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January 2024

Kayfabe/storyline and storyline - Readers Be The Judge and Jury - Hard way or the Easy way...

Eliminate Smart Ass "News Media", as per ECW Eliminators; WWE Heel Stands Up For Pro Wrestling

Pro Wrestling's Older Major Promotion NWA Enjoys More Current Interest Thanks To The Aldis Midas Touch!

Logan Paul To Return To WWE SmackDown; KO Awaiting? Kevin Owens Show to Deliver For TKO

Canadian Fighers Kevin Owens and UFC's Sean "Tarzan" Strickland on fire; Trending Hot

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Journalism, Promo and Gonzo Bluring The Lines

Nick Aldis on wrestling for WWE: 'I'll cross that bridge if I come to it' Aldis isn't closing the door on competing in a WWE ring - January 2024

Though he's having a blast in his current role, Nick Aldis isn't ruling out the possibility of wrestling in WWE.

Aldis joined WWE as a producer last summer and has now been working as an on-screen character for about three months. He was introduced as the new SmackDown General Manager on October 13. Fans and the WWE powers that be have been impressed with Aldis style of managment, on and off camera.

Mr Aldis has been involved in a power struggle with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline on WWE television, leading some fans to speculate that a Reigns vs. Aldis match could happen one day. Aldis told the Daily Mail that he's grateful for the fans who want to see him compete in a WWE ring. Aldis is fully committed to his GM role right now but believes that anything is possible in WWE.

Does Reigns known that Aldis is a former NWA Champion?!

"Anything is possible in the WWE. I deeply appreciate all of the fans who keep me alive in that regard, who want to see me in the ring with this person or that person. Since my interaction with Roman, that started a whole different conversation in that regard."

"I'm just grateful that there's an interest in it. At the same time, I'm fully committed to being the best general manager of all time, so I'll cross that bridge if I come to it".

When Aldis departed the National Wrestling Alliance he knew that he wanted to end up with some kind of a job in WWE. Aldis wanted the chance to contribute to the big time.

"I've been having a blast. I've come in blessed with the gift of managed expectations. I had sort of made peace with the idea that maybe WWE was never going to be on the cards for me at all. So I certainly have come in with a level of gratitude that I perhaps wouldn't have had as a guy in his 20s".

I came in on a on a day rate, try out as a producer behind the scenes, which I, again, had fully made peace with the idea of if that's going to be my job, then that's going to be my job, and I'll do that job to the best of my ability, because I decided that at this point in my life and my career, I wanted to contribute to the big leagues."

"That may be because I put in my 10,000 hours, I felt like I had done enough and had enough experience, enough expertise and my own unique sort of philosophy and my own track record of success in the wrestling business that I was ready to work at the top level. I felt one way or another that my skill set as a professional was best suited to be contributing to the number one company."

"I finished up with the NWA. And at that time, I decided that if there was any kind of opportunity whatsoever with WWE, that was where I wanted to be. I felt like I'd done everything I could do at a place with limited resources and just decided one way or another that I wanted a chance to contribute there."

Aldis was a 2-time Worlds Heavyweight Champion while with the NWA. He's also a former TNA World Champion. Aldis was blessed to sit under the learning tree of the legendary 7 x NWA champion Harley Race, one of the toughest and greatest wrestlers ever - and many say toughest men ever! Living legend Hulk Hogan and departed legend Andre The Giant could speak on that.

On SmackDown two weeks ago, Aldis announced that Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble. Aldis made the announcement after The Bloodline disrupted an Orton vs. Knight vs. Styles number one contender's match.

TNA Wrestling

Nic Nemeth On Why He Chose To Confront Moose at TNA Hard to Kill

In an interview for TNA’s Instagram (via Fightful), Nic Nemeth explained why he chose to confront Moose for his TNA debut at this past Saturday’s Hard to Kill PPV. Nemeth will appear on tonight’s Impact on AXS TV to explain his actions.

