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Markets, Crypto and Culture

Bulls Still Running Show; Cryptos Struggle, Medium Bull Update: Round 1! Bloody Noses and Black Eyes Cont! Red And Black Attack! All That Glitters. Bells Getting Rung! Aussie - US Connection

November 17, 2025

Sin City Sydney, Australia

ASX futures down 17 points/0.2% to 8808

Wall Street:
S&P 500 -0.1%
Dow Jones: -0.7%
Nasdaq +0.1%

Europe: Stoxx 50 -0.9%
FTSE -1.1%
DAX -0.7%
CAC -0.8%

Australian dollar: US65.33 cents

Bitcoin -2% to $US93,961

Gold -2.1% to $US4084.06 per ounce
Oil +2.4% to $US60.09 a barrel
Brent crude oil +2.2% to $US64.39 a barrel
Iron ore -0.3% to $US102.50 per ton

10-year yield:
US 4.15%
Australia 4.43%
Germany 2.72%

News Update: (Near Live)

Bitcoin: $94,402.04 -1.29%

New York/Wall St via Mr Wolf!
The November Man!
16 Nov

Cryptos Today: (Near Live)

Moody: Cryptos loosing shine again!

Bitcoin $94,489.19 -1.20%
Ethereum $3,101.05 -2.17%
Tether $1.0020 -0.20%
Binance Coin $928.81 -0.38%
XRP $2.4118 $2.2324 -0.67%
Solana $138.10 -1.20%
TRON $0.2931 -0.60%
Dogecoin $0.1594 -2.53%
Cardano $0.4862 -3.57%

Market scares! Mood: Still somber-like for many; picking up for some in traditional sectors! Regaining smiles in selected cases! Hardcores keep dream! Many bears sell out!

Media Man Favs:

(Near Live). Bells Rung by Mr Wolf! TKO kicks out, winning again today! Christmas Grinch Comes Early for some! Live ticket sales a talking point. Santa gives little for miners, gamers, some tech heads and grapplers!

Wall St, New York

TKO Group Holdings Inc $184.09 +1.45 +0.79%
NVIDIA Corp $190.17 +3.31 +1.77%
Formula One Group Series A $90.12 -1.58 -1.72%
Alphabet Inc Class A $276.41 -2.16 -0.78%
News Corp Class A $26.15 -0.12 -0.46%
Netflix Inc $1,112.17 -42.06 -3.64%
Caterpillar Inc $554.03 +0.48 +0.087%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $11.07 -0.96 -7.98%
Tesla Inc $404.35 +2.36 +0.59%
Walt Disney Co $105.80 -1.81 -1.68%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $120.73 -2.28 -1.85%
Meta Platforms Inc $609.46 -0.43 -0.071%
BHP Group Ltd (NYSE) $55.23 -0.72 -1.29% (NYSE)
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $17.17 -0.11 -0.64%
Elders ADR $19.73 (US)
Rio Tinto Ltd $87.00 +0.53 +0.61% (US)
Paramount Skydance Corp $15.68 +0.31 +2.02%
Red Light Holland Corp $0.024 +0.0012 +5.38%

News

Good news for Crypto bargain hunters

Market Overview

The cryptocurrency market jumped 4.5% in the last 24 hours, following reports of progress in ending the US government shutdown and promises by the US president to distribute $2,000 checks to families, with the funds received from tariffs. The positive effect of this news has been amplified by the fact that a more than 20% pullback from the peak has fuelled greed. Among the top coins, Ethereum (+5.8%) and XRP (+8%) are growing steadily, outperforming Bitcoin, which is up 4.5%.

Bitcoin surpassed the $106K mark, breaking out of the $99–$ 104K consolidation zone, where it spent most of last week. At the same time, the first cryptocurrency is trading below its 50- and 200-day moving averages.

Moreover, a death cross is forming there, as the first of these averages is about to fall below the latter.

The technical picture for Ethereum is more favourable, as the bulls did not allow the coin to consolidate below the 200-day MA and pushed it up on the latest positive news. From current levels near $3,600, the nearest target for buyers appears to be $4,000, which promises to be an important signal of market health.

News Background

Following the market crash on October 10-11, whales sold 32,500 BTC, while small investors actively bought on the dips. This is an alarming sign for Bitcoin, as historically, prices tend to follow the direction of whales, according to Santiment.

Bitcoin's deleveraging phase is ‘largely complete’ after the sell-off. The first cryptocurrency could rise to $170,000 over the next 6-12 months, according to JPMorgan's forecast.

The ‘sluggish dynamics’ of the crypto market are linked to the rebalancing of hodlers' portfolios. This may have a negative impact in the short term, but is beneficial in the medium and long term, said Galaxy Digital founder Mike Novogratz.

ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood said she was forced to revise her long-term forecast for Bitcoin for 2030 from $1.5 million to $1.2 million. She cited the rapid growth of stablecoins, which are displacing BTC among investors in emerging markets.

According to a survey by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and PwC, 55% of traditional hedge funds owned cryptocurrencies in 2025. Last year, the figure was 47%.

Ripple denied plans to hold an IPO. The company does not intend to go public in the near future, following the example of several participants in the cryptocurrency industry. (FxPro)

News

Gold stabilised at $4,000, but the upward trend has already broken down Gold has stabilised around the $4,000 mark over the last ten days, ending the week at roughly the same level as it started. Attempts by sellers to push the price below $3,900 are meeting with impressive buying interest.

This is facilitated by the Supreme Court, which is considering the illegality of US tariffs. If Donald Trump is defeated, the money will have to be returned. As a result, the budget deficit and public debt will increase, leading to chaos in the financial markets. Concerns about this are prompting investors to seek refuge in safe-haven assets. However, this all appears to be an attempt to play the old card, which can only delay the inevitable.

According to estimates by the World Gold Council, central bank purchases of bullion in 2025 are expected to amount to 750-900 tonnes. In each of the previous three years, the figure exceeded 1,000 tonnes. China's cancellation of VAT credits for precious metal retailers will increase prices for the jewellery industry and lead to a decline in demand. ETF stocks are falling.

HSBC, Bank of America and Societe Generale continue to stick to their forecasts of $5,000 per ounce. However, the gold rally has broken down. Selling on the rise is becoming relevant. (FxPro)

News

Crypto bulls fail to maintain momentum

Market Overview

The crypto market has gained 1% over the past 24 hours, the first increase after four days of decline. The market is stabilising at levels just above $3.4 trillion, close to May's local highs. The situation currently resembles a pause in the decline rather than a serious reversal, due to somewhat cautious sentiment in the stock markets and the strengthening of the dollar since the second half of September. Ironically, this reversal coincides with the resumption of the easing cycle of monetary policy. The sentiment index has emerged from the zone of extreme fear, which also coincided with a market rebound. According to the creators of such an index, now is the right time for bulls. Still, traders should be cautious with such an interpretation, as the previous rebound from extreme fear was not long-lasting, and the market is now 5% below the local low of 17 Oct, when sentiment last recovered from extreme anxiety. Bitcoin is trading near $103,000, pausing its rebound but remaining far from its recent lows. The bulls managed to bring the coin back above the 50-week moving average, but there is still a lot of time left until the end of the week, and for now, time is on the bears' side. On intraday charts, it looks as if the rebound has run out of steam and sellers are ready to seize the initiative again.

News Background

Cryptocurrencies are under pressure from general risk aversion in global markets. Among the factors are concerns about the Fed's interest rate and the situation in the credit sector, according to Hashdex. Wintermute attributes the worst performance of cryptocurrencies among all other asset classes to the redistribution of cash flows to other markets. Short-term Bitcoin holders continue to sell cryptocurrencies at a loss, using any rebound as an opportunity to sell, notes analyst Darkfost. However, accumulator addresses — wallets that only buy and never sell — have acquired a record 375,000 BTC over the past month. Amid the asset's decline, French company Sequans Communications, which accumulates Bitcoin, was forced to sell 970 BTC to partially repay its convertible debt. The company's reserves fell from 3,234 to 2,264 BTC. Japanese company Metaplanet, on the other hand, is raising funds to purchase bitcoins. On 31 October, the company received a $100 million loan secured by its reserves. Ripple announced that it had raised $500 million in strategic investments (with a valuation of $40 billion) from major institutional players. Zcash (ZEC) could become an alternative to Bitcoin among those who fear the centralisation of BTC due to Wall Street and are concerned about the tracking of on-chain transactions, according to Galaxy Digital. Supporters of the private coin refer to it as ‘encrypted Bitcoin’ and a return to the principles of the cypherpunks. (FxPro)

Newsfeed

If the 4-year cycles are still alive, BTC faces a pullback to $70K

Market Overview

The crypto market continues its impressive decline, losing another 2.4% over the past 24 hours. Having fallen to a low of $3.3 trillion, the market is now at its lowest point since early July. A steady move below the 200-day moving average and a drop of more than 20% from its peak are sure signs of a bear market. Perhaps crypto enthusiasts are confident that this is a temporary decline, similar to the one seen in March and April.

However, we would prefer not to rule out the possibility of another bear market starting in the coming years. At a time when many have buried the 4-year cycles, we still see that they have only lost amplitude but have generally retained their influence. According to these patterns, the market is close to or has already passed its peak for the next couple of years, which explains the intense selling pressure since Oct.

Bitcoin fell to five-digit price levels overnight, touching lows just below $99,000 twice. BTC traded steadily below these levels from February to May. And then there was a psychologically significant consolidation period in December and January. The market is now undergoing a critical test. Another step down will open the way to the $60,000-$70,000 range. However, there is a theoretical chance that BTC will quickly rebound by the end of the week from the 50-week moving average, which has served as a global support since the first half of 2023.

News Background

Early investors continue to sell off cryptocurrency. Over the past 30 days, long-term holders have sold 400,000 BTC — about 2% of the total supply of the asset, according to WeRate. Additional pressure is coming from continued outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The US government shutdown, now in its second month, is also putting pressure on Bitcoin. Another factor is the Coinbase premium, which remains in negative territory, according to CryptoQuant. This indicates sustained pressure from US sellers.

At the same time, there has been a record outflow of stablecoins from exchanges, indicating a shift of capital from risky assets to safe-haven dollar instruments. Demand for Bitcoin from institutional investors has declined, according to Capriole. For the first time in seven months, net purchases have fallen below the daily issuance of the asset.

Bitcoin has lost significant growth potential due to the influence of large financial institutions and government structures, according to Peter Thiel, the former PayPal CEO and billionaire.

Strategy intends to conduct its initial public offering on the European stock market, issuing 3.5 million preferred shares denominated in euros. The funds will be used to purchase bitcoins and replenish working capital. (FxPro)

News

Gold: correction is not over yet

The strengthening of the US dollar and higher Treasury yields have brought the gold price back below $4000.

Yellow metal is gradually losing its wild cards. It managed to reach a record high thanks to devaluation trading, expectations of aggressive monetary expansion by the Fed, Donald Trump's threats of 100% tariffs against China, geopolitics, pessimistic forecasts for the global economy, and active purchases of bullion by central banks.

However, the White House is no longer attacking the Fed as aggressively as before. The US and China have found common ground. The Middle East conflict has been resolved, and the global economy is proving resilient in the face of tariffs. The Fed is cautious about lowering rates, and central bank activity in the bullion market is declining.

The other two examples of similar velocity of gold rose were 1979 and 2011. The experience of those years shows that the surge and collapse were followed by long periods of consolidation. In other words, after a period of retreat from the top, the precious metal will find its trading range and settle within it. But for the weeks ahead, we continue to see more risks of further decline. (FxPro)

News

Crypto is on the verge of a bear market

Market Overview

The crypto market cap has fallen to $3.47 trillion. This is 4% lower than the previous day and 19% off from the global peak set just four weeks ago. Sellers are pushing cryptocurrencies into bear market territory (unofficially, this occurs when there is a 20% decline from the peak) in the hope that the sell-off will be self-sustaining near this point. However, we are also seeing signs of a similar accelerated sell-off at the start of the week, following a lull from Friday to Sun.

The sentiment index has fallen to 21, the lowest level since 9 April, indicating extreme fear. Last month, entering this territory triggered a rebound, but the market has already fallen below those levels. As we previously suggested, the initial surge of extreme fear levels is only the beginning of a prolonged period of volatility in this territory. This period is also characterised by an even more substantial decline in altcoins compared to the first cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin plummeted below $ 105K, shedding nearly 3% in the past 24 hours. Excluding short-term slips last month, BTC has not traded lower since June. By and large, it is now testing levels that served as resistance last December and Jan.

News Background

According to CoinShares, global investment in crypto funds declined by $360 million last week, following inflows the week before. Only investments in Bitcoin declined, by $946 million. Investments in altcoins increased, with notable gains in Ethereum by $58 million, in Solana by $421 million, in XRP by $43 million, and in Sui by $9 million.

QCP Capital recorded large transfers of Bitcoin to the Kraken exchange by early investors. According to analysts, the current consolidation resembles the period before the breakthrough in 2024. Otherwise, it could signal the beginning of a crypto winter.

Bitcoin is not showing growth as early investors pass the baton to long-term holders. The recovery of the first cryptocurrency is only possible after the ETF and Strategy resume large-scale purchases, according to CryptoQuant.

Strategy bought 397 bitcoins last week at an average price of $114,771. Strategy now owns 641,205 BTC worth $47.49 billion at an average purchase price of $74,057 per coin. The company's weekly BTC purchase volumes remain close to record lows.

Another record was set in October by the Ethereum network, with stablecoin transactions reaching $2.8 trillion last month. Circle's USDC was the leader, accounting for $1.6 trillion of the total turnover. (FxPro)

News Flashback

Oil Holds Strong Despite Bearish Fundamentals

Weekly data from the EIA noted that the US returned to record oil production rates last week, supplying an average of 13.6 million barrels per day to the market, according to the latest EIA data. The trend towards increased supply began in August, but producers have only now returned to the peak levels recorded at the end of last year. Despite a 5.5-million-barrel increase in US commercial inventories over the past two weeks, inventories stay at the lower end of the range seen over the past decade, leaving considerable room for growth. The same can be said for the strategic reserve, which holds nearly 40% less oil than it did five years ago, before the start of the active sell-off. It is an interesting game in which, on the one hand, the US (the largest oil producer) is increasing supplies, while OPEC+ is increasing quotas on a monthly basis. This extremely bearish combination of factors did not cause oil prices to collapse; it was only because of global trade in currency depreciation that caused precious metals, stock indices, and cryptocurrencies to rise. Oil prices have not peaked in recent weeks .. To be cont .. (FxPro)

News

Gold hits new highs due to political turmoil

Gold is outside the realm of politics.

While currencies and securities depend on the actions of presidents and governments, precious metals do not. Therefore, political turmoil forces investors to use them as safe-haven assets.

The impressive 52% rally in gold started in April with the introduction of tariffs on America's Liberation Day. It continued due to the US government shutdown, the political crisis in France, and the change of leadership in Japan. he rise of gold above 4,000 dollars per ounce is not only the result of the weakness of fiat currencies. There are tectonic shifts in the structure of investment portfolios and fears of financial crises due to government recklessness.

The share of precious metals is growing both in speculators' assets and in the gold and foreign exchange reserves of central banks. The indicator has already exceeded the share of the euro. According to Eurizon Capital, if it equals the share of the US dollar, the price per ounce will soar to 8,500 dollars. The Supreme Court's abolition of tariffs will inflate the US budget deficit. France does not intend to reduce it, and Japan plans to increase bond issuance. All this creates a tailwind for commodity assets. (FxPro)

News

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Million Dollar Man vs IRS
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Mr X vs Mr BTC
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Sid Justice vs Mr Blood Diamond
Mr Bluey Chipper vs Street Fighter - King Of The Streets Mr Dotcom vs Mr Wiki
Mr Gold vs Mr Green - Money In The Bank Ladder Match Khan vs Khan - Winner Take All Match
Mr Wolff vs The Cleaner
Mr News vs Mr Vice - U.S Market Footprint Stipulation Mr Paramount vs Mr Netflix
Mr ESPN vs Mr Fox
Mr Kross vs Mr H
Cesaro vs Rollins
Dirty Dom vs Mr AAA
Punks vs Egos
Kross vs H
Murdoch Title vs Title
Mr Black Coffee vs Mr Claudio's Cafe Blend
Mr Warner vs Mr Netflix: Broadway draw thus far! Re-match! Winner take all?!
TMZ vs Riddle UFC vs PFL
The Oracle vs Cincinnati, Ohio
Mr X vs Hollyweird
Succession vs Billions
Mouse House vs Art House
NFL vs UFL
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Capcom vs Warner
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Combat Sports Players vs Father Time
NXT vs TNA Wrestling (Showdown, not Invasion)!
Alpha vs Meta
TED X vs The Others
WWE's Solo vs Western Australia
UFC Predator vs MMA Predator
UFC Legal vs UFC Bad Egg Betting Disruptors
Bulls vs Bears
Logan Paul vs WWE babyfaces
Santa's Helper vs Grinch
John McAfee vs FBI + + +, Running .... Netflix Wins again!
Killer Kross vs Matt Riddle - Shoot Fight/Wrestling (MLW)!
VKM vs Numerous!
MLW vs The World
The Big Event vs US Promoters
Storm vs WWE Locker Room. Lash Legend on side!
NXT Gold Rush: Page & Green vs Hendry & Hail
Baszler vs Itoh - HOG Superclash - Nov 15
MSG, NY winning with WWE and UFC in Nov

News

Cryptocurrency Movies
Docos

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
Follows early Bitcoin adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins, its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt finance.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet (2020)
Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, this documentary dives into blockchain’s broader applications beyond cryptocurrency, addressing scalability and regulatory challenges. Ideal for those interested in blockchain’s transformative potential.

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018) Narrated by Rosario Dawson, it explores blockchain’s societal impact, from financial inclusion to voting systems. A comprehensive look at real-world applications.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015)
Traces the history of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems. Features interviews with crypto experts.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Crypto (2019)
A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal but praise its entertainment value.

Silk Road (2021)
A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Feature films often dramatize crypto’s association with crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy. For a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of these are available.

News

Wall Street (Movie)
Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, is a drama about ambition and greed in the 1980s financial world. It follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker desperate to succeed, who gets entangled with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. Gekko’s mantra, “Greed is good,” drives the story as Bud is lured into insider trading and unethical deals, compromising his morals for wealth and power.

The film explores themes of capitalism, loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own conscience.

Key Details: Cast: Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl Fox).
Runtime: 2h 6m.
Genre: Drama/Crime.
Rating: R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess. Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):
Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability).
Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man "Bullish is a mindset"

Markets, Crypto and Culture

Friday Hits Running Of The Weekend Bulls Downhill Continue Edition!

October 10, 2025

Sydney, Australia

ASX futures down 38 points, or 0.4%, at 8957

Wall Street:
S&P 500 -0.3%
Dow Jones -0.5%
Nasdaq -0.1%

Europe:
Stoxx 50 -0.4%
FTSE -0.4%
DAX +0.1%
CAC -0.2%

Australian dollar down 0.5% to US65.54¢

Bitcoin -1.9% to $US121,072

Gold -1.7% to $US3974.24 per ounce

US oil -1.8% to $US61.44 a barrel

Brent crude oil -1.7% to $US65.12 a barrel

Iron ore +0.9% to $US105.10 per ton

10-year yield:
US 4.14%
Australia 4.34%
Germany 2.70%

News Update: (Near Live)
October 11

Bitcoin: $110,833.67 8.40%

New York/Wall St
Saturday 11, October

Cryptos Today: (Near Live)

Mood: Corrective! Moody!

Bitcoin $111,039.86 8.23%
Ethereum $3,765.34 -12.97%
Tether $1.0012 +0.10%
Binance Coin $1,088.17 -13.92%
XRP $2.4214 -13.80%
Solana $182.94 -16.23%
USDC $0.9999 +0.02%
TRON $0.3182 -5.06%
Dogecoin $0.1934 -21.97%
Cardano $0.6552 -19.26%

Market corrective. Mood: Somber-like for many!

Media Man Favs:

October 10, 2025 (Near Live)

Wall St, New York

TKO Group Holdings Inc $187.05 +0.58 +0.31%
NVIDIA Corp $183.05 -9.46 -4.91%
Formula One Group Series C $103.20 -1.69 -1.61%
Alphabet Inc Class A $236.57 -4.96 -2.05%
News Corp Class A $25.78 -0.68 -2.57%
Netflix Inc $1,220.08 -10.99 -0.89%
Caterpillar Inc $491.30 -9.06 -1.81%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $15.97 -1.10 -6.44%
Tesla Inc $413.49 -22.05 -5.06%
Walt Disney Co $109.19 -1.80 -1.62%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $119.89 -3.66 -2.96%
Meta Platforms Inc $705.30 -28.21 -3.85%
BHP Group Ltd $42.22 -0.89 -2.06%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $15.29 -0.18 -1.16%
Elders Ltd $7.53 +0.27 +3.72%
Rio Tinto Ltd $125.15 -2.12 -1.67%

News

Gold hits new highs due to political turmoil
Gold is outside the realm of politics. While currencies and securities depend on the actions of presidents and governments, precious metals do not. Therefore, political turmoil forces investors to use them as safe-haven assets. The impressive 52% rally in gold started in April with the introduction of tariffs on America's Liberation Day. It continued due to the US government shutdown, the political crisis in France, and the change of leadership in Japan.

The rise of gold above 4,000 dollars per ounce is not only the result of the weakness of fiat currencies. There are tectonic shifts in the structure of investment portfolios and fears of financial crises due to government recklessness.

News

Politics remains the main driver of FX

The US government shutdown did not have a noticeable impact on the dollar's performance last week. However, it did help the stock market to grow slightly by strengthening expectations of monetary policy easing.

However, these events pale in comparison to the change in Japan's ruling elite and the resignation of the French prime minister less than a day after the formation of the government in terms of their impact on the currency market.

In Japan, Sanae Takaichi was chosen head of the Liberal Democratic Party over the weekend and is on track to become the country's first female prime minister. This event caused the yen to fall 2% to 150.49 from Friday's level before correcting to 149.80 at the time of writing.

Takaichi is considered a supporter of aggressive government spending, structural reforms, and soft monetary policy, echoing the basic principles of Shinzo Abe. Overall, she has a more right-wing approach to national policy and is also a supporter of revising Japan's pacifist constitution.

The market reaction clearly shows that they are considering Takaichi to be the new prime minister. If she does not change her political views (and she has softened them recently to win the party elections), we should be prepared for a further weakening of the yen, which reached its highest level since 1991 in the EURJPY pair, exceeding 176.

However, the single currency is also facing uncertainty today due to a new political crisis in France. Prime Minister Lecornu, who had been trying to form a government for a month, resigned the day after he finally presented his new cabinet. His appointments drew criticism from both left-wing and right-wing allies.

The EURUSD fell to 1.1650 at its lowest point on Monday, losing a full cent against Friday's levels.

Unlike Japan, where a 2% drop in the JPY was accompanied by a 5% jump in the Nikkei225 index, France's CAC40 lost more than 2% intraday, paring its losses to 1.2% towards the end of the trading day in Europe.

The EURUSD stopped its climb in July and has been hovering around 1.1700 all this time, not least because of the political crisis in France. Without it, the single currency would have had a much better chance of exploiting political divisions in the US to its advantage. It would be an exaggeration to call the situation in Japan and France a drama. Still, these events once again emphasise that as soon as the dollar's throne begins to shake, the ground beneath other currencies begins to tremble. (FxPro)

News

Miners offset ASX retreat from record high

The Australian sharemarket fell slightly on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 easing 0.1 per cent to close at 8,981.4 points after briefly reaching a new intra-day high. Rio Tinto was down 1.2 per cent at $123.58, WiseTech Global fell 2.2 per cent to end the session at $88.30 and the Commonwealth Bank finished 0.3 per cent lower at $169.96. However, Evolution Mining rose 2.6 per cent to $11.26 and Woodside Energy was up 0.2 per cent at $23.15. (RMS)

News Flashback

Oct 3

The US government shutdown is pressing dollar

The shutdown came as a bolt from the blue for the US dollar. The greenback was confident that Democrats and Republicans would reach a last-minute agreement. That did not happen. During previous government shutdowns, the dollar index typically fell on expectations of slowing GDP and mass layoffs. In 2025, the situation will worsen because the labour market is already cooling down. Due to the shutdown, the publication of important data will be postponed.

Therefore, the importance of the ADP report increases.

Over the last two months, there has been a decline in private sector employment. This increased the chances of a federal funds rate cut in October to 99% and in December to 87%. Treasury bond yields and the US dollar fell. There is increased demand for safe-haven assets in the markets. Gold continues to break records, Treasury yields are falling, and the yen has moved away from the political crisis in Japan and is growing steadily.

In contrast, European currencies are not yet able to take full advantage of the weakness of the US dollar. The euro is hampered by geopolitics and events in France.
S&P 500 shrugged off the shutdown

The S&P 500 shrugged off the shutdown and marked its 29th record high since the beginning of the year. Pharmaceutical and technology companies, which received a tariff deferral, led the rally. The market was pleased by the news that OpenAI had become the largest startup in history, with a valuation of over 500 billion dollars.

Jerome Powell's comments about the high valuation of US stocks led only to a temporary pullback in the S&P 500. Investors immediately bought up the dip. History shows that since 1996, similar rhetoric from the Fed chairman has led to an average 13% increase in the broad stock index over the next 12 months. There is a view in the market that high Price-to-Earnings ratios are the new reality. Corporate reporting is improving, the US economy has shifted its focus from manufacturing to technology, and artificial intelligence makes the US stock market unique and attractive. The ADP report on private sector employment did not deter the S&P 500. It finally convinced investors that the Fed would cut the federal funds rate twice more in 2025. (FxPro)

News Flashback

Crypto

October 2

The cryptocurrency market soared to extremes

Market Overview

The cryptocurrency market capitalisation soared by 4% over the past day to $4.07 trillion. The capitalisation has soared into the extreme zone, above which it was only briefly in mid-August and mid-September.

Cryptocurrency investors are convinced that the US government shutdown is not dampening risk appetite, and macroeconomic data is pushing the Fed to ease its policy further.

The sentiment index rose to 64 (greed), reaching its highest level in the last six weeks. However, the index is far from extreme greed, leaving significant potential for further strengthening.

On Thursday morning, Bitcoin exceeded $118K, surpassing the previous highs, which indicates an important technical breakthrough of the established range. The next step could well be an attempt to update historical highs approaching $125K. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the activity of long-term sellers, who have been actively selling near these levels since July: we may see a new episode of selling on the rise.

