NXT Stars at the San Diego Comic-Con

The annual WWE and Mattel panel at the San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 9th will feature Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, William Regal, Kevin Owens, Charlotte and others. Below is the official promotional blurb released:

"Once again, Mattel and WWE have teamed up to bring you an action-packed SDCC panel. WWE & NXT Superstars and Mattel personnel will discuss the tremendous growth in popularity of NXT, weigh in on the next generation of WWE Superstars, and give exclusive sneak peeks of Mattel's upcoming WWE figure releases. Incredible guest appearances by William Regal, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Charlotte, and additional special guests."

NWA Announces Details Of New Streaming Service

The National Wrestling Alliance has announced its latest and most ambitious project to date:

"NWA Classics 24/7!" And it is scheduled to be launched on July 4!

"What's more American than hot dogs – apple pie – and the National Wrestling Alliance?" asked NWA President R. Bruce Tharpe. "This is a project that we are extremely excited about. It's something we have been investing in and working on for over five years. We believe that once it is launched, 'NWA Classics 24/7? will be very well received."

The vintage collection of wrestling videos is from the personal library of legendary Houston Wrestling Promoter Paul Boesch, and comprises matches from the late 60's to 1986 featuring some of the most legendary wrestlers of all-time. Paul Boesch brought in the very top wrestling talent from around the World, and this collection features them in some of the greatest NWA matches ever seen. Some of the matches being released the first month on "NWA Classics 24/7?

* Harley Race vs. Andre the Giant for the NWA World Title!
* Butch Reed vs. Magnum TA!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Wahoo!
* Kevin Von Erich vs. Chris Adams!
* Dory and Terry Funk vs. Mil Mascaras and Jose Lothario!
* Gino Hernandez vs. Putski!
* Butch Reed vs. Buddy Landell in a "Shoeshine Match!"
* Ivan Putski vs. Abdullah!
* Brad Armstrong vs. One Man Gang!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Terry Taylor!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Butch Reed!
* Nick Bockwinkle vs. Bruiser Brody!
* $20,000 Two-Ring Battle Royal!
* Plus – Early Shawn Michaels footage! JYD! Jake "the Snake" Roberts! Hacksaw Duggan! The Rock n' Roll Express! And more!"

Chris Benoit Murder-Suicide Anniversary

Today marks the eight-year anniversary of the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide that occurred over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007 [full story]. He allegedly murdered his wife and son before hanging himself.

Tuesday's WWE Tough Enough Premiere Draws Over One Million Viewers

The first episode of the new season of Tough Enough drew 1,209,000 viewers which was down on last Tough Enough season in 2011 on USA Network did an average of 2.4 million. Overall the episode drew a 0.40 adults 18-49 rating.

Hulk Hogan Comments on the Success of the WWE Performance Center

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan recently spoke with Rolling Stone about the WWE Performance Center:

It's pretty hardcore, brother. There's several rings in the building, these kids are well protected and safety is the top priority – there's doctors and therapists and trainers on staff; it's not like when I had my first day and they broke my leg on purpose. And then there's the art form; before Dusty Rhodes passed away, he was teaching a drama class, because you need to know how to tell a story, paint a picture with your face and your body. There's interview rooms, where you learn how to talk on the mic, sell tickets and get your character over. It's total one-stop shopping over there.

Triple H In Charge At Last Night's WWE RAW

F4Wonline.com notes that both Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn were not at last night's WWE RAW in Indianapolis as they were working on Tough Enough in the Orlando area. While Triple H did not write last night's show, he was in charge and ran things.

Unseen footage of Triple H’s WrestleMania 31 entrance

Meet the man guiding WWE's 'NXT' generation

Wearing a power suit and a villainous grin, Paul Levesque is often seen on WWE programming espousing the virtues of "what's best for business."

But off screen and out of the pro-wrestling ring, the man also known as "Triple H" is building the foundation for the future of that very same business.

Levesque, 45, has been the guiding force behind the WWE's developmental brand NXT, finding wrestlers from all over the world to come to Orlando, train at the WWE Performance Center and entertain audiences live and on WWE NXT, which airs Wednesdays on the WWE Network subscription streaming service. (Previous episodes are archived for new fans wanting to catch up.)