He said: “I wasn’t focused on Moose [at TNA Hard To Kill], and I wasn’t even focused on the championship, which I have thought about non-stop for a long time. Like I said, I go, where can I pinpoint the moment where people will make it the most memorable? I did 20 years in one company. I get one chance to make a second impression here on the world. That will be the biggest possible moment and the most talked-about, I think. I really think that helps myself and the company. I didn’t have a plan. Moose is in my target, I got him. I was watching that title match going, whoever wins, I’m sliding in there and going, ‘Here I am, let’s go.’ So I don’t exactly know what my focus is, other than, I have earned everything that I’ve worked for, to a point where I go, I don’t want to stroll in here and be like, ‘Hey, I showed up through the crowd so you gotta give me a title shot,’ or, ‘I’m famous, so I get a ….’ No, I wanted to make my mark there, and now I focus on, where can I fit in? Where can I start building blocks to make myself to where I’m not presenting it, but the world goes, this should be the number one contender, and here’s why. Then, when that happens, I’ll know that I’ll be able to sleep at night going, I have proven myself worthy of a title shot. Okay, now let’s focus on the champion. No, I’m not hand-picking anything: I’m here, and I said, I am lucky to be here, I’m happy to be here. If I get some more eyes on TNA, hell yeah, that rocks. Let me know where I start, and I’m coming in with my lunchbox and ready to go. I’m gonna prove it in the ring every single night that says, we need to do something else. We need to get this guy in the title picture, he has earned it. But I gotta put in the time first and the effort. I’m not all show and all talk. I’m gonna earn it, but I want the TNA locker room and the audience to be going, this is the guy. He deserves a shot. Not me walking in and saying, ‘Hey, give me a shot.’ Hell no. I would never do it that way the rest of my life. There’s no way I’ll do it now. I want to make this count. I want it to be special.“

TNA Wrestling: TNA Champion Moose Says TNA Wrestling now in "Hot Spot" - 18th January 2024

"Even though he took me out, which I'm going to get mine back when the time is right, but let's leave that alone. Talking about Nic coming into the company, I think it's huge for TNA. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of his. He's a superstar. He's done everything in professional wrestling, he's been World Champion, he's been a tag team guy, he's won every single title you can think about. He's been all over the world. He has a huge buzz going right now. For him to pick TNA over AEW and New Japan or any other company, that shows that TNA is a hot spot right now. I'm happy he's part of the team, I'm happy I get to do something down the road with him. I'm happy that TNA is starting to be a spot where people want to come. Same thing with Ash By Elegance, her picking us over other companies out there, I'm happy she is part of the team and I can't wait to see what the future brings with Nic and Ash.”

NJPW

Kazuchika Okada to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling - January 19, 2024

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024.

We apologise to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future.

As the New Beginning series begins this weekend, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo. Changes will be made to forthcoming cards with an announcement to follow.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

(Source: New Japan Pro-Wrestling)

Kazuchika Okada statement:

I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today. Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.

WWE SmackDown

SmackDown preview, Jan. 19, 2024: Huge Contract Signing for Royal Rumble set

Don't miss SmackDown, this Friday at 8/7 C on FOX!

Next week on SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles will be in the ring to sign the contract for their monumental title match at Royal Rumble.

The last time all four men shared the ring, utter bedlam erupted as The Bloodline attacked Styles, Orton and Knight while they were competing in a Triple Threat Match to determine who would challenge Reigns at Royal Rumble.

What will happen when these four dynamic Superstars participate in what seems certain to be a volatile contract signing?

Don’t miss SmackDown, next week at 8/7 C on FOX!

"The Kevin Owens Show" to welcome U.S Champ Logan Paul

A special edition of "The Kevin Owens Show" is coming to Friday Night SmackDown as the No. 1 Contender to the United States Title welcomes the champion, Logan Paul.

Owens earned the right to face The Maverick after winning the United States Title Tournament by defeating Santos Escobar in the finals, a result that clearly bothered Paul.

The last time the two Superstars came face-to-face, Owens knocked out the champion with a brutal punch from his casted right hand, so there's no telling what will happen they meet again live on Friday at 8/7 C on FOX!