News Background

The total supply of stablecoins grew by a record $45 billion in the third quarter, according to CEX.io. At the same time, 69% of the ‘printed’ volume was issued on the main Ethereum network.

According to CryptoQuant, the growth in the supply of stablecoins creates a powerful foundation for a bull market. Historically, Bitcoin has rallied not only in October but throughout the last quarter of the year.

The main factors that could trigger a crypto market rally in the fourth quarter could be changes in digital asset regulation in the US and expanded access to the crypto market through products on stock exchanges, according to Grayscale.

The total Bitcoin reserves of Japanese company Metaplanet reached 30,823 coins, placing it in fourth place among all corporate BTC holders.

According to Onchain Lens, Tether, the issuer of USDT, has replenished its Bitcoin reserve with 8,889 BTC worth $1 billion. Since May 2023, the company has been allocating 15% of its net profit to the purchase of BTC as part of its long-term asset diversification strategy.

Stani Kulechov, founder of leading lending platform Aave, said lower interest rates by global central banks will create favourable conditions for yield growth in the DeFi sector and may drive renewed interest in decentralised finance. (FxPro)

News

Oct 3

ASX rallies 1.1pc as miners and CBA jump

The Australian sharemarket posted a strong gain on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 1.1 per cent to close at 8,945.9 points. BHP rose 1.1 per cent to $41.94, Westgold Resources was up 8.3 per cent at $5.37 and the Commonwealth Bank finished 1.7 per cent higher at $169.82. However, profit-taking saw DroneShield fall 9.8 per cent to $5.18 following a rally in recent days, while REA Group was down 1.9 per cent at $224.99. (RMS)

News

Pop Culture News

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream Match Series; Crack The Code!

Million Dollar Man vs IRS
Michael Wall Street vs Billionaire Ted
Mr X vs Mr BTC
Mr Green vs Mr Cash
VKM vs Easy E
Vinnie Vegas vs Mr Corbin
Mr Corp Merch vs Mr Freelance
Masked Superstar vs John McAfee
Sid Justice vs Mr Blood Diamond
Mr Bluey Chipper vs Street Fighter - King Of The Streets
Mr Dotcom vs Mr Wiki
Mr Gold vs Mr Green - Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Khan vs Khan - Winner Take All Match
Mr Wolff vs The Cleaner
Mr News vs Mr Vice - U.S Market Footprint Stipulation
Mr Paramount vs Mr Netflix
Mr ESPN vs Mr Fox
Mr Kross vs Mr H
Cesaro vs Rollins
Dirty Dom vs Mr AAA
Punks vs Egos
Kross vs H
L. Murdoch
Title vs Title
Mr Black Coffee vs Mr Claudio's Cafe Blend
Mr Warner vs Mr Netflix: Broadway draw thus far! Re-match! Winner take all?!
TMZ vs Riddle
UFC vs PFL
The Oracle vs Cincinnati, Ohio
Mr X vs Hollyweird
Succession vs Billions
Mouse House vs Art House
NFL vs UFL
ABC vs Mainstream Aussies
Reigns vs Blanka
Cody Rhodes vs Joe
E. Honda vs NJPW
Capcom vs Warner
Cena vs ACME
Combat Sports Players vs Father Time
NXT vs TNA Wrestling (Showdown, not Invasion)!
Alpha vs Meta
TED X vs The Others
WWE's Solo vs Western Australia
UFC Predator vs MMA Predator
Bulls vs Bears

News

Cryptocurrency Movies

Documentaries

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014) Follows early Bitcoin adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins, its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt finance.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016) Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet (2020)

Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, this documentary dives into blockchain’s broader applications beyond cryptocurrency, addressing scalability and regulatory challenges. Ideal for those interested in blockchain’s transformative potential.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015) Traces the history of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems. Features interviews with crypto experts.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Crypto (2019) A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal but praise its entertainment value.

Silk Road (2021) A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes

Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Feature films often dramatize crypto’s association with crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy.

For a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of these are available.

News

Wall Street (Movie)

Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, is a drama about ambition and greed in the 1980s financial world. It follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker desperate to succeed, who gets entangled with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. Gekko’s mantra, “Greed is good,” drives the story as Bud is lured into insider trading and unethical deals, compromising his morals for wealth and power. The film explores themes of capitalism, loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own conscience.

Key Details:

Cast: Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl Fox). Runtime: 2h 6m. Genre: Drama/Crime. Rating: R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess.

Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):

Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability). Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News Flashback

Gold, copper, & silver: How metals are moving this year

Metal futures have made some pretty dramatic moves lately from safe haven gold to tariff sensitive copper. So let's take a look at the longer term trends. I'm Jared Blikre, host of Stocks in Translation. And I'm going to start by charting some of the moves in Dr. Copper because this is where we have the most zig and zags over the last 25 years. So this goes back to the beginning of the century and we can see right now, we're at $5.51 per pound. That is a record high. But if we go back to the beginning of the century, guess what? Uh we had a little bit of a slump in the wake of the dot com boom and then bust, but starting in 2003, we saw a big rise there. And that was as China actually joined the World Trade Organization or the WTO. That lasted into the global financial crisis. Then we had a pretty big bust in in Dr. Copper, and then we had another rise. And that rise was due to unprecedented stimulus, not only from the Chinese government, but also from the United States government, QE was in force, and then we saw kind of a strong dollar play. That weighed on this metal all the way into the beginning of 2016. The entire world, most of the world indices went through a bear market in 2015, and then 2016, we found the footing. And that was actually the year that Trump won, began his first presidency. And from there, we saw some zig and zags, and then we saw a shock into the pandemic. A couple of, a couple of years of deflation or a semi-deflation, disinflation, that caught up with it in 2022, but then it was off to the races again. And especially with the Trump tariffs now on copper, threatening to be threatening to be 50% on August 1st, we're seeing a lot of front running in this trade. Now, I also want to show you gold futures and I'm going to show you silver as well. And they follow a very similar pattern. We're not seeing the dramatic zig and zags that we did in copper, but we did see the same pattern of China joining the WTO, contributing to that huge rise in price to 1800, almost $2,000 an ounce by the beginning of the global financial crisis. So a little bit of a meltdown there. But in 2016 into 2018, we saw a bit of a rise into the pandemic, a little bit of a whipsaw there, and consolidation over a few years. Again, that 2022 bare market in US stocks that contributed to some deflation and disinflation globally, supply chain chain shocks came into force again, and then we saw this huge rise beginning in late 2023, and we are now at 3353. We've seen a high of as much as $3,500 per ounce. And gold is kind of unique among the precious metals and also the industrial metals, and this is because central banks have been a huge determining force in their buying of it. This is a bar chart that shows central bank buying in tons going back all the way to 2010. And what you notice here is the last three years, 2022, 2023, 2024, all of those had gold being bought by central banks of in the amount of over 1,000 tons. And so that's a pretty big dramatic increase from the prior years. And this has to do with the ongoing dedollarization in China, as well as Russia, but also a host of other countries, even some in western and eastern Europe. So this is a trend that we want to follow. Uh, I want to close out here with silver, and I'm going to just chart the price action. Again, very similar chart to gold and copper in terms of the big movements here. We saw a big price spike into almost $50 per ounce, and that was just as the global financial crisis was getting underway. And then the QE area in 2011, that's when we saw that high. Then we saw a dramatic, dramatic crash into 2016, kind of found its footing, saw a big squeeze in the early pandemic, 2020 was a great year for silver, but then we saw a little bit of a fallout. And again, silver is on the rise here at $38. It's still off of that $50 record high, but it is increasing very quickly. To round out the conversation, I want to just put on a table here. I have all three medals and just kind of grouping them together. I want to display how they are moving with their specific patterns with a trigger, and then to tell you which one of these is featured in these specific criteria. So here, under the pattern, we have acceleration. So that would be an economic acceleration. The trigger would be liquidity. And when that happens, we see all metals benefiting from that. And then when there's a safe haven scare, and that trigger would be a crisis of some sorts, you're going to see gold and silver outperforming the most, kind of leaving Dr. Copper behind. And then here's a bearish one, industrial drags, that affects copper disproportionately here, and the trigger there is typically a stronger US dollar because the US dollar surges when global global industrials tend to drag, and that's because the US is the least dirty shirt in the laundry basket of the world. And then finally here, we have a policy shock. This will affect all three medals, but especially copper and gold here. Um, arguably, the biggest reason is tariffs and debt, and we've seen both of those contribute to silver rising. So we could put all three in that basket as well. But when you put it all together, we have the perfect explosive mix for all three of these metals, including palladium and also platinum, which we didn't get to have time for, but all of these are experiencing huge thrust in 2025. And we'll have to see how these tariffs play out, especially on Dr. Copper with respect to that August 1st deadline. Remember, 50% there. So tune into Stocks in Translation for more jargon busting deep dives, new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Yahoo Finances website, or wherever you find your podcast. (Transcript from Yahoo! Finance podcast)

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man

"Bullish is a mindset"

Cryptos, Markets and Culture

Friday Into The Weekend Edition!

October 3/4, 2025

Cryptos Today: (Near Live)

Bitcoin $122,667.92 +2.23%
Ethereum $4,506.29 +0.60%
Tether $1.0005 flat
Binance Coin $1,177.34 +7.54%
XRP $3.0270 +0.11%
Solana $230.17 -0.54%
USDC $0.9996 flat
TRON $0.3408 -0.88%
Dogecoin $0.2542 - 1.31%
Cardano $0.8572 -0.14%

Market bullish! Mood joyful

News

October 3, 2025

Markets (Sydney to New York)

Australian Dollar: $0.6590 USD (down $0.0020 USD)
Iron Ore: $103.40 USD (down $0.20 USD)
Oil: $60.68 USD (down $1.12 USD)
Gold: $3,856.37 USD (down $9.29 USD)
Copper: $4.9540 USD (up 0.0595 USD)
Bitcoin: $120,564.31 USD (up 2.56%)
Dow Jones: 46,519.72 (up 78.62 points)

Stocks

Media Man Favs:

TKO Group $197.35 -0.65 -0.33%
Formula One Group Series C $104.83 +0.68 +0.65%
NVIDIA Corp $187.62 -1.32 -0.70%
Alphabet Inc Class A $245.35 -0.34 -0.14%
News Corp Class A $28.38 -0.17 -0.60%
Netflix Inc $1,153.32 -9.21 -0.79%
Caterpillar Inc $497.85 +7.28 +1.48%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $17.34 +0.14 +0.81%
Tesla Inc $429.83 -6.17 -1.42%
Walt Disney Co $112.47 +0.33 +0.29%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $123.66 -9.68 -7.26%
Meta Platforms Inc $710.56 -16.49 -2.27%
BHP Group Ltd $42.08 +0.14 +0.33%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $16.24 +0.18 +1.11%

News

Crypto

October 2

The cryptocurrency market soared to extremes

Market Overview

Cryptocurrency investors are convinced that the US government shutdown is not dampening risk appetite, and macroeconomic data is pushing the Fed to ease its policy further.

The sentiment index rose to 64 (greed), reaching its highest level in the last six weeks. However, the index is far from extreme greed, leaving significant potential for further strengthening.

News Background

The total supply of stablecoins grew by a record $45 billion in the third quarter, according to http://CEX.io. At the same time, 69% of the ‘printed’ volume was issued on the main Ethereum network.

The total Bitcoin reserves of Japanese company Metaplanet reached 30,823 coins, placing it in fourth place among all corporate BTC holders.

News

Oct 3

ASX rallies 1.1pc as miners and CBA jump

News

Pop Culture News

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream Match Series; Crack The Code!

News

Cryptocurrency Movies

Documentaries

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014) Follows early Bitcoin adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins, its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt finance.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016) Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet (2020)

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015) Traces the history of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems. Features interviews with crypto experts.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Crypto (2019) A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal but praise its entertainment value.

Silk Road (2021) A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes

Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Feature films often dramatize crypto’s association with crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy.

For a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of these are available.

News

Wall Street (Movie)

Key Details:

Cast: Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl Fox). Runtime: 2h 6m. Genre: Drama/Crime. Rating: R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess.

Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):

Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability). Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News Flashback

Gold, copper, & silver: How metals are moving this year

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man

"Bullish is a mindset"

Pop Culture

Media Man Watercooler

Amendment And Update To Prior Report Conducted In Field Conditions! Don't mention The War! Double Meaning! Combat sports "wars" and real world situations!

"Make Peace, Not War" John Lennon

News

Movies: Box Office

1. How To Train Your Dragon - $37m
2. 28 Years Later - $30m
3. Elio - $21m

News

Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT About To Start: Trouble In The D'Angelo (Crime?) Family

WWE - AEW Promotion Connection: John Cena Extends Olive Branch Mentioning Numerous Pro Wrestlers From Other Promotions! CSRO From AEW Acknowledges Again via News Media/Media Man Int X ! Cheers Claudio. Love Coffee. Love Wrestling!

Streaming Wars Netflix vs YouTube vs MAX/HBO and the others!

Combat Sports Weekend Plus; Pro Wrestling Week!

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

WWE Speed On Wednesday/Thursday via X
El Grande Americano is your Speed Champion (Men's Division);
Sol Ruca is your WWE Speed Champion (Women's Division)

Pro Wrestling Uncrowned Champions!
Karrion Kross is our Uncrowned Champion Of The World! Will take on all comers! . Pro wrestling and Sambo master + !

AEW Dynamite On Thursday as a general rule. Day/times can vary depending on part of the world!

WWE Night Of Champions:
John Cena vs CM Punk. Fans buzzing for Karrion Kross vs Sami Zayn says "Kross Kult" Australian Chapter! aka Media Man Group! Don't sleep on Kross vs Zayn!

MMA News

UFC 317. Vegas Baby!

News

MMA/UFC

Tom Aspinall, formally UFC Interim Champion is now the official UFC Heavyweight Champion. News broke approx 24 hours ago. Media Man Int X and Instagram channels roared and 10 times as much web traffic than usual! Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones "retired" and out of ratings for first time in many, many years! Legal situations for Jones being reported by numerous mainstream media and MMA media. Not a good situation for Jones legacy.

News

Cafe Culture

Coffee Prices set to rise in numerous counties; Cappuccino's in Sydney, Australia heading towards $7AUD for quality!

News

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee/Cafe Brand Of The Month'!

Movie Box Office (North America)

June 15, 2025

1. How to Train Your Dragon - $83.7m
2. Lilo & Stitch - $15.5m
3. The Materialists - $12m
4. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning - $10.3m
5. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina - $9.4m
6. Karate Kid: Legends - $5m
7. Final Destination: Bloodlines - $3.9m
8. The Phoenician Scheme - $3m
9. The Life of Chuck - $2.1m
10. Sinners - $1.5m

others ...

Bring Her Back
Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye
Thunderbolts*
Friendship
The Last Rodeo
j-hope Tour Hope on the Stage in Japan
A Minecraft Movie
The Accountant 2
Hurry Up Tomorrow
Clown in a Cornfield
Shadow Force
Flight or Fight
Until Dawn
The Amateur
The King of Kings
HIT: The 3rd Case
Guru Nanak Jahaz

*correct at time of publication to best of knowledge

Markets and Cryptos

June 16, 2025

Sydney, Australia

Markets

ASX futures down 20 points/0.2% to 8532
AUD -0.1% at US64.81¢
Bitcoin +0.6% to $US105,292
Dow -1.8%
S&P -1.1%
Nasdaq -1.3%
Gold +1.4% to $US3432.34 an ounce
Brent oil +7.0% at $US74.23 a barrel
Iron ore -0.7% at $US93.85 a ton

News

Cryptos

Bitcoin $105,646.18 USD +0.49%
Ethereum $2,549.30 USD +1.19%
Tether $1.00 USD -0.08%
XRP $2.17 USD +1.48%
BNB $648.26 USD +0.76%
Solana $153.19 USD +5.96%
USD Coin $1.00 USD -0.06%
Dogecoin $$0.1752 USD -1.00%
TRON $0.2734 USD +0.70%
Cardano $0.6329 USD +1.50%
Wrapped Bitcoin $105,633.91 USD +0.49%

News

Gold 2nd Ranked To USD In Global Reserves

Gold has firmly reasserted itself as a strategic anchor in the global financial system, now ranking second only to the US dollar—and ahead of the euro—in terms of official reserve holdings measured at market value. This structural shift, outlined in the European Central Bank’s latest report on the international role of the euro, underscores how price dynamics, central bank behavior, and geopolitical realignment have collectively elevated gold’s monetary relevance.

From Inflation Hedge to Geopolitical Barometer

In 2024, gold prices surged by 30%, followed by another 30% year-to-date in 2025, briefly reaching an all-time nominal high of $3,500 per troy ounce in April. This sharp rally signals more than just a technical or inflation-driven cycle—it reflects a broader revaluation of gold’s role amid rising global uncertainty.

Conclusion: Gold’s Strategic Repricing

The ECB’s findings reflect a broader paradigm shift in the logic of reserve accumulation. Gold has not only appreciated in nominal terms—it has been reconceptualized as a core asset for monetary sovereignty and geopolitical insulation.

Its elevation to second place in global reserves is more than symbolic. It signals a growing distrust in traditional reserve currencies and a collective desire among central banks—particularly outside the Western alliance—to build resilience against political and financial coercion.

In this new global context, gold is no longer a passive relic of the past. It is increasingly being recognized as an active pillar of reserve strategy, with implications that stretch far beyond price charts and interest rate models.

News

Market Background

Australian dollar -0.1% to 64.84 US cents
Wall Street:
S&P 500 -1.1%, Dow Jones -1.8%, Nasdaq -1.3%
Europe: Stoxx 50 -1.3%
FTSE -0.4%
DAX -1.1%
CAC -1%
Bitcoin -0.3% to $US104,682
Spot gold +1.4% to $US3432.34 per ounce on Saturday
US oil +7.3% to $US72.98 a barrel on Saturday
Brent crude +7% to $US74.23 a barrel on Saturday
Iron ore -0.7% to $US93.85 per tonne
10-year yield: US 4.40% Australia 4.15% Germany 2.53%

News

Gold News

Recent gold news highlights a surge in prices driven by geopolitical tensions and economic factors. Gold prices in Dubai spiked to near-record highs, with 24-karat gold reaching Dh412.75 per gram (approximately $112.84), following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, boosting demand for safe-haven assets. Globally, spot gold hit a one-week peak at around $3,424.6 per ounce, up 1.2%, fueled by Middle East conflicts and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. In India, gold prices crossed Rs 1,01,540 per 10 grams, a Rs 2,200 surge, driven by safe-haven buying amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Analysts note gold’s appeal as a hedge against market volatility, with prices up 29% in 2025, though jewelry demand has weakened due to high costs. Central banks are on track to buy 1,000 metric tons of gold in 2025, marking a fourth year of significant purchases to diversify reserves. Posts on X also reflect bullish sentiment, with some predicting gold could reach $4,000 per ounce, though such claims are speculative.

For investors, gold remains attractive but experts caution against over-allocation due to its volatility. Always verify market trends with trusted financial sources before making investment decisions. (Grok)

News

Best Quotes

“Gold is the money of kings.” – Anonymous.

“He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Unknown.

“Gold is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley.

“Gold is a deep and liquid subject.” – Anonymous.

“Gold is forever.” – Anonymous

News

Best Quotes

"Journalism allows its readers to witness history; fiction gives its readers an opportunity to live it." - John Hersey

"In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever." - Oscar Wilde

"The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow" Rupert Murdoch

Media Man Watercooler

April 9, 2025

News

Netflix - Most Valuable Promotions
Taylor vs Serrano 3
Press Conference
Fight Card
Madison Square Garden
New York
July 11, 2025

News

Big Night Aht with Pat McAfee & Friends
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PPG Paints Arena

News

Pro Wrestling Dream Matches:

Most Wanted:

Roman Reigns vs The Rock
Cody Rhodes vs Chris Jericho
Penta vs Rey Fenix
Jacob Fatu vs Solo Sikoa
Karrion Kross vs Brock Lesnar
Gunther vs Bron Breakker
Santos Escobar vs Tony D'Angelo
El Grande Americano vs Rey Mysterio
Kevin Owens vs Dean Ambrose
Motor City Machine Guns vs Judgement Day
American Made vs Swipe Right
Josh Barnett vs Claudio Castagnoli

News

MMA Dream Matches Most Wanted:

Tom Aspinall vs Jon Jones
Sean Strickland vs The Predator
Volk vs El Matador aka The Legend

News

WWE WrestleMania 41
Allegiant Stadium
Paradise, Las Vegas, Nevada
April 19, 20, 2025
Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins vs CM Punk
Cody Rhodes vs John Cena - WWE Title
Gunther vs Jey Uso - World Title
Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair - WWE Women's Title
IYO SKY vs Bianca Belair vs Rhea Ripley - Women's World Title

News

Movie Re-makes Wanted List:

They Live
The Running Man
Planet Of The Apes
Logans Run
The Matrix
War Of The Words
The Time Machine
The Land That Time Forgot
1984
The Lost City Of Atlantis
Casino Royale
Nacho Libre
Street Fighter
Bloodsport
The Social Network
TV Show Revamps Wanted List:
MTV's Celebrity Death Match
Hey Hey It's Saturday
The A Team
The Thunderbirds
Gilligan's Island

News

Movies Coming Up:

The Luckiest Man in America
The Amateur
Warfare
Gunslingers
Zero
Sinners
Until Dawn
Havoc
Karate Kid: Legends
Ballerina
Predator: Killer of Killers
F1

*More details to be published

Crypto, Markets, Comms, News Media and Politics

April 4, 2025

Crypto did not give up trying to find the bottom

Market Picture

The crypto market cap fell below $2.65 trillion twice during the week. The market was below the $2.60 trillion level in November. The ability to consolidate above it was an important signal for the start of the rally. The market will likely defend this, which promises a prolonged battle near these levels. However, the balance is now on the side of the bears as the capitalisation index is moving away from its 200-day average. This is an important signal for large funds to reduce their investments in the sector.

The Cryptocurrency Sentiment Index spent the entire week in fear territory, ending in extreme fear at 25—the lowest level in three and a half weeks. However, these readings are not low enough to suggest oversold conditions, which should discourage sellers.

Bitcoin jumped to $88K in reaction to the tariff announcement, only to soon fall back below $82K. In the short term, it looked like another wave of selling to the upside. We have been seeing this trend since the second half of February. Technically, this is a continuation of the struggle with the major moving averages. The market is failing to consolidate above the 200-day MA, and the 50-day MA stopped rising intraday on Wednesday. As much as crypto enthusiasts would like it to be otherwise, the bears are in control of the market for now.

News Background

Nansen estimates that the crypto market has a 70% chance of forming a local bottom in the next two months amid global uncertainty over trade tariffs.

GameStop raised $1.5 billion by issuing convertible notes. The proceeds will be used to buy Bitcoin and for corporate purposes. The company's management approved the strategy on 25 March.

According to CryptoQuant, in the first quarter of the year, companies around the world added nearly 91,800 BTC (more than $7.7 billion) to their reserves. Meanwhile, selling by long-term investors and capital outflows from bitcoin ETFs prevented the asset from growing.

JPMorgan noted that March was the worst month for miners. The 14 largest US-listed bitcoin miners lost 25% of their market capitalisation (around $6 billion) last month. (FxPro)

News

Metaplanet Boosts Bitcoin Holdings with ¥2.63 Billion

On April 3, 2025, Japanese public company Metaplanet announced it had raised ¥2.63 billion, approximately $17.8 million USD, to purchase additional Bitcoin. This move increased their Bitcoin holdings to 4,206 BTC, following a recent acquisition of $13.6 million worth of Bitcoin. Metaplanet's actions reflect a continued interest in Bitcoin among institutional investors. (Grok)

News

Block Working on Bitcoin Integration for Square Terminals

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block, has confirmed that the company is actively working to integrate Bitcoin payments into their Square terminals. This initiative aims to enable approximately 4 million merchants who use Square to accept Bitcoin payments. The development is part of a broader effort to enhance the adoption of Bitcoin in mainstream financial transactions, although no specific timeline for the implementation has been provided. (Grok)

News

Oil plummets the most since 2023

Oil tumbled the most since 2023 after suffering a twin hit from President Donald Trump’s tariffs and an OPEC+ decision to increase output faster than previously announced.West Texas Intermediate futures plunged as much as 7.4 per cent to trade below $US67 a barrel, while global benchmark Brent plummeted as much as 6.9 per cent to slip below $US70.Trump’s deluge of tariffs is creating fresh doubts about the outlook for the global economy, with levies against major crude importers such as China and India coming in more aggressive than feared. Although the administration steered away from actions that would directly affect oil markets — such as refraining from measures that would curb flows from Canada and Mexico — concerns that the trade war will sap global energy demand hammered prices.

News

Australia

PM, Dutton vow to reason with Trump

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday that President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Australian imports is "unwarranted", while Opposition leader Peter Dutton claimed that the "outcome would have been different" if he had been PM. Both Albanese and Dutton said they plan to visit the US if they win the 3 May election to try to persuade Trump to reverse his decision. However, both leaders ruled out negotiating on issues such as Australia's biosecurity ban on US beef and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which have been cited by the US as being grievances against Australia. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

The tiny Australian islands no one expected to draw Trump's fury

Located around 4,000 kilometres south-west of Perth and home to Australia's only two active volcanoes, Heard and McDonald islands are an Australian external territory with no record of any exports to anywhere. However, they have been hit with 10 per cent tariffs as part of US President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff impost, while Australian officials were very surprised that he hit Australia's external territory of Norfolk Island with a 29 per cent tariff. It officially recorded $411,000 in leather shoe exports in 2023, but a government official said it has no known exports to the US, and no tariffs or known non-tariff barriers on goods coming to Norfolk Island.

News

Manufacturing ISM: inflation up, activity down

Tuesday's ISM Manufacturing Indicator confirmed a worrying divergence in the US economy: economic activity is down, and inflation is rising. Often, the latter follows the former, but not now. A prolonged period of such dynamics is called stagflation, and it forces the Fed to make difficult choices in its dual mandate.

The ISM manufacturing business activity index fell from 50.3 to 49 last month. Strictly speaking, this is contractionary territory for the sector's activity, but due to the greater resilience of the service sector, historically, US GDP has declined when the indicator falls below 42.3.

The price component climbed to 69.4, recording its highest value since mid-2022. Unlike the episode three years ago, this has nothing to do with the economy overheating. We recall that the University of Michigan previously noted a sharp jump in consumer inflation expectations, both one year and five years ahead. If we focus only on these indicators, the central bank should have prepared to raise the rate or actually hike it.