Yet what many consider a minor league offers some pretty major players. Most of the up-and-coming NXT performers "have plied their craft in other places at a smaller level, and now they've finally made it to the big time. We're giving them the opportunity to learn more and now do it in front of the largest fan base in the world," says Levesque, the WWE's executive vice president for talent, live events and creative.

Many of the NXT alumni are part of the main roster on WWE's main TV shows, USA's Monday Night Raw and Syfy's Smackdown. The WWE champion and top villain Seth Rollins got his start in NXT, as did powerhouse Roman Reigns, fan favorite Dean Ambrose, British female grappler Paige and other top contenders.

The current NXT champion, the cocky and talented Kevin Owens, has been a regular on WWE programming lately in a feud with all-around good guy John Cena. NXT also recently signed popular indie wrestler Samoa Joe, and a women's division — including champ Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Charlotte, the daughter of legendary wrestler Ric Flair — often puts together matches that are just as good if not better than their male counterparts.

Hulk Hogan, a WWE legend and judge on the new season of Tough Enough (premiering live on USA Tuesday), often will visit Monday Night Raw and hear the entire crowd chanting "NXT! NXT!"

"There's a rumble there. Paul is doing a lot of stuff right," Hogan says, adding that there was "a glitch in the system" and no NXT-like program in place during his heyday in the 1980s. "That next generation wasn't there, so Hulk Hogan, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and Ultimate Warror continued being stars into the '90s where they should have been the next Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior or Macho Man.

"Kudos to Paul," Hogan adds, "because he's the guy who's grabbed the bull by the horns and made this possible for the legacy to keep on going."

Levesque and his wife Stephanie McMahon, daughter of WWE chief Vince McMahon, run the ruthless Authority and still put the heroes through hell on Raw, but Levesque started setting the stage for his post-ring career when he first started in the WWE in the mid-1990s.

The wrestler hadn't been in the business that long before he started to develop a relationship with Vince McMahon, long before he met his wife. "Sad to say, she was in college, which makes me sound old," Levesque says, laughing.

He became fascinated by the way WWE created and fostered intriguing in-ring characters such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the more he talked with McMahon, the more the boss encouraged Levesque to get in involved.

"I'd get up extra early and I'd go to the production meeting three hours before I actually needed to be in the building as a performer — not because I was being paid to, but I liked the process," Levesque says.

"It was a natural transition for me when I started to get out of in ring to continue down the path that I was on."

Levesque saw that WWE was doing well as a business, but didn't see an investment in the future. "It was the thing that was lacking to me," he says, "and I said to Vince, 'Twenty years from now, where are we going to get all these guys from?' And he said 'What do we do about it?'

"I started putting together this plan in my head and he and I worked on it, and he said, 'I think this is a great thing. Go do it.' And that's what we've done there."

Levesque concedes that watching NXT wrestlers such as Bray Wyatt, Sami Zayn or Adrian Neville make their first appearance on Raw is a different kind of thrill than performing in front of 80,000 screaming fans. His wife laughs at him, but he's often as nervous as a proud dad behind the curtain as the crowd is introduced to one of his charges.

"To see them go out there and knock it out of the park and see how happy they are, it's awesome, man," Levesque says. "In some ways it's like watching my kids."

source: usatoday.com

Chyna Wants To Meet With Triple H And Vince McMahon

After a media tour which seems to have backfired, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Chyna posted the video above in which she pleads with Triple H and Vince McMahon to meet with her to make amends.

"I have gone to WWE offices to try to get a meeting to discuss these issues personally with Hunter and Vince, and I would really like to open the dialogue, and have an audience with them to make that happen. Hunter and Vince, may I please have a meeting so we can make amends and bury the hatchet?," she said.

It's worth noting that Chyna has accused Triple H of assaulting her during numerous appearances, something that Triple H has vehemently denied. Chyna's ex-boyfriend Sean "X-Pac" Waltman also said that she admitted to him the accusations were false. In the video, she called her time with WWE the "best in her life."

"Regarding my relationship with WWE and Hunter - those were the best days of my life. Wonderful opportunities, and I'm very grateful (for) those days, which is why I'm so passionate about being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame," she said.

Chyna also noted that she wanted to clear the air regarding the issues that have been brought up. Chyna has been pushing a Kickstarter to produce a documentary about her "reconstruction." Thus far the Kickstarter has earned over $4,000.

