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April 10, 2014

No More WWE PPV?


With the launch of the WWE Network, the company will no longer be using the term "pay-per-view" when referring to their monthly events. Instead, WWE will be phasing out "PPV" and calling the shows "Special Events" instead. With each "Special Event" now factored into the price of the WWE Network, and the future of actual television pay-per-view in question, the new direction seems appropriate given that the fans won't actually be paying specifically to watch them.

Stephanie McMahon & Triple H Taking Bigger Role Backstage


Although Vince McMahon is ultimately in charge still, F4WOnline.com is reporting that Stephanie McMahon and Triple H have been taking a much bigger role behind the scenes. They are certainly being viewed in more of a leadership role than ever before.

The report goes on to state that Hunter and Stephanie had a ton of control during WrestleMania 30, in terms of booking. And while Vince won't be stepping down anytime soon, there is a feeling internally that WWE is going through a transitional period backstage.

“The Icon” Sting Signs Contract With WWE


After months – if not years – of speculation and rumor, Dave Metlzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that WCW legend and former TNA wrestler Steve "Sting" Borden has signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. Sting's new deal will include television time, but at present it is unknown when "The Icon" will make his on-screen debut, and how frequently he will be used.

Reports coming in prior to WrestleMania XXX called for Sting to face The Undertaker in some kind of match, most likely at next year's WrestleMania in Santa Clara, CA. However, following the Deadman's now-infamous loss to Brock Lesnar this past weekend, that match-up seems more unlikely. There was a rumor going around earlier this year of WWE bringing Sting in as an authority figure on Monday Night Raw, similar to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Mick Foley, Bret Hart and many others being used as general managers, commissioners, etc.

Sting made his last televised appearance for TNA Wrestling at January's Genesis live special edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV, prior to his contract with the company expiring. His signing with WWE could be seen as a major deal, as Sting is well known for being the last wrestling legend of the modern era, who has never worked for Vince McMahon.

source: wrestlezone.com

Wrestling Columnist Posts "Memo To Nancy Grace"


Source: PWInsider.com

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com has posted a piece entitled Memo to Nancy Grace, Crusading Wrestling Journalist that we wanted to share with all of you:

Dear Nancy Grace,

Thank you for the insightful piece on your CNN Headline News series yesterday on the Ultimate Warrior. I know with the fine journalistic standards you have set for yourself, the facts would certainly be at the forefront of this sad, tragic story.

After all, watching your segment last night, I learned:

*Warrior was found dead.

*There are allegations of "illegal steroid and drug use" in his passing.

*Warrior was a "top WWE Superstar" at the time of his passing.

*Warrior collapsed at his hotel while walking to his car with his wife (Hey....wait a minute, didn't you just say he was found dead?)

*Lots of wrestlers have died young, with implications of drug use - including wrestlers like Mark Curtis (stomach cancer), Owen Hart (fall to his death), Brady Boone (car accident), Joey Marella (actually a referee, car accident), Chris Candido (blood clot following surgery) and DJ Peterson (motorcycle wreck).

*That you have no idea what the term "catastrophic medical event" could mean.

*That you don't recognize Diamond Dallas Page when he's not "half-naked."

*That "not everyone" used steroids back in the day, because you never used them.

*That Warrior was referred to as "Ultimate"....well, at least by you.

Thank you so much for the fine upstanding research your team does on your show. Not since the days where your show told me that Chris Benoit may have committed murder because he was upset that he was demoted from the Four Horsemen to ECW and that wrestling fans looked up to "The Grunge" have we seen such hard-hitting, insightful mainstream media work on professional wrestling and those who populate that unique genre.

This incredible attention to detail and journalistic ethics brings me nothing but confidence that every other story you present will be conveyed to your viewers with the same incredible reporting. Your credibility speaks for itself.

Sincerely,

Mike Johnson

Diamond Dallas Page Issues Statement On Nancy Grace Show Appearance


Diamond Dallas Page has issued the following statement regarding his appearance on Wednesday night's Nancy Grace show on CNN:

"I went on Nancy Grace last night expecting to discuss Warrior the man. Had I known the only topic discussed would be steroids I would not have participated. At the time I was also unaware of the list that was shown to the viewing audience. To imply that all of the wrestlers on that list died from steroids was wrong and for that they owe the families an apology. Again, my only intention was to discuss Warrior the man and share some stories about how dedicated he was to the wrestling business. I am saddened that was not what happened and my thoughts remain with his family. - DDP"

As previously reported, Grace repeatedly insinuated that Warrior's death was caused by steroid use, and she also provided a list of wrestling talent that she claimed had died as a result of steroid use. Some of those talent included Owen Hart, Joey Marella, Brian Hildebrand, and others who had actually died of other causes. Wrestling fans have been in an uproar since Grace's show and her comments Wednesday night, and a Change.org petition has also been launched by a fan calling for CNN to remove Grace from their network because of her coverage of Warrior's death, as well as her incorrect statements.

Recap of DDP on Nancy Grace Tonight; DDP Praises WWE’s Wellness Policy Amidst Grace’s Attempts to Link Warrior’s Death to “Steroids & Drugs”


Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page appeared on Nancy Grace tonight to speak on the death of the Ultimate Warrior.