The LWO to take on Santos Escobar, Angel and Humberto in Six-Man Tag Team action

Carlito, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro will represent The LWO against their bitter rivals Santos Escobar, Angel and Humberto in a Six-Man Tag Team Match.

Since Escobar turned his back on The LWO, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Wilde and Del Toro have been waiting for their chance at payback, and it will finally come on Friday Night SmackDown.

With the numbers not in his favor, Escobar brought Angel and Humberto from NXT to form Legado World Order.

Don't miss this Six-Man Tag Team Match live on Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7 C on FOX!

(Credit: WWE)

Wrestler Grayson Waller’s defiant response to Sunrise controversy - January 19th, 2024

An Aussie wrestler isn’t backing down after he caused chaos live on Sunrise this week, threatening to punch a crew member. By Nick Bond

Australian wrestling champ Grayson Waller has shared a simple public response to the controversy over his chaotic appearance on Sunrise earlier this week.

Waller was appearing on Tuesday’s episode of Sunrise alongside US wrestler LA Knight, and lost his temper when hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Doran attempted to goad them into showing off some of their moves on a willing crew member.

“I don’t think you understand – if I come over there right now, we’re going to have the police here, cos I’m not going to give you some fake punch. I’m going to punch you straight in the jaw,” Waller said, as Doran struggled to contain him while the crew member quickly scarpered from the set.

To the average viewer, it was a shocking outburst – but as the clip circulated online, wrestling fans were quick to praise Waller. They insisted his trash-talk had actually diffused the situation, and was a better option than what the Sunrise hosts were suggesting he do: Potentially hurt a member of their staff.

Waller posted a photo to his Twitter account yesterday that would’ve been cryptic to many, but one that meant something to wrestling fans:

The photo in question is from an infamous 1988 encounter between wrestler David Schultz and reporter John Stossel, who was at the time working on an ‘expose’ on the world of professional wrestling.

“I think this is fake,” Stossel told the wrestler, which got an immediate – and violent – response.

‘You think this is fake?” Schultz asked, before smacking the reporter across the face, leaving him cowering on the ground.

“You think that’s fake? What the hell’s wrong with you? That’s an open-hand slap, huh?”

Schultz continued, before walloping Stossel again, leaving him to flee down the corridor.

The wrestling faithful knew exactly what Waller was referencing just from the screenshot of Schultz – and applauded him for standing his ground on Sunrise.

“That was awesome. Good on you for sticking up for wrestling. They were totally disrespectful,” wrote one follower.

“I saw you in a different light today, Grayson. Good on you,” said another.

“My respect for you has risen tenfold,” another fan tweeted.

After footage of Waller’s outburst went viral on social media – one clip alone has been viewed more than 1.5 million times – fans praised him his respect for “kayfabe”, a wrestling term used to describe the convention of presenting staged performances as genuine or authentic.

“That was absolutely f**king brilliant from Waller there. He protected kayfabe, he protected Knight. He was so sharp and on the ball. I was already a fan of his but my respect for him just grew a lot from this,” gushed one fan.

Waller’s face might be familiar to reality TV fans: He was a controversial contestant on the 2019 season of Australian Survivor, where he proved divisive among his fellow contestants and viewers due to his aggressive nature in challenges.

Teammate and former AFL player Abby Holmes dubbed him an “actual idiot,” but Farrelly, who is also a high school teacher when he’s not wrestling, soon embraced the epithet, selling “ACTUAL IDIOT” T-shirts at his wrestling matches.

“I had a feeling that most of my airtime was probably going to be me yelling and screaming, and I’m OK with that,” he told News after his elimination from the show.