Rumor On Dolph Ziggler Leaving WWE Soon

There have been rumors on Dolph Ziggler being unhappy in WWE for some time but now the rumors are that he's looking to leave the company when his contract is up in a few months.

During a recent episode of MLW Radio, available at this link, former WWE creative writer Court Bauer commented on the rumor, referring to Ziggler leaving like John Morrison did. Morrison now works for Lucha Underground as Johnny Mundo. Bauer said:

"Dolph's deal is up in a few months and he has indicated informally that unless he gets a big push, he may leave like Mundo."

Update on Injury Status of NXT’s Hideo Itami & Sami Zayn

Both Hideo Itami and Sami Zayn appeared at Thursday’s WWE NXT television taping at Full Sail University.

Hideo Itami opened the night with an in-ring promo, announcing that he would still be at the upcoming July 4th live event in Japan despite his injury. He also challenged the winner of Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor, but noted he is still 3-4 months away from returning.

Former NXT Champion Sami Zayn also addressed the Full Sail crowd about his own injury. Zayn vowed to eventually get his revenge on career-long rival Kevin Owens, but announced that he would be out of action for the remainder of 2015.

EVOLVE Issues Statement On Johnny Gargano Working Last Night's WWE NXT Dark Match

The dark match before last night's WWE NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University saw top indie star Johnny Gargano lost to new WWE talent Uhaa Nation.

EVOLVE released the following statement today on Gargano:

"Johnny Gargano wrestled Uhaa Nation at last night's NXT taping in a dark match. Watch their first ever match at EVOLVE 27 here. We are very happy that WWE gave Gargano this opportunity. We have all traveled the road with Gargano and watched him go from the pre-show FRAY! on the first ever DGUSA event to his historic reigns as DGUSA Champion. If there is ever a WWN Hall Of Fame, Gargano is sure to be on the first ballot. It is only with your support that Gargano has accomplished all these things. Gargano remains under WWN contract. He will return to EVOLVE in New York on August 15th and 16th. We can already announce one of the huge matches he will be involved in that weekend. After what happened at EVOLVE 44, it'll be Gargano vs. Ethan Page in an Anything Goes Match at EVOLVE 47 in Queens, NY at La Boom."

USA Network Series WWE Tough Enough to Feature Daily Periscope Coverage

WWE will turn to Periscope, a new live streaming app, to give fans a look through the eyes of the competitors as the drama unfolds each week during training and competitions leading up to the weekly premieres of the new hard hitting reality series to air on USA Network, WWE Tough Enough. The @WWEToughEnough account on Periscope will also include guest appearances from the show’s host WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, Tough Enough judges WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™, as well as various other WWE Superstars and Divas.

Starting June 23, WWE Tough Enough will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7C on USA Network. Outside of the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world.

“WWE is already best in class when it comes to utilizing Twitter to engage with their massive global fan base,” said Danny Keens, Head of North American Sports Partnerships at Twitter. “Periscope allows anyone in the world to share and experience live video and now fans of WWE’s Tough Enough can further engage with talent from the show live in real-time. WWE is removing another barrier and allowing fans to have a deeper connection with their favorite WWE stars.”

“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”

More?

WWE Event In Japan Will Air In Its Entirety

Joey Styles confirmed on Twitter that the event from Tokyo, Japan on July 4th will be broadcast live in its entirety, and will be available on demand immediately afterward.

The event is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm in Japan, which is 5:00 am ET.

Below is the current card:

WWE NXT Title Match
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens

WWE Divas Title Match
Paige vs. Naomi vs. Nikki Bella

Brock Lesnar vs. Kofi Kingston

Chris Jericho vs. Neville

John Cena and Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane and King Barrett

The Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores

WWE Network to air Tough Talk immediately following WWE Tough Enough on USA Network

Q&A with Emma

WWE Looking At Bringing In More Part Time Talents For NXT, Hoping To Book More Music Festivals

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the WWE is discussing the possibility of bringing in more part time wrestlers such as Samoa Joe and Rhino to help beef up their NXT touring shows.

The belief is that many of the brand's marquee stars will likely be on the main roster by 2016, and the company will need more fire power to carry a third touring brand. The report also says there are main roster talents willing to work the shows.

As we reported exclusively last week, NXT has been booked on the Louder than Life music festival for Louisville in October. The WWE is hoping to book NXT on more music festival events in the future.

