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July 12, 2014

WWE signs Japanese star Kenta to NXT


WWE today announced it has signed Kenta, one of Japan’s biggest stars, to its NXT division. The announcement took place during a signing ceremony at a WWE Live Event in Osaka, Japan with WWE icon and Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan presiding.

Kenta’s intense and straightforward in-ring style has led to his success in Japan, as well as during visits to the U.S. He is expected to reach new heights of global success with WWE.

“Kenta is an incredible performer who brings the crowd to its feet when he steps into the ring,” said Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent, Creative and Live Events, WWE. “WWE’s signing of Kenta reflects our continued dedication to creating a diverse roster that appeals to our global fan base.”

“I am humbled to join WWE’s NXT division and look forward to honing my craft with the global leader in sports-entertainment,” said Kenta.

Kenta will relocate to Orlando, Florida, where he will train at WWE’s state-of-the-art Performance Center to enhance his talents both athletically and creatively.

July 11, 2014

Triple H Talks WWE Performance Center One Year Later


WWE's website has a new article up on the WWE Performance Center turning one year old. Triple H commented:

"Our goal for the Performance Center was to create an environment that would both educate and facilitate growth with the developmental talent. Over the past year, we have seen tremendous success in these areas and are excited for the future of the center as well as what it means for WWE as a whole."

Pro Wrestling Is Fake, but Its Race Problem Isn't

Top UFC Star Responds To WWE Rumors, News On MMA Fighters In WWE


We noted earlier this week that UFC star Rashad Evans recently inquired about a pro wrestling career with WWE. It's not known if Evans directly spoke with someone at WWE but he was talking to people in the wrestling business this past weekend about the idea of getting involved. Rashad recently commented to MMA Mania about the rumors:

"If I ever did anything like that, it would be after I finished fighting, and I'm not gonna (sic) be done fighting for at least four years. I had a million people asking me if I was retiring for wrestling, but honestly speaking, if I didn't get seriously paid to do it I wouldn't do it. I think it would be disrespectful to my legacy in the UFC if I didn't do a deal that would make sense where I got paid! Besides, that s--t is harder on my body than fighting."

MMA stars Chael Sonnen, Roy Nelson, Frank Mir and Shayna Baszler have all tried to open talks with WWE in recent years and at one point there were very vague ideas suggested for Baszler. It's said that Vince McMahon is leery about using former MMA stars because they are used to huge payoffs and he doesn't think they would be able to deal with WWE's schedule. Years ago, Vince really wanted to sign Bob Sapp but their negotiations failed due to money and scheduling issues.

Regarding Sonnen possibly working with WWE, there may have been some interest in having him come in to work as an announcer but that likely won't be happening now due to his multiple failed drug tests and the controversy that goes with Sonnen's name.

July 10, 2014

Rumor Mill - WWE Talents Unhappy Right Now: Payoffs, New Rules, More


It's being reported that WWE has recently laid down a new set of rules for their talents, or rather, they have brought back some old rules. They are reinforcing the dress code again with the idea that any time a Superstar or Diva is seen out in public, they have to look professional. Any talent who does not adhere to the dress code will be fined.

Talents will also be fined now if they are so much as one minute late to the arenas. Fines for being late is nothing new to WWE, as this is a policy that has been enforced off and on for many years now, but lately they've apparently been getting more strict about it again.

Another issue that has many talents upset is recent payoffs, more specifically, royalty checks. Certain talents who were used to getting around $70,000 for first quarter video game royalties only ended up getting less than $12,000. There was a hope that the second quarter royalty checks would make up for the difference, but the second quarter checks only ended up being about $1,500.

Rumor Mill - UFC Fighter Rashad Evans Interested In Joining WWE?


UFC fighter Rashad Evans is reportedly interested in pursuing a career in WWE after his MMA fighting career is over. Evans is currently recovering from a knee operation and he has reportedly been inquiring about a possible job with WWE in the future.