(Sources: News, WWE, WWE Network, BINGE, TNA, Wires, AI, TKO Group, WrestlingInc, Wrestling Headlines, Web Is Jericho, Jim Cornette, K100, Fightful, Instagram, YouTube, Google and wrestling contacts)

2022 News

Karrion Kross wins Media Man 'Sports Entertainer' Of The Year - 2022

Chris Jericho wins Media Man 'Wrestler Of The Year' - 2022

MJF ties with Roman Reigns - Media Man 'Most Valuable Player Of The Year' - 2022

Triple H wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promoter Of The Year', Runner-up - Tony Khan (AEW)

Paul Heyman wins Media Man 'Manager Of The Year' and 'Manager Of The Decade)

AEW the one start-up pro wrestling company needs to become sustainable says Media Man

Numerous wrestling insiders including Eric Bischoff Dutch Mantel Konnan

say All Elite Wrestling still needs to make big changes to become sustainable and successful

28th December 2022

NWA' Tyrus is FOX

FOX News 'Gutfeld' to be hosted by NWA champion Tyrus - Wrestling with news media and the world!

Vince McMahon Documentary: The Nine Lives Of Vince McMahon

Numerous wrestlers and personalities asked to participate but declined - A large number of people turned down doing interviews for the recent Vince McMahon Documentary. People asked but didn’t participate included Chris Jericho, Jim Cornette, Eric Bischoff, Bryan Danielson, C.M Punk, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Ted Mann of Wall Street Journa

Wrestle Kingdom 17: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)

Wrestle Kingdom 17: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. The event will take place on January 4, 2023, at the Tokyo Dome, in Tokyo, Japan, and January 21, 2023, at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

Hiroshi Tanahashi believes the Bullet Club in NJPW is the most important wrestling faction of the last 20 years.

The Ace spoke about this topic during a recent interview with the NJPW website, where he credited Finn Balor (Prince Devitt at the time), Bad Luck Fale, Karl Anderson, and Tama Tonga for forming the group, which also saw members like the Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, AJ Styles, and current IWGP World Heavyweight champion, Jay White. Here is what Tanahashi had to say:

That was the core four, Devitt, Fale, Anderson and Tama Tonga. I think from there it’s no exaggeration to say that Bullet Club is the most important faction of the last twenty years at least. Wherever you go overseas you still see fans in Bullet Club shirts, and all those people in the top slot over the years, [Prince] Devitt to AJ [Styles] to Kenny Omega to Jay White are really best of the best.

NXT and WWE fans already missing Mandy Rose after star leaves promotion for private 'OnlyFans' style channel - sports model, videos + + +

Mandy Rose left NXT earlier this month and already rumors are she may return sooner than later

Mandy Rose (Image credit: Wikipedia)

Rumor: WWE interested in "Lana" Catherine Joy "CJ" Perry and husband Rusev aka Miro to return soon

Vince McMahon: News

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Vince McMahon Takes Actions in Support of Plan for WWE to Undertake a Review of Strategic Alternatives and Capture Unique Opportunity to Maximize Long-term Value for All Shareholders

Submits written consent to WWE Board electing himself and Company veterans George Barrios and Michelle Wilson as Directors

Actions are necessary to ensure McMahon's full participation in upcoming media rights negotiations and review of strategic alternatives

GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vince McMahon, the founder and controlling shareholder of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. ("WWE" or the "Company") (NYSE: WWE), announced today that he has taken necessary actions to position the Company to capitalize on a unique opportunity to maximize long-term value for all WWE shareholders. The actions, communicated to WWE's Board of Directors today via written consent, include the election to the Board of Mr. McMahon, as well as Michelle Wilson and George Barrios – former WWE Co-Presidents and Board members, and currently the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Isos Capital Management – and the requisite removal from the Board of three directors. Mr. McMahon expects to assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board.

Mr. McMahon's new role will enable unified decision making through the Company's upcoming media rights negotiations and a parallel full review of the Company's strategic alternatives, which Mr. McMahon believes is the right course of action and in the best interests of WWE and WWE shareholders amidst the current dynamics in the media and entertainment industry. As Mr. McMahon has communicated to the Board, he believes there is a narrow window of opportunity to create significant value for all shareholders and that to do so, the strategic alternatives review must occur in tandem with the media rights negotiations. He also expressed to the Board that he believes these two initiatives require Mr. McMahon's direct participation, leadership, and support as controlling shareholder.