WWE RAW Viewership Back Over Four Million

Monday's episode of WWE RAW, featuring the fallout from Money In the Bank, drew 4.114 million viewers. This is up from last week's 3.645 million viewers.

For this week's show, the first hour drew 4.095 million viewers, the second hour drew 4.249 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.997 million viewers.

RAW was #1 for the night on cable.

WWE Creates New YouTube Gaming Channel

WWE today launched UpUpDownDown, a new YouTube channel focusing on the world of video gaming, hosted by WWE Superstar and avid gamer, Xavier Woods®. Woods, also known to online players by his handle “Austin Creed,” will be joined by YouTube celebrities, WWE Superstars and video game editors who will star in daily programming about everything in the world of gaming – from current hits like “WWE 2K15” and “The Witcher” to classic series like “FIFA” and “Grand Theft Auto.”

“By leveraging WWE’s massive influence on YouTube and tapping into a content vertical that scores highly among our fans, we’re poised to make an immediate impact with this new channel,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “We’re confident that UpUpDownDown will entertain not only WWE fans, but gamers everywhere.”

WWE has a powerful presence on YouTube, having served more than 5 billion video views in the last 12 months and boasting more than 6.4 million subscribers, making it the No. 1 Sports channel on the platform ahead of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, ESPN and NASCAR.

Programming for UpUpDownDown will include:

• UpUpDownDown Plays (Mondays) – A “Let’s Play” style show featuring Woods and other personalities playing through today’s hottest titles.

• For the Lolz (Wednesdays) – Woods and others explore the vast worlds of popular sandbox games like Grand Theft Auto V, where just about anything and everything can happen.

• Jump Scares (Fridays) – Delving deep into the horror genre, players push their intestinal fortitude to the limit by creeping through the industry’s most bloodcurdling games.

• Superstar Savepoint (Saturdays) – Guests are tasked with jumping into a random game totally “cold,” and must help lead Woods to gaming glory in this unpredictable co-op experiment.

• Gamer Gauntlet (Sundays) – Woods and friends challenge each other for more than gaming bragging rights, with losers suffering pre-determined penalties.

Details on The Bill DeMott Tryout Training Camp with Mickie James, Magnus and Earl Hebner

The following was sent in:

Superstar Seminars
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 15th, 2015

Press Release

Superstar Seminars presents The Bill DeMott Tryout Training Camp. Aug 8th & 9th at the GXW Wrestling Academy in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, VA – Superstar Seminars, in conjunction with GXW Wrestling and The Bill DeMott Experience are pleased to present the Bill DeMott Tryout Training camp on August 8th and 9th at the GXW Wrestling School in Richmond, VA. This camp will give aspiring pro wrestlers a chance to be trained by one of the world’s most renowned pro wrestling trainers and experience first-hand the challenges that they will go through during a tryout for a major pro wrestling company.

Bill DeMott has over 25 years’ experience in the wrestling business, wrestling for ECW, WCW and WWE. Bill is well known as the former head trainer on the WWE series Tough Enough, and was the head trainer for the WWE Developmental programs Deep South Wrestling, Florida Championship Wrestling and most recently, NXT. Bill has been extremely influential in the rise to stardom of many of the current WWE Superstars as well as many WWE Superstars of the past decade.

As a member of the team who devised the testing and tryout process by which a current WWE hopeful is evaluated, Bill’s knowledge and expertise are incredibly valuable to anyone serious about making it in the world of Sports Entertainment. This camp will give students an authentic, first-hand experience of the tryout process, and Bill will teach all enrollees every aspect of how to be a better performer and provide the qualities that the big companies are looking for. The camp will cover many aspects including:


- - In-Ring technique and execution
- - Verbal skills
- - Conditioning
- - Character development and presentation

Assisting at the camp will be former WWE Women's, WWE Divas and TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James, one of the most popular female performers of all time, Nick ‘Magnus’ Aldis, the first British Wrestler to hold the TNA World Heavyweight Title and former IWGP and GHC Tag Team Champion, and legendary senior referee Earl Hebner, who has decades of experience working with the biggest stars in the business.