But at the same time, business activity and consumer sentiment are creeping down. Tuesday's data marked the employment component falling deeper into the below-50 area. The rate has been below that level for 16 of the last 18 months. This is a very worrisome signal for industrial production and is alarming relative to Friday's labour market data. In addition, the components of production and new orders have been in contractionary territory and inventories are rising. These are all signs of weakening demand. This set of components suggests the need for a rate cut.

Which side will the Fed choose? We are more accustomed to a relatively lenient Fed, which carries risks for the dollar. If the news continues in a similar vein, the USD may return to decline after stabilising and rebounding in the second half of March. This scenario will be technically confirmed if DXY slides below the previous lows at 102.8 with a near-term downside potential of 99-100. (FxPro)

News

Australia

Albanese vows to defend media bargaining code

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the federal government stands by the nation's news media bargaining code, which was introduced by the Coalition in 2021. The media code was among a list of trade grievances with Australia that US President Donald Trump recently identified. Albanese also emphasised that local content quotas for US-based streaming services and social media age restrictions will also be non-negotiable in any talks with the US over Trump's reciprocal tariffs. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Australia

Netflix rival Max rolls out in Australia with bold profit prediction

The global boss of Australia’s newest streaming service, Max, has declared the platform will turn a profit within two or three years and will not rule out making local acquisitions where it makes sense.

Jean-Briac “JB” Perrette, who is the international chief executive of streaming for Warner Bros Discovery, the company that owns Max, Warner Bros, HBO, CNN, the DC Comic universe, Harry Potter and dozens more brands and channels, was visiting Sydney to launch Max, which went live in Australia on Monday.

The arrival of Max has already shaken up the local media market. It ended a 20-year output deal with Foxtel that meant HBO shows such as Game of Thrones, Succession and The Wire were pulled from Foxtel’s streaming service, Binge.

It also enters a crowded streaming market that is dominated by Netflix (6.2 million subscribers), Amazon Prime Video (4.8 million) and Disney+ (3.1 million), according to independent research firm Telsyte.

The cheapest, advertising-supported tier of Max, formerly known as HBO Max, will be free to Foxtel’s 1.4 million cable customers. Research firm Ampere Analysis estimated roughly half of Foxtel’s customers would subscribe. (AFR). Full article and coverag via subscription to The Australian Financial Review

News

Elon Musk to Remain Advisor Post-DOGE Initiative

Elon Musk will continue to serve as an advisor to President Trump and Vice President JD Vance after completing his initial six-month term with the DOGE initiative. His role has focused on improving government efficiency and addressing issues such as fraudulent grants and Social Security payments. Despite earlier reports suggesting his departure, Vice President Vance has confirmed that Musk's advisory role will persist beyond his current position. (Grok)

News

Newsmax Rings NYSE Bell for IPO Milestone

On April 3, 2025, Newsmax celebrated its initial public offering by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The event was attended by Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, along with various team members and guests, including Rudy Giuliani. The IPO marks a significant milestone for the media company as it goes public under the ticker symbol $NMAX.

News

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6316 USD (up $0.0026 USD)
Iron Ore May Spot Price (SGX): $101.25 USD (down $1.75 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $66.74 USD (down $5.40 USD)
Gold Price: $3,108.12 USD (down $14.19 USD)
Copper Price (CME): $4.8135 USD (down $0.2785 USD)
Bitcoin: $81,965.73 USD (down 4.82% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 40,545.93 (down 1,679.39 points)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

"Blockchain is the tech. Bitcoin is merely the first mainstream manifestation of its potential." — Marc Kenigsberg

"Blockchain is the biggest opportunity set we can think of over the next decade or so." — Bob Greifeld

"Blockchain is the most disruptive technology I’ve seen in decades." — William Mougayar

"Blockchain will do for trusted transactions what the internet did for information." — Ginni Rometty

"Blockchain is the future of financial transactions." — Blythe Masters

"Blockchain technology is a way to truly democratize power and wealth." — Laura Shin

"Decentralization is the keyword for blockchain’s value proposition." — Vitalik Buterin

"The great thing about blockchain is that it has the potential to create new industries." — Patrick Byrne

"Blockchain’s transparency makes it the perfect tool for accountability." — Balaji Srinivasan

"Blockchain is the backbone of the internet of value." — Don Tapscott

News

Cryptos Today

BTC. $82,012.32. 4.29%
ETH. $1,784.70. 5.06.
USDT. $0.9995. 0.05%
XRP. $2.0595. 3.19%
BNB. $587.96. 2.41%
USDC. $0.9999. 0.00%
SOL. $115.55. 9.90%
DOGE. $0.1588. 7.69%

News

X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award

Crypto, Fintech, Markets, News and Politics via Media Man

March 12/13, 2025

The crypto bounces back from extreme fear

Market picture

The cryptocurrency market bounced 2% in the last 24 hours to $2.67 trillion. So far, the situation looks like a small rebound after the collapse. We should not talk about the beginning of recovery as long as the market is below its 200-day moving average of $2.83 trillion.

Sentiment in the crypto market has shifted from dread to fear at 34. The indicator was last higher more than three weeks ago, indicating that now is a good time to buy. However, it's worth paying attention to the nervous stock market before considering investments in more volatile cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin was climbing above $83,000 on Tuesday, hitting resistance in the form of the 200-day moving average. If a long-term trend line is repurposed as resistance, that's a worrisome bearish fact.

Ethereum ended Tuesday with growth and was trading near $1900 at the start of Wednesday, but this is a timid rebound within the steep peak the coin has been in since February 24th and the broader downtrend of the past three months.

News Background

CryptoQuant states a sharp drop in open interest in Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, suggesting a ‘leverage washout’ and a chance of market stabilisation. The Kobeissi Letter admits a wave of short position unwinding in risk assets after extreme fear levels are reached.

Clearstream, the post-trading arm of Deutsche Börse, will offer cryptocurrency settlement and custody services to institutional clients as early as next month, starting with Bitcoin and Ethereum. It then plans to add support for other cryptocurrencies and services for staking, lending and brokerage.

Glassnode notes that Solana fell below its realised price of $134 for the first time in three years. The metrics show the average cost for investors to purchase the coin.

According to Arkham Intelligence, on 11 March, bankrupt exchange Mt. Gox transferred 11,501 BTC (~$905 million) to an unknown address. Mt. Gox-related addresses hold a total of 35,915 BTC worth $2.89bn. (FxPro)

News

SEC vs Ripple Case: Negotiations Underway for Settlement

Recent developments indicate that the legal dispute between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be nearing a conclusion. Reports suggest that Ripple's legal team is currently negotiating more favorable terms related to a $125 million fine and an injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors. The anticipation of a settlement has led to increased interest and speculation within the cryptocurrency community regarding the outcome and its potential impact on XRP. (Grok)

News

U.S. Plans Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Acquisition

Senator Cynthia Lummis has reintroduced the BITCOIN Act, which proposes that the United States government purchase one million Bitcoins over five years to create a strategic reserve. This legislative move reflects a growing acknowledgment of Bitcoin as a digital asset for national economic strategy, garnering support from both traditional financial sectors and cryptocurrency advocates. Alongside this, there is an ongoing debate about the implications, risks, and potential benefits of such a reserve. (Grok)

News

Trump's Crypto Banking Deregulation

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive order that would reverse regulations set by the Biden administration aimed at restricting banking activities for cryptocurrency firms. This move could impact how crypto companies interact with the Federal Reserve, potentially leading to greater integration of cryptocurrencies within the traditional financial system. (Grok)

News

Rumble's Strategic Bitcoin Acquisition

Rumble, a video platform and competitor to YouTube, has announced the purchase of 188 Bitcoins for approximately $17.1 million. This acquisition is part of Rumble's strategy to integrate Bitcoin into its treasury management, aiming to hedge against inflation and participate in the growing trend of corporate cryptocurrency adoption. The move reflects a broader acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate financial asset among companies. (Grok)

News

Trump Predicts Market Surge Amid Economic Indicators

President Trump has publicly stated his belief that the U.S. financial markets are poised for significant growth, making his comments at an event with business leaders. This optimistic forecast follows recent economic indicators showing inflation cooling to levels not seen in years, despite mixed responses from markets regarding Trump's economic policies including tariffs. (Grok)

News

Ethereum's Lowest BTC Ratio Since 2020 Triggers Liquidation Risk

The Ethereum Foundation faces potential liquidation of over $100 million in assets if Ethereum's price drops to $1,100, amidst a historic low in the ETH/BTC trading ratio not seen since May 2020. This financial maneuver is part of Ethereum's strategy to manage its treasury through decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting both the risks and innovative approaches to crypto-asset management in a volatile market. (Grok)

News

Gold funds burst out of the blocks in 2025 as returns rocket

Australian gold funds are shaping up for a bumper year as mining companies start to capitalise on record prices, helping the stocks to finally catch up to the performance of the precious metal.

Portfolio managers were left frustrated last year after a jump in production costs held back ASX-listed gold producers from riding the rally in the spot prices to record levels. The VanEck Gold Miners exchange-traded fund climbed nearly 20 per cent in 2024 versus a 38 per cent rally for the gold price in Australian dollars.

But easing cost inflation that has plagued the mining sector for the last three years and an ongoing surge in prices has seen the trend reverse course. VanEck’s Gold Miners ETF is up 17 per cent already this year while the Aussie dollar spot price has climbed 6.3 per cent.

Local fund managers are bullish that gold has much further to run after the US dollar price climbed above $US2942 an ounce for the first time and the Australian dollar gold price breached $4500 an ounce.

Victor Smorgon Partners’ Resource Gold Fund returned a chunky 13.3 per cent in January and portfolio manager Cameron Judd believes the valuations of ASX gold stocks still don’t reflect the outlook for the yellow metal.

“Gold’s performance in times of uncertainty or crisis could see it push towards $US3600,” Mr Judd said. “Despite the strong gold price performance and fundamentals supporting further appreciation, gold miners are trading at discounted valuations on the ASX.”

Wall Street’s biggest banks believe a $US3000 price tag is imminent. Citi said it was possible within the next three months, while JPMorgan has a year-end target of $US3150. Bank of America said on Thursday that gold could reach $US3500 an ounce if investment demand rises 10 per cent this year.

The unprecedented surge in the gold price has been fuelled by investors seeking safe haven assets as US President Donald Trump unleashes aggressive trade and geopolitical policies. There are fears the president will accelerate inflation, forcing central banks to raise rates in a way that damages global growth.

Victor Smorgon’s top holdings include ASX-listed Vault Minerals and the world’s largest gold miner, US-based Newmont, which recently acquired Newcrest. The fund also owns Australia’s biggest gold miner Northern Star, which agreed to buy rival De Grey in a $5 billion deal. (AFR) *Full article and coverag via subscription to The Australian Financial Review.

News

Australia

Northern Star paying top dollar for gold rival

Northern Star has offered $5 billion to buy De Grey Mining, with De Grey shareholders to vote on the offer on 16 April. De Grey is the company behind the Hemi gold prospect in Western Australia, which is thought to hold at least 11 million ounces of gold and which is slated to produce 530,000 ounces annually in its first decade of operation. KPMG, which was engaged to provide an independent assessment of Northern Star's offer, has valued DeGrey at between $4 billion and $4.79 billion, inclusive of a premium for control. It concludes that the offer is "fair and reasonable and therefore is in the best interests of De Grey shareholders, in the absence of a superior proposal". (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

March 12, 2025

Crypto market tumbles after stocks

Market picture

Crypto market capitalisation has been falling to $2.5 trillion following the rumbling fall of the US stock market. It is dipping below the peaks of early 2024 and late 2021. Previously, a similar decline would complete a corrective pullback, attracting buyers. However, the chances of such an outcome are now lower than in previous years due to the powerful influence of traditional financial companies, which has strengthened the link between the crypto market and stock dynamics.

For now, though, we can argue that there is less terror in crypto. The Fear and Greed Index is at 24 (+4 points for the day), while the low point was a week earlier at 10.

Bitcoin slipped towards $76.5K in the early hours of Tuesday but has popped above $80K at the time of writing, approaching Monday’s consolidation levels. A bearish pattern persists on the daily timeframes, which suggests a strengthening sell-off after a failure under the 200-day moving average. The scenario of a pullback to the $70-74K area still looks the most probable for us. This is all the truer as the consolidation and rebound in early March has taken the short-term oversold stance out of the market.

Ethereum is trying to find a pivot point after falling towards $1750 at the start of Tuesday. These were the lowest values in the last 17 months. On weekly timeframes, the RSI oscillator hit its lowest point since mid-2022 - near the bottom of the bear market. Does this signify an opportunity for the recklessly bold or a breakdown in the leading altcoin? We will find out in the coming days.

News Background

According to CoinShares, global crypto fund investments fell by $876 million last week after record outflows of $2.911 billion a week earlier. Investments in Bitcoin fell by $756 million; in Ethereum, by $89 million. Investments in Solana rose by $16 million, in XRP by $6 million, and in Sui by $3 million.

As a result of another recalculation, Bitcoin mining difficulty increased by 1.43% to 112.15T. The growth did not compensate for a 3.15% drop two weeks ago. However, the figure came close to the all-time high of 114.17T reached in January.

Strategy (former MicroStrategy) intends to raise $21bn through the sale of preferred shares as part of its At-The-Market program. The proceeds will be used to buy Bitcoin and other corporate purposes. (FxPro)

News

March 11, 2025

US Senator And Congressman Introduce Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bills To Buy One Million BTC

Speaking at the “Bitcoin for America” summit, lawmakers announced their plans to create a federal bitcoin reserve that would see the U.S. buy one million BTC.

Today at the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s “Bitcoin for America” summit in Washington DC, U.S. Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis announced that she is going to reintroduce her strategic Bitcoin reserve legislation in the Senate today.

“I am so pleased to announce that today I will be reintroducing The Bitcoin Act,” Senator Lummis stated. “And I’ll be joined here shortly by Senator Justice of West Virginia, who is one of the cosponsors. And we have several other additional cosponsors. And a lot of it is a result of the excitement that’s been building.” (Bitcoin Magazine). *Full article via Bitcoin Magazine

News

XRP wins Media Man 'Crypto Of The Month' award

News

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6317 USD (up $0.0020 USD)
Iron Ore Apr Spot Price (SGX): $100.60 USD (up $0.15 USD)
Oil (WTI): $67.70 USD (up $1.14 USD)
Gold: $2,931.74 USD (up $13.03 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.8425 USD (up $0.0500 USD)
Bitcoin: $82,880.91USD (up 0.32% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 41,350.93 (down 82.55 points)

News

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The Month' award

News Media

Australia

Peter Dutton More Crypto Friendly And Switched On Than Albanese (Media Man Group)

News

"Dutton A Genuine Contender" (Sky News Australia)

March 10, 2025

ASX futures are pointing up 69 points, or by 0.9 per cent, to 8011.

All US prices are as of 4.15pm Sunday in New York:

Bitcoin -3.7% to $US83,138
On Wall St: Dow +0.5% S&P +0.6% Nasdaq +0.7%
VIX -1.5 to 23.37
Gold -0.1% to $US2909.10 an ounce
Brent oil +1.3% to $US70.36 a barrel
Iron ore +0.3% to $US100.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.3% Australia 4.4%

January 10, 2025

ASX futures up 33 points or 0.4%

AUD -0.3% to 61.98 US cents
UK pound -0.4% to $US1.2309
Bitcoin -2.9% to $US91,275 at 7.23am AEDT
US markets closed for Jimmy Carter’s funeral
Stoxx 50 +0.4% FTSE +0.8% DAX -0.1% CAC +0.5%
Spot gold +0.3% to $US2671.00/oz at 1.55pm in New York
Brent crude +1.2% to $US77.08 a barrel
Iron ore +1% to $US97.40 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.69% Australia 4.48% Germany 2.56%
US prices as of 1.59pm in New York

Pop Culture News

February 24, 2025

Under The Media Man Watercooler

WWE Raw On Netflix: In a few short hours! Verbal Beatdowns featuring Logan Paul, CM Punk and Seth Rollins. Battle Of The Egos (who can back it up in the ring). Warm up for WWE Elimination Chamber!

UFC: Aussie's Rise To Prominence Again In Upcoming Weeks And Months

Volk vs Lopez - UFC 314. Miami, Florida. April 12

Jack Della Maddalena vs Belair Muhammad - UFC 315. Montreal, Canada. May 10

*card/s subject to change

News

UFC Historical Box Office Draw Conor McGregor Not Returning To UFC Promotion: Chael Sonnen and numerous credible sources. McGregor states he will have a bare knuckle fight in BKFC where he has an existing contract agreement, fine details of which are secretive/confidential in nature. Need to know basis!

News

SAG 2025 Awards: More or less woke than usual? Was broadcast live on Netflix!

News

Pro Wrestling: TNA Wrestling

Wrestler Santana will undergo urine test to satisfy opponent and TNA powers that be!

News

Netflix: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga rocketing to top position of Netflix movies, if it's not already there. Absolute quality. Can't say enough good things about Furiosa!

News

Australian Politics

Dutton A "Genuine Contender" (Sky News Australia)

Dutton for the win over Albo per Freshwater (AFR affiliated) polls and numerous others. Smart money on Dutton, by points. Many Aussies want KO victory per pub and cafe test!

News

US Politics: Trump Prepares To Inspect Fort Knox Gold!

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Movie News

February 13, 2025

Here's a roundup of some recent movie news from 2025:

Captain America: Brave New World: The latest Marvel Studios film is now in theaters for Valentine's Day, starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. This entry seems to be a significant event for Marvel fans, with some posts on X indicating mixed reception regarding the villains, but a notable appearance by Red Hulk.

Marvel's Future and Blade: Michael B. Jordan has expressed confidence in Marvel's return to success while specifically mentioning his desire to see a "Blade" movie, hinting at potential future projects or his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Miles Teller has reacted positively to the first trailer for this new Fantastic Four movie, suggesting optimism despite past challenges with the franchise.

The Muppets: There's buzz around the development of a new "Muppet" movie, with Disney reportedly working on a new project to bring back the beloved characters.

Super Bowl 2025 Trailers: The Super Bowl featured several movie trailers, including a new "Thunderbolts*" with its mysterious asterisk, and a live-action "Lilo & Stitch", alongside other high-profile films. This event has kickstarted the blockbuster movie season early.

Blackpink's Lisa in Acting: Lisa from Blackpink has made her acting debut in HBO's "The White Lotus" and has expressed interest in starring in an action movie, showcasing her transition from music to acting.

Superman and Krypto: James Gunn made an appearance with his dog Ozu during the Puppy Bowl, connecting to his upcoming "Superman" movie where Ozu was an inspiration for Krypto.

Ne Zha 2: This Chinese animated film has become a monumental success, surpassing $1 billion in a single market, indicating a shift towards domestic films in China over Hollywood imports.

Green Day-Inspired Movie: Live Nation Productions is working on a comedy movie inspired by and developed with the band Green Day, titled "New Years Rev".

OTT Releases: In Tamil cinema, platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others are seeing new releases this week, including films like "Deepavali", "Lineman", and "Hitler", reflecting a strong inclination towards digital platforms for movie watching.

This summary reflects the dynamic and vibrant landscape of the film industry as of early 2025, with significant releases, new projects, and shifts in market trends. (Grok)

News

The Batman 2 Filming Confirmed

Robert Pattinson has confirmed that filming for 'THE BATMAN 2' will start at the end of 2025, with the film set to premiere in theaters on October 1, 2027. This announcement has sparked considerable excitement among fans and film enthusiasts, as it marks the continuation of Pattinson's portrayal of Batman in a darker, more intense setting. The sequel aims to build on the gritty atmosphere established in the first film, with promotional images and discussions highlighting Batman's iconic presence against dramatic backdrops. (Grok)

News

Mickey 17 World Premiere

The world premiere of 'Mickey 17', directed by Bong Joon-ho, took place in London, featuring stars like Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. The film, a mix of sci-fi drama and political satire, addresses themes of capitalism, colonization, and corruption. Critics and attendees lauded the film for its innovative storytelling and relevance to current issues, with special mention of Pattinson's dual role. The event was marked by high-profile appearances, fan interactions, and media coverage, highlighting the film's anticipated impact on contemporary cinema. (Grok)

News

On Swift Horses Trailer Release

The upcoming film 'ON SWIFT HORSES,' set to release on April 25, 2025, delves into themes of bisexuality, complex relationships, and personal desires within a 1950s melodramatic setting. Directed by Daniel Minahan and produced by the team behind 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Nomadland,' it features a cast including Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle. The story follows Julius and Muriel, who meet in San Diego and embark on a journey to Las Vegas, exploring themes of gambling with life's opportunities and the pursuit of personal gain. Promotional materials suggest a narrative filled with drama, romance, and self-discovery, highlighted by intimate and emotional interactions among the characters. (Grok)

News

Borderline Trailer Release

The upcoming thriller 'BORDERLINE', set to release on March 14, 2025, stars Samara Weaving as Sofia, a pop star kidnapped by an obsessive fan, Ray Nicholson, who believes they are destined to marry. The film blends psychological horror with comedy, unfolding in a grand, eerie mansion in 1990s Los Angeles. Written by Jimmy Warden, known for 'Cocaine Bear', and produced by the teams behind 'Barbie' and 'Promising Young Woman', 'BORDERLINE' showcases Weaving in her recurring role as a 'scream queen', highlighting her in various intense and dramatic scenarios. The narrative explores themes of obsession and forced matrimony, with the mansion setting enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere. (Grok)

News

Movie Box Office (North America)

February 9, 2025

1. Dog Man - $13.7m
2. Heart Eyes - $8.5m
3. Love Hurts - $5.8
4. Mufasa: The Lion King - $3.9m
5. Companion - $3.02m
6. One of Them Days - $3m
7. Becoming Led Zeppelin - $2.63m
8. Flight Risk - $2.6m
9. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - $1.75m
10. Moana 2 - $1.5m

others...

Presence
Wolf Man
Nosferatu
Wicked
Babygirl
Game Changer
The Last Showgirl
Gladiator II
Homestead
The Fire Inside

* Correct at time of publication

News As reported in previous weeks, box office numbers are no longer down approx 70 percent from last year, thanks to more studios finally giving what fans have been asking for! Developing news story!

Numbers down from this past Christmas and Boxing Day, when numbers peaked! (References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Movie Box Office (North America)

January 5, 2025

1. Mufasa: The Lion King - $23.8m

2. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - $21.2m

3. Nosferatu - $13.2m

4. Moana 2 - $12.4m

5. Wicked - $10.2m

6. A Complete Unknown - $8.6m

7. Babygirl - $4.5m

8. Gladiator II - $2.7m

9. Homestead - $2.1m

10. The Fire Inside $1.2m

Websites

WWE
https://www.wwe.com/

WWE Raw
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw

RAW On Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/81788927

WWE YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/WWE

Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in LA on Jan. 6, 2025

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

RAW On Netflix

Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in LA on Jan. 6, 2025

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

Netflix: News

Streaming News

Blog

Media Man Streaming Blog

Netflix.com

Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in LA on Jan. 6, 2025

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

RAW On Netflix

Websites

WWE
https://www.wwe.com/

WWE Raw
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw

RAW On Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/81788927

WWE YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/WWE

WWE: News

Netflix to Become New Home of WWE 'Raw' Beginning 2025

Netflix: News

WWE On Netflix

RAW On Netflix

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

The Monday Night Raw debut episode on Netflix is an upcoming professional wrestling television special that will mark the debut of WWE's weekly Monday Night Raw program on the streaming service Netflix. The event is set to take place on January 6, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will feature performers from the Raw brand as well as the SmackDown brand. This episode of Raw will shift from broadcasting on traditional linear cable television to over the top digital streaming, as well as the start of John Cena's farewell tour.

The event will feature an appearance by Houston rapper, Travis Scott, who will be performing the new theme song for Raw. (Wikipedia)

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE RAW On Netflix @netflix

January 6, 2025

Intuit Dome
Los Angeles, California

Media Man Watercooler: Some of the hottest pro wrestling action in the modern era that you will ever see! ; Historic show sees dream matches and buzz exceed usual high levels; Broadcasting and pro wrestling history will be made: Media Man Group

More footage! Hours to go until live in LA!

Key Figures In The Netflix Era Go On Record

FIRST LOOK: Cold Open for the Monday Night Raw on Netflix premiere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7MaVm3e0OA&ab_channel=WWE

The Raw on Netflix era has officially arrived: WWE Now, Jan. 6, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcA9frt4U70&ab_channel=WWE

WWE drone show takes over L.A. skies for Raw on Netflix premiere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZAKYP-ZfAc&ab_channel=WWE

Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa - Tribal Combat: Raw on Netflix Hype Package
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gTNNjRB4CM&ab_channel=WWE

CM Punk vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins: Raw on Netflix Hype Package
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOUdNPP1oTU&ab_channel=WWE

News via Grok

WWE Raw Kicks Off New Era on Netflix Tonight

Tonight, WWE Raw embarks on a groundbreaking journey by debuting on Netflix with a live 3.5-hour event from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. The show, which has nearly sold out, promises high-octane action with key matches like CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins. The event opens with a notable cold open narrated by Triple H, setting the tone for what's being hailed as a new era for WWE Raw. Fans and WWE personalities are buzzing online, sharing their anticipation for this significant move to streaming. While there's excitement around potential surprise returns and other matches, the spotlight tonight is firmly on the confirmed headline bout between Punk and Rollins. (Grok)

News

John Cena's Farewell Tour Kicks Off with WWE Raw's Netflix Premiere

John Cena, celebrated for his 16 world championships, has embarked on his farewell tour starting January 6, 2025, coinciding with WWE Raw's debut on Netflix. This event not only marks the end of Cena's storied career but also signifies a new era for WWE as it transitions to streaming. The premiere was preceded by an impressive drone show in Los Angeles, featuring iconic WWE symbols like Stone Cold Steve Austin's smoking skull, to promote this significant shift. The episode featured high-profile appearances including The Rock and Cena himself, adding to the night's grandeur. This move to Netflix aims to broaden WWE's global audience and redefine wrestling entertainment, with Cena's tour providing a nostalgic backdrop to this monumental change. (Grok)

News

Paul Heyman To ScreenRant

"I hope so. I hope the product is always evolving. Roman Reigns and I always like to say, if we can look back on things that we did 6 months ago, and we can even watch it anymore, then we haven't improved that much, have we? Of course the product is gonna change when it goes on Netflix. How could it not? It's the biggest streaming service in the world. It's the distribution portal now for anyone who wants a level of prestige or placement in the culture. So, once we get on Netflix, the approach to how we present the product must change, must evolve, must upgrade, must be enhanced, must be elevated. If not, what are we doing? How are we not taking advantage of that opportunity?"