"WWE is entering a critical juncture in its history with the upcoming media rights negotiations coinciding with increased industry-wide demand for quality content and live events and with more companies seeking to own the intellectual property on their platforms," said Mr. McMahon. "The only way for WWE to fully capitalize on this opportunity is for me to return as Executive Chairman and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives. My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder."

Prior to delivering written consent, Mr. McMahon sent two separate letters to the Board in late December in which he expressed the urgency of his return to the Company as Executive Chairman and his desire to work collaboratively with the Board and management team. Following conversations with representatives of the Company both before and after Mr. McMahon's most recent letter on December 31, Mr. McMahon determined, consistent with his rights as controlling shareholder, that the steps announced today are necessary to maximize value for all WWE shareholders.

Mr. McMahon said, "Ms. Wilson and Mr. Barrios are highly qualified directors whose professional experience positions them well to help the Company achieve the best possible outcomes in both initiatives. As former WWE Co-Presidents and Board members, they are intimately familiar with industry dynamics and the organization's operations and have helped guide the Company through past successful media rights negotiations. I look forward to working closely again with Michelle and George – as well as the Company's remaining directors and management team, who have my full support and confidence. WWE has an exceptional management team in place, and I do not intend for my return to have any impact on their roles, duties, or responsibilities."

In conjunction with the changes to WWE's Board, Mr. McMahon's written consent also includes certain amendments to the Company's bylaws to ensure that WWE's corporate governance continues to properly enable and support shareholder rights. These changes will be detailed in a Schedule 13D amendment to be filed by Mr. McMahon and a Form 8-K to be filed by the Company in the coming days.

No assurances can be given regarding the outcome or timing of the review process. Mr. McMahon does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or Mr. McMahon has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.

Michelle Wilson Biography

Ms. Wilson is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital Management. She is a leading sports and entertainment c-suite executive and, prior to founding Isos with Mr. Barrios, most recently served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE until January 2020. In 2018, Forbes named Ms. Wilson one of the 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports. She also was featured on the Adweek 50 list, which highlights the leading executives in Media, Marketing and Technology, and named one of Sports Illustrated's 10 Most Influential Women in Sports. She joined WWE in 2009 and prior to her appointment as Co-President, served as Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer.

Previously, Michelle served as the Chief Marketing Officer of the United States Tennis Association, oversaw all marketing efforts for the launch of the XFL, a partnership between WWE and NBC, and held consumer products and brand management positions at the NBA and Nabisco, respectively. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and currently serves on the Boards of Bowlero Corporation and Turtle Beach Corporation.

George Barrios Biography

Mr. Barrios serves as Isos Capital Management's Co-Founder and Co-CEO. He is an award-winning c-suite executive and most recently served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE until January 2020. In 2017, Institutional Investor ranked George among the Top 3 CFOs in the Media Industry as part of its All-America Executive team rankings. He joined WWE in 2008 as its Chief Strategy and Financial Officer.

Previously, he held leadership roles in finance, strategy and operations at the New York Times, Praxair, Time Warner and HBO. He received his MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business and currently serves as the National Board Chair of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel to Mr. McMahon.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements include statements regarding Mr. McMahon's return to the Board as Executive Chairman, the impact of Mr. McMahon, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Barrios as members of the Board, the timing and success of the Company's media rights negotiations and the Company's review of strategic alternatives. In addition, the words "may," "will," "could," "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "project," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "outlook," "target," "goal," "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. These statements relate to future possible events, as well as plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and are not historical facts and accordingly involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to, without limitation, the matters referred to in this release, the complexity of the Company's rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas and the Company's review of strategic alternatives. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements.