The camp will take place at the GXW Wrestling Training Academy, a fully insured, air-conditioned, multi-purpose facility featuring a full-size ring, classrooms, green screen video room for promos/interviews and changing/restroom facilities. With easy access from major highways I-64, I-95 and I-295 and just 5 minutes from Richmond International Airport, the Academy is easily accessible for students from all over the US or Worldwide. Given the nature of the camp, we require that anyone wishing to attend must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 1 year experience in wrestling. Exceptions may be considered for applicants with a significant athletic background. Proper wrestling training attire is required. All enrollees will receive detailed instructions and information via email as well as video footage of their training for future reference upon completion of the camp.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be trained by the man who knows what the big leagues are looking for! Enrollment is $250. To apply, please visit www.superstarseminars.com and fill out the application form. If accepted, enrollment fee is required in full to secure your place. Enrollments are limited to a maximum of 30. Apply now to get your spot!

Lawsuit Against WWE And ESPN Dropped

A few months ago, we reported that the Gilbert family (specificially Tommy Gilbert as the executor of his son Eddie's estate and younger son Doug Gilbert on his own behalf) had sued both WWE and ESPN for using their likenesses without permission and not paying royalties. This is not the first time either company had been sued by a wrestler, with ESPN's victory over Kansas City wrestler Steve Ray being upheld on appeal about a week or so after news of the Gilbert lawsuit broke.

Today, a look at the case docket revealed that 11 days ago on June 4th, the Gilberts filed a Notice of Voluntary dismissal without prejudice. This means that they reserve the right to refile in the future. No word yet as to exactly why they dropped the case, though ESPN's continued success against Steve Ray was not a good sign.

It's worth noting that in the current issue of Fighting Spirit Magazine, Jim Cornette talks a bit about the idea of filing these types of lawsuits. Commonly, the wrestlers' arguments have been they worked without contracts. In the article, Cornette argues that this isn't quite as true as a lot of people think.

At TV tapings for Jim Crockett Promotions' television shows, there was a "sign-in sheet" where everyone had to sign in to get paid. That's how most wrestlers saw the sheet. In actuality, if anyone bothered to read it, they saw that it was a legal release against future claims. Many promoters also put a similar legal release against future claims above the signature line on wrestlers' paychecks.

WWE NXT takes over Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Ky. this October!

As announced by WWE COO Triple H on Twitter, for the first time ever, Louder Than Life will showcase in-ring matches featuring NXT Superstars and Divas like Finn Bálor, NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks, NXT Tag Team Champions Blake & Murphy, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Baron Corbin, Tyler Breeze, The Vaudevillains and more! WWE NXT joins a star-studded festival lineup with rock stars like Rob Zombie, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Godsmack, Shinedown, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, 3 Doors Down and others.

In addition to four stages of music, Louder Than Life attendees can sample food and drink from more than 70 vendors helping to celebrate the region’s culture and cuisine.

NXT has become a must-see event whenever it comes to town, and the hard-hitting action is can’t-miss television every Wednesday on the award-winning WWE Network. The Superstars of Tomorrow have packed in fans throughout Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Albany, N.Y. and Ohio, along with a sold-out show in San Jose during WrestleMania 31 Week.

Louisville can expect the same high octane action when WWE NXT takes over Louder Than Life, Oct. 3 and 4 at Champions Park, near downtown Louisville. Ticket pre-sales begin now, with discounted tickets, VIP, hotel and camping packages available now at LouderThanLifeFestival.com. Regularly priced tickets will be available Friday, June 26 at 12 p.m. ET, also at LouderThanLifeFestival.com.

More Details on the New Season of Tough Enough

WWE Tough Enough is hosted by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, who will be joined by a panel of judges including WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™. This season will combine the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama, as WWE hopefuls vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Unlike anything on television today, the lightning-fast hour of entertainment and competition will include live results every week, giving fans worldwide the power to decide who stays and who goes the very same night.

Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.

Each week, the competitors will be coached by WWE Legends Booker T™, Billy Gunn™ and Lita™, and competitors will come face-to-face with WWE icons including WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon; Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul “Triple H®” Levesque; and WWE Superstars John Cena®, Big Show® and Randy Orton®, among others.

The revolutionary WWE Tough Enough App is now available for download. This app will provide an unprecedented fan experience before, during and after the show by enabling fans to vote for who stays and who goes with results calculated in real-time during the final minutes of each episode. The app will also include competitor bios and video and social updates as the competition unfolds throughout the week.

Finn Balor Talks Undertaker And Triple H Helping With His Entrance

"It wasn't until later in my career that I really focused on the importance on making an entrance. I got to give credit to everyone that helped me with the entrance because it wasn't just my ideas. We had a huge team in coming up with the entrance.