"So, yes, the product will change on Netflix. Yes, it will be intentional. Yes, it will be with the help and the interaction of the audience itself. And, no, I make no predictions about it because the culture will be different when we get on to Netflix. And the culture itself will dictate how far we go in terms of layers of stories. And at the same time, the accountability will be on us in terms of driving that culture. The same way music drives its culture, the same way sneaker fandom drives its culture, the same way music can drive fashion and sports and other cultures, we will drive the culture. We just have to get embedded into it first."

"...You said the Attitude Era was the biggest, most robust... I don't think that is accurate anymore. I think it's right now, and I think that the moment that we are going through right now, I was in the Attitude Era at the peak of it as you were. We didn't realize what it was in the moment. Having seen that, I see this and I see it way bigger. I see this as this different moment in time in the business and it being something different. And you mentioned the Triple H Era, I don't think it's that. I think this at the end of it is going to be called the Netflix Era. That's where the big change is."

News

Triple H To Sports Illustrated

"It will be flexible. It will be flexible in I don’t necessarily know the time constraints of network television or cable television apply. It’s a slightly different platform. Much like many episodic shows, they have the ability to do whatever the show needs to have down. If this episode needs to be an hour, great, it’s an hour. If the next episode needs to be 42 minutes, it’s 42 minutes. It’s what makes for the best product. I’m not saying we’re going to be 42 minutes, but clearly we’ll deliver the product in a way that is best for Netflix and their business model and best for our storytelling."

Media Man: Special thanks WWE, Netflix and X! Much respect to all involved.

Websites

WWE
https://www.wwe.com/

WWE Raw
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw

RAW On Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/81788927

WWE YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/WWE

Media Man: Pumped!

Media Man Int

Wrestling News
https://www.mediamanint.com/wrestling_news.html

WWE News
https://www.mediamanint.com/wwe_news.html

Streaming News
https://www.mediamanint.com/streaming_news.html

Netflix News
https://www.mediamanint.com/netflix_news.html

Entertainment News
https://www.mediamanint.com/news4.html

Pop Culture
https://www.mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html

#RawOnNetflix #WWEOnNetflix #WWERaw #RomanReigns #SoloSikoa #TheBloodline #TheNewBloodline #TheRock #PaulHeyman #CMPunk #SethRollins #JohnCena #CodyRhodes #HulkHogan #RheaRipley #LivMorgan #LoganPaul #JeyUso #DrewMcIntyre #AndNew #AndStill #TheNetflixEra #TripleHEra #TripleH #PaulLevesque #MichaelCole #PatMcAfee #ProWrestling #Wrestling #PopCulture #ThisIsCinema #Entertainment #Broadcast #Streaming #WrestlingLegends #trend #trends #trending #TrendingNow #buzz #TV #media #mediaman #XWrestling #XEntertainment #mediamanint #LA #LosAngeles

(Image credit: WWE/Netflix)

Netflix: News

Streaming News

Blog

Media Man Streaming Blog

Netflix.com

Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in LA on Jan. 6, 2025

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

Movie Box Office (North America)

December 22, 2024

1. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - $62m

2. Mufasa: The Lion King - $35m

3. Wicked - $13.5m

4. Moana 2 - $13.1m

5. Homestead - $6m

6. Gladiator II - $3.5m

7. Kraven the Hunter - $3.1m

8. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim - $1.3m

9. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - $825,000

10. Queer - $364,000

Combat Sports Watercooler

News

WWE Pro Wrestler Karrion Kross On Mox Telling Him To Call Triple H About A Contract

"After the show, he's like, he basically says 'Hey listen. I'm not telling you where to go. I'm not telling you where to make money. But I'm just saying, you really should call Triple H, cause you could make a very, very good living there" ... "He was like 'Work wherever you want, go wherever you want. But I just have a feeling that if you call him, things are going to be good for you.'

"And I was like...that's like 'What do you mean? Call Triple H? What do you mean?' He's like 'Nah, just call him...I'm giving you his number. I want you to call him.' And I was like 'Oh my god.' Well now I can't [not call him]...So now I had to...So I sent him [Triple H] a text. He calls me and is like 'Is this really Killer Kross?' Cause like, I don't know, it could be a crank caller or somebody gets his number. So we talk, and a few months later, I was in 'NXT,' and that's kind of how that worked." (Not Sam Wrestling)

News

Bully Ray on TNA Wrestling, WWE and AEW via Busted Open Radio

"TNA will grow, the WWE will grow bigger, and we will either be talking about the resurgence or the demise of AEW, and I go 50/50 on that. I want to see the resurgence, but from what I see right this very moment, I hope we're not speaking about the demise, and that's just my fair assessment on everything." (Busted Open Radio)

News

Wrestling Legend Kurt Angle On Wrestling Movies And Career via Talk Is Jericho

"I've been pretty much building to this movie I'm having done about my life's sports story" ... "The directors are Ian and Eshom Nelms. They're really talented directors. The reason why I picked them is because they were wrestlers in high school and college. So they understand my sport.

"So we got the ball rolling with that, and now we're getting investors and we're going to start picking the cast soon. This movie's only about my Olympic story, not my WWE story. There's going to be, actually, two movies. 'Angle 1' and 'Angle 2.' One's for the Olympics, one's for after, my WWE and TNA career, everything after that. It was just too much to put in one movie, so they wanted to split it in two." (Web Is Jericho)

News

Tommy Dreamer on CM Punk And Seth Rollins Raw Face To Face Promo

"It's a very 'what have you done for me lately.' There's so much to get into with CM Punk and leaving, and yes, some people can still harbor a grudge towards that"

"I can't even say 'blurring the lines,' because if you ask me, these two guys don't like each other" (Busted Open After Dark)

News

AEW Signed Adam Copeland On His Injury Via TMZ Sports

"I've actually been cleared for about three months, but then with everything that happened here with the hurricane, it just — we all had the discussion," Copeland said. "It's more important to be home and kind of get everything at home squared away, and then just come back to work."

"In that time, I've been healthy and going to the ring, and been able to go 100 in the gym" ... "It's time. I feel ready." (TMZ Sports)

News

WWE Raw Moves to Netflix

WWE has entered into a significant partnership with Netflix, debuting its flagship show 'Raw' on the streaming platform starting January 6th, 2025. This move has sparked excitement among fans worldwide due to the increased accessibility of WWE content. In the UK, all WWE programming including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events will be available live on Netflix, while in the US, only Raw will be streamed. This partnership marks the end of the WWE Network era, with WWE content now transitioning to Netflix. Fans are particularly enthusiastic about the availability of uncensored content and extensive WWE archives, including classics like WrestleMania 17. The collaboration is viewed as a transformative step for WWE's distribution strategy and is expected to influence viewing habits, potentially reintroducing wrestling into mainstream entertainment.

News

MMA/UFC

Strickland's Controversial Comments Stir MMA Community

Sean Strickland, a prominent MMA fighter, recently sparked controversy with his comments on Islam, suggesting it promotes violence and is incompatible with American values. His statements have led to a significant backlash from fans and fellow fighters alike, with many accusing him of hypocrisy given his career in a sport centered around violence. While there has been speculation about a potential match-up with Khamzat Chimaev, a Muslim fighter known for his deep commitment to his faith, no official confirmation of such a fight has been made. The discourse around Strickland's comments has brought to light the complex interplay between personal beliefs, professional conduct, and public statements within the MMA community, highlighting how fighters' personal views can influence their public and professional lives.

Sweet Daddy Siki passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Elkin James, known to wrestling fans as Sweet Daddy Siki, passed away on December 31, 2024, at age 91.

Siki wrestled worldwide for promotions such as Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling through the ’60s and ’70s and became a fixture in the Toronto community. He trained many future wrestlers out of Sully’s Gym in Toronto, Canada, including iconic WWE Superstars Edge and Christian.

WWE extends its condolences to Siki’s family, friends and fans. (WWE)

News/Profile

Combat Sports via Grok

Combat sports are competitive physical activities involving one-on-one combat where the objective is to score more points, submit, disable, or defeat an opponent through regulated techniques. These sports have a rich history, tracing back to various ancient civilizations and have evolved into diverse forms practiced worldwide:

Boxing: A sport where competitors use their fists to throw punches within a designated ring, aiming to outscore or knock out their opponent. It's one of the oldest combat sports, with roots in ancient cultures like Egypt and Greece, and became an Olympic sport in 1904.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Often seen in promotions like the UFC, MMA combines techniques from numerous martial arts including wrestling, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It gained significant recognition in the 1990s and is known for its no-holds-barred approach within a regulated environment.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, BJJ focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It became popular through MMA and is now practiced globally for both sport and self-defense.

Muay Thai: Known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," this Thai martial art uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, making it uniquely comprehensive in terms of striking techniques.

Wrestling: With styles like freestyle and Greco-Roman, wrestling involves grappling techniques to pin or throw an opponent. It's one of the oldest sports, with historical ties to ancient Greece, and is a mainstay in the Olympics.

Judo: A Japanese martial art emphasizing throws and submission holds, judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964, showcasing its global impact on combat sports.

Kickboxing: A hybrid sport that incorporates elements from boxing, karate, and other martial arts, focusing on both punches and kicks. It's popular in both professional and amateur circuits.

Combat sports also serve various benefits beyond competition, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and self-defense skills. They are regulated by organizations to ensure safety, with rules varying by sport and sometimes by region. In Australia, for instance, combat sports are overseen by bodies like the Combat Sports Authority of NSW, ensuring participants are registered and events are permitted.

These sports are not only about physical confrontation but also promote discipline, respect, and sportsmanship among participants. They have a cultural significance, often tied to national heritage, and continue to evolve with new techniques, safety measures, and competitive formats. (Grok)

News/Profile

Pro Wrestling

Professional Wrestling Overview: Professional wrestling is a form of athletic theater that combines mock combat with drama, where the premise is that performers are competitive wrestlers. It's distinguished by its scripted outcomes and emphasis on entertainment over genuine competition. The staged nature of matches is an open secret, maintained through a practice known as "kayfabe," where both wrestlers and spectators pretend that the performances are legitimate competitions. Wrestlers perform as characters with distinctive gimmicks, including unique attire, stage names, and entrance themes.

Current Landscape: As of early January 2025, the wrestling landscape in Australia includes notable promotions like Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) in Sydney, which focuses on providing both adult-themed and family-friendly shows. United Pro Wrestling (UPW) is another key player, particularly in Queensland, known for its quality events and character development. Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) has been active with events like their anniversary celebration planned for March 15, 2025.

Global Influence: Wrestling has achieved mainstream success worldwide, influencing popular culture with its terminology and concepts. It's performed across various promotions globally, with unique styles in countries like the U.S., Mexico, Japan, and Europe. The largest promotions continue to be WWE and AEW, with significant cultural impact through television, music, film, and video games.

Community and Culture: Professional wrestling has developed its own culture, including a vernacular specific to the industry. Fans engage through live events, online discussions, and fan-created content, showing the community's dedication and passion for the sport-entertainment hybrid.

For more specific details on events, wrestlers, or promotions, further exploration into current wrestling news sources would be beneficial. (Grok)

News

WWE: Events

WWE hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from weekly televised shows to premium live events (PLEs), previously known as pay-per-views (PPVs). Here's a breakdown of the upcoming WWE events:

Weekly Shows:
Monday Night Raw: Broadcast live every Monday. The next event on January 13, 2025, is at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA.

Friday Night SmackDown: Aired live every Friday. The upcoming event on January 3, 2025, will be at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.

WWE NXT: Typically taped or live on Tuesday nights. The next significant event, New Year's Evil, is scheduled for January 7, 2025, at The Shrine LA in Los Angeles, CA.

Premium Live Events (PLEs) for 2025:

Saturday Night's Main Event: January 25, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX.

Royal Rumble: February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Elimination Chamber: March 1, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, marking WWE's return to Canada for a PLE.

WrestleMania: While the exact date for WrestleMania 41 hasn't been mentioned in the available data, it's traditionally held in April.

International and Specialty Events:

WWE is planning a European Tour starting in mid-March 2025. No specific dates or locations within this tour have been detailed yet.

There's also mention of WWE considering multi-night formats for major events like the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in future years.

Streaming and Viewing:

All WWE PLEs are available live on Peacock in the United States and through various international WWE Network partners or other streaming services in other countries. In Australia, PPVs are shown on Main Event.

Weekly shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT are broadcast on traditional TV and streaming services depending on the region.

Additional Notes:
WWE has no scheduled live events in the U.S. until the European Tour in March, which has been reported to be well-received by talent for providing a break.
There's a buzz about CM Punk main eventing WrestleMania, indicating his significant role in upcoming storylines.

For the most up-to-date information, checking WWE's official website or following WWE on social media platforms would provide real-time updates on any changes or additional events. (Grok)

Wrestling/Pop Culture News

Mildred Burke biopic: Queen of the Ring

Under The Media Man Watercooler

Premiers: Newport Beach Film Festival

Lead: Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke

Quotes to UPI

"I was like, 'Oh, I feel like I can do that. I just haven't'"

"I've always been super active and I pick up things pretty fast."

Burke wrestled professionally from 1937 to 1956 and launched her own World Women's Wrestling Association after leaving the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Rickards portrays Burke, covering her training through the wrestling organization's creation.

"Mildred was a pioneer in this arena"

"She really brought women to wrestling"

"It was heavy weights, slow on the way down, faster on the way up"

"There was a period of time where I remember putting my hands on my hips and I just felt solid, like there was just more of me."

"Wrestling is a lot about safety"

"To take the bump, you spread out"

Deborah Ann Woll, Francesca Eastwood, Marie Avgeropoulous, Kelli Berglund and Damaris Lewis also play real-life wrestlers. AEW's Kailey Farmer and WWE's Toni Rossall portray two of Burke's real-life opponents.

Farmer helped train her in pro wrestling.

"If you see us wrestling on-screen, she's leading"

"She brought me into that trust as someone who is an actor, not a wrestler but was doing my darndest."

"This ability to weave story and have it be structured but improvised -- there's an essence there that is so beautiful"

"I'd say acting actually is all contact"

"Maybe it's not punching each other all the time, but it is really about affecting the other person"

Mildred Burke Profile/News via Grok

Mildred Burke was a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, particularly known for her contributions to women's wrestling. Here's an overview based on the information available up to October 20, 2024:

Career: Mildred Burke began her wrestling career in the early 1930s and quickly made a name for herself by not only competing against but often defeating male competitors. Her heyday lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, during which she held the NWA World Women's Championship for nearly twenty years, showcasing her dominance in the sport.

Achievements: Burke is recognized for her strength, tenacity, and for being a trailblazer for women in wrestling. She was instrumental in introducing women's wrestling to several countries, including the United States, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and parts of Asia like Japan, where she helped lay the groundwork for what would become a significant scene for women's wrestling.

Legacy: Burke's legacy is honored in several Halls of Fame:

She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Legacy Wing in 2016, recognizing her as one of the first major female competitors in wrestling.
She's also a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, underscoring her impact on the sport.

Personal Life and Challenges: Burke's career was marked by personal and professional challenges, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Billy Wolfe, a promoter who was also her husband. Their relationship was fraught with issues, including Wolfe's infidelities and control over the business aspects of wrestling, which led to significant conflicts and legal battles over the control of women's wrestling.

Film: Her life story has been adapted into a biographical sports drama film titled "Queen of the Ring," where actress Emily Bett Rickards portrays Burke. This film aims to capture her struggle, success, and the broader impact she had on women's wrestling. The film has garnered attention for its portrayal of Burke's life, with its premiere events listed in various film festivals in October 2024.

Cultural Impact: Beyond her in-ring achievements, Burke's efforts helped to legitimize women's wrestling. Her story, involving both her wrestling prowess and her fight for the recognition of women in the sport, continues to inspire new generations of female wrestlers.

Mildred Burke's story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, making her a significant figure in both sports and women's history. (Grok)

Queen of the Ring via Grok

The term "Queen of the Ring" relates to several entities across different media:

WWE's Queen of the Ring: This is a professional wrestling tournament by WWE, where Nia Jax won the tournament in 2024, as indicated by posts on X. This event was part of WWE's broader push to highlight women's wrestling, providing the winner with a match for the WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam.

Mildred Burke Biopic: There's a biographical film titled "Queen of the Ring" focusing on Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete and a pioneer in women's professional wrestling. This film has been shown at various film festivals in 2024, with its world premiere and subsequent screenings noted across the U.S.

South Korean TV Series: "Queen of the Ring" also refers to a South Korean drama series, part of the "Three Color Fantasy" trilogy, which aired in 2017. It's a romantic drama involving characters in a fictional narrative around themes of appearance and personal relationships.

News

MMA

UFC 311 Betting

UFC 311, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, features several high-profile fights with notable betting odds. Here's a breakdown of the betting information for the main events:

Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan Islam Makhachev is listed as the favorite with odds around -235 to -334, indicating a strong likelihood of retaining his lightweight title.

Arman Tsarukyan comes in as the underdog with odds ranging from +200 to +250, suggesting a potential for an upset but less likely according to the bookmakers.

Co-Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov is the betting favorite at -220, reflecting confidence in his undefeated record and grappling prowess.

Merab Dvalishvili is the underdog with +185 odds, despite being the current champion, possibly due to Nurmagomedov's impressive run and the anticipation around his title challenge.

Other Notable Fights:
Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill: The odds here are close, with Hill at -103 and Prochazka at -117 or vice versa, depending on the latest updates, indicating a highly competitive match.

For those interested in placing bets, these odds provide a snapshot of how the betting markets view the chances of each fighter. Remember, odds can shift as the fight date approaches based on various factors including fighter form, public betting trends, and any last-minute news.

Please note, betting on UFC fights involves risks, and these odds should be used for informational purposes. Always bet responsibly and within your means. If you're looking to place bets, consider checking with reputable betting sites for the most current odds. (Grok)

News/Profile

WWE WrestleMania Vegas 2025

WWE WrestleMania 41 is set to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20, 2025. This will be the second time Las Vegas hosts WrestleMania, with the first being WrestleMania IX in 1993 at Caesars Palace. The event will span two nights, marking a continued trend from the format established during the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event Details: WrestleMania 41, also known as WrestleMania Vegas, will feature matches from both Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event will be broadcasted via pay-per-view and livestreaming, with international markets able to watch on Netflix following the WWE Network's merger with the platform in January 2025. This will be the first WrestleMania to occur during Easter weekend.

Ticket Information: Tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale on October 25, 2024, with presales starting on October 23. There are also 2-day combo tickets available for purchase.

Cultural Impact: The event is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Las Vegas, with more than 180,000 fans anticipated to attend, occupying over 144,000 room nights. Apart from the main event, WWE will also host Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and WWE World, contributing to a comprehensive fan experience.

Notable Matches: There have been discussions about potential matches, including a bout between John Cena and Logan Paul for WrestleMania 41.

This event signifies WWE's return to one of the world's entertainment capitals, promising a grand spectacle with a mix of sports and entertainment. (Grok)

Media Man Int

Combat Sports (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/combat_sports.html

Pop Culture (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html

Coming Soon (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/coming_soon.html

Wrestling News (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/wrestling_news.html

Wrestling Watercooler (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/wrestling_watercooler.html

AEW News (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/aew_news.html

Sports News (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://www.mediamanint.com/articles2.html

Combat Sports Events

WWE
WWE SmackDown
January 3, 2025
Footprint Center
Phoenix, Arizona

WWE RAW On Netflix
January 6, 2025
Intuit Dome
Inglewood, California
WWE Legends: Past And Present, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Celebrities and more

NXT
NXT New Year's Evil
January 7, 2025
The Shrine Expo Hall
Los Angeles, California
Trick Williams vs Oba Femi vs Eddy Thorpe
Roxanne Perez vs Giulia

WWE SmackDown
January 10, 2025
Moda Center
Portland, Oregon

WWE RAW On Netflix
January 13, 2025
Sap Center
San Jose, California

UFC
UFC Fight Night 249
January 11, 2025
Apex Arena
Paradise, Nevada

WWE SmackDown
January 17, 2025
Pechanga Arena
San Diego, California

WWE RAW On Netflix
January 20, 2025
American Airlines Center
Dallas, Texas

UFC
UFC 311
January 18, 2025
Intuit Dome
Inglewood, California
Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
January 25, 2025
Frost Bank Center
San Antonio, Texas

WWE Royal Rumble
February 1, 2025
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

UFC
UFC 312
February 9, 2025
Qudos Bank Arena
Homebush, Sydney, Australia
du Plessis vs Strickland 2

WWE Elimination Chamber
March 1, 2025
Rogers Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

*card/s subject to change

Social Media News

X Wins Media Man 'Social Media Platform Of The Year' award; Runner-up: YouTube

Grok wins Media Man 'AI Of The Year' award

December 28, 2024

News

Elon Musk's X Actions Stir Free Speech Debate

Prominent conservative accounts on X, including Laura Loomer's, have recently lost their verification badges and faced other account restrictions after critiquing Elon Musk's views on immigration. Musk has indicated that the platform's algorithm reduces the reach of accounts that are frequently muted or blocked by credible users. This incident has led to allegations of censorship among right-wing influencers, while Musk himself has addressed these changes in policy. The actions have reignited discussions about the balance between free speech and content moderation on X. (Credit: Grok)

Grok Profile via Grok!

"Grok" is a term coined by Robert A. Heinlein in his 1961 science fiction novel "Stranger in a Strange Land." It means to understand something deeply and intuitively, often with an empathetic or profound connection to the subject. The word has transcended its original context to become part of the vernacular, especially within communities like computer science, where it signifies a comprehensive and intuitive grasp of concepts or systems.

The term also refers to an AI chatbot developed by xAI, named Grok, which aims to provide answers with a humorous and truthful perspective, modeled after the "Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy." This AI chatbot is designed to engage in natural conversation, provide witty responses, and even tackle "spicy" questions that other AI might shy away from. It has real-time access to the world via the X platform (formerly Twitter), which gives it an edge in providing current information.

In summary, "grok" can refer to:

A verb meaning to understand something profoundly and intuitively.

The name of an AI chatbot with unique capabilities in humor and real-time information processing. (Grok)

Grok News via Grok!

Here's a summary of the latest news related to Grok:

Grok-2 Release: xAI has released Grok-2, a new version of its AI chatbot, which is now available for free to all users on X. This model is three times faster, offers improved accuracy in following instructions, and has enhanced multilingual capabilities. It also includes features like web search for real-time information and citation capabilities for fact-checking.

Image Generation: xAI introduced an image generation model, initially code-named Aurora, which is now part of the Grok chatbot's capabilities. This feature allows for photorealistic image creation and is available to users on X, with plans to expand access.

Mobile App and Standalone Web App: Grok has expanded its reach with a standalone iOS app and now a web app in Australia, broadening its accessibility beyond the X platform. These apps include features like PDF analysis, image generation, and real-time X post searches.

Funding and Future Developments: Elon Musk's xAI has secured a significant funding round, increasing its valuation and focus on developing new consumer and enterprise products, including plans for Grok 3. This funding will support further advancements in AI technology and the expansion of Grok's capabilities.

Controversy and Public Perception: Grok has faced scrutiny for potential misinformation, especially in political contexts. Despite this, there's a growing positive sentiment among users who appreciate its straightforwardness and utility in searches, particularly for political or controversial topics.

User Accessibility: Previously exclusive to premium subscribers, Grok is now accessible to all X users with some limitations on usage for free-tier accounts, such as a cap on the number of prompts and image generations per session. (Grok)

xAI via Grok

xAI is an artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk with the goal of "understanding the true nature of the universe." The company was established in March 2023 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. xAI focuses on developing AI to accelerate human scientific discovery, aiming to create a maximally helpful AI, exemplified by their product, Grok, which is designed to provide truthful and helpful answers.

xAI has raised significant funding, with a Series C funding round bringing its valuation to over $40 billion by December 2024, after raising $6 billion. This funding is being used to enhance its AI models, including the development of Grok 2 and the construction of a massive supercomputer named "Colossus" in Memphis, Tennessee.

The company's approach includes leveraging real-time data from Musk's other ventures like X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, suggesting a synergy that could potentially give xAI an edge in the AI race. xAI also released an API for its AI models, allowing developers to integrate its technology into various applications.

The mission and operations of xAI have been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some viewing it as a significant player in advancing AI, while others are concerned about the implications of Musk's influence over AI development, especially considering his past with OpenAI and his views on AI safety and regulation. (Grok)

Media Man: Groking impressive stuff Team Musk.

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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson | Official Trailer | Netflix

Jake “El Gallo” Paul faces Mike Tyson, the Baddest Man on the Planet, in the highly-anticipated fight the world’s been waiting for. Live on Netflix. Friday, November 15th at 8pm ET | 5pm PT.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes

Watch on Netflix: https://netflix.com/title/81764952

About Netflix: Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services, with 278 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson | Official Trailer | Netflix

Jake Paul battles Mike Tyson as they headline this must-see boxing mega-event streaming live in five languages from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Credit: Netflix)

BAD BOYS COLLIDE IN TEXAS on NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Is Officially One Month Away
https://netflix.com/tudum/articles/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-live-release-date-news

It’s all happening: For the first time ever, Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) are teaming up for a boxing mega-event headlined by Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul versus The Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson. The event will stream live on Netflix from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 15. A rematch between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs) is also rescheduled for the same day in the co-main event. Explore more on the main, co-main, and undercards below; win tickets to the fight here; and be sure to tune in on Netflix on Nov. 15 at 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m. ET to watch. (Credit: Netflix)

Media Man: Pumped. KO excitement and action. What the world is talking about and will continue to for quite some time. All power to both fighters. The fans win!

Movie Box Office (North America)

November 24, 2024

1. Wicked - $114m

2. Gladiator II - $55.5m

3. Red One - $13. 3m

4. Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. - $5.1m

5. Venom: The Last Dance - $4m

6. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - $3.5m

7. Heretic - $2.2m

8. The Wild Robot - $2m

9. Smile 2 - $1.1m

10. A Real Pain - $1.1m

Movies/Showbiz

Box Office Buzz Under The Media Man Watercooler

Just In Case You Missed It!

Gonzo Showbiz News With Number Guestimates!

November 23, 2024

Wicked And Gladiator: Glicked

‘Wicked’ Nears $117M Opening

‘Gladiator II’ Fights for $60M

Barbenheimer shades whispers Hollywooder insiders and deep throat

Red One Gets (with GQ) interview feature balances the PR for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson at WWE prepares for the electrifying cross-over star; Amazon Prime can take mixed DJ releases; WWE wants the best version of 'The Final Boss' in the TKO Group universe! Wrestling Fans Looking Out For DJ at WWE Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, SmackDown, RAW On Netflix in Jan, lead up to WrestleMania Season. DJ business with The Bloodline on the cards; Amazon Prime Will Wrestle With Numbers And Movie Critics!: Media Man

WWE Legend John Cena Notices DJ's Success and Mixed Reviews' Cena To Return To Streaming - Peacemaker again! Cena to retire from WWE in 2025

Barbenheimer - Universal’s musical Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II ... Glicked, Wikiator or whatever the hell you want — is joyful weekend at the pre-Thanksgiving box office for fans and showbiz bean counters alike, young and old! The industry needed some great news and this is it folks. Santa came early this year?!

Wicked is headed for a US Box Office debut of approx $117 million. Broadway musical based production heading for history books

Wicked aiming for global $165 million hit/launch

Disney Animation’s Moana 2 opens November 27

Huge 5 Day Thanksgiving Holiday Numbers

Wicked investment circa $150 million plus marketing budget!

Movie Industry And Fans Celebrating

Solid Numbers To Be Released In Approx 24 Hours

Developing Story as per Internet news 24/7 News Cycle

Movie And Pop Culture Buzz Under The Media Man Watercooler

November 4, 2024

Venom: The Last Dance holds onto number one position globally with average competition. An extra $26m over the weekend. Now global takings exceed $317m

Smile 2 cracks over $100m globally

The Wild Robot - $269m globally Conclave. Number 4 position in U.S - $5.3 extra over weekend

TV/Streaming Cross Overs: Junior 2 starring Clint Eastwood gets $5m at theaters. Now heading to Max streaming platform in approx 1 - 2 months

Making Of Gladiator 2 hits CBS on November 18 Movie/Wrestling Connection:

John Cena is retiring from the WWE next year. Tipped to be a WrestleMania send off. Less wrestling for Mr Cena likely means more movies and streaming entertainment! Seen more in showbiz circles

MJF, Maxwell Jacob Friedman of the All Elite Wrestling challenger brand tipped to appear in more movies and TV shows!

Chris Jericho of AEW is in Terrifier 3 if you didn't already know. More Intel via Web Is Jericho and the Pod Is Jericho podcast. Many WWE fans are keen to see Jericho return to the world's leading pro wrestling promotion.

Vince McMahon has started his own "entertainment hub" company based out of California. Some time McMahon employee and associate, Eric Bischoff offers his candid and somewhat informed thoughts via the 83 Weeks podcast.

WWE NXT's Lexis King is being pitched as "The King Of TV". This may be a good omen for King in the future says the King Makers!

Gaming, Casino and Culture News

November 13, 2024

Films of Sphere concerts part of company’s future revenue strategy

Nevada (Las Vegas)

After just over a year of operations, Sphere Entertainment Inc. is starting to figure out how to program the massive Las Vegas entertainment venue to stem slumping earnings. What that means for the Sphere’s future is more performances each day to maximize the building’s use, Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan told investors. The company reported an operating loss of $125.1 million on revenue of $127.1 million for the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

News

Las Vegas Strip hotel-casino lays off top-level employees

A luxury Strip resort has parted ways with several long-time and high-level employees, according to multiple sources. The Venetian and Palazzo casinos laid off an unknown number of employees this month, some of whom had worked at the Strip resort for over a decade. Among those known to be affected by the layoffs are executives and senior-level employees in multiple departments, including hotel operations, marketing, celebrations/banquets, group meetings and casino hosts. An internal memo obtained by the Review-Journal confirms the staff reductions.

News

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas responds to Culinary Union’s threat to strike before F1 race

An off-Strip hotel-casino is preparing for a strike deadline that could threaten its staffing before the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix next week. In a Tuesday statement, Virgin Hotels management said they were aware of the strike deadline and were “fully committed to finding a fair resolution” during negotiations that are expected to take place on Thursday. But the management alleged union negotiators have not put the property’s proposals to a vote or responded to other proposals.

News

Bahamas: Vici Properties in negotiations to buy Atlantis Paradise Island resort

The multi-billion dollar owner of iconic Las Vegas mega resorts such as Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and the Venetian is exploring a deal for Paradise Island’s Atlantis resort. Tribune Business can reveal that VICI Properties, a New York headquartered real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns 93 resort, gaming and hospitality assets spread across the US and Canada, is in talks with Atlantis’ current owner, Brookfield Asset Management, although the two parties have yet to reach agreement on a sale or how the potential deal may look.

News

Texas Lottery’s move could ignite tribal gambling expansion

The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas informed the Texas Senate that if it didn’t rein in the online sales of Texas Lottery tickets, the tribe would pursue full-blown casino gambling in the state. Though the tribe omitted it from their correspondence, recent legal developments might mean these casinos won’t be housed on reservations; they might pockmark the entire state.

News

Federal hearing held over Arkansas amendment that revoked casino license

A federal judge heard arguments Tuesday about whether Arkansas’ Issue 2 should be put on hold. Cherokee Nation Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas after voters approved a ballot measure that stopped the group’s planned casino. Cherokee Nation had planned to build a casino near Russellville in Pope County and had been granted a license.

News

New York: Turning Stone casino starts new phase of $370 million expansion

The latest phase of a $370 million expansion at the Turning Stone Resort Casino — the largest since it opened in 1993 — is now underway. Some 73 tons of steel arrived at the Oneida Indian Nation-owned casino in recent days. The nation and its business arm, Turning Stone Enterprises, also announced this week they have signed contracts with 26 different contractors, all based in Upstate New York, to handle mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other work on the project. The plan is to make Turning Stone the largest resort convention destination in the state.

News via Grok

Casino News

Here are some recent highlights from the world of casino and gambling news:

Las Vegas Layoffs: A major resort on the Las Vegas Strip has reportedly laid off several high-level employees, indicating potential shifts or financial recalibrations within the company.

Encore Las Vegas: The construction of the new 48-story Encore Las Vegas tower is progressing, with an expected opening late next year. It will feature over 2,000 rooms and a significant casino space, alongside a Frank Sinatra-themed restaurant.

Sweepstakes Casinos: There's growing discussion around sweepstakes casinos, their regulatory blind spots, and how they might be affecting the traditional gambling industry. This topic was highlighted in a discussion by Howard Glaser from Light & Wonder.

Bally's Chicago: Bally's casino in Chicago is experiencing some challenges, with admissions dropping by 13% from the previous month, suggesting that the operation might not be meeting expectations or that there could be strategic missteps.

Casino's Rescue Plan: In France, Casino, a major retailer, has reached an agreement with its employees and new management on a rescue plan that includes a social component, which had been lacking in previous proposals.

Casino Jackpot: A fortunate gambler on the Las Vegas Strip turned a modest $50 bet into over $1,000,000, showcasing the allure and potential of casino gaming.

These snippets provide a glimpse into the current dynamics of the casino industry, reflecting both the excitement of big wins and the strategic maneuvers of major players in the sector. (Grok)

News

Casinos via Grok

Casinos are establishments primarily designed for gambling, offering various games of chance for patrons to wager money. Here's an overview based on the latest information:

Overview of Casinos:

Origin and Etymology: The term "casino" comes from Italian, originally meaning a small country villa or summerhouse. Over time, it evolved to refer to places where gambling activities were the main attraction.

Location and Integration: Casinos are often integrated with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other entertainment venues to provide a comprehensive experience. They can be found worldwide but are particularly famous in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Macau.

Types of Games: Common casino games include: Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and various forms of poker.
Slot Machines: These range from traditional mechanical reels to modern video slots with sophisticated themes and bonus features.
Electronic Games: Video poker, keno, and electronic table games.
Specialty Games: Like bingo, which might be offered in certain jurisdictions.

Online Casinos: With the advent of the internet, online casinos have become increasingly popular, providing a digital platform for many of the same games found in physical casinos.

Recent Updates on Casinos:

Regulatory Changes: There have been updates in casino regulations, especially concerning online gambling. For instance, some states in the U.S. have recently moved towards legalization or expansion of online casino gaming.

Technological Advancements:
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Some casinos now accept cryptocurrencies, and there are decentralized casino platforms emerging, like those mentioned on platforms like X, where users can stake tokens to "become the house."
Live Dealer Games: Online platforms have introduced live dealer games, providing a more authentic casino experience through live video feeds.

Economic Impact: Casinos continue to be significant contributors to local economies, with Nevada reporting a notable increase in gambling revenue for September 2024 compared to the previous year.

Entertainment and Non-Gambling Activities: Casinos are increasingly focusing on becoming entertainment hubs, offering concerts, comedy shows, sports betting, and other attractions to diversify their appeal.

Fees and Costs: There have been mentions of increases in resort fees and parking fees at some casino resorts, which might affect visitor experience and costs.

Cultural and Social Aspects:

Gambling Addiction: Casinos and gambling activities come with the risk of addiction. Many establishments promote responsible gambling but also receive criticism for potentially encouraging addictive behaviors.

Entertainment Value: Beyond gambling, casinos offer a unique blend of luxury, excitement, and entertainment, making them popular tourist destinations.

When considering visiting or engaging with casinos, whether in-person or online, it's important for individuals to understand the rules, the odds of games, and to gamble responsibly. The information available on platforms like X or websites like Casinos.com can provide insights into the latest trends, games, and regulatory changes in the casino industry. (Grok)

News via Grok

Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip, often simply referred to as "The Strip," is a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South in Clark County, Nevada, just outside the city limits of Las Vegas. Here's an overview:

Attractions: It's famous for its concentration of resort hotels, high-end casinos, and entertainment venues. The architecture along the Strip is eclectic, with themes ranging from ancient Egypt (Luxor), medieval times (Excalibur), to replicas of famous cities like New York (New York-New York) or Paris (Paris Las Vegas).
Notable shows include Cirque du Soleil productions, magic shows by famous magicians like David Copperfield, and residencies by top musicians. Free attractions include the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, and the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign.

Accommodations and Casinos: The Strip hosts some of the world's largest hotels by room count, like the MGM Grand, The Venetian, and Caesars Palace. These mega-resorts offer not only gambling but also luxury shopping, fine dining, and entertainment facilities.
Recent developments include new resorts like the LVXP project, which proposes to add an NBA-ready arena, and there's been talk about expanding with unique attractions like an adults-only mini golf course at Mandalay Bay.

Transportation: The Deuce, a double-decker bus, and the Las Vegas Monorail are popular ways for tourists to travel along the Strip. However, walking is a common way to experience the sights and lights, especially at night when the area truly comes alive.

Events and Conventions: The area is known for hosting major events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), SEMA Show, and various sporting events, including the recent addition of Formula 1 races which have construction impacts on the Strip's landscape.

Shopping and Dining: Shopping ranges from high-end malls like The Shops at Crystals to themed shopping experiences within resorts. Dining options are vast, from celebrity chef restaurants to 24/7 buffets.

Nightlife: The nightlife is legendary, with clubs like XS and Omnia, which are among the most renowned in the world, offering top-tier DJ performances.

Current Developments: There are continuous updates and construction projects, like the planned LVXP resort, which could significantly change the skyline and entertainment options on the North Strip.
The Sphere at The Venetian has become a new landmark, known for its massive LED screen exterior and immersive entertainment experiences inside.

If you're planning a visit or just interested in what's happening, the Las Vegas Strip remains an ever-evolving spectacle of entertainment, where the latest in hospitality, gaming, and show business is always on display. Remember, with ongoing construction and new projects, the Strip's landscape might look different with each visit. (Grok)

News

Las Vegas Grand Prix via Grok

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a significant event in the Formula One racing calendar, taking place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Here are some key points about the event:

Background: After a long hiatus since the early 1980s, Formula One returned to Las Vegas with a new street circuit in 2023. The event marked the first Formula One race in Las Vegas since the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

Circuit: The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is 6.2 kilometers long with 17 corners. It features a mix of straights, including a 1.9 km straight down the Strip, and tight sections around notable Las Vegas landmarks like the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Caesars Palace.

Race Dates: For 2024, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled from November 21st to 23rd.

Format: Unlike some other races in the U.S. calendar (like Austin and Miami), the Las Vegas Grand Prix does not feature a sprint race. Organizers have expressed contentment with this format, citing the event's unique entertainment offerings.

Ticketing and Experience: The event offers various ticket types ranging from general admission to exclusive hospitality packages. These include access to entertainment zones, fan activations, and luxury viewing options like Skyboxes or the Paddock Club.

Economic and Cultural Impact: This race not only promises high-speed action but also integrates the entertainment capital's allure with dining, nightlife, and celebrity events. It's expected to bring significant economic activity to the area, with various hospitality and entertainment venues involved.

Safety and Traffic: Local authorities, like LVMPD and Clark County, have been involved in discussions regarding safety and traffic management due to expected large crowds and road closures.

Public Sentiment: On platforms like X, there's a mix of excitement for the event's spectacle and logistical concerns about traffic and road closures.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix aims to blend the thrill of Formula One with the non-stop entertainment of Vegas, making it a unique entry in the F1 calendar. (Grok)

News

WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

WrestleMania 41 is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on April 19th and 20th, 2025. This event marks the return of WrestleMania to Las Vegas for the first time since WrestleMania IX in 1993, which was held at Caesars Palace.

Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dates: Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Significance: This WrestleMania will be historic as it will be the first to be livestreamed on Netflix internationally, following the merger of WWE Network with Netflix. It's also notable for being held during Easter weekend, which is a typically slower period for Las Vegas, potentially attracting a massive influx of visitors.

The event promises to be an economic boon for Las Vegas, with expectations of over 180,000 fans contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism. Apart from the main event, WWE will also bring other shows like Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to the city, enhancing its wrestling festivities.

Tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale on October 25, 2024, and there are also various travel packages available, including VIP options for fans wanting an exclusive experience.

The anticipation for this event is high, as reflected in posts on X, where fans and travel companies are promoting special packages for the occasion. (Grok)

News

AEW Double Or Nothing

AEW Double or Nothing is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Here are some key points about the event:

Inaugural Event: The first Double or Nothing took place in 2019 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking AEW's first-ever event and PPV.

Theme: The name "Double or Nothing" references a gambling theme, fitting with the event's traditional Las Vegas setting.

Significance: It's considered one of AEW's "Big Four" PPVs, alongside All Out, Full Gear, and Revolution, highlighting its importance within the company's annual calendar.

Recent Developments: 2024 Event: Held on May 26, 2024, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, celebrating AEW's five-year anniversary. Key matches included:
Swerve Strickland vs. Christian Cage for the AEW World Championship.
An Anarchy in the Arena match where The Elite defeated Team AEW.
Mercedes Moné won the AEW TBS Championship from Willow Nightingale.
Match Styles: Over the years, Double or Nothing has featured unique matches like the Stadium Stampede and Anarchy in the Arena.

Location: While traditionally held in Las Vegas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 events were held at Daily's Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cultural Impact: The event has helped establish AEW as a legitimate competitor in the wrestling industry, showcasing high-stakes matches and attracting both wrestling fans and those interested in the event's broader entertainment value.

For fans or anyone interested in the latest in AEW, keeping up with AEW's official channels or wrestling news outlets would provide the most current information on upcoming matches, results, and any changes to the event format or location. (Grok)

News

US Betting via Grok

The landscape of US betting has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision in Murphy v. NCAA in 2018, which struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Here are some key points about the current state of betting in the United States:

Legal Status: Sports betting is now legal in many states across the US, with each state regulating it differently. This legalization has led to a boom in both physical and online sportsbooks.

Online Sportsbooks: BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook are among the most prominent names in the online betting market. They offer betting on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. These platforms provide various promotions, live betting options, and sometimes even live streaming of events.

Mobile Betting: Most states with legal sports betting have embraced mobile betting apps, which allow users to place bets from anywhere within state lines where betting is legal.

Election Betting: There's been a notable trend in betting on political outcomes, like the U.S. presidential election. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have gained attention for allowing bets on these events, though the legality and ethics of such markets are frequently debated.

Regulation: Each state has its own regulatory body overseeing sports betting, ensuring compliance with laws, managing licensing, and protecting consumers. For instance, in Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board is responsible, while other states have different commissions or boards.

Public Interest and Participation: The legalization has led to increased public interest, with betting becoming more mainstream. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have seen substantial betting volumes.

Economic Impact: Betting has contributed significantly to state revenues through taxes. For example, a post from X indicated that Colorado passed a proposition to direct sports betting tax revenue towards water projects.

Innovation in Betting: There's a trend towards more interactive and engaging betting experiences, like live betting where odds change in real-time as the event progresses, and prop bets on individual player performances or specific game events.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges: Despite the growth, issues like gambling addiction, market manipulation, and the need for responsible gambling practices remain significant concerns. States have implemented measures like self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and educational campaigns to address these.

Future Trends: The industry is expected to continue growing with potential expansion into more states. There's also interest in expanding into less traditional betting like esports, and there might be further integration of technology for personalized betting experiences.

Remember, while betting can be fun, it's important to engage in it responsibly. Always set limits, and consider the legal age and location requirements for betting in the US. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling or state-specific help lines can provide assistance. (Grok)

Combat Sports News

X And Grok Takes Fans And Sports Media Across The Globe: Media Man

MMA Fighter's Head Kick in Boxing Match

During a recent boxing match, an MMA fighter, facing defeat in his boxing debut, controversially knocked out his opponent with an illegal head kick, leading to his disqualification. This event drew widespread attention and humorously reminded fans of the much-anticipated but differently executed fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. Many fans expressed a wishful scenario where McGregor would have used similar unorthodox tactics against Mayweather, highlighting the contrast between the restrictive rules of boxing and the more varied striking techniques allowed in MMA. The incident sparked a humorous yet reflective discussion on the constraints of boxing rules and the crossover expectations from MMA fighters entering the boxing ring. (Grok)

News

McGregor-Mayweather Fight Speculation

During a boxing match, MMA fighter Idris Abdurashitov was disqualified for knocking out his opponent, Bagher Faraji, with an illegal head kick. This incident has led to widespread discussion among fans and commentators, many of whom humorously wished for a similar scenario during the boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. The general sentiment reflects a mix of amusement and frustration over the strict rules of boxing compared to the more varied techniques allowed in MMA, highlighting the different expectations and strategies between the two sports. (Grok)

News

Trump's Wrestling Talk with The Undertaker

Based on the latest information available up to October 21, 2024, Donald Trump has engaged in several activities involving the wrestling world:

Podcast Appearance: Donald Trump appeared on The Undertaker's podcast, "Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway." During this appearance, Trump discussed various topics, including his history with wrestling, asking about the current scene in WWE, and the mechanics of wrestling like the hardness of the ring. They also delved into more political discussions, reflecting on what's at stake in the upcoming presidential election.

Endorsement Video: Trump shared a video on TikTok where he was endorsed by Mark Calaway (The Undertaker) and Glenn Jacobs (Kane). This was an unusual endorsement where they also took the opportunity to mock the Democratic ticket, showing unflattering pictures of Kamala Harris, Dave Bautista, and Tim Walz, as part of their promotional tactic for the election, likening it to a wrestling event with "ElectionMania."

Wrestling Insights: Trump has shown curiosity about the wrestling business, asking The Undertaker questions that are common among those outside the industry, like the reality of wrestling moves, the hardness of the ring, and how wrestlers handle real-life conflicts in the ring. This conversation provided insights into Trump's long-standing relationship with WWE, including his involvement in past WrestleManias.

Political and Wrestling Crossover: Trump's interaction with wrestling personalities isn't just for entertainment; it's also a part of his campaign strategy, targeting demographics that follow wrestling. This includes discussing wrestling stars like Cody Rhodes and Gunther, indicating his attempt to stay connected with pop culture and sports entertainment to appeal to voters.

From posts on X and other sources, there hasn't been a new, significant event or statement directly labeled as "Trump's Wrestling Talk with The Undertaker" beyond what's been described, but Trump's engagement with wrestling personalities and platforms continues to be part of his public persona and political strategy. (Grok)

News

The Rock's Reach Out to Trump Post-Assassination Attempt

Donald Trump appeared as a guest on The Undertaker's podcast, 'Six Feet Under,' where the discussion unexpectedly turned into Trump interviewing The Undertaker about wrestling rather than focusing on politics. During the podcast, Trump disclosed that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson had contacted him through Dana White following an assassination attempt on Trump, expressing concern for his safety. Trump expressed surprise at this gesture, having previously believed The Rock did not like him. The Undertaker commented on how Trump has made politics entertaining, comparing it to the spectacle of wrestling where fans sometimes confuse the performance with reality. Trump also boasted about the large crowds at his political events, likening them to wrestling audiences. (Grok)

News

UFC 308 Fight Week Anticipation

Here's what's buzzing around UFC 308 as of the latest posts and information available up to October 21, 2024:

Fight Card and Main Events: UFC 308 is headlined by a UFC Featherweight Championship bout where the current champion Ilia Topuria will defend his title against former champion Max Holloway. Another highlight is the middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

Location and Date: The event is set to occur on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Fight Week Kickoff: UFC 308 Fight Week has officially started, with various fan and media activities planned throughout the week, including fan zones, athlete meet and greets at Yas Mall and Yas Bay, and the UFC 308 Press Conference.

Broadcast Details: The event will be available live on PPV, with the main card starting at 2 PM ET in the U.S. For viewers in the UK, it's set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office.

Fighter Updates and Speculations: There was some buzz about Max Holloway's weight cut, with observations suggesting he has a significant cut, potentially impacting his performance, though stylistically, the fight with Topuria is expected to be close.
A false claim circulated about Lerone Murphy being out and replaced by Jean Silva against Dan Ige, but this was debunked by Dan Ige himself.
Betting odds and potential upsets are a hot topic, with some fans and analysts pointing out that there might be some underdogs worth watching, like Holloway and Whittaker, who are not favored by the odds.

Community and Expert Analysis: Discussions are rife about the potential outcomes, with some analysts and former fighters like Megan Anderson offering breakdowns of the main and co-main events. There's also a bit of skepticism and strategic analysis on how the fights might go, with emphasis on the stylistic matchups and the physical condition of fighters like Holloway.

Public Sentiment: There's considerable excitement about the card being stacked, with fans eagerly anticipating knockouts and high-action fights, especially given the heavy hitters scheduled for the event.

Remember, while X posts provide real-time reactions and some insights, they're not always accurate or comprehensive sources for event details or outcomes. However, they do capture the community's pulse leading up to UFC 308. (Grok)

News

Anticipation for Bron Breakker vs Jacob Fatu

During WWE Raw, fans witnessed several key events including Bron Breakker defeating Jey Uso to become the new Intercontinental Champion, amidst excitement over a potential future match between Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu. This match-up has generated significant anticipation among fans, who describe it as a highly anticipated, potentially explosive encounter. Additionally, Seth Rollins was involved in a notable confrontation with Bronson Reed. The episode also featured moments involving The New Day and the LWO, contributing to the night's dynamic action and storyline developments. (Grok)

News

Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament

Based on recent events in WWE as of October 21, 2024:

The Wyatt Sicks made a notable return on WWE Raw, where they targeted The Final Testament. This happened during a match involving The New Day and the Authors of Pain (AOP), where R-Truth's interference led to a chaotic scene. After The New Day won, The Wyatt Sicks appeared, leading to a brawl with The Final Testament, showcasing a new feud or at least a significant confrontation.

Bo Dallas, portraying Uncle Howdy, applied the Mandible Claw on Paul Ellering, The Final Testament's manager, indicating a direct attack on the leadership or symbolic figure of the opposing faction.

The Wyatt Sicks have been described as having been off television for a few weeks prior to this event but have been keeping the storyline alive through teasers. Their return marks a continuation or possibly an escalation of their storyline involving The Final Testament.

There's also an indication of ongoing tensions and brawls involving other WWE superstars like Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed, suggesting a highly volatile environment on Raw, within which this feud is unfolding.

From posts on X, although not directly quoted or referenced in detail here:

The Wyatt Sicks have used the platform to send cryptic and menacing messages, hinting at themes of deception, pride, and upcoming confrontations, aligning with their eerie and psychological warfare style of storytelling in WWE.

This return and attack signify that The Wyatt Sicks are not only back in the physical sense on WWE programming but are also actively engaging in psychological warfare both in the ring and through social media, setting the stage for what could be an intense rivalry with The Final Testament. (Grok)

News

Rollins vs Reed Set for WWE Crown Jewel

Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed are set to compete against each other at WWE Crown Jewel, following a series of aggressive confrontations on WWE Raw. The feud intensified with Rollins attacking Reed both backstage and during live events, leading to a notable brawl. WWE official Adam Pearce officially announced their match for the upcoming Crown Jewel event, escalating the anticipation for their showdown. (Grok)

News

Rhea Ripley's Dominance at WWE Raw

During a recent WWE Raw event, Rhea Ripley was a central figure, engaging in a match where she single-handedly faced three opponents, showcasing her dominance. This event highlighted her ongoing feud with Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan, with many fans expressing fatigue over the storyline's continuation. While Rhea Ripley's performances were widely praised for their intensity and skill, there was a mixed reception towards Raquel Rodriguez's involvement. Some fans felt her portrayal lacked impact and questioned her effectiveness in the storyline. The episode also featured moments like Rhea Ripley costing Liv Morgan a match, further escalating their rivalry. Overall, the event demonstrated strong performances from Rhea Ripley but also sparked discussions about the direction and development of her feud with Raquel Rodriguez. (Grok)

News/Profile

WWE NXT

As of my last update, WWE NXT has continued to evolve, serving as WWE's developmental territory while also establishing itself as a unique brand with its own fanbase. Here's a brief overview and some recent developments based on general knowledge up to October 2024:

Rebranding and Focus: After transitioning from the "NXT 2.0" era, which saw a vibrant rebranding in color schemes and a focus on developing new talents, NXT has somewhat returned to its roots while keeping the developmental aspect strong. The brand balances between showcasing up-and-coming wrestlers and occasionally featuring established stars.

Broadcast: NXT airs live on The CW as of 2024, having moved from USA Network. This move was part of WWE's strategy to potentially reach a broader audience on network television.

Talent Development: NXT remains crucial for WWE's strategy of grooming future main roster superstars. It's where talents refine their characters, in-ring skills, and promos before potentially moving to Raw or SmackDown.

Events: NXT continues to produce special events like NXT TakeOver, although the frequency and branding might have adjusted. These events are significant for storylines culminating in high-stakes matches.

Championships: The NXT Championship, NXT Women's Championship, and NXT North American Championship are still pivotal, with the latter often being seen as a workhorse title. There might also be developments in tag team and possibly cruiserweight divisions if they continue or have been revived.

Cross-promotion: There's often interaction with main roster talents, either through crossovers, talent exchanges, or NXT stars being called up during events like the Royal Rumble or after WrestleMania.

Storylines and Characters: NXT is known for its longer-term storytelling compared to the main roster, with more focus on in-ring action. Characters evolve significantly here, and there's usually a mix of indie darlings, homegrown talents, and international stars.

Recent Movements: Without specific X posts or updates, one can assume NXT might be focusing on building new stars after inevitable call-ups post major WWE events. There could also be an emphasis on competing directly with other wrestling promotions by offering unique match types or international collaborations.

Venue: While initially heavily associated with Full Sail University, NXT has been known to tour or set up in different venues, enhancing its live event feel. However, with recent changes, they might be utilizing different arenas or even revisiting past iconic locations like the 2300 Arena for special episodes.

For the most current events or specific matches, one would typically look at recent shows or announcements. However, NXT's core purpose as a blend of entertainment and talent development for WWE remains its defining feature. (Grok)

News

Chris Jericho's AEW Contract Expiry

Chris Jericho's contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is due to expire in 2025, prompting speculation and discussion among fans and commentators about his future in professional wrestling. Some fans hope for Jericho to continue with AEW, emphasizing his importance to the promotion, while others discuss the possibility of him returning to WWE, considering the financial and creative implications. There is a mix of emotional reactions from fans, with some expressing devastation at the thought of Jericho leaving AEW, while others speculate on the impact his departure could have on both AEW and WWE fanbases. Discussions also touch on potential financial offers from AEW to retain Jericho, suggesting that AEW might be more inclined to offer a substantial deal to keep him. (Grok)

News

Tim Tszyu vs Bakhram Murtazaliev

The boxing match between Tim Tszyu and Bakhram Murtazaliev on October 20, 2024, resulted in a significant victory for Murtazaliev, who defended his IBF super welterweight title against the Australian boxer.

Here's a detailed overview:

Outcome: Bakhram Murtazaliev won the bout via a third-round stoppage, retaining his IBF title. Tim Tszyu was knocked down four times during the fight, three times in the second round and once in the third, before his corner threw in the towel, signaling Tszyu's defeat.

Fight Highlights: Knockdowns: Murtazaliev's strategy and power were evident as he dropped Tszyu multiple times, showcasing his dominance in the ring with precise counter-attacks, particularly with his left hook.
Corner's Decision: After the fourth knockdown, and with Tszyu appearing unable to defend himself effectively, his team decided to stop the fight to prevent further punishment.

Post-Fight Sentiment: There's been a mix of shock and analysis following the fight. Social media and boxing forums on X have highlighted Murtazaliev's impressive performance, noting his dangerous left hand and questioning the matchmaking that led to this bout.
Discussions on X also reflect concerns over Tszyu's condition post-fight, with some posts indicating that Tszyu has been cleared of serious head injuries but suggesting that his career might be at a crossroads due to this devastating loss.

Implications for Tszyu: This defeat marks a significant setback in Tim Tszyu's career, especially after coming off a previous loss. There's talk about his future in boxing, with some suggesting this might affect his standing and potential future title opportunities in the super welterweight division.

Murtazaliev's Position: With this victory, Murtazaliev not only retains his title but also significantly raises his profile in the boxing world, potentially setting up future high-profile fights with other champions in the division.

Fight Availability: Clips and full fight videos have been shared across platforms, including X, indicating high fan interest in rewatching or analyzing the bout.

This match has evidently had a profound impact on both fighters' careers, with Murtazaliev emerging as a dominant force in the super welterweight category, while Tszyu faces a challenging path forward after consecutive high-profile losses.

News

Tim Tszyu News/Profile via Grok

Tim Tszyu, born on November 2, 1994, in Sydney, Australia, is a professional boxer who has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the notable names in the super welterweight division. Here are some key points about Tim Tszyu:

Family Legacy: Tim is the son of the legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu, a former undisputed light-welterweight champion who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This heritage has naturally placed a spotlight on Tim, with many expecting him to follow in his father's footsteps.

Professional Career: Tim Tszyu made his professional debut in December 2016. Since then, he has shown considerable skill and determination, climbing the ranks in the boxing world. His style combines technical proficiency with aggressive fighting, reminiscent of his father but with his unique flair.

Titles and Achievements: By 2024, Tim has captured several regional titles. He won the WBC-ABCO Continental light-middleweight title early in his career and has since aimed for world titles. His pursuit of world championship belts has been a significant focus, with matches that have drawn considerable attention in the boxing community.

Notable Fights: Tszyu has faced several high-profile opponents. His fights have included bouts against domestic and international fighters, enhancing his reputation both in Australia and abroad. One of his significant fights was for the WBO interim junior middleweight title against Tony Harrison, showcasing his readiness for world-level competition.

Recent Developments: As of 2024, Tim Tszyu was involved in a high-stakes match for the IBF super welterweight title eliminator, indicating his push towards securing a world title. However, his journey has not been without setbacks. For instance, a fight against Sebastian Fundora for Tszyu's WBO super welterweight title resulted in a loss, and subsequent injuries have impacted his fight schedule.

Public Image and Style: Tim carries the Tszyu name with a mix of pride and pressure. His fighting style is often described as calculated aggression, and he's known for his resilience and comeback spirit in the ring. Outside of boxing, he maintains a relatively low profile but is increasingly recognized for his contributions to Australian boxing.

Future Prospects: Despite facing some tough losses, Tszyu's career is still seen with optimism by many in the boxing world. His dedication to the sport, combined with his lineage, suggests that he will continue to be a significant figure in boxing, aiming for world titles and possibly unification bouts in the super welterweight division.

Given the dynamic nature of sports, Tim Tszyu's journey in boxing continues to evolve with each fight, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike, eager to see if he can capture the world titles that have so far eluded him but were once held by his father. (Grok)

News/Profile

Combat Sports

Combat sports encompass a wide variety of fighting disciplines where participants engage in direct physical combat, often one-on-one, following a set of rules designed to ensure safety while determining a winner through points, submission, or knockout. Here are some insights and recent trends in combat sports based on the information available up to October 21, 2024:

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): MMA continues to grow in popularity, integrating techniques from various combat sports and martial arts. Events like the UFC have become mainstream, with fighters from diverse backgrounds like kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing competing together. Recent posts on X highlight upcoming fights, like the mention of Kai Asakura sparring with Merab Dvalishvili, indicating the cross-weight class interest and training that fighters undertake.

Boxing: While boxing remains a staple in combat sports, there's an ongoing trend of boxers and MMA fighters crossing over between sports. For instance, Jake Paul's venture into new combat sports after his fight with Mike Tyson shows the blending boundaries of combat disciplines. Moreover, boxers like Artem Vakhitov trying to secure a UFC contract exemplify this trend.

Kickboxing and Muay Thai: Although not as highlighted in recent X posts, these sports contribute significantly to the combat sports scene, often feeding talent into MMA. Their techniques are fundamental in the striking aspect of mixed martial arts.

Wrestling and Grappling: Catch Wrestling, Combat Sambo, and Greco-Roman Wrestling are less covered in mainstream media but remain crucial for their contributions to the grappling techniques in MMA. There's a continuous interest in these forms, especially in how they integrate into MMA strategies.

Emerging and Niche Combat Sports: Combat sports like Canne de Combat or variations like Combat Hapkido might not make daily news but are part of the broader combat sports ecosystem, often featured in specialized tournaments or as part of self-defense training.

Events and Scheduling: Platforms like X provide real-time updates on combat sports schedules, showing a packed calendar across various promotions like UFC, PFL, KSW, and more, indicating a vibrant scene with events almost every week.

Crossovers and Novelty Fights: There's a growing trend of crossover events or novelty fights where personalities from different combat disciplines or even different sports altogether engage in combat sports matches, which draws wide attention.

Safety and Equipment: Discussions around the safety gear in combat sports continue, with MMA and boxing being noted for their minimal gear compared to others like Taekwondo, influencing injury rates as per earlier studies.

Market Growth: The mention of the combat sports market heating up indicates not just an increase in viewer interest but also in commercial investments, sponsorships, and media coverage.

The landscape of combat sports is ever-evolving, with athletes constantly adapting new techniques, and promotions innovating in how fights are presented and consumed. The integration of social media like X for real-time updates has also brought fans closer to the action, making combat sports a dynamic field with global participation and viewership. (Grok)

News

The term "Dream Match" in the context of sports and entertainment often refers to a highly anticipated or hypothetical contest between top competitors or teams that fans and analysts would love to see. Here are some insights based on recent discussions:

Wrestling: There's considerable buzz around several potential dream matches in the wrestling world: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes has been floated as a possible match for WrestleMania 41, indicating a high-profile encounter that would draw significant interest due to the star power and storylines involved.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre received enthusiastic fan reaction, showcasing how matches that have already taken place can still be celebrated as dream encounters due to their execution and reception.
Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel has been highlighted as a match to look forward to, suggesting an ongoing interest in current roster matchups that promise high-quality wrestling.
Damian Priest naming Oba Femi as his dream opponent from NXT points to cross-generational or brand dream matches that fans and wrestlers themselves are intrigued by.

Baseball: The New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series has been described as a dream matchup due to the historical rivalry and the significant market presence of both teams. This reflects not just on the athletes but the legacy and fanbase of the teams involved.

Boxing: Although not recently discussed in X posts, historically, Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao was billed as "The Dream Match," showing how individual sports like boxing can create dream scenarios based on the fame and contrasting styles of the fighters.

General Sentiment on X: Fans often discuss dream matches across various platforms, expressing desires to see matches like Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits in wrestling, showcasing a blend of tag team excellence from different promotions or eras. (Grok)

Pop Culture News, Trending News

September 26, 2024

Under The Media Man Watercooler

Dana White Contender Series (UFC) broadcast today/tonight via ESPN.

WWE Raw: New Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso.

Netflix: 'Mr. McMahon' docu-series due to hit 'Big N' around the time you read this in most global markets; Vince McMahon requests "open mind" and cites "distorts the viewers perception"

Media And Entertainment Industry: Global Layoffs Continue: Big end of town, medium through to smaller operations. A.I, M&A and overall cost cutting cited as some of the numerous reasons.

News Corp - Rupert Murdoch Family Dynasty. Real life 'Succession' meetings occuring at Washoe County Courthouse, Reno, Nevada, with Rupert Murdoch, other key family members and legal representatives. Re restructuring of Murdoch Family Trust. $19bn trust! 7 blacked out SUV's pulled up ... Some documents unsealed via The New York Times.

Box Office Movies (North America)

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $26m

2. Transformers One - $25m

3. Speak No Evil - $5.9m

Combat Sports News

MMA: UFC Fight Night: France. September 29

WWE NXT. Florida. Broadcast today. WWE and TNA Wrestling collaboration and appearances tipped and ongoing!

WWE SmackDown - September 27. Oklahoma City

WWE Bad Blood - October 5. Atlanta, Georgia. Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns vs The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu)

UFC 307 - October 6. Salt Lake City, Utah

Netflix: Queen Of The Villains based on Dump Matsumoto and Japanese pro wrestling industry continues to impress both new and more experienced and knowledgeable audiences.

Netflix: Terminator: Zero gets big thumbs up. Adult supervision recommended!

News Media And Politics: Distrust in sectors at all time and and for good reason: Media Man Group.

YouTube And Netflix in battle for same and similar type audiences; Household continue to "cut the cord"! YouTube making viewer friendly changes to web interface with TV broadcast audiences in mind. Remaining smartphone friendly.

Online Newspapers Continue To Order Subscribers Significant Discounts To Retain Readership Numbers.

Pro Wrestling: Numerous World Class Wrestlers Tipped To Appear On WWE TV in near future. The names Lucha Bros and Motor City Machine Guns keep coming up!

Niche Audiences With Some Scoops And Inside Intel helps success of online based media companies; High traffic websites and solid social media performance key elements of success.

Blockchain/Crypto: Celebs And Brands Keep Experimenting With Memecoins! Not many will enjoy a Doge/Musk And/Or Logan Paul type profile! ... for better or worse! Logan Paul back to family matters and worldwide audiences yearning for LP return to WWE rings already! Cheers with Prime!

Media Man Scribe

Deep Dive Down The Rabbit Hole

Combat Sports - Is it both the participant fighting against his very self as well as against the competitor opposite him!

Niche Media and Alternative Media - exist because mainstream media wasn't giving the world enough of what they wanted - including the actual truth!

Pro Wrestling - is more honest that just about all other professional sports. Wrestling is up front about what it is and what it isn't.

World understanding via nature. Research the world, ancient civilizations, birds and animals.

Saltwater Wellness. We originated from water, but does it all go back to Atlantis!

Everything has an algorithm? Zeros, ones, webcode.

Energy and Frequency. Da Vinci researched straight line and curved energy and this can be seen in some of his paintings and artworks. Some can see Some can see when shown Some can not see - Leonardo DaVinci

"The Matrix was a documentary" Keana Reeves

'They Live" the movie was more of a documentary" Roddy Piper

The moment a dollar or financial incentive is offered in sports it becomes professional, even if not promoted as such

"Some are consumers, some are producers and creators , and many are both, thanks in part to the advent of the internet" - Greg Tingle, Media Man Group/Media Man Australia/Media Man Int

Markets and Commodities

October 10, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6710 USD (down $0.0040 USD)

Iron Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $105.15 USD (unchanged - public holiday)

Oil Price (WTI): $73.36 USD (down $0.55 USD)

Gold Price: $2,607.14 USD (down $15.75 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.4080 USD (down 0.0605 USD)

Bitcoin: $60,908.07 USD (down 2.11% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 42,512.00 at 4.20pm NY time (up 431.63 points on yesterday's close)

Markets and Commodities

October 4, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6840 USD (down $.0040 USD)

Iron Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $108.75 USD (down $0.20 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $73.71 USD (up $2.70 USD)

Gold Price: $2,656.04 USD (down $2.97 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.5435 USD (down 0.1195 USD)

Bitcoin: $60,801.67 USD (up 0.09% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 42,011.59 (down 184.93 points on yesterday's close)

Market, Commodities and Financial News

Snapshot via Media Man

October 4, 2024

ASX futures down 33 points or 0.4% to 8209 near 6am AEST

AUD -0.6% to $US68.44¢

Bitcoin +1.3% to $US60,954

Dow -0.6%

S&P -0.4%

Nasdaq -0.3%

FTSE -0.1%

DAX -0.8%

CAC -1.3%

Gold -0.1% to $US2657.32 an ounce

Brent oil +5.2% to $US77.77 a barrel

Iron ore +0.6% to $US108.75 a tonne

Movie Box Office (North America)

October 6, 2024

1. Joker: Folie à Deux - $40m

2. The Wild Robot - $18.7m

3. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $10.3m

4. Transformers One - $5.4m

4. Devara Part 1 - $5.6m

5. Speak No Evil - $2.8m

6. Sam and Colby - $1.8m

7. White Bird - $1.53m

8. Deadpool & Wolverine - $1.52m

9. The Substance - $1.3m

10. Megalopolis - $1.1m

others ...

My Old Ass

Never Let Go

Am I Racist

Reagan

Jung Kook: I Am Still

Alien: Romulus

The Killer's Game

It Ends with Us

The Forge

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Movie Box Office (North America)

September 29, 2024

1. Wild Robot - $35m

2. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $16m

3. Transformers One - $9.3m

4. Devara Part 1 - $5.6m

5. Speak No Evil - $4.3m

6. Megalopolis - $4m

7. Deadpool & Wolverine - $2.79m

8. My Old Ass - $2.2m

9. Never Let Go - $2.2m

10. The Substance - $1.6m

others

Am I Racist

Reagan

Jung Kook: I Am Still

Alien: Romulus

The Killer's Game

It Ends with Us

The Forge

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Movie Box Office (North America)
September 22, 2024

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $26m

2. Transformers One: - $25m

3. Speak No Evil - $5.9m

4.Never Let Go - $4.5m

5. Deadpool & Wolverine - $3.9m

6. The Substance - $3.1m

7. Am I Racist - $2.5m

8. Reagan - $1.7m

9. Jung Kook: I Am Still - $1.4m

10. Alien: Romulus - $1.3m

others ...

The Killer's Game

It Ends with Us

The Forge

od's Not Dead: In God We Trust

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Movie Box Office (North America)

September 15, 2024

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $51.6m

2. Speak No Evil - $11.5

3. Deadpool & Wolverine - $5.2m

4. Am I Racist - $4.8m

5. Reagan - $3m

6. The Killer's Game - $2.6m

7. Alien: Romulus - $2.4m

8. It Ends with Us - $2.3m

9. The Forge - $2m

10. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust - $1.5m

others ...

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Combat Sports

UFC 308 UFC 307

UFC 308 (Wikipedia)

UFC 307 (Wikipedia)

UFC News via Grok; X's Grok Helps Fans, News Publishers And Sports Promoters Win The Grapple With The Web: Media Man

News

UFC UFC 308 Anticipation

UFC 308, scheduled for next month in Abu Dhabi, has generated significant excitement among fans following the release of its official poster. The event features notable fighters including Khamzat Chimaev, whose participation is of particular interest due to his past health challenges. The poster has been widely praised for its design, with many considering it one of the best in UFC history, although the absence of women's fights has sparked some debate. Overall, UFC 308 is anticipated to be a highlight of the year, highlighted by its strong lineup and the return to Abu Dhabi. (Grok)

News

UFC 308 Poster Reception

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024, marking another significant international event for the organization. The event has sparked considerable excitement among MMA fans, primarily due to the release of its official poster, which has received widespread acclaim for its design. Fans and commentators have praised the poster online, with many expressing high expectations for the fight card, suggesting it could be one of the best of the year. The anticipation for UFC 308 not only highlights the event's high-profile nature but also underscores UFC's ongoing global expansion and its strong presence in the United Arab Emirates. (Grok)

News

Anticipation for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024, generating significant excitement among fans. The event's official poster has been praised for its design, with many fans and commentators expressing high enthusiasm for the upcoming fights. Discussions have highlighted anticipation for performances by fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, with some fans expressing concerns about potential withdrawals due to health issues. The event is viewed as a showcase of UFC's international presence, particularly in the UAE, and is considered by some to potentially be one of the best fight cards of the year. (Grok)

Official Websites

UFC
http://ufc.com

UFC 308
http://ufc.com/event/ufc-308

UFC YouTube
http://youtube.com/UFC

Media Man: Strong thumbs up to UFC and Grok.

X's Grok Helps Fans, Online Publishers And Newsrooms Keep Up To Speed With Latest From 'The Big N'; Netflix Over Delivers Again. Combat Sports And Anime In The Mix; Geeked Week And Month! Media Man

News

New Cyberpunk Animated Series on Netflix

Based on the latest information available up to September 19, 2024, Netflix, in collaboration with CD Projekt Red, has confirmed the development of a new animated project within the Cyberpunk universe. Here's what we know:

Announcement: During Geeked Week, Netflix teased this new project, hinting at a "return to Night City," which suggests it will be set in the same universe as "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and "Cyberpunk 2077."

Project Details: While it's confirmed to be set in the Cyberpunk universe, specifics like whether it will be a direct sequel or a new story entirely, akin to "Edgerunners" but with a different narrative or characters, remain undisclosed. There's been no confirmation if this is an "Edgerunners Season 2," though the nature of the announcement leaves room for speculation.

Reception and Context: The original "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" series was well-received, contributing to a surge in interest back towards "Cyberpunk 2077." This positive reception might influence the new project's direction, aiming to leverage the existing fanbase while expanding the universe's lore.

Teasers and Speculation: From posts on X (formerly Twitter), there's excitement and speculation among fans. The mention of "another animated series set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe" and teases about exploring new stories in Night City suggest a continuation or expansion of the thematic elements fans enjoyed in "Edgerunners."

Release Information: As of now, no release date or further detailed plot information has been shared. Netflix and CD Projekt Red have promised more details at a later date, keeping the community in anticipation.

This new venture into the Cyberpunk animated series by Netflix represents a commitment to exploring more narratives within this dystopian world, potentially tapping into different aspects of Night City's lore, characters, or even new tech developments within its universe. While fans eagerly await more concrete details, the announcement itself has reignited discussions and excitement around what new stories might unfold in one of the most visually and narratively rich settings in recent sci-fi history. (Grok)

News

Squid Game Season 2 Premiere Date

"Squid Game" Season 2 is set to premiere on December 26, 2024, on Netflix. This information was confirmed through multiple sources, including official announcements and teasers released by Netflix during their Geeked Week event, as well as posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) from various users sharing the premiere date. The season continues the story with Lee Jung-jae reprising his role as Seong Gi-hun, diving back into the deadly games with new twists and returning characters. (Grok)

News

Bridgerton Season 3 Dominates Netflix

Bridgerton Season 3 has emerged as the most consumed series on Netflix in the first half of 2024, amassing 733.8 million hours viewed. This season, focusing on the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, has captivated audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and discussions about its popularity and narrative. Fans have particularly celebrated the fulfillment of Penelope's lifelong dream to be with Colin, highlighting emotional moments like their wedding and Penelope's voiceover in the final scene. Despite some criticism regarding the inclusion of certain scenes, the season's success is evident, with many expressing their ongoing affection for the characters and the show's romantic and dramatic elements. (Grok)

News

Wednesday Season 2 First Look Revealed.

The latest on "Wednesday Season 2" includes a behind-the-scenes first look that was revealed as part of Netflix's Geeked Week celebrations, indicating the series will return in 2025. Here's what's known:

First Look: Fans have been treated to behind-the-scenes footage featuring the cast, including Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, providing a glimpse into what's coming in the new season. This footage emphasizes that Season 2 will be "bigger and more twisted," promising a deeper dive into the horror elements of the series,

Cast and Crew: Returning cast members include Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzmán, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, and more, under the direction of Tim Burton for at least part of the season. The show also features new cast members and promises to expand on the existing characters' stories.

Plot Teases: While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, Jenna Ortega has hinted at incredible set pieces, suggesting visually richer environments or significant events that might tie into unresolved cliffhangers from Season 1, like the transformation and fate of Tyler.

Themes and Tone: There's an indication that Season 2 will continue to focus on Wednesday's journey of self-discovery and her relationship dynamics, particularly her attempt to carve out her path away from her family's influence. Additionally, the emphasis will be on horror over romance, aligning with Ortega's comments about avoiding forced romantic narratives.

Production: Filming for Season 2 commenced in May 2024, with locations including Ireland, signaling a potentially broader or different setting for some of the storylines.

Release: The series is set to return in 2025, maintaining the suspense and anticipation among fans who are eager for more of Wednesday Addams's dark-hearted adventures at Nevermore Academy and beyond.

The excitement around "Wednesday" Season 2 is palpable, with fans and critics alike looking forward to how the series will expand on its established gothic universe while introducing new elements of horror and mystery. (Grok)

News

Based on the information available up to September 19, 2024, here are some updates and insights regarding Netflix:

Pricing and Plans: Netflix offers several subscription tiers, with the most basic ad-supported plan starting at $6.99 per month, which allows streaming on two devices in 1080p. The ad-free plans include Standard for $15.49 per month, which also supports streaming on two devices at 1080p, and Premium for $22.99 per month, which ups the ante to four simultaneous streams at 4K resolution. There's also an option to add extra member slots for an additional cost.

Content Updates: Netflix continues to add new TV shows, movies, and original content regularly. Recent or upcoming releases as of September 2024 include a variety of genres from survival dramas to supernatural horror, indicating Netflix's broad content strategy remains intact.

Event and Announcements: There was an event around the time of inquiry where Netflix planned to reveal updates on several highly anticipated series such as "One Piece Season 2", "Wednesday Season 2", "Black Mirror Season 7", "Squid Game Season 2", "Stranger Things", a "Devil May Cry" anime, and "Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2". This event underscores Netflix's commitment to both continuing popular series and exploring new avenues like anime.

User Interaction and Features: Netflix provides a service where content can be downloaded for offline viewing, which is particularly useful for viewers on the go or in areas with unreliable internet. The platform's user interface also includes features like profiles for kids with parental controls, and recommendations that improve with more viewing data.

Market Sentiment and Discussions: From X posts, there's considerable excitement and discussion around Netflix's content strategy, with users and media outlets focusing on new releases, price changes, and the platform's approach to both original content and licensed material.

Cost Considerations: There's mention in discussions about how Netflix's cost has nearly doubled for some users, reflecting the ongoing debate on the value of streaming services versus their cost, which might influence subscriber behavior and expectations for content quality and quantity.

Subscription Model: Netflix emphasizes its month-to-month subscription model, which allows users to cancel anytime without long-term contracts or cancellation fees, providing flexibility which is often appreciated in the dynamic streaming market.

Given these points, Netflix in 2024 continues to evolve, focusing on a diverse content library, enhancing user experience through technology and personalization, while facing the usual industry challenges like pricing satisfaction and content competition. The platform's strategy appears to blend global appeal with niche interests, aiming to cater to a broad audience while also pushing the boundaries with original programming. (Grok)

Media Man Editors: Massive few months for Netflix. Also mark down Terminator: Zero, The Queen Of The Villains and Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson (November 2024). And don't forget WWE Raw hits Netflix in January 2025. And even the official WWE Vault YouTube channel has plugged Netflix, and specifically "Dump", while uploading some classic Japanese pro wrestling matches to their own platforms.

Websites

Netflix
http://netflix.com

Netflix: TUDUM
http://netflix.com/tudum

Netflix YouTube
http://youtube.com/@Netflix

Movie Box Office (North America)

September 15, 2024

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $51.6m

2. Speak No Evil - $11.5

3. Deadpool & Wolverine - $5.2m

4. Am I Racist - $4.8m

5. Reagan - $3m

6. The Killer's Game - $2.6m

7. Alien: Romulus - $2.4m

8. It Ends with Us - $2.3m

9. The Forge - $2m

10. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust - $1.5m

others ...

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

Markets and Commodities

September 11, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6650 USD (down $0.0010 USD)

Iron Ore Oct Spot Price (SGX): $91.00 USD (down $1.35 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $66.31 USD (down $2.49 USD)

Gold Price: $2,516.51 USD (up $11.13 USD

Copper Price (CME): $4.1050 USD (down 0.0365 USD)

Bitcoin: $57,669.72 USD (down 0.38% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 40,736.96 at 4.59pm NY time (down 92.63 points on yesterday's close)

Streaming Industry News

Olympics fuels US TV viewership in August

September 2024

US Television viewing in August was boosted by the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to The Gauge report from Nielsen. The Summer Games had the most notable impact on broadcast viewership, notching growth levels more typical for September with increases of 8 per cent versus July and 11.7 per cent year over year. The broadcast category ultimately accounted for 22 per cent of TV in August, and when looking week-by-week, its share peaked during the first week of the interval with 24.3 per cent of TV.

On the streaming side, Peacock offered broad Olympics coverage to complement linear offerings, the success of which was demonstrated by a monthly viewership increase of 39 per cent for the streaming service overall, and nearly double the amount of viewers aged 35-49. These factors helped lift Peacock from a 1.5 per cent share of TV in July to a new platform-best 2.1 per cent share in August (+0.6 pts.). It also makes Peacock only the third streaming platform this year to record a 0.5 point share increase or more on a monthly basis, in addition to YouTube (February and July) and Netflix (June).

Olympics programming on NBC drew millions of viewers in both primetime and daytime windows. Across all of NBC’s Olympics telecasts that aired during the August interval, 32 of them totaled more than 5 million viewers, and 17 garnered more than 10 million viewers. Moreover, Olympics telecasts on NBC notched the top 19 broadcast telecasts of the month. Leading the charge with 17.9 million viewers was NBC’s July 30th primetime programme that highlighted Simone Biles and the US women’s gymnastics team winning gold in the team competition, as well as four American medals in swimming and the dramatic bronze-medal victory by the US women’s rugby team.
From a total television usage perspective, August levels were even with July. However, a year-over-year comparison revealed a larger imbalance, as usage this month was up 3.5 per cent versus August 2023. A notable year-over-year difference was also evident among broadcast program genres, with broadcast sports programme viewership up 239 per cent over August 2023, further illustrating the impact of the Games on the overall TV landscape.

Like the broadcast category, cable also exhibited a peak viewing week that coincided with a major TV event. The Democratic National Convention aired for four nights across multiple networks during the final week of the August interval, and during that week, cable’s share of television climbed to 27.9 per cent. The DNC also contributed to the top cable programmes in August, with MSNBC receiving most of the benefits. MSNBC owned the top 11 cable telecasts of the month, and 14 of the top 15. ESPN’s coverage of the Florida State vs Georgia Tech football matchup snagged the 12th spot. In the end, cable viewing was down 2 per cent from July and finished the month with 26.3 per cent of TV.

After several consecutive remarkable months, the streaming category had a softer month in August from a content perspective, but remained the clear winner overall with 41 per cent of TV (down 1 per cent, -0.4 pts.). Only one original programme broke into the month’s top 10 – The Umbrella Academy on Netflix totaled 3.9 billion viewing minutes – while the rest went to acquired titles including Prison Break, which led the way with 5.4 billion minutes across Netflix and Paramount+. Bluey on Disney+ generated over 4 billion viewing minutes to secure the second most watched streaming title this month. The animated Australian import helped drive an 8 per cent increase for the streamer, as Disney+ reached a platform high of 2.3 per cent of TV in August. Some of the 8 per cent boost can also be attributed to Hulu content available within the Disney+ platform to certain package subscribers.

YouTube won the month among streaming services for the 19th consecutive interval, posting another category and platform best in August with 10.6 per cent of TV. Compared with August 2023, YouTube has the largest year-over-year difference in share for any streaming platform and has added 1.5 points to its share of TV (9.1 per cent to 10.6 per cent). Meanwhile, the overall streaming category has gained 2.7 points YoY and is up 11 per cent versus August 2023. (Wires)

Market, Commodities and Financial News

Snapshot via Media Man

September 11, 2024

ASX futures down 3 points or 0.04% to 7997 near 6am AEST

AUD -0.1% to 66.58 US cents

Bitcoin +1.4% to $US57,885

Dow -0.3%

S&P +0.4%

Nasdaq +0.8%

FTSE -0.8%

DAX -1.0%

CAC -0.2%

Gold +0.3% to $US2514.88 an ounce

Brent oil -3.2% to $US69.52 a barrel

Iron ore -0.8% to $US91.00 a tonne

Noche UFC aka UFC 306

Combat Sports

UFC Noche aka UFC 306

The Sphere
Las Vegas, Nevada

September 13, 2024

Video Highlights

Dana White Post-Fight Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKNLWJXHP18

UFC 306: Post-Fight Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDNl6M0WeVQ

Diego Lopes Post-Fight Press Conference | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oapas9F-bec&t=3s

MEXICO TODAY AND TOMORROW – Chapter Six | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9HpN4_tZb4

Directed by Paul Trillo, Studio: Factory Fifteen The final chapter envisions a future Mexico—a city and civilization evolving from its rich lineage, as its people propel their culture forward into eternity. Chris O’Reilly, Co-Founder & ECD of Nexus Studios, remarks: “The Sphere is the most exciting screen in the world to be creating stories for right now. It’s been an incredible journey collaborating with the visionary Carlos López Estrada and a host of exceptionally talented directors, designers, VFX artists, and technical teams to bring this project to life. This venue pushes the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the innovation and creativity that have gone 25 into making this a reality.” (Credit: UFC)

FIGHTERS & HEROES – Chapter Five | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dB5h_kGj48

Directed by Shynola, Studio: Nexus Studios. Spanning from the origins of Mexico's history to the present, iconic figures—from ancient leaders to modern sports heroes—embody the relentless spirit that defines the nation’s identity. Shynola, Director at Nexus Studios, shared: “Crafting a film for Sphere is truly unlike anything we’ve made before. The screen fills your field of vision, which means it has a filmic language all its own unique to this venue. That’s been both a challenge and a lot of fun: thinking about shots, composition, lighting, and movement in new ways to play with and fully utilize this incredible screen so the audience has the best experience. Sphere has given us a special opportunity to tell the story in a new, astounding way. It’s breath-taking." (Credit: UFC)

BATTLE FOR INDEPENDENCE – Chapter Four | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2VwMxZspaQ

Directed by Diego Huacuja, Studio: BASA Estudios. At a defining moment in history, Mexico stands against centuries of colonial oppression, as the fight for independence shatters the chains and reshapes the future. Diego Huacuja, Director at BASA, highlights the artistic inspiration: “As a Mexican director, this project has been a unique challenge, particularly from a pictorial perspective. Inspired by the greatest muralist artists of Mexico—Diego Rivera, Juan O'Gorman, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—we symbolized 11 years of struggle for independence through an epic animated piece serving as an ode to the entire movement for Mexican independence.” (Credit: UFC)

RITUALS & TRADITIONS – Chapter Three | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo9-QYBcsms

Directed by Paul Nicholls, Studio: Factory Fifteen. Through the rituals and traditions of Mexico's earliest civilizations, the essence of the ancestors lives on, immortalized in customs that endure across generations. Paul Nichols of Factory Fifteen describes the creative process: “This project blended the fascinating research of Mexican rituals and traditions with the creation of an epic fantasy world for UFC306 inside The Sphere. It perfectly showcases our detail-oriented maximalist style—beginning with a single flame drawing back through a ritualistic cave and culminating in a striking symbol of Mexico: a colossal skull. We aimed to leave the audience utterly awestruck.” (Credit: UFC)

EARLY CIVILIZATIONS – Chapter Two | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9wJt3MW69o

Directed by Saad Moosajee, Co-produced by Analog Studios Saad Moosajee, a Brooklyn-based artist renowned for his multidisciplinary approach to animation and visual effects, transports viewers to the beginnings of Mexican civilization. In the dawn of what we now call Mexico, the first settlers forge a legacy of resilience, igniting a fighting spirit that will shape the nation for centuries to come. (Credit: UFC)

IN THE BEGINNING – Chapter One | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYAgJRyh0W8

Directed by Joe Sill and Brian Tang, Studio: Impossible Objects. Three decades since the world first witnessed a new era of combat, we gather where echoes of warriors past resonate through time, honoring Mexico’s enduring legacy. Joe Sill, Director at Impossible Objects, emphasizes the collaboration: “This film was an incredible collaborative opportunity to merge the universes of Mexico’s culture, UFC’s history, and Impossible Object’s love of world-building into one unprecedented experience. Seeing this inside the epic showcase of the Sphere is a breath-taking view into what the future of storytelling may hold, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.” (Credit: UFC)

A Love Letter To Mexico | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWoPknJquiM

Merab Dvalishvili Octagon Interview | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3SsQXDulA8

Valentina Shevchenko Octagon Interview | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsJvF5eaq4

UFC Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube/ufc

Media Man Ed: Strong thumbs up. We largely agree with many of Dana White's comments and quotes on the event, such as "The Sphere is the star". It was a historic happening with world class production and a real buzz in the air, whether you were there in person, viewing from a club in Sin City Sydney, Australia, somewhere in the Middle East or other. The sports and sports business world was buzzing. In a way like say pro wrestling at the highest level, the on the mat action is part of the equation. It's all about the experience and sports entertainment elements to a large degree. We popped big time for the wins by Dvalishvili, Shevchenko and Lopes.

More middleweights and heavyweights will have a chance to shine at upcoming UFC major events. UFC may just win an Emmy and/or a range of big event production awards for this world class event. Congratulations to those both in the around the Octagon who helped make it a mega success. Credit where credit is due in our estimation.

Media Man summary: Strong thumbs up. World class production. Very entertaining.

Results, Review And Event Lead Up, History and Overview

Merab Dvalishvili def Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

Valentina Shevchenko def Alexa Grasso by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Diego Lopes def Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Esteban Ribovics def Daniel Zellhuber by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Ronaldo Rodríguez defs Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Norma Dumont def Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ignacio Bahamondes def Manuel Torres by TKO (strikes) at 4:02 of Round 1

Ketlen Souza def Yazmin Jauregui by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 1

Joshua Van def Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Raul Rosas Jr. def Aoriqileng by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The Card

Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili

Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko

Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes

Daniel Zellhuber vs Esteban Ribovics

Ronaldo Rodríguez vs Ode Osbourne

Prelims:

Irene Aldana vs Norma Dumont

Ignacio Bahamondes vs Manuel Torres

Yazmin Jauregui vs Ketlen Souza#

Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van

First Prelim:

Raul Rosas Jr. vs Aoriqileng

News

UFC News via Grok

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Men's Bantamweight Championship. This fight was highly anticipated, with O'Malley defending his title against Dvalishvili, who was on a 10-fight winning streak.

Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy for the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship. This bout aimed to settle the score after Grasso submitted Shevchenko in their first meeting and they fought to a draw in their rematch.

Other Main Card Fights:
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes at featherweight. Ortega, known for his submission skills, faced the up-and-coming Lopes, setting the stage for a potential title contention if Lopes won.
Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics in a lightweight bout.
Ronaldo Rodríguez vs. Ode Osbourne at flyweight.

Preliminary Card Highlights:
Included fights like Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes, which was highlighted as one of Dana White's 'If you don't know, now you know' fights, indicating potential for an exciting or breakout performance.

Event Significance: This event was not only about the fights but also marked as the first live sporting event at The Sphere in Las Vegas, showcasing UFC's innovation in event presentation. The card was celebrated for its alignment with Mexican Independence Day, featuring a fight kit symbolizing national pride.

Broadcast and Viewing: The event was available live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, with prelims starting at 7:30 pm ET and the main card at 10 pm ET, marking the first 1080p TV broadcast of a UFC event in ESPN history.

This card was designed to be a spectacle, combining high-stakes championship fights with cultural celebration, all within a groundbreaking venue, The Sphere, making UFC 306 a landmark event in UFC history. (Grok)

UFC Noche News via Grok

UFC Noche is an event that has been highlighted for its unique setting and significant matchups, particularly UFC 306, which took place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. Here's what you need to know based on the information available up to that date:

Event Significance: UFC Noche at UFC 306 was not just another fight night; it was described as a once-in-a-lifetime immersive sporting event, emphasizing its unique venue, The Sphere, which adds a layer of spectacle to the traditional UFC fight card.

Main Event: The main event featured Sean O'Malley defending his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili. This fight was highly anticipated due to O'Malley's rising star status and Dvalishvili's impressive winning streak.

Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso, the UFC women's flyweight champion, was set to face Valentina Shevchenko in what would be their third encounter. Grasso previously submitted Shevchenko to win the title and later fought to a split draw in their rematch.

Cultural Celebration: The event coincides with Mexican Independence Day, adding cultural significance, especially with fighters like Alexa Grasso representing Mexico.

Fight Card Highlights:

The card included other notable fights like Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont, showcasing a diverse range of talents and styles within the UFC.

There was also mention of Brian Ortega preparing to move up in weight but facing challenges with the weight cut, indicating a potential shift in his career trajectory.

Public and Media Sentiment: From X posts, there's excitement around the event, with fans and commentators discussing the fights, the venue's uniqueness, and the overall atmosphere of the event.
The use of terms like "steel cage match with an LED exterior" humorously captures the innovative setting of The Sphere.

Outcome: Given the date and time provided, the outcomes of these fights would be known by now, but for the sake of this summary, let's focus on the anticipation and setup rather than results, as per your instructions.

UFC Noche, especially UFC 306, was not just about the fights but about creating a memorable experience through its venue, the cultural timing, and the high-stakes matchups, particularly in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions. This event underscores UFC's strategy to blend sports entertainment with cultural and technological innovation. (Grok)

News

Mexican Independence Day News via Grok

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th every year, commemorating the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1810. Here are some key points about this significant celebration:

El Grito de Dolores: The celebration typically begins on the evening of September 15th with "El Grito," a reenactment of the famous cry for independence by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest who called for the end of Spanish rule in the early morning of September 16, 1810. This event takes place in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and is also reenacted by the President of Mexico from the National Palace in Mexico City.

Celebrations: The festivities include fireworks, parades, parties, and patriotic events. The Mexican flag is prominently displayed, and there are often military parades, especially in larger cities.

Food and Drink: Traditional Mexican foods like chiles en nogada (which represent the colors of the Mexican flag), mole, tamales, and traditional drinks like atole or tequila are commonly enjoyed during this time.

Cultural Significance: Unlike Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, Mexican Independence Day is a celebration of the country's independence from Spain, marking a pivotal moment in Mexican history and national identity.

Parades and Festivities: The day of September 16th itself is filled with parades, music, dancing, and cultural performances. Schools, towns, and cities organize events to celebrate this national holiday.

If you're interested in how this year's celebrations might differ due to recent events or changes, or if there are any special events planned for 2024, I'd need to check more recent sources. Would you like me to look that up for you? (Grok)

Media Man: Much respect to all the men and women fighters in the Octagon.

UFC 307

Movie Box Office (North America)

September 8, 2024

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $110m

2. Deadpool and Wolverine - $7.2m

3. Reagan - $5.2m

4. Alien: Romulus - $3.9m

5. It Ends with Us - $3.8m

6. The Forge - $2.9m

7. Twisters - $2.3m

8. Blink Twice - $2.2m

9. Despicable Me 4 - $1.8m

10. The Front Room - $1.7

others ...

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

Movie Box Office (North America)

1. Deadpool & Wolverine - $19.5 million

2. Alien: Romulus - $11.5 million

3. It Ends with Us - $9.5 million

4. Reagan - $9.2 million

5. Twisters $8.8 million

6. The Forge - $6.3 million

7. Blink Twice - $5.9 million

8. Despicable Me 4 - $5.6 million

9. Afraid - $4.5 million

10. Inside Out $4 million

Streaming TV

Streaming Entertainment

IMDb: Top Box Office (US)

News

Streaming Entertainment via Grok; X TV Tipped To Eventually Go Head To Head With YouTube, Netflix, But Will Take Many Years To Get To That Point; Customers Waiting To Churn/Switch. Changes Ahead For WBD, HBO, Binge, Paramount And Many Others - Too Many To List! Media Man Founder and Subscriber TV Veteran

Streaming entertainment has transformed how we consume media, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, music, and more directly to our devices. Here's a breakdown of what's happening in this space as of my last update:

Major Players:

Netflix: Known for its original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game." They've been pushing into gaming and have been experimenting with ad-supported models.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with Amazon Prime membership. Notable for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and its integration with shopping and other Amazon services.

Disney+: A powerhouse for family entertainment, featuring Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney content. It's also expanding its library with more adult-oriented content under the Star banner in some regions.

HBO Max: Offers premium content like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," and a vast library of movies. It's also known for its DC Universe shows.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's making waves with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "See."

Peacock (NBCUniversal): Provides a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," WWE, and original series like "Punky Brewster."

Paramount+: Combines CBS All Access with content from Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more, featuring shows like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."

Trends and Developments:

Original Content: There's a massive push towards creating exclusive content to attract subscribers. This includes movies, series, documentaries, and even live sports.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on international markets, either by offering local content or by making their service available in more countries.

Bundling: Companies are bundling their streaming services with other products. For example, Disney has bundles with Hulu and ESPN+.

Ad-Supported Models: To combat rising costs, some platforms like Netflix have introduced or are considering ad-supported tiers.

Direct-to-Streaming Releases: Movies are increasingly bypassing traditional theatrical releases, going straight to streaming platforms, especially noted during global health crises.

Quality Over Quantity: While there's a lot of content, platforms are also focusing on high-quality, award-winning productions to stand out.

Interactive Content: Some platforms are experimenting with interactive movies or shows where viewers can choose the plot direction.

Technological Integration: Enhanced with technologies like 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for audio, providing a cinematic experience at home.

Challenges:

Content Saturation: With so many platforms, there's a risk of content fatigue among viewers.

Churn: Subscribers frequently switch between services based on what's currently available, leading to high turnover.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Issues like market dominance, content licensing, and privacy are increasingly under regulatory lenses.

Piracy: Despite advanced measures, piracy remains a challenge, especially for content not easily accessible in certain regions.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of streaming entertainment or want to know about recent developments since my last update, feel free to ask! If there's a particular service or type of content you're curious about, I can dive deeper into those areas. (Grok)

News

Streaming TV

Streaming TV has revolutionized how we consume television content, offering a vast array of shows, movies, and original programming through internet-based platforms rather than traditional cable or satellite TV. Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested in regarding streaming TV as of my last update:

Key Players:

Netflix: Known for its extensive library, original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game," and a global reach.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with an Amazon Prime subscription, offering shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and movies, plus the integration with shopping services.

Hulu: Offers a mix of current TV episodes, a robust library of older content, and originals like "The Handmaid's Tale." It's also notable for its live TV option.

Disney+: Focuses on family-friendly content, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Hits include "The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision."

HBO Max: Home to HBO's acclaimed series like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," plus a wide range of Warner Bros. movies and new originals.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's gaining traction with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Foundation."

Peacock: NBCUniversal's service, offering a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," and new originals.

Trends and Features:

Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free: Many services now offer tiers where you can choose between watching with ads for a lower price or paying more for an ad-free experience.

Live TV Streaming: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV allow streaming of live broadcast channels, appealing to sports fans and those who still want traditional TV experiences.

Bundling: Some platforms offer bundles with internet service providers or other streaming services to reduce costs.

Original Content: There's a significant push towards exclusive, original content to differentiate services, leading to a golden age of TV with high-quality, diverse programming.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on global markets, offering localized content or subtitles/dubbing in multiple languages.

Technological Considerations:

4K and HDR: Many services now offer content in 4K resolution and HDR, enhancing viewing quality.

Offline Viewing: Most services allow downloading content for offline viewing, which is great for travel or areas with poor internet.

Smart TVs and Devices: Streaming is not just for computers or smartphones anymore; smart TVs, streaming sticks (like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles have made streaming accessible on almost any screen.

Challenges:

Content Fragmentation: With content spread across multiple services, there's a growing issue of "streaming fatigue" where consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions needed.

Price Increases: As content quality and exclusivity rise, so do subscription costs, leading to discussions about the cost-effectiveness of streaming vs. traditional cable.

Piracy: The fragmentation and cost have somewhat revived piracy concerns as viewers look for ways to access content without multiple subscriptions.

If you're looking for recommendations or have specific questions about streaming services or shows, feel free to ask! If there's been a significant update or new service since my last update, you might want to check the latest reviews or news for the most current information. (Grok)

Streaming Media Industry Disruptions Continue

Additional Mergers And Acquisitions Forecast

Live Sport Major Draw As Per Netflix

Compelling Storylines And Series Keeps Audience Coming Back For More As Per WWE

Combat Sports Storytelling And Talent Elevation As Per Dana Whites Contenders Series

Free Services With Ads Supported Has Taken Some Audience As Per Tubi

YouTube Cemented As Major Challenge To Netflix

Paramount's Quality And Iconic Movies Keep Them Valuable Commodity, Despite Bottom Line Loss

X Corp's X Platform One To Watch For Major Industry Disruption; WWE Speed Deal With WWE Just A Minor Preview Of What's On The Cards

Pro Wrestling

WWE Raw

Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

September 9, 2024

Full Raw highlights: Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHGULgW_fDU&t=13s&ab_channel=WWE

"Oh God. Howie is stirring" Wade Barrett

"Uncle Howdy staring down Gable and Gable not looking for Rowan who came flying in" Joe Tessitore

"Onto the steel stairs" JT

"That Iron Claw slam from Erik Rowan" Wade Barrett

"This one is as good as over. Get him in the ring. Pin that man. And mercyfully this carnage will finally be over" WB

"With all due respect Bret, but your not in my league" Gunther

"Hockey style punch up right here in Calgary" WB

"And Drew I can assure you of this. When its over, and it will be over, I'm going to find peace. And you know why I'm going to find peace. I'm going to find peace 'cause I'll know in my heart that it will be over and its going to be over because October, Atlanta, Georgia, Bad Blood, it will be CM Punk. It will be Drew McIntyre. It will be Hell In A Cell" Adam Pearce

"Oh, let's go" JT

Fans cheer

Bret Hart returns home to Raw in Calgary: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evRp3gGxIrg&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre will face CM Punk inside Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRcQhjaxLkY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre to Wade Barrett: “Stay out of my business”: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkfpnQc3UUw&ab_channel=WWE

Natalya helps Lyra Valkyria & Zelina Vega def. Pure Fusion Collective: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yemWPWKPJIY&ab_channel=WWE

FULL MATCH: Jey Uso wins Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7usaFHDITo&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE

Jey Uso is focused on becoming a singles champion: Raw exclusive, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzOTentGAQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE

The Judgment Day ambush The Terror Twins: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOC0W5swIcA&ab_channel=WWE

Liv Morgan helps steal win for “Dirty” Dom as Judgment Day brawls with The LWO: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa-6fCUHPUI&ab_channel=WWE

The Wyatt Sicks conquer American Made in a Street Fight: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLzsxsdjoyo&t=11s&ab_channel=WWE

Survivor Series: War Games comes to Vancouver - Tickets on sale this Friday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFsLqanLseQ&ab_channel=WWE

Recap

Wyatt Sicks vs American Made - Street Fight

Bret "The Hitman" Hart to appear!

CM Punk & McIntyre appearance

"Dirty" Dom vs Dragon Lee - mask in danger thanks to Judgement Day?

WWE I/C Contenders Match

Superheroes vs Fyre and Dawn. WWE Women's Tag Team Title

and more.

Bret Hart returns to Raw tonight: WWE Now, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXObhqqFXXI&ab_channel=WWE

Media Man: Pumped. Buzz for CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. McIntyre as seen in the upcoming movie, 'The Killers Game' Fantasy Booking: Hitman Hart vs Killer McIntyre in a steel cage! How about it CM Punk? Gonzo Pro Wrestling scribe! Strong thumbs up.

Media Man Int

WWE News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/wwe_news.html

USA Network (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/usa_network.html

Pop Culture (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html

Combat Sports News Via Media Man, X And Grok

Combat Sports News; Publishers Assisted By Elon Musk Owned X/Grok To Cover Massive Sports Weekend; X's Grok Enjoys Positive Momentum. Sports And Media Agents Keen For News Developments Re X Sports PPV's, Special Sporting Events Via Musk's Platforms, Grok Climbs Further Towards Netflix And YouTube, Not All Data Is In Public Domain. X The Everything App Becomes More Real Each Month. Battle For Eyeballs, Hearts And Minds Continues, X A Fav With Free Thinkers Which Aligns With Combat Sports Arena: Media Man

News

AEW All Out Highlights

Based on the information available up to September 8, 2024, here are the highlights from AEW All Out:

MJF vs. Daniel Garcia: The match ended with Daniel Garcia attempting a high-risk move, a piledriver off the ropes, showcasing a dramatic and high-stakes conclusion to their feud.

AEW World Championship Match: Bryan Danielson successfully defended his title against Jack Perry. The match concluded with Danielson hitting a series of Busaiku Knees, with the final one leading to Perry's defeat. Post-match, there was a significant angle where Killswitch attacked Danielson, setting up a potential challenge by Christian Cage, but this was thwarted by the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC). However, the BCC, including Jon Moxley, turned on Danielson in a shocking twist, with Moxley even putting a plastic bag over Danielson's head until he passed out.

Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Adam Page and Swerve Strickland had an extremely brutal match, described by fans and commentators as one of the highlights of the event, with Page ultimately winning after the referee stopped the match due to Strickland's condition.

AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone retained her title against Hikaru Shida, though the match was described as underwhelming compared to other bouts on the card.

Post-Show Reactions: The event was praised for its intensity, particularly the Page vs. Strickland match, which was compared to legendary hardcore matches for its brutality. The turn of events with Bryan Danielson and the BCC was also a major talking point, indicating significant storyline developments.

General Sentiment: Fans and reviewers highlighted the event for its high stakes, dramatic finishes, and unexpected turns, especially in the world title scene and the lights out match, marking AEW All Out as a memorable event in AEW's history for its storytelling and in-ring action.

These highlights reflect a night filled with intense wrestling action, significant character developments, and unexpected twists, making AEW All Out 2024 a notable event in professional wrestling. (Grok)

News

Hangman and Swerve's Brutal Showdown at AEW All Out

At the AEW All Out event, the cage match between Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland was marked by its intense and brutal nature, drawing significant attention and discussion for its violence and the physical endurance displayed by both wrestlers. The match, described as potentially career-defining, showcased high stakes and extreme physicality, with fans and observers expressing a mix of shock and admiration. Despite the brutality, efforts were made to ensure safety. The event has sparked widespread discussion regarding its impact and the ongoing rivalry between Hangman and Swerve, with many highlighting the match's brutality and its implications for future encounters. (Grok)

News

MJF Triumphs at AEW All Out

At AEW All Out, MJF emerged victorious against Daniel Garcia in a fiercely contested opening match, highlighted by Garcia's aggressive start and a dramatic piledriver from the top rope post-match. The event also showcased a highly praised match between PAC and Will Ospreay, celebrated for its athletic prowess and storytelling, which received widespread acclaim. Additionally, the tag team match featuring Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander was noted for its intensity. The night concluded with a dramatic 'Final Countdown' segment, intensifying the audience's excitement. (Grok)

Young Bucks Retain AEW Tag Titles

At AEW All Out, The Young Bucks successfully defended their AEW World Tag Team Championships against Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta. The event was highlighted by a critically acclaimed match between Will Ospreay and PAC, noted for its intensity and quality. The night began with a match between MJF and Daniel Garcia, where MJF won after a competitive and physically demanding contest. The event showcased several high-energy matches, captivating the audience with the athleticism and storytelling of professional wrestling. (Grok)

News

McCool's Return in WWE 2K24

Michelle McCool is featured as a playable character in "WWE 2K24," included in the game's roster as part of the Global Superstars Pack. This pack was released on September 18, 2024, marking her return to the WWE video game series. She's categorized under the Legends section, and this inclusion marks her 7th appearance in the main WWE Games series. There has been positive sentiment around her inclusion, with fans expressing excitement about her return to the game on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where her flawless representation both in and out of the ring has been highlighted. (Grok)

News

Padilla's Devastating Elbow at UFC Vegas 97

During UFC Vegas 97, Chris Padilla executed a notable elbow strike against his opponent, Rongzhu, which led to significant swelling and closure of Rongzhu's eye, forcing him to withdraw from the fight. This move was widely recognized for its precision and impact, showcasing Padilla's fighting prowess. The event sparked discussions among fans and commentators who praised the effectiveness of the strike while also expressing concern for Rongzhu's injury. (Grok)

News

Andrade vs Silva Highlights UFC Vegas 97

At UFC Vegas 97, Jessica Andrade fought against Natalia Silva in a match noted for its intensity. Silva showcased superior speed and agility, effectively using her footwork and combinations to outmanoeuvre Andrade, who focused on power and pressure. Despite Andrade's efforts, Silva's performance was highlighted for its effectiveness in controlling the fight. The match ended with some observers scoring it 30-27 in favor of Silva, emphasizing her striking and defensive skills against a formidable opponent. Additionally, the event featured a notable incident where Chris Padilla delivered a severe elbow strike that caused significant injury to his opponent's eye, leading to the fight's stoppage. (Grok)

News

UFC Vegas 97: Natalia Silva

At UFC Vegas 97, Natalia Silva showcased a dominant performance against Jessica Andrade in the co-main event. Here's a rundown based on the information available up to September 8, 2024:

Outcome: Natalia Silva defeated Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27 in her favor.

Performance Highlights: Silva demonstrated exceptional striking, keeping Andrade at bay with a variety of strikes, including rapid punches and spinning wheel kicks. Her strategy involved excellent footwork and movement around the cage, which prevented Andrade from effectively closing the distance.
Despite Andrade's attempts to pressure and engage in close-quarters combat, Silva's defense, particularly her takedown defense, was notable. She managed to fend off Andrade's grappling attempts, showcasing adaptability and skill in maintaining her preferred striking range.
Silva's performance was described as a striking clinic, with her outstriking Andrade significantly, using her speed and precision to accumulate points and damage over the three rounds.

Post-Fight: Both fighters received a $50,000 bonus for their performance, indicating the fight was considered highly competitive or entertaining despite the decisive scoreline.
Silva's victory has positioned her as a significant contender in the flyweight division, with discussions about her readiness for a title shot, although she acknowledged the upcoming title defense by Alexa Grasso against Valentina Shevchenko.

Public and Media Sentiment: Posts on X (formerly Twitter) and various reports highlighted Silva's impressive performance, focusing on her footwork, striking accuracy, and her ability to control the fight's pace and distance. There was a clear acknowledgment of Silva's growth and potential in the UFC.

This event not only marked another win for Silva but also cemented her status as a top contender in the UFC's flyweight division, with her performance against a former champion like Andrade being a significant statement of her capabilities. (Grok)

News

Garcia's Knockout Streak at UFC Vegas 97

Steve Garcia, known as 'The Mean Machine,' has solidified his reputation in the UFC by securing five consecutive knockout victories at UFC Vegas 97, with his latest win against Kyle Nelson via a notable elbow strike. His aggressive style and finishing power have not only impressed fans and analysts but also led to discussions about potential matchups against top-tier fighters like Giga Chikadze or Calvin Kattar. Garcia's performance has drawn comparisons to fighters like Carlos Condit, marking a significant resurgence in his career. Meanwhile, Sean Brady defeated Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision in a match that went the distance, showcasing Brady's wrestling and striking improvements. The fight was marked by intense exchanges, including controversial moments like back-to-back low blows, highlighting the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of their bout. (Grok)

News

Brady's Unanimous Win over Burns

Sean Brady secured a unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, marking a significant win in his career. Here's what we gathered from the event:

Fight Dynamics: Brady was dominant throughout the fight, utilizing a strategy that involved both striking and grappling. Despite Burns landing some significant strikes, Brady's overall activity, control, and volume of strikes led to his victory. He managed to take Burns down multiple times and controlled much of the fight's pace and positioning.

Judges' Scorecards: The judges scored the bout 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46 in favor of Brady, indicating a clear win with his performance being favored across all rounds by the judges.

Reactions: Fighters and analysts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressed that Brady looked impressive, with some noting his wrestling and improved striking. There was a sentiment that while Burns had moments of success, Brady's consistent performance from start to finish was the deciding factor.

Implications: This win propels Brady further up the welterweight rankings, with some suggesting he's now among the elite in the division and could be considered a title threat. Discussions post-fight included potential future matchups, with names like Usman being mentioned.

Burns' Performance: Although Burns showed resilience and landed some of the fight's most significant strikes, it wasn't enough to sway the judges. This fight might be seen as a testament to both his durability and the challenge of facing a rising contender like Brady.

Career Impact: For Brady, this victory over a former title challenger like Burns is a substantial boost, likely improving his ranking and setting him up for potentially bigger fights in the welterweight division. For Burns, at 38, this might be indicative of a challenging phase in his career, especially after facing top talents back-to-back.

From posts and reactions on X, the consensus seems to be that Brady not only won but did so in a manner that showcased his growth as a fighter, potentially setting the stage for a title run in the near future. (Grok)

News

BKFC

Based on the latest information available up to September 8, 2024, here's what's happening in the world of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC):

BKFC 65 was a significant event recently, held at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Christine “Misfit” Ferea defended her BKFC World Women’s Flyweight Championship title for the fourth time in the main event. The event featured several notable fights, including Jeremy Stephens securing a win in the co-main event, and various other fighters making their mark with victories by TKO or KO.

Fighter Faceoffs and Weigh-Ins: Photos from the BKFC 65 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs were made available, indicating pre-event activities that build up to the fights, showcasing the fighters' readiness and intensity before the event.

Community Engagement on X: There's chatter on X (formerly known as Twitter) about potential future announcements from fighters possibly signing with BKFC, indicating fan speculation and interest in fighters' career moves.

No Direct Updates on New Events or Signings: As of the latest updates, there haven't been specific announcements regarding upcoming events beyond BKFC 65 or new high-profile signings directly from BKFC's official channels or related discussions on X. However, the community remains active, discussing potential matchups and the outcomes of recent fights.

For the most current and detailed updates, or if there's interest in specific fighters or upcoming events, checking the official BKFC website or their official social media channels would provide the most accurate information. (Grok)

News

Professional Fighters League (PFL)

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) league known for its innovative approach to MMA competition, where fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship format, similar to traditional sports leagues. Here are some key updates and features about the PFL:

Format: The PFL operates on a sports-season format, which includes a regular season where fighters accumulate points based on their performance (wins, knockouts, submissions), followed by playoffs and a championship event. This structure aims to incentivize fighters to perform at their best in every fight.

SmartCage™: PFL introduced the SmartCage, which is equipped with technology to capture real-time data during fights. This includes biometric data like heart rate, performance metrics like the speed and number of strikes, and positional data. This technology enhances viewer engagement by providing live stats during broadcasts, known as Cagenomics™.

GhostCam™: This is another technological innovation by PFL, allowing viewers to see the action inside the cage without the visual obstruction of the cage mesh, providing an "in the cage" viewing experience.

Recent Developments: Acquisition of Bellator: PFL acquired Bellator MMA, which has led to discussions and some confusion among fans regarding the integration of the two promotions, including how fighters from both leagues will be managed, and the distribution of their events across different platforms like ESPN for PFL and potentially others for Bellator.
Rule Differences: There's been notable discussion around rule differences, particularly the ban on elbow strikes in PFL which contrasts with other promotions like Bellator where elbows are allowed. This has sparked debate among fans and fighters about the consistency and fairness in MMA rules across different leagues. International Expansion: PFL announced the launch of PFL MENA, targeting the Middle East and North Africa market, indicating a strategic move towards global expansion.
Fighter Contracts and Advocacy: Jake Paul has been involved with PFL, not just as a fighter but in roles related to fighter advocacy and promotion, aiming to improve conditions and opportunities for fighters.

Fan and Fighter Sentiment: Recent posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect a mix of frustration and enthusiasm among fans and fighters. There's criticism over rule sets, the handling of fighter contracts, and the overall direction of the league post-acquisition of Bellator. However, there's also excitement about the technological advancements and the potential for more competitive and financially rewarding opportunities for fighters.

Event Schedule: Upcoming events include the "Battle of the Giants PPV" scheduled for October 19, indicating continued high-profile events aimed at showcasing top talent in the heavyweight division.

The PFL continues to evolve, focusing on technological innovation, fighter welfare, and global expansion, while also navigating the complexities of merging with Bellator and managing fan expectations regarding rules and fighter treatment. (Grok)

News

Nurmagomedov Defends Bellator Title

Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator Lightweight Championship against Alexander Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego on September 7, 2024. The fight concluded with Nurmagomedov winning via unanimous decision with the judges' scorecards reading 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. This victory marked Nurmagomedov's record to 18-0, maintaining his undefeated streak and his reign as the Bellator lightweight champion. The event was notable for its tactical nature, with Nurmagomedov showcasing a calculated approach to retain his title. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) and various MMA news outlets celebrated Nurmagomedov's defense, with many highlighting his dominance and the strategic depth of the fight. (Grok)

News

Mike Tyson - Jake Paul

The boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has drawn significant attention due to the unique pairing of a legendary former heavyweight champion, Tyson, with the YouTube-star-turned-boxer, Paul. Here's what you need to know based on the latest available information up to September 8, 2024:

Rescheduled Date: The fight was initially set for July 20, 2024, but was postponed due to a medical issue involving Mike Tyson. It has been rescheduled for November 15, 2024.

Venue: The bout will still take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which is known for being the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Streaming: The event will be streamed live on Netflix, marking one of Netflix's ventures into live sports events.

Fight Details: The match is sanctioned as a professional fight, not an exhibition, despite initial ambiguity. They will fight over eight two-minute rounds using 14-ounce gloves.

Background: Mike Tyson, at 57, is stepping back into the ring after his last professional fight in 2005, although he did have an exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Jake Paul, much younger at 27, has been actively boxing since 2018, with a professional record of 9-1.

Health Issue: Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up which led to the postponement, ensuring he had adequate time to recover and train.

Public Interest: There's considerable intrigue around this fight due to the age difference, the blending of entertainment with professional boxing, and the question of how Paul's relatively new boxing skills will fare against Tyson's legendary prowess, albeit aged.

Additional Fights: The event card also includes a highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for the undisputed junior welterweight championship.

Viewing Information: For those interested in watching, the fight card will be exclusively available on Netflix, with no specific start time mentioned yet for the main event.

This match-up represents a crossover between different eras of boxing and entertainment, drawing eyes from both traditional boxing fans and those who follow Paul from his YouTube fame. (Grok)

News

Australia

Controversial Try Decides Manly vs Sharks

In a crucial NRL match, the Cronulla Sharks defeated the Manly Sea Eagles with a final score of 34-14, significantly boosting their prospects as they approach the finals. The game was contentious, marked by controversial referee decisions including questionable tries and penalties, which led to widespread debate among fans about the fairness of the officiating. Manly's performance was notably criticized for its lack of effort and strategic depth, particularly highlighted by the absence of key player Tom Trbojevic. Conversely, the Sharks demonstrated improvement, having defeated several top teams this season, which has enhanced their confidence. This win has strategically positioned the Sharks well for the upcoming finals, while Manly faces the challenge of regrouping and strategizing ahead of their next match, likely against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium. (Grok)

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News

Joshua vs Dubois at Wembley

August 31, 2024

The upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley Edition, features a highly anticipated heavyweight match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, set for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This fight is highlighted by Joshua's undefeated record against British fighters, which he aims to maintain. The event has been described as potentially historic, with expectations to break attendance records. Additional tickets have been released due to high demand, indicating significant public interest in what is being promoted as an unmissable event in the boxing calendar. (Grok)

News

Joshua vs. Dubois Tickets Released

Additional tickets are now available for the highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This event, part of the Riyadh Season Card: Wembley Edition, is expected to set an attendance record with the stadium's capacity increased to 96,000. The fight is being promoted as a historic occasion, with significant interest from boxing fans and includes a special performance by Liam Gallagher. Promotional efforts by various boxing organizations and figures have urged fans to secure tickets for what is described as a potential heavyweight classic. (Grok)

News

Hamilton Leads FP2 at Italian GP

During the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes set the fastest lap in the second free practice session (FP2), followed closely by Lando Norris of McLaren and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Ferrari demonstrated strong performance with both cars in the top five. George Russell, also from Mercedes, faced delays due to an earlier crash by Andrea Kimi Antonelli but managed to place sixth. McLaren also showed promising pace with Norris in second and Piastri in fourth. Red Bull Racing encountered issues, with Max Verstappen experiencing a lock-up and the team addressing concerns about top speed. The session highlighted intense competition among Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, setting up an anticipated close qualifying session. Despite his crash, Antonelli provided valuable data to his team. (Grok)

News

Antonelli Crash Halts FP1 at Italian GP

During the first practice session (FP1) at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, rookie driver Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes experienced a significant crash at the Parabolica corner, leading to a red flag. Despite initially setting the fastest lap, Antonelli's session ended prematurely with his car heavily damaged, though he was reported to be unharmed. Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing set the fastest time of the session, demonstrating strong performance. The incident also impacted Antonelli's teammate George Russell, who had to wait for repairs before participating in FP2. Other teams like McLaren and Ferrari also reported on their performances, with McLaren's drivers in the top five and Ferrari's drivers finishing second and fourth. (Grok)

News

COTA Hosts First Hypercar and LMGT3 Practice

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently hosting the 6 Hours of COTA, also known as Lone Star Le Mans, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This event marks the first time Hypercars and LMGT3 cars are racing together at this track. Notable participants include teams from Porsche, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ferrari, Jota Sport, and Aston Martin. During the first practice session (FP1), Porsche Penske Motorsport's #5 car, driven by Matt Campbell, set the fastest lap time of 1:53.574. The event also introduced specially equipped safety cars, including a Porsche 911 Turbo S with lightweight wheels. This race is significant for its competitive field and its strategic importance in the championship standings. (Grok)

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WEC's Historic Hypercar Race at COTA

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently hosting the 6 Hours of COTA race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, marking a significant event as it features both Hypercars and LMGT3 cars racing together for the first time at this venue. Prominent teams like Toyota GAZOO Racing, Porsche Motorsport, Ferrari Hypercar, and Peugeot Sport are participating, showcasing new models such as the Peugeot 9X8. The event highlights include experienced drivers like Andre Lotterer, who is aiming for another podium finish with an impressive track record at COTA, and the debut of new car models. Activities during the practice sessions involved teams adjusting setups, changing drivers, and adapting to track conditions, drawing considerable attention to the competitive spirit of endurance racing. (Grok)

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Rhea Ripley Showcases Ink in WWE Tattooed Series

Rhea Ripley, a prominent WWE wrestler, was featured in a special segment titled 'WWE Tattooed,' where she showcased her extensive tattoo collection. This episode included a photoshoot and discussions about her tattoos, engaging fans with insights into her personal style and past rivalries, notably with Charlotte Flair. Ripley also shared stories about her fans' enthusiasm for her tattoos, particularly highlighting their reaction to a recent addition to her scorpion tattoo. The segment received positive feedback, enhancing Ripley's popularity within the WWE community. Additionally, Ripley discussed a time she got a matching tattoo with fellow wrestler Toni Storm, further personalizing her connection with fans and colleagues. (Grok)

News

WWE vs. AEW: Talent Pay Debate

The professional wrestling industry is currently embroiled in a debate over wrestler compensation, sparked by AEW's high-paying contracts to Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia. WWE has criticized these contracts, suggesting they exceed market value and could inflate salary expectations industry-wide, potentially harming the sport. Conversely, many fans and industry figures support AEW's approach, arguing that wrestlers deserve higher compensation due to the physical demands of their job. This perspective sees AEW's strategy as fostering a competitive market that might lead to better overall compensation in wrestling. Critics of WWE's stance argue that their reluctance to match AEW's offers undervalues talent and could impact WWE's ability to retain or attract top wrestlers. The discussion reflects broader issues about wrestler worth, the economics of wrestling promotions, and the effects of competition on talent contracts. (Grok)

News

WWE Criticizes AEW Contracts as Overspending

Professional wrestlers Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia have signed lucrative contracts with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which WWE views as detrimental to the wrestling industry, claiming the salaries exceed market value. This perspective has ignited a debate about compensation in wrestling. Supporters of higher pay argue that wrestlers, who endure significant physical tolls, deserve substantial compensation, akin to athletes in other major sports. Critics of WWE's stance believe the company's opposition stems from a reluctance to increase their own payroll, potentially driven by profit considerations rather than the welfare of the performers. The situation underscores broader issues of pay equity and the impact of competition on industry standards, with some seeing AEW's strategy as beneficial for raising overall compensation levels in wrestling. (Grok)

News

Swerve Strickland's Lucrative AEW Deal

Swerve Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW, placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal has stirred debate within the wrestling community, particularly from WWE, which considers the contract to exceed the perceived market value significantly. Critics from WWE argue that such high compensation could inflate industry salary expectations, potentially forcing WWE to increase its own wrestlers' pay. However, supporters of the deal highlight the physical demands and lack of off-season in wrestling, suggesting that wrestlers deserve substantial compensation. This situation underscores broader issues regarding talent compensation, market value assessments, and the competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE in the professional wrestling landscape. (Grok)

News

Swerve's AEW Deal: Highest in Pro Wrestling

Swerve Strickland has recently signed a lucrative contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), reportedly placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers in the industry, comparable to stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal, extending through September 2029, has drawn criticism from WWE officials, who argue that the financial terms are excessively high and could set an unsustainable precedent for wrestler salaries. Despite WWE's contention that Strickland's market value does not justify such compensation, many fans and industry observers believe his performances and popularity warrant his high salary. Additionally, WWE's critique coincides with their unsuccessful attempts to reacquire Strickland and recruit other talents like Daniel Garcia, who chose to remain with AEW. This situation highlights a competitive landscape where wrestler contracts are becoming more financially rewarding. (Grok)

News

Strickland's AEW Deal Stirs Market Controversy

Swerve Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW, placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal has sparked controversy within the wrestling industry, particularly from WWE, who argue that such high compensation sets an unsustainable market value for wrestlers. Critics suggest WWE's stance might stem from their own financial interests, particularly after releasing Strickland only to see him succeed elsewhere. Supporters of high-value contracts highlight the physical toll on wrestlers and argue they deserve substantial pay. This situation underscores ongoing debates about wrestler compensation, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape between WWE and AEW. (Grok)

News

Jon Jones Defiant on Aspinall Fight

Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, has publicly expressed confidence in defeating Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, but has chosen to fight Stipe Miocic instead. This decision has sparked debates about Jones's legacy and his avoidance of Aspinall, with critics arguing that Jones should defend his title against the interim champion who has actively defended his belt. Jones, however, insists that his legacy is secure regardless of the fight outcome, highlighting his long-term dominance in the sport. Discussions also touch on Jones's past, including his performances and controversies like failed drug tests, questioning whether his refusal to fight Aspinall might affect his reputation or if his established record justifies his choices. (Grok)

News

McAfee Donates $1M to WVU NIL Collective

Pat McAfee, a former NFL player and West Virginia University alumnus, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown, West Virginia, creating significant local excitement. The event was so anticipated that local schools closed due to expected traffic congestion, and a large crowd gathered. During the show, McAfee announced a $1 million donation to West Virginia's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support student-athletes. The event featured appearances by notable figures including Nick Saban and highlighted the enthusiasm of WVU fans, particularly for quarterback Garrett Greene. This live show not only boosted local spirit but also emphasized McAfee's ongoing influence and connection to his alma mater. (Grok)

News

McAfee Hosts Massive WVU Live Show

Pat McAfee, a former NFL kicker and West Virginia University alum, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown, creating significant local excitement. The event was so anticipated that local schools closed due to expected traffic congestion. McAfee's show attracted a crowd reportedly larger than those seen at major college football events like College GameDay. During the broadcast, McAfee announced a $1 million donation to West Virginia's NIL collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support student-athletes. The event featured appearances by notable figures including Nick Saban, who discussed the challenges West Virginia faces in their upcoming game against Penn State. The atmosphere in Morgantown was described as electric, reflecting high expectations for the football season opener. (Grok)

News

College Football Season Kickoff

The 2024 College Football Season is kicking off with significant attention on several fronts:

New Kickoff Rule: College football is studying the new NFL kickoff rule during the 2024 season, aiming to make the play safer while maintaining its excitement. This rule, inspired by the XFL, adjusts where players line up and when they can move, promoting more returns but with reduced high-speed collisions.

Marquee Matchups: The season starts with several high-profile games. Notably, LSU faces USC in the Vegas Kickoff Classic on September 1, a game that's drawing considerable betting interest. Other early games include Georgia vs. Clemson and Florida vs. Miami, setting the stage for what's expected to be a competitive season.

Team Preparations and Expectations:

Penn State is entering the season with new coordinators and high hopes for making the College Football Playoff, focusing on the progression in their quarterback room.

Michigan State under new leadership with head coach Jonathan Smith, looks to redefine its play.

Colorado, led by Deion Sanders, has already begun its season against North Dakota State, unveiling new uniforms and showcasing key players like Travis Hunter.

Player Spotlight:

Players like Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are on the watch for breaking records, with expectations high for quarterbacks returning from injuries like Cam Rising of Utah and Riley Leonard, now at Notre Dame.

Game Day Insights: From X posts, there's a buzz about the start of the season with live updates, game previews, and fan reactions, indicating high excitement and engagement from the community.

Cultural Impact and Media: The season's kickoff is not just about the games but also the cultural phenomenon, with extensive media coverage, fan events in places like Las Vegas, and discussions around team strategies, player health, and the future of college football formats.

This season promises to be intriguing with new rules, team dynamics, and the ever-present quest for the College Football Playoff, capturing the attention of fans and bettors alike as teams and players aim to make their mark. (Grok)

News

Sea Eagles Triumph Over Bulldogs

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles achieved a significant victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with a final score of 34-22 at Accor Stadium. This win marked Manly's 10th victory in their last 11 encounters against the Bulldogs. The match was notable for Manly's strong performance, highlighted by plays from Haumole Olakau'atu and a late try by Mahoney, despite a concerning injury to Tom Trbojevic who left the field with a bleeding right arm. Bulldogs fans and players, while disappointed, remain optimistic, pointing to their team's overall successful season and their standing in the finals. Discussions following the game focused on player performances, the impact of the result on team standings, and strategies moving forward in the NRL season. (Grok)

News

Bulldogs Slip, Sea Eagles Soar

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs suffered a significant loss against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL, with the final score at 34-22 favoring Manly. This match was pivotal as it highlighted various aspects of both teams' performances and strategies. Manly's victory was marked by strong individual performances, notably by Haumole Olakau'atu, and strategic plays that capitalized on controversial referee decisions, including a non-enforced sin bin for Manly's Tom Trbojevic. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, faced challenges including fatigue from extensive travel and a reshuffled backline, which might have contributed to their subpar performance. Despite the loss, Bulldogs' fans and commentators remained optimistic, viewing the game as a learning opportunity and a chance for the team to regroup. Manly's win has significant implications for their pursuit of a home final, while the Bulldogs' chances of securing a top-four position were impacted.(Grok)

News

All-Australian Team 2024 Selection Controversy

The 2024 AFL All-Australian team selection has ignited significant debate among fans and analysts, focusing on the criteria and composition of the team. Traditionally comprising 22 players, this year's selection faced scrutiny for its inclusion of players from underperforming teams like the West Coast Eagles, and the exclusion of others who had standout seasons. Critics argued over the balance between positional requirements and individual merit, suggesting a shift towards selecting purely the best 22 players regardless of their position. Notable controversies included the omission of players like Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley, while players like Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli were celebrated for their performances, with Daicos being named the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player. The selection process was criticized for potential biases, prompting discussions on how the All-Australian team could better reflect the season's top performers. Despite the controversies, the team's announcement highlighted achievements like Ollie Dempsey winning the Rising Star award and Marcus Bontempelli receiving the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the Most Valuable Player. (Grok)

Media Man

News

Streaming Movies Top 10 (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Furiosa (Max)

2. The Union (Netflix)

3. Jackpot (Prime Video)

4. The Instigators (Apple TV+)

5. Alien (Hulu)

6. The Bikeriders (Peacock)

7. Immaculate (Hulu)

8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

9. Alien: Covenant (Hulu)

10. Twister (Max)

News

Top 10 Streaming TV (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)

2. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

3. Industry (Max)

4. The Bear (Hulu)

5. From (Prime Video)

6. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

7. Emily in Paris (Netflix)

8. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

9. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Media Man

Sports, Combat Sports; Grok Continues To Assist Media And Online Media Firms At The Speed Of News; Nears 99 Percent Accuracy - Media Man Group

August 22, 2024

News

Cena Declares Reigns as WWE GOAT

John Cena has publicly declared Roman Reigns as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in professional wrestling, attributing the significant rise in WWE/TKO stock value during Reigns' tenure as evidence. This statement has ignited a debate among wrestling fans and enthusiasts. Some fans agree with Cena, highlighting Reigns' current dominance and his impact on WWE's financial success. However, others argue that while Reigns is exceptional, he does not surpass historical figures like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even Cena himself in terms of overall influence and legacy. The discussion reflects a generational shift in wrestling's GOAT debate, with newer fans potentially viewing Reigns differently than veterans who recall the era of The Rock and Austin. (Grok)

News

Danielson Declares Wrestling Supremacy

During a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson confidently declared himself the best wrestler in the world, a claim he has upheld for the past 20 years. This statement was a focal point of the episode, drawing significant attention and support from fans and commentators. Danielson's promo not only showcased his confidence but also set the stage for his upcoming match at AEW's All In event, where he is