SOURCE Vince McMahon

News

Full Transcript from Today’s WWE Meeting Led By Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan and Frank Riddick - January 6th, 2023

As noted, WWE Chairwoman & Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan, and President & CFO Frank A. Riddick III led a meeting via call earlier this afternoon to address the return of Vince McMahon to the WWE Board of Directors, and his plans to pursue a sale of the company, among other issues. The meeting was held at 3:45pm ET today, and was for all employees, but not talent. The meeting went for around 10 minutes.

Courtesy of Wrestlenomics, a full transcript of what was said by Stephanie, Riddick and Khan has been revealed. You can use the links below the transcript to read the absolute latest on Vince and WWE, the recent reports and press releases, backstage reactions, and more.

Below is the transcript and aforementioned links:

Stephanie McMahon (WWE Co-CEO): Vince McMahon is coming back to the board of directors. He has made it clear upon his return what he’s really most excited about is the media rights opportunity in front of us that we’ve all been discussing and tying that to a strategic alternative process. And we wanted to make sure we got with everyone as soon as possible so you were aware of this message and also so we can explain a little bit more about it. And hopefully, we can answer questions moving forward. This format doesn’t allow for it. But, Frank, I kick it to you. I’m not going to attempt to explain strategic alternatives. I’d do a very basic level. Frank has the details, so go ahead, Frank.

Frank Riddick (WWE President, Chief Financial Officer): Sure, so at a very high level, what Vince has proposed and the process that would be followed would be to engage with a banker and prepare some background information on the company and present that to various potential partners for the company to evaluate whether there are any strategic transactions that would enhance the value of the company to all constituencies, including shareholders. And the idea is, as Steph said, the timing of this is largely driven around the upcoming media rights renewal and to do something that could enhance, in addition, those renewal discussions. So that would include — when we say “strategic initiatives”, “strategic alternatives” for the company — could include a broad range of potential transactions, everything from a combination with another company, an acquisition of the company by someone, or a take-private transaction, taking the company private and/or just simply some sort of cooperation joint venture agreement. So it’s pretty broad and I just would add a couple of things to that. One is, of course, there’s no assurance that any transaction will actually happen or any transaction will be forthcoming that makes economic and strategic sense for the company. And, of course, Vince is the controlling shareholder and controls the vote of the stock of the company is the ultimate decider as to whether there’s a transaction that can happen. So just to close out, all this from Nick and Steph and my perspective is very positive for the company. It’s a great time to look at alternatives and make sure that the company is well-positioned for the future. I think as everybody is aware, there’s a lot of changes that have happened in the media landscape in the last couple of years, even in the last six months. And there’s probably from a value of content perspective never a better time in history for the company to look at something like this. So hopefully that gives you a better perception of what that means.

Stephanie McMahon: Thanks, Frank. And then, Nick, how does that work as it’s tied to media rights and why is that a great strategic opportunity for us?

Nick Khan (WWE Co-CEO): Thanks, Steph, so these things work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, since our U.S. media rights are up in October of ‘24, for any conglomerate — so think Disney, Comcast, Netflix, etcetera — any conglomerate that might be interested in WWE would be interested in purchasing the company outright. They very well may be interested in doing a media rights deal, but obviously, we couldn’t do a media rights deal, let’s say, with Comcast and then go sell to Disney. Those sort of companies would want to make some sort of acquisition prior to those media rights being up. So the timing is spot on for that. In terms of the day-to-day of the company, nothing is changing. Steph is in her role, I’m in my role, Frank’s in his role, Paul is in his role, Kevin Dunn is in his role. And we would ask everyone to stay focused on the business as hand [sic]. We’re going to engage in this process. We’re going to look at it with open eyes and open hearts. We’re going to ultimately see what’s out there. And Vince will make his decision, as Frank said, as the controlling shareholder, as to what he wants to do with the company. For now, let’s focus on business as hand, if we could.