Seth Rollins Talks About His New Theme Song, Learning from Triple H, Indie Memories, His Hair


Seth Rollins recently spoke with NorfolkNavyFlagship.com to promote next week's RAW. Here are some highlights:

Favorite memories from the indies:
"The friends that I made there – now being able to see my friends here working with me. Guys like Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, and you’ve got Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville down in NXT – watching people grow and being a part of that. I enjoyed my time on the indies very much."

Working with Triple H:
"There is a wealth of knowledge in this company. Being side by side with the COO and (13-time) World Champion, the guy who has pretty much done it all in this business, having him as a mentor is something that you can’t buy. If you’re not learning something every single day, you’re messing up."

Adapting to his new theme song:
"It took me a little while, even just walking down the ramp instead of through the crowd is a little weird at first. With the music, you have to find out how it flows with your entrance. I think now, after about a month or so, it’s starting to catch on and I kind of like the way it feels."

The blonde streak in his hair:
"When I was down in NXT, there were a lot of guys with long dark hair – Roman Reigns, Adam Rose, Bo Dallas. I needed to do something to set myself apart a little bit. If you’re seeing the show for the first time and there are five guys with long dark hair, it’s going to be difficult to remember who is who."

July 9, 2014

Triple H wins ... always


When Triple H announced John Cena would be defending the WWE world heavyweight championship in a Fatal 4-Way match against Randy Orton, Kane, and Roman Reigns at the upcoming Battleground pay-per-view (PPV) on Sun., July 20, 2014, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, the immediate reaction was to search for logic.

After all, why would he insert Reigns into the picture when that would seem counterintuitive? If the idea is to put the title back on Orton, why add Reigns to the match to gum up the works?

Then Monday Night Raw played out last night in Montreal and during the course of it, a hierarchy was clearly established with Reigns challenging Cena's status within it. In short, it's become less and less about Cena battling Orton or Kane and more and more about Reigns looking to usurp Cena as the top dog in the yard.

Triple H, in the midst of all this:



Don't you just love a good evil overlord?

Considering Cena's track record of success against both Orton and Kane, and his decided lack thereof with Reigns, this is the perfect play here, right? And when Triple H smugly declares it "best for business", he also means that on a literal level. Reigns is best for the story, and he's best for the selling of the actual event.

Because who the hell wants to watch Cena vs. Orton vs. Kane in 2014?

Triple H wins ... always.

source: cagesideseats.com

Linda McMahon Gives $1 Million to CT Hospital


The Stamford Daily Voice reports that Linda McMahon recently gave a $1 million gift to The Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut through the Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation to purchase 3-D mammography machines to help with early breast cancer detection. The machines are located at the Greenwich Hospital Breast Center, within the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich, as well as the Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Center in Stamford.

July 7, 2014

WWE Delays Production of Two Major Shows Due To Budget Cuts


WWE has reportedly now pushed back the filming of the latest edition of WWE Tough Enough until October due to the companies ongoing budget cuts.

The company is also unsure about the future of Legends House with some members of the production team being told that no second season will air at all. The original plan had been for Tough Enough to begin filming this week and to go right to filming Legends House.

Rumors of WWE looking to cut $20 million from their budget this year are now confirmed. Vince McMahon has reportedly decreed that they cut $20 million and while they may not get that far, that's what Vince wants.

July 6, 2014

Santino Marella Announces Retirement At WWE Live Event In Toronto


Santino Marella announced his in-ring retirement at Sunday’s WWE live event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Marella stunned the live crowd by saying he has suffered a third neck injury and because of it, his in-ring career is over.

Rumor Mill - WWE's Plans For Stephanie McMahon & The Bella Twins


Stephanie McMahon is penciled in to face one of The Bella Twins at SummerSlam with the stipulation being that if Stephanie loses, Brie will get her job back with WWE. They just can't decide if they want to have Nikki fight for her sister's job or if Brie will actually get the chance to fight Stephanie for her own job.

Simon Dean Comments On Triple H

12 Reasons CM Punk Is The Most Hated Man In WWE Right Now


I don't agree with #2. He's gone and hopefully will stay gone.

July 5, 2014

Motley Fool looks at WWE Network


Wade Michaels of The Motley Fool has an article up looking at the launch of the WWE Network and why he feels the network needs more time before it can be fully successful.