"I had a lot of help from Road Dogg and a lot of help from Triple H. I spoke with the legendary Undertaker as well. If you're going to learn about entrances from anyone, you might learn from the Undertaker.

"It's a whole team effort, and not just me coming up with it by myself."

Triple H Requests Song From Motorhead

Lemmy from Motorhead revealed in a recent interview with Metal Hammer magazine that Triple H called him and asked if they would record a cover of the Rolling Stones classic Sympathy For The Devil for him. Motorhead created Triple H's current theme as well as his previous one. Lemmy agreed and it will be released on their new album, Bad Magic, on August 28th. Lemmy didn't specify if Triple H requested the song as a fan, or so that it can be used by WWE in some fashion, like for a pay-per-view theme.

Videos: Triple H Addressing the Tough Enough Casts From 2001 and 2015

Video: Triple H reveals the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough Barracks

In the video above, Triple H gives a tour of the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough barracks, where the 13 finalists will be staying at while the show goes on. He notes they will be there for the next 10-12 weeks.

Triple H commented:

"We could put you in a nice mansion, make it luxurious and all that but it's supposed to be about being Tough Enough so we don't want to pamper people too much. So what we've come up with is the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough barracks."

"This is about kind of making due and I think that in some way through a contest like Tough Enough they're bypassing the kind of paying your dues and to me this is kind of fast-tracking that a little bit. Sleeping in a not so comfortable place, not so comfortable surroundings, seeing if you're Tough Enough and if you really want to do this."

WWE Tough Enough Final 13 Competitors Revelaed

After a grueling, three-day tryout, 13 competitors will now advance to the new season of WWE Tough Enough. These seven men and six women will fight to live out their dream and become the next WWE Superstar or Diva, starting with the show's premiere on Tuesday, June 23, on USA Network:

Alexander Frekey, Dallas, Texas

He once caused an earthquake in a “Planet Fitness” commercial, but does Alexander Frekey have what it takes to be Tough Enough? His day-job title of Regional Sales Director doesn’t exactly inspire fear in the masses, but the towering Frekey isn’t just an unusually big office drone. Having played college basketball before appearing in “John Wick” and NBC’s “The Blacklist,” the tough-guy bonafides of this 6-foot-5 Russian are enviable. Now, in the toughest athletic environment there is, he faces a test that will truly shake him to the core.

Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

When you’re 5-foot-4 and can lift 225 pounds, you’re bound to turn some heads. Now it’s time to see if this fitness entrepreneur from Yorktown Heights can thrive on WWE’s bright stage. An athletic powerhouse who stays in shape with dance, yoga, Pilates and CrossFit, Saccomanno’s physical prowess could make her a welcome addition to the Divas division. Ironically enough, her childhood nickname was “Hamburgers,” but even that fact may turn out to be appropriate: Underestimate her and she’ll eat you for lunch.

Daria Berenato, Los Angeles

Ever hear of The Jersey Devil? Well that’s Daria Berenato, a 5-foot-7 mixed martial arts fighter nicknamed after the famed beast and looking to make her mark in WWE. Currently a co-host of the YouTube show “UFC AfterBuzz,” Berenato has been training in one form of fighting or another since age 16. Rest assured, if she fights her way to a WWE contract, everyone from the Pine Barrens to Full Sail University will be put on notice.

Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.

If you’ve seen the cover of “Oxygen,” “Muscular Development” or “Muscle & Fitness,” at some point you’ve probably seen Dianna Dahlgren. A Monster Energy spokesperson and model, Dahlgren boasts a “shredded” physique that can give most potential Divas a run for their money, not to mention a social media following (290,000-plus followers on Facebook and Instagram) that would make most Superstars jealous. Her love of the extreme led her to WWE. Will we see her on Monday Night Raw next?

Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.

What’s there to know about Gabi Castrovinci? Born in Brazil, she grew up practicing Jiu-Jitsu and is a professional athlete for World Beauty Fitness & Fashion. An avid surfer and snowboarder, Castrovinci is a self-employed entrepreneur who sells Brazilian leggings online. If she wins Tough Enough, she’ll be trading in Brazilian leggings for Indian Deathlocks in no time.

Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia

The farthest-flung of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants, Giorgia Piscina comes to the Performance Center on a wing and a dream. An eight-year gymnastics veteran and Bikini Dive competitor for the WBFF, Piscina’s “toughest” moment came when she crossed the finish line on a 400-meter race with a broken ankle. Now facing down her biggest opportunity yet, she’s got plenty to carry her over the finish line, but can she capitalize on the opportunity?

Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.

Looking for a new “Face of WWE”? Well, Hank Avery Jr. was literally a poster boy for Mercer University football from 2012 to 2013. Standing at 6-foot-4 and topping 270 pounds, with a lingering fear of frogs, this gridiron veteran, husband and father makes his living as a pool maintenance manager. But it’s only a matter of time before he’s making a splash on a far bigger stage. Just no frogs, please.

Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.

What do Thor and the Yeti have in common? They’re both nicknames of Josh Bredl, a physical specimen and NFL free agent most recently signed by the Green Bay Packers. One of the top 15 Colorado high school prospects upon his graduation, Bredl recorded 34 tackles and six sacks as a defensive lineman at Colorado State University – Pueblo. Having rampaged his way down to the Performance Center, he now looks to make the big jump into WWE and show the Cheeseheads what they’re missing.

Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles

Ever wonder how Khal Drogo from “Game of Thrones” got so big? That’s because Mada Abdel Hamid trained him. A personal trainer for actor Jason Momoa, Abdel Hamid’s story is almost as fantastical as “Thrones” is: Born in Egypt and fluent in Arabic, he played professional basketball until he fled the country in the midst of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. WWE Tough Enough is merely the latest chapter in a life well lived. If he makes it through, does a chapter at WrestleMania await?

Patrick Clark, Jr., Washington, D.C.

To some, WWE is more than a dream, it is an escape. That’s what it was for Patrick Clark, a 19-year-old wrestling coach from Washington, D.C., who found refuge in sports-entertainment after the death of his father. Clark’s drive led him from 10 years of JROTC to the mats of amateur competition, where he wrestled for Forestville Military Academy from 2011 to 2013. He’s currently a competitor in the Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association, and a coach. Does a jump from the mat to the ring await?

Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.

A pure athlete looking to take her skills to the ring, Sara Lee boasts one of the most unique backgrounds of WWE Tough Enough’s hopefuls. While studying to become an ultrasound technician, Lee is also a power lift competitor who trains six times a week and can squat 230 pounds and bench press 140 pounds. Introduced to WWE by her older brother, she is “in love” with The Bella Twins. Should she prove tough enough, Nikki and Brie might have themselves a new ally … or enemy.

Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.

Looking for a fighter? Look no further than Tanner Saraceno, a tattooed mixed-martial arts fighter with the beard of a wildman and a resume that would make most opponents shrivel in fear. An 11-year wrestler with high school and college experience, Saraceno was named the team captain and MVP of his college team after walking on as a freshman. His hobbies are oddly tame — cooking and brushing his hair — as is his profession: tree trimmer. Rest assured, however, in WWE Tough Enough, he has one goal with relation to his fellow contestants: chop them down and take the contract for himself.

Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.

Zamariah Loupe wrestles alligators. He’s even got one for a pet, “Mr. Gator,” who he calls his blood brother despite the fact that big bro once bit through Loupe’s hand. The youngest of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants at age 18, Loupe currently plays linebacker for Nicholls University when he’s not wrestling alligators. Loupe’s as charitable as he is unique, passing out Beanie Babies to the children and the elderly in his town while dressed as Santa Claus. WWE Tough Enough would seem like a big step for such a young man, but, again: He wrestles alligators. His fellow humans have their work cut out for them.

Bill DeMott Defends His Training Methods, Says He Wasn't Trying To Break His Students

Former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott was at the center of controversy three months ago, amid accusations of bullying among several former talents. DeMott appeared on this week's Talk Is Jericho to defend his methods of training and said it was to mentally and physically prepare the stars of the future.

"If you can make it in NXT, then you're prepared for what the WWE is. From two hours of sleep and being at media calls at 4AM to driving 500 miles. Some of them drive to Lakeland and want the next day off. You think to yourself, 'we can't let that happen,'" explained DeMott.

DeMott elaborated and stated that the way that he handled training at NXT was all a part of his job. He said that he wasn't trying to break his students, he was trying to give them a taste of what they would later see in WWE.