Stephanie McMahon: Great, thanks, Nick. This feels so formal since none of us are in the same room. And I just wanted to add also, rejoining the board is Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, who for those of you who were here remember them as co-presidents. They have so many years of experience here in WWE. And they’ve now been off on their own creating their own business and have a lot to offer from a media standpoint, certainly from an M&A standpoint. So they will be — and they’re very familiar with the company — so they will be joining the board, not management, as Nick was spelling out. So again the management structure stays the same, but Vince has joined the board, and obviously, as the controlling shareholder. And again, I just wanted to wrap up with reinforcing, a) there may have been a lag on this video, so just to let you know it has been recorded and will be shared if you missed anything; b) when Frank talks about how well-positioned WWE is and our performance, the reason why we’re doing so well is, again, because of all of you, because of our employees, who bring everything that they have to table every single day. And we’re just, we’re grateful, we’re appreciative, and we want you to know that our employees are incredibly important to us, and we recognize all of your contributions, and you will be well-informed throughout this process. We don’t want there to be — obviously there’s going to be some animosity — or not animosity, angst, natural emotions that you might feel, and we want to make sure that we’re on top of this and we’re communicating with you and everyone has all the information that they need. So again thank you to all of you. This is an exciting time. It shouldn’t be a scary time. It’s an exciting time for WWE. Our founder is back on the board and is going to help lead this process. And thank you to all of you. It’s an exciting way to kick-off 2023.

News

WWE PROVIDES UPDATE REGARDING COMPOSITION OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXPLORATION OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES

STAMFORD, Conn., January 6, 2023 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) is providing the following update regarding the composition of its Board of Directors and the exploration of strategic alternatives.

“Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board,” said Chairwoman & Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque. “We also welcome back Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to our Board of Directors. Together, we look forward to exploring all strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.”

As Vince McMahon stated yesterday, “WWE has an exceptional management team in place, and I do not intend for my return to have any impact on their roles, duties, or responsibilities."

In connection with the change in the composition of the Board of Directors and in cooperation with Vince McMahon as majority shareholder, the Company intends to undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders. There is no assurance that this process will result in a transaction.

Vince McMahon, in his capacity as controlling shareholder of the Company, has removed JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed and Alan M. Wexler from the Board. Vince McMahon, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson have been added to the Board to fill the resulting vacancies.

The Board currently consists of:

Vince McMahon
Stephanie McMahon
Nick Khan
Paul Levesque
Steve Koonin
Michelle McKenna
Steve Pamon
George Barrios
Michelle Wilson

Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh have resigned from the Board, effective today.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TVPG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 30 languages through world class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.

Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

GCW and FITE TV announce streaming deal - November 2022

New York, NY (November 1, 2022)–FITE and Game Changer Wrestling announced today that all GCW events will now be available exclusively on FITE+, the rapidly expanding subscription service. The price for subs remains the same, at $4.99/month, despite the massive addition of indie-wrestling’s most prolific promotion: GCW puts on approximately 75 shows a year, live and international. The first live event under the FITE+ deal will be the Nick Gage Invitational, one of the most prestigious deathmatch tournaments in the world, taking place in Chicago on November 12th.

Fans will also have immediate VOD access to 240 past GCW events. For a limited time, FITE+ will also be available as a free 7-day trial. The announcement was made by FITE COO, Michael Weber and GCW Founder and CEO, Brett Lauderdale.

“Over the last 6 years, we’ve been blessed to meet so many loyal and hardcore fans all over the USA and around the world. Their support has allowed us to experience unprecedented growth and change the game in independent wrestling,” said Brett Lauderdale, Founder and CEO of Game Changer Wrestling. “Now, as our schedule becomes busier and our catalog continues to grow, we want to make it easier for all our fans to follow us on this journey. We are proud to continue our partnership with Fite and bring our entire library, along with all future live events to Fite+, which will allow us to strengthen our relationship with our existing fanbase, while introducing Game Changer Wrestling to a new generation of Indie Wrestling fans.”

“The spectacular rise of GCW and the energy of its shows is like nothing else in the business,” said Michael Weber, COO of FITE. “Brett Lauderdale’s tenacity and understanding of the soul of wrestling, and talent like Joey Janela and Nick Gage, and the fans themselves, that respond and demand more, have created this success. We’re always looking to bring more value to our subscription package — so we’re confident our customers are going to love this deal.”