"I think the only reason why the WWE Network isn't working is that it's only been around for a few months. I believe it needs time to push its platform. Time to work out the kinks, time to tap into just 10% of that passionate fan base. With time, I think the WWE Network will be a major success. There are too many fans, there is too much content, and the value is just too good for it to fail. Ultimately, Vince McMahon may be thought of as a pioneer. If successful, the WWE may be the first of many companies that create a network so that customers can buy what they want, when they want."...More?

Joey Mercury Talks About What He Learned from Vince McMahon, Working with Triple H, More


Former WWE Tag Team Champion and current WWE producer Joey Mercury recently appeared on The Big O and Dukes Show. Below are some highlights:

Triple H’s perceived reputation with fans and how he really is:
"First and foremost, he’s a wonderful person. He’s just a great human being. He cares deeply for those around him and he takes care of them really, really well. I’ve wrestled Hunter in the past when I was a talent, but I didn’t really know him. I knew how good he was in the ring, obviously, one of the greatest of all time, certainly one of the best I’ve ever been in the ring with, but I didn’t travel with him, I didn’t hang out with him or anything like that. Once he took over the developmental system for WWE, I was a coach at the time, when he came into power over the developmental system, I talked to him and he told me that he wanted me on his team, and that’s where I really got to know him. I got to work closely with him, and once I got a promotion to be a producer for WWE and being on the road full time, working with him side by side on a daily basis is tremendous. Beyond the fact that he’s a great person, he is just on a whole ‘nother level with the way his brain works. Certainly that’s a lot of experience that’s from him having great mentors and learning both what to do and what not to do, how to do it, why he’s doing it, and where to do it. He’s just one of the smartest guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with."

Working backstage for WWE:
"When I made the transition to a backstage role, I was really concerned I wouldn’t be able to get the same fulfillment, to get that performer’s rush or performer’s high, from going out there and getting that you know, you have this aim and you have this idea of what you want to get the crowd to do, and what you want the audience to feel, and when you’re able to do that out there in the ring, it’s a real special feeling. It’s unlike anything else. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to replicate that or feel that again and the truth is what I’m doing now is so much more rewarding because I get to have that feeling several times a night, not just one. Not just because I’m Joey Mercury out there. I get to live vicariously through Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Cesaro, the Wyatts, just all these incredible, incredible future Hall of Famers. It’s really cool to be there with Bo Dallas and say, “Hey, that’s really, really good man, but you might want to try this tomorrow night,” or you might want to keep this out, or put this in. To have them take your suggestion or take your instruction and direction and go do it, and see how fulfilled they are and how rewarded they are from it working. It’s amazing."

Crowd chants and a lesson learned from Vince McMahon:
"One of the things I learned from [Vince McMahon] is the real indicator that you’re catching on or getting over is when the crowd chants your name and that’s where you can tell if a guy can draw money or not. The “HOLY S” chants or the “You Can’t Wrestle” or anything the crowd starts chanting, that’s more for the crowd to get themselves over. When they say “THIS IS AWESOME” that’s a little bit better, you know you’re doing good. But when Roman Reigns is down and he’s digging from underneath, he’s got a mountain to climb, when the people start chanting, “Roman! Roman! Roman!” that’s not to get themselves over, that’s because they want him, because that’s their guy. So it’s kind of a good barometer. I’m of the school of thought, that I share with John Cena and he’ll tell you himself he doesn’t care if they’re saying “Let’s Go Cena” or “Cena Sucks” as long as they’re loud. Indifference is the killer. If they’re watching the ring, looking at the ring and screaming their heads off, it’s awesome."

July 4, 2014

Vince Russo Talks Montreal Screwjob: Coming Up With The Finish, Undertaker's Reaction, Owen's Call


Vince Russo was the latest guest on Steve Austin's "The Steve Austin Show," and one of the topics they discussed in length was the Montreal Screwjob, which happened at WWE Survivor Series 1997 involving Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Listen to it here.

The former WWE writer spoke about his thoughts on the issue, and shed some light on what went down that fateful week.