"You're gonna go from Buffalo to Wilkes-Barre, make the drive, you're going to have a meeting at 6AM, still make your RAW call time, and then sit in front of Stephanie (McMahon), Triple H, Vince, Paul Heyman; the guys that are up there on top that have that work ethic. You're either gonna hang, or you're not. It's not to break you down, it's to prepare you," DeMott said.

DeMott goes on to talk about more aspects of the job and the rest of his career. You can check out the full episode of Talk is Jericho at this link.

Dusty Rhodes Passes Away

WWE is reporting that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.

Emergency personnel responded to Dusty's home in Orlando, FL at 5:56 AM Wednesday morning after getting a call reporting a 69-year-old male had taken a fall. He was transported to a nearby hospital, but suffered "numerous complications" throughout the night which ultimately proved fatal

Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.

source: wwe.com & tmz.com

More Exclusive Details On WWE Possibly Working With WNW / EVOLVE

As noted earlier, WWE is close to an agreement to work with WWN, the parent company of EVOLVE, Full Impact Pro and the now-defunct Dragon Gate USA. According to a source, the deal is that WWE will pay WWN a certain fee like they did for ECW in the 1990s. They will pay WWN to develop talent and keep them away from ROH and TNA so that NXT can get a look.

We noted earlier that The Wrestling Observer newsletter reported that top WWE officials not happy with ROH recently releasing a Kevin Steen action figure. This deal with WWN is said to be partially due to ROH releasing that item.

WWE Issues Statement On Behalf Of Triple H Regarding Comments Made By Chyna During Radio Appearance

Paul "Triple H" Levesque issued a statement Wednesday night responding to former WWE performer Chyna's claim on the Opie with Jim Norton talk radio show on Sirius Radio and XM Radio that he struck her when the two dated.

Through Joe Villa, WWE Publicity Manager, Levesque said, "The false statements and reckless allegations Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) continues to make about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. As I've said in the past, while Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims."

During an interview in February with former WWE creative writer Vince Russo, Chyna claimed that Levesque assaulted her during an argument where she confronted him with her suspicions that he was having an affair with Stephanie McMahon.

"So I think Hunter's plan was to get me to leave the relationship first and then that way he can start dating Stephanie and like everything would be cool. So I would ask Hunter time and time again, I figured it was better just to address the problem and ask him honestly and I would have to believe his answer, so we got into a heated argument, we were not getting along, I told him 'I know something's going on. Don't tell me something's not going on.' He swiped my hand, I swiped his hand, he hit me. I went back like Jerry Springer and then I was like OK that's the deal breaker for me, the relationship is now over, so now I have to leave. After that, I know that he was crying and I know that he felt bad that he hit me, and my first initial reaction was to get up, and like I don't know, I was just in shock and it felt like a Jerry Springer moment, it was very surreal, and I just couldn't believe that he hit me. But he knows that like I don't stand for physical violence, albeit we'll get to that after with Sean [Waltman], so I knew at that point I had to leave, but I needed some sort of closure so when he was gone I started looking all over the house, and I looked into his, long story short, I looked into his briefcase and I found a love letter from Stephanie that had [been] dated a year back, so the whole time they were doing the storyline basically they were together."

Levesque immediately responded to the allegations, releasing the following statement:

"The false statements and reckless allegations made by Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) on a recent podcast about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. While Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims."

Addressing her November 2001 departure from WWE on Opie with Jim Norton, Chyna said she received a fax message from WWE one day informing her that her services were no longer needed. She said the last thing Vince McMahon said to her was that "blood is thicker than water" and that he would stay in touch with her. Chyna said she was never given a reason why WWE did not renew her contract.

Discussing Triple H's relationship with Stephanie at the time, Chyna said she learned that 'Hunter' was cheating on her when she discovered a love note from Stephanie in his briefcase that was dated a year earlier. The former WWE Diva said she loved 'Hunter' and didn't know that he was having an affair with Stephanie for a year. She said she was forced to leave the relationship "due to the incident that happened." Chyna said she knew that something "wasn't right" and searched the residence they shared for proof of her suspicions. She said she could have dealt with 'Hunter' and Stephanie being together "because you can't stop love," but didn't like being made to feel as if she was crazy. She said 'Hunter' didn't beat her and abuse her, but there was an incident. She felt if 'Hunter' and Stephanie had been honest with her, the end result would have been different, but it instead led to "so much chaos."