FITE+ subscribers also get a special selection of premium events from Boxing, MMA, Pro Wrestling, Bare Knuckle & other sports, with selected PPV events aded on an on demand basis and an ad-free experience.

FITE+ includes organizations like BKFC, NWA, GrappleFest, SlapFight Championship, Shamrock, Star Boxing, Top Rank and many more. The subscription also offers unlimited on-demand access to the entire FITE+ library with over 4000 hours from more than 100 organizations from around the world. With the annual option of $49.99 viewers get two months free.

News

Ric Flair Gives Update On WWE Royal Rumble Status

Ric Flair YouTube Channel

To Be The Man (Apple Podcasts)

With Survivor Series WarGames over, WWE's next premium live event is the Royal Rumble. In the latest episode of his "To Be The Man" podcast, Ric Flair spoke about the January 28, 2023 event and his status.

The WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he was not invited to the Royal Rumble, but he will be at the 30th-anniversary edition of "WWE Raw." The episode is set for January 23, 2023.

"I'm still looking forward to the 30th anniversary. By the way, of course, social media screwed that up, I have not been invited to the Rumble," said Flair. "I am going to San Antonio to sign autographs separately, on the day of the Rumble. I was not invited to the Rumble. However if they want me to put my gear on, like at Last Match, that's fine."

Flair also joked with Conrad Thompson about getting him a new robe for the Royal Rumble, while Thompson joked that Flair was going to be number 30 in the men's Rumble match. It's interesting to note that Flair's last Rumble match was in 2008 when he defeated MVP.

Flair was granted his WWE release in August of last year. Before his release, Flair was involved in an on-screen storyline with Lacey Evans on "Raw." In later interviews, he admitted he was uncomfortable with the storyline. Flair was there in order to aid Evans against his daughter Charlotte. The feud was going to lead up to a match at WrestleMania 37, though it never happened, because in February 2021, Evans announced that she was pregnant.

Source: To Be The Man / Ric Flair Podcast

News

Latest news on Cody Rhodes' future - 28th November 2022

Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38, leaving fans and insiders alike speechless. Nobody expected to see him again in the Stamford company after six years of absence, especially considering that 'The American Nightmare' was one of the founders of All Elite Wrestling in 2019.

His relationship with Tony Khan had cracked and Cody decided to accept Vince McMahon's offer. The level of his performance amazed the WWE Universe, which recognized him as one of the best talents around. At the very best moment of his career, Rhodes tore his chest muscle on the eve of Hell in a Cell.

That injury didn't stop him from getting into the ring, but it required a long stop to avoid worse trouble. The 37-year-old from Marietta is still in the pits and a certain date has not yet been set for his return. Many wonder what plans WWE has in store for Cody Rhodes once he is fully healed.

What's next for Cody Rhodes?
According to 'Xero News', Cody Rhodes is expected to continue his feud with Seth Rollins next year. Rollins currently holds the United States Championship and will be called to defend it against Bobby Lashley and Austin Theory at Survivor Series: WarGames.

In the latest edition of the 'Cafe De Rene' podcast, former WWE star Rene Dupree analyzed Cody's parable: “When Rhodes came to WWE back in 2007, he had difficulty interacting with others and 'paid' the made to be a second generation wrestler.

When he was hired by Vince McMahon, he was just 21 and had no experience whatsoever. He looked more like a Hollywood actor than a wrestler. I approached him and told him that I would give him a hand in case of need. He replied with great distrust, it was as if he had been offended.

The current one is a much more mature Cody." Former WWE star EC3 thinks Cody Rhodes should have put over Damien Sandow during the former's short stint at IMPACT Wrestling. "Yeah, and Sandow is always down to do business, and I think something came about doing actual business, and, you know, you don't just come in somewhere to just get hot-shotted and leave on top.

It's like returning of favor, especially to someone who has been your long-time friend from the developmental days of OVW. Perhaps, you choose not to do that. Then what's the point? Thanks for wasting everybody's time," said EC3.

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