Russo said they discussed numerous endings with Hart before the main event contest, and after they couldn't find an alternative, Vince McMahon pulled Russo aside, and told him he was going to call Hart since he needed Russo to be a third party on the telephone.

The controversial character proclaimed his love for Hart, but did confirm he was on the phone and said Hart refused everything, including trying to work in Jim Neidhart to help with the finish.

Russo then said he told McMahon to let Michaels put Hart in his own move, The Sharpshooter, and call for the bell. Russo stated it was late at night on the Thursday before, and they simply couldn't find any alternatives.

"Vince didn't say a word," confessed Russo.

The next day, Russo didn't hear anything from McMahon, and he didn't even talk to him at the pay-per-view. Russo had no idea what was going to happen, while he watched the match next to The Undertaker.

"All of a sudden I'm watching, and I see that finish go down," Russo said. "Taker was going to kill somebody. If he had known, I would not be here today."

Russo explained that Owen Hart was still on the roster, and that less than a week later, the younger Hart brother called him crying.

"Vince, you have to talk to Bret," Owen told him. "Bret says if I stay with the WWE, he's going to disown me as a brother…he (doesn't) want anything to do with me. Please, you've got to talk to him."

On the other side of the phone, Russo told Owen he should be calling McMahon about his issue, but Owen stated that he couldn't get a hold of him. Russo also said McMahon would have fired him for talking to Bret. Russo then stated less than a week after that, he called Bret on the phone.

Russo said he wanted to kill everybody, and told Bret at the end of the day, McMahon was looking to protect his entire company. He told Bret it had nothing to do with McMahon not trusting Bret, but more so Eric Bischoff.

He didn't want the WCW boss to parade his WWE title on his program, much like Bischoff did with Madusa when she joined WCW and put the WWE Women's Championship in the trash.

Russo then told Bret he stood behind Vince for what he did, despite Hart probably wanting to rip his head off when he heard that statement.

Russo said Vince simply had no choice.

Austin then said it was shocking for him to see at the time, and that Bret was still a close friend to this day, not to mention one of his favorite guys to work with. Austin also stated he agreed with the decision, as far as protecting the business and the company Vince McMahon Sr. had started. He was on board with the decision, but said he was in complete shock and that everyone was completely confused.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Kayfabe

Rumor Mill - Vince McMahon Reportedly Orders Huge Budget Cuts for WWE


The Wrestling Observer reports that Vince McMahon has ordered major budget cuts across the board in WWE, even more than the cuts that have already taken place. The amount McMahon is said to be looking to cut is in the eight figure range.

The cuts are meant to offset the losses involved in starting the WWE Network and offsetting the amounts involved in the new TV deal because the company promised a larger number prior to finalizing their current deal.

July 3, 2014

Kevin Nash Talks About The Kliq, Triple H In DX, Hulk Hogan's Heel Turn, John Cena


Kevin Nash recently spoke with The Miami Herald to promote Florida Supercon. Below are a few highlights:

Hulk Hogan's nWo heel turn and heels today:
"[Hulk] was watching the show, and he saw the momentum really shifting. He saw Scott and I as heel personas were perceived as being cool. He thought if there was a time to switch, it was now, because he could see the momentum going with Scott and I. So when he jumped, it was a shock, but it was a tsunami that pushed the thing for almost three years. It’s so hard. You look at John Cena. He plays the guy in the white cowboy hat,” Nash said. “Our society has gone with the anti-heroes probably since Brandon Lee in ‘The Crow.’ Times have changed. It’s no longer waving the flag as much as it was. There’s a lot of disgruntled people in society. When you look at the demographic, you ask, ‘Where’s the money at?’ Well, the money’s in this kind of tweener guy -- a bad guy with a cool persona. One thing about Hulk. If he smells dollar signs. it doesn’t take him long to make a decision. He saw the way it was going and made the decision."