Grace began with the news recap of Warrior's death, then continued to reiterate an overly-dramatic subliminal message throughout the segment that "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling" in the case of Ultimate Warrior's death.

To my knowledge, there hasn't been a single media outlet that has linked steroid or drug use to the sudden death of Ultimate Warrior.

Grace brought a doctor onto the show to discuss the long term effects anabolic steroids have on your body, and the lasting problems they can cause even if you've stopped using them long ago. This was clearly Grace's indirect way to blame Warrior's past steroid use (which he has admitted to) for his death yesterday.

At one point in the segment, she listed numerous pro wrestling names who have died young, and attempted to group them into the same "steroid" umbrella that she was using against Warrior, even if some of the names she mentioned had never been linked to steroid use.

DDP talked briefly about wrestlers using steroids in the past, but praised WWE's Wellness Policy for getting guys like Scott Hall and Jake Roberts the help they needed to get their lives back on track following their past drug use.

Grace continued to reiterate "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling," and then introduced a correspondent who spoke on the "catastrophic medical condition" Warrior suffered yesterday. Grace asked for clarification of the phrase "catastrophic medical condition," but the correspondent said nothing else is known at this time. She did mention most people believe the cause of Warrior's death to be a heart attack, but those details remain unconfirmed.

DDP mentioned Warrior's vigorous workout habits, and noted he was a very intense man, but added he is not a doctor, and cannot speak to the truth of any drug or steroid related causes of Warrior's death.

The segment closed with Grace reiterating, for the hundredth time, "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling," and at this point she's said it so many times she has to be the person who started the rumors, and is continuing to "swirl" them.

April 9, 2014

Triple H Talks to ESPN About The Ultimate Warrior's Death and His Return to the Company

Who Does Voiceovers for WM Rewind?


The man doing voiceovers on WWE Network's WrestleMania Rewind show is former New York Mets and current Baltimore Orioles announcer Gary Thorne. He appeared on WFAN's Beningo and Roberts Show this morning and said he had no connection to WWE before they called his agent to see if he was available to work on the Rewind show. He also said he was a fan of the "Killer Kowalski and Bruno Sammartino years."

More on Shawn Merriman to WWE


t was revealed on the latest JBL & Cole Radio Show that WWE has signed former NFL star Shawne Merriman to a deal. He will be working at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, likely in some kind of training role. Merriman worked some of the WWE Network panels during WrestleMania weekend and was at the Superstars For Kids party.

Ultimate Warrior Passes Away


From WWE.com:

WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

From TMZ.com:

Officials tell TMZ ... Warrior collapsed outside an Arizona hotel at 5:50 PM on April 8th ... while walking to his car with his wife.

Warrior was transported to a nearby hospital ... where he was pronounced dead.

April 8, 2014

Latest on Shawne Merriman Appearing on the WWE Network


Shawne Merriman’s appearances on WWE Network could be part of something more. The company is high up on him and there’s been talk of offering him a position. There were erroneous reports last November that suggested Merriman had an in-ring tryout but he said he was merely visiting the WWE Performance Center.

WWE Takes Home Shorty Awards


WWE took home three awards at the 6th annual Shorty Awards, which recognize the year's best achievements in social media. WWE won awards for the Best Branded Mobile App, Best YouTube Channel and Best Use of Social Media in Sports.

In the highly competitive Branded Mobile App category, WWE beat MTV, VH1, Nike, Visa, Bleacher Report, Bravo, Comedy Central and others.

April 7, 2014

NXT Women’s Champion Paige def. AJ Lee to become the new Divas Champion


Facts are this: AJ has beaten every Diva that has lined up to face her on the main roster, and it would take a challenger from a wholly unexpected place to throw the Divas Champion off her game.

How about someone from NXT?

AJ’s post-WrestleMania “pipe bomb” left the WWE Universe smoldering when NXT Women’s Champion Paige made her first appearance on the main roster to offer up her congratulations to the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Divas Division.” AJ wasn’t all that appreciative and forced the newcomer into an impromptu match ... although her “post-WrestleMania treat” of a title defense turned sour very quickly when Paige reversed the Black Widow into her signature “Paige-Turner” to put AJ on the mat and claim the title for herself. Paige is now the youngest Divas Champion in history and holds both the Divas and NXT Women's title. Undisputed Divas Champion, anyone?

Vince McMahon Misses the WrestleMania XXX Main Event, More on The Undertaker's Streak


There were rumors among the talent backstage at WrestleMania XXX that The Undertaker was supposed to kick out or that the finish to his match with Brock Lesnar was botched but as we've noted, that's not the case. The finish was planned but was kept from people even very high up in WWE's marketing and production departments. WWE officials were very afraid of the finish leaking and it's said only a small circle of 4-6 people were aware.

Vince McMahon actually missed the WrestleMania main event and Daniel Bryan's big win because he left his post to ride with Taker to the hospital in the back of the ambulance. Vince left it up to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to run the rest of the show, all while playing a role in the main event as well.


WWE stock takes a dive the day after WrestleMania XXX


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

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

WrestleMania XXX Results

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.

Video: The 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Class receive their rings


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

Full Report from the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony

The Kliq at the WWE Hall of Fame

Triple 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

WWE 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.

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Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear