legit, bonafide stud. He belongs in a ring. He belongs doing what he does. And I don’t know man, I don’t know. For the first time, I can confidently say, I’m betting against the Undertake at WrestleMania.
ESPN to Cover Major WWE Pay-Per-Views
ESPN will be covering WrestleMania XXX and SummerSlam as part of whatever kind of deal was made for WWE to start using Jonathan Coachman again this summer.
If You Want Peace Prepare For War
Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/xnJQ7rPdv4
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 5, 2014WWE Planning a Live NXT for WrestleMania 31 Week
WWE is planning on having the last weekly episode of NXT before WrestleMania 31 be a live show from Axxess next year.
April 4, 2014
WWE Studios Announces Partnership on New "Term Life" Movie with Actor Vince Vaughn
WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) and PalmStar Media Capital have entered into a co-production/co-financing agreement on the Vince Vaughn feature TERM LIFE. TERM LIFE is currently in production and will be distributed domestically by Universal Pictures. WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to help promote the film, slated for a 2015 release.
Peter Billingsley directs from a screenplay by A.J. Lieberman who wrote the original graphic novel that he created with Nick Thornborrow. Billingsley and Vaughn previously worked on Universal's "Couples Retreat" which made $172 million worldwide,
Nick Barrow (Vaughn) plans and sells heists to the highest bidder, but when his latest job goes horribly wrong he finds himself hunted by everyone he knows - mob bosses, contract killers and dirty cops. With no way out, Nick does the only thing he can think of to help his estranged daughter Cate - he takes out a life insurance policy on himself with her as the beneficiary. It's a great plan until he finds out the policy doesn't take effect for twenty-one days. Now Nick is forced to take Cate on the run and keep them both alive while trying to be a father for the very first time.
"We are excited to partner with PalmStar Media on this tremendous project," said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. Term Life's dynamic story and stellar cast make for exactly the type of movie that WWE Studios seeks to deliver to audiences everywhere."
PalmStar’s CEO Kevin Frakes added: “I am beyond pleased to be working with WWE Studios. They’ve made smart choices in their motion picture partnerships and of course the audience they are able to deliver is perfect for this movie."
"Term Life" is produced by Vince Vaughn, Micah Mason and Victoria Vaughn for Wild West Picture Show Productions, Kevin Frakes of PalmStar Media Capital and WWE Studios president Michael Luisi.
Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios and Jonathan Gardner of Cohen Gardner LLP negotiated the deal on behalf of PalmStar.
April 3, 2014
WWE Hall Of Famer Says HHH Is The Best Wrestler Today, Will Be Surprised If Daniel Bryan Wins
WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race recently spoke with Steven Muehlhausen of BetweenTheRopes.com. Race says he would be surprised if Daniel Bryan wins the WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania XXX:
"Well if he (Bryan) does, it'll surprise me. Just being able to talk a great match and performing great matches six/seven nights a week is a different ballgame because it is a different time."
Race also says Triple H is the best wrestler in the world today:
"Right now, I'd have to say Hunter because I watched his style, he's a lot of mind and he took it and put it to a frame that became his. He's just good at what he does."
New Details And Photo Of WWE's Monopoly Game, WWE Expanding Board Game Offerings
The new WWE Monopoly game will be released this week and retails for $39.99. The game board will feature 22 Superstars in place of properties with the train stations being replaced with Royal Rumble WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series. The set also includes six collectible game tokens and Vince McMahon's face on the front of the Monopoly money.
ToyNews-Online.biz reports that WWE is looking to expand its board game offerings and is working on new ideas. Below is a photo of the set:
Triple H On Which 'Mania Match He's Looking Forward To, Where He Keeps His Shovel, MMA, Kofi, More
Triple H took part in a Twiiter Q&A today. Here are some highlights:
What other WrestleMania match he's looking forward to: Taker vs Brock. Having been in the ring with both, it will be a war!
If he gets nervous before matches: Absolutely. If you aren't nervous, you don't care...
Where he keeps his shovel: Under my mattress. Just next to my big bag of gold...
If he ever considered MMA: no, while I like it and respect what they do, sometimes the story lines are silly.
His biggest WWE career regret: Nothing. Everything I've done good or bad has let to today.