The nWo and DX in WCW and WWE:
"They both had members of the Kliq. DX is what really made Triple H. He was playing the blue blood, and then Triple H went away from that persona and kind of took over DX, and that’s when Paul Levesque got to be himself. That’s when I think he really took off because he’s got an incredible sense of humor, a really fun loving guy. They kind of took our [nWo] formula. They [DX] were younger guys, and they made it a little hipper. Anytime WWE produces anything it’s going to be produced better.

Renee Young Gets Promoted To WWE Superstars, Triple H Comments


WWE's website announced today that Renee Young has officially joined the WWE Superstars commentary team, beginning with today's new episode. She will be working the show with Tom Phillips. This makes Renee WWE's first full time announcer in more than a decade. Renee commented to WWE.com:

"I feel there is definitely a certain amount of pressure, not only as a performer and broadcaster but representing women who may not even know this is something that they want to do. I can show other women that if you're not a Diva and you still want to be involved in WWE, there's so much you can do. It's definitely really cool to be in the position to create a bit of a niche for myself and other women."

Triple H also commented on the promotion:

"It has nothing to do with her being a female or not, it has to do with her being the right person for the job. She's got a great voice that cuts through the clutter. She is very knowledgeable about WWE, about its history, about the talent and she is really willing to step up and do her homework."

5 Keys to the WWE's Hugely Successful Social Media Strategy


Stephanie McMahon, the Chief Brand Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment, is a fourth-generation wrestling promoter. Her great-grandfather, Roderick James McMahon, booked boxing and wrestling matches at New York's Madison Square Garden and started Capitol Wrestling Corporation in 1952. Her grandfather Vince McMahon Sr. took his father's company over in 1954. Stephanie's father Vince McMahon bought the family regional grappling business in 1982, built it into the global entertainment company that took in over $500 million in revenue last year, and remains its chairman and CEO.

Today, the WWE airs its weekly live events in 150 countries and reaches 650 million homes worldwide, and has a total of 360 million social media followers across its wrestlers' and its own Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. WWE trends worldwide every week on Twitter, and, says Stephanie McMahon, the company's followers have increased 120 percent in the last 12 months.

You don't have to be an analytics expert to know that means WWE's content is constantly going viral. USA Today's top trending article earlier this week, currently clocking in at 38,000 shares and rising, was a GIF of WWE wrestler Dean Ambrose superplexing Seth Rollins off a ladder during Sunday's pay-per-view event "Money In The Bank."

"WWE's mission is all about putting smiles on people's faces," McMahon says. "There's so much power in making someone smile and to share those smiles across social media is one of my goals."...More?

source: inc.com

July 2, 2014

Backstage Reaction to WWE Releasing & Reinstating Emma, Possible Reasons Why She Was Reinstated


According to F4WOnline.com, the release of Diva Emma from WWE today surprised many in the company, especially since other talents have committed offenses deemed much worse than Emma's and they did not lose their jobs.

As far as the decision to bring Emma back on the same day she was fired, it's being said the past legal troubles of Cameron and Jack Swagger were brought up, and it was noted neither of those talents were fired.

There was also plenty of negative fan reaction to the release of Emma, which is another factor that might have lead WWE to reconsider releasing the Australian native.

New WWE YouTube Show Coming Soon


WWE will be premiering a new YouTube show called WWE Insider on July 7th, next Monday. Apparently Alicia Fox will be hosting. WWE wrote on Twitter:

"Superstar & Diva dirty laundry? @AliciaFoxy reveals their secrets on #WWEInsider, premiering July 7 on @WWEonYouTube!"

Chris Jericho Reveals How His WWE Return Happened, How He Stayed Hidden In Hartford, More


Chris Jericho spoke about his return to WWE on RAW this week during his latest Talk Is Jericho podcast, which also features Vinnie Paul from Hellyeah.

Jericho said Fozzy is his priority but when there's time, when he ideas work out and everything else works out, he returns to WWE. Jericho said he's always in talks with WWE but wanted a purpose for this return. He talked with WWE earlier this year and late last year about wrestling Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX but obviously that didn't work out. Jericho was also interested in working with Bray Wyatt but he was feuding with John Cena.

Jericho said he got a call a month ago and one of WWE's writers wanted to speak with him. Fozzy was planning to work a tour this summer but they didn't get on it, so he had free time. WWE mentioned working with Bray Wyatt again and Jericho was into it. He said three weeks went by and he didn't hear back from them. Jericho supplied WWE with dates he was free and finally got the call to return on Friday, just a few days before RAW.

Jericho flew into Boston on Monday to keep it a secret. He drove to Hartford and arrived around 5:30pm to the arena. He waited until fans outside of the arena left before driving down to enter the building. Jericho sat in a production bus for over 4 hours, meeting with agent Dean Malenko to go over ideas for the angle. Malenko took some of Jericho's ideas back to Vince McMahon for approval. Jericho said he then met with The Wyatt Family and The Miz to go over some things before going to the gorilla position.

Jericho said the whole deal for his return was made in about 5 minutes with Triple H on Friday.

Police Called to WWE Headquarters Today for a Suspicious Package


The Stamford Advocate reports that police were called to WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT today after reports of an unknown white powder. Police investigated and cleared the building of any danger.

"WWE received a suspicious package at its headquarters today and contacted local law enforcement to investigate," said Tara Carraro, a WWE spokeswoman. "All WWE personnel are safe, and business is being conducted as usual."

Police did not immediately respond to the Advocate for more information on the incident.

WWE Reinstates Emma


From WWE.com:

Upon further evaluation, WWE has reinstated Tenille Dashwood (WWE Diva Emma) but will take appropriate punitive action for her violation of the law.

WWE Releases Emma Follwoing Her Arrest On Monday


From WWE.com:

"WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Diva Emma as of today, July 2, 2014. WWE wishes Emma the best in all her future endeavors."

WWE have made the decision today to release Emma after she was arrested on Monday for stealing a $21 iPod case

Yesterday, WWE released a statement stating that Emma "was responsible for her own actions". After mainstream sites such as TMZ have picked up the story.

July 1, 2014

John Cena Playing a Villain In Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's Comedy Movie The Nest


Deadline.com reports that WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena will be starring in Tina Fey & Amy Poehler's comedy movie The Nest, about two sisters who throw one last party in their parents’ soon-to-be-sold house. Cena will reportedly be playing a villain role.

In addition to Fey and Poehler, the movie will also star James Brolin, Ike Barinholtz, Maya Rudolph and John Leguizamo.

Cena is currently filming Judd Apatow’s Amy Schumer movie, Trainwreck. Cena is being represented by ICM Partners in filming for The Nest, which is scheduled for a December 18th, 2015 release.

Rumor Mill - Triple H's "Plan B" Reference


As seen on last night's episode of Monday Night Raw, Triple H threatened John Cena by saying that he had a "Plan B", which prompted Seth Rollins to come out with the Money in the Bank briefcase behind Cena on the entrance ramp. Although it may have appeared as though Triple H was referring to Rollins and the MITB contract, it's being reported that Triple H's "Plan B" could turn out to be "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.

There's been a lot of speculation over the past few days that a Title match between Cena and Lesnar could eventually take place, possibly at SummerSlam.

WWE Diva Arrested for Shoplifting


WWE Diva Emma (Tenille Dashwood) was arrested in Hartford, CT last night, just a few miles outside of the location for Monday Night Raw. She was charged with 6th degree larceny – or, shoplifting in the amount of no more than $250.

According to a report by The Hartford Courant, Emma appeared in community court this afternoon, and according to her lawyer was told to do some sort of community service. The lawyer – Hubert Santon – also claims the shoplifting incident was a mistake, as the WWE star was using the automatic check-out system at Walmart, and accidentally forgot to pay for "a case for an electronic device."

WWE Issues Statement on Emma's Arrest

"WWE is aware that Tenille Dashwood (WWE Diva Emma) was arrested for shoplifting. Ms. Dashwood is ultimately responsible for her personal actions."

A.J. Lee Returns To Raw, Wins Divas Championship


A.J. Lee has just made her return to Monday Night Raw and defeated Paige in an impromptu match for the Divas Championship.

A.J. is now a two-time WWE Divas Champion.

This segment/match seemed to turn Paige into a heel and A.J. into a babyface.

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