Outsider to win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: keep your eyes on @TrueKofi
Where was his first date with Stephanie McMahon: Production meeting. Where all good romances start. #Stars4Kids
April 2, 2014
WWE Working on Streaming & Monitoring What Network Users Are Viewing
Variety has a new article up on the WWE Network and WrestleMania XXX. WWE's Michelle Wilson notes that they continue to put a lot of resources into the technical side to make sure fans have a great viewing experience for WrestleMania.
The article notes that WWE has been keeping a close eye on what people are watching on the Network and so far, most viewers are splitting their time between new series like WWE Countdown and old footage in the vault. They noted that anything that airs live gets a good audience, the RAW pre-show and post-shows do well and as WrestleMania XXX approaches, the older WrestleMania events have been popular.
Former WWE Creative Member Talks Triple H Trolling Internet Fans
Former WWE creative team member Andrew Goldstein spoke with Gary Cantrell of Morelikeradio.org. Below is a highlight:
"Super smart move. Especially if Triple H actually wins which i don't think is going to happen but lets just play out that scenario. Let's say Triple H beats Daniel Bryan. It's the most epic trolling of wrestling nerds of all time. They would be dangling a carrot in front of every smart wrestling fan and pulling it away. I would like it just for that reason. The other thing, playing that scenario out. Triple H wins, he gets put in the match. How cool is the 3 guys from Evolution in one match? As triple threats go, i wouldn't mind seeing that match."
April 1, 2014
Paul Heyman Comments On If He thinks CM Punk Will Return To The WWE
"You know, there were only three people in the room that night, and that was CM Punk, Vince McMahon and Triple H, and none of the three have talked about it. So whether CM Punk will ever or won’t ever appear in WWE again is truly only known by the three people that were in the room on that given evening. Anything else that is stated about it is merely speculation."
Lanny Poffo Talks Bad Blood Between Vince McMahon and Randy Savage, Possible HOF Induction
The Tampa Tribune has a new article up looking at the much-speculated on relationship between WWE and Randy Savage before his death and why he hasn't been inducted into the Hall of Fame yet.
Savage's brother Lanny Poffo says it's because of bad blood between Savage and Vince McMahon. The Tribune sent a list of Poffo's claims to WWE but they declined comment. “I cannot prove a thing,” Poffo said. “You can take my word for it or not.”
Poffo says the feud between Savage and Vince began in 1987 when WWE held an "old timers" event and did not include Savage's father Angelo Poffo. Savage reportedly asked Vince if his father could participate but Poffo says he was told no. “Randy didn’t ever forgot that,” Poffo said. “My father deserved to be in that match.”
Poffo then says Savage was offended when Vince felt Savage's best years were behind him and pulled him from the ring to put him on commentary. “He thought he still had a lot of good years in the ring left in him,” Poffo said. Savage was also bothered by the skits that WWE did with The Nacho Man. Poffo says he wasn't too offended by the skits until he saw one that insinuated Miss Elizabeth fooled around with Hulk Hogan.
His brother says Savage never forgave WWE for the tasteless skit and went online to make a video with some negative comments about Stephanie McMahon in the early 2000's. “I’m sure the video angered McMahon,” Poffo said. Vince reportedly contacted Savage with an offer to induct him into the Hall of Fame in 2010 but Savage would only accept it if his father and brother were inducted alongside him but WWE declined. “He wanted the Poffo family to go in,” Poffo said. “He knew it would mean a lot to my dad.”
Shortly after WWE declined to induct the family, Savage's father passed away. Poffo said WWE never called to offer condolences. “It was about respect to our family. Randy was furious,” said Poffo. “He told me if anything ever happened to him, he should not be put into the Hall of Fame unless it was as the Poffo family.”
Savage died unexpectedly one year later. Poffo says WWE never offered personal condolences to his family. In 2012, WWE called Poffo to ask about posthumously inducting Savage. “They again did not say they were sorry for my father or brother’s passing, even though they had the chance” he said. “I told them that I would honor my brother’s wishes and only say yes if the entire Poffo family was inducted.”
Poffo says he has now softened his stance on the induction and is offering an olive branch. “This is for the fans,” Poffo said. “They want to honor Randy and see him get his respect. So if the WWE wants Randy in the Hall of Fame but not my father or me, they should do it. Unless they call my mother and offer their condolences, I will not be there.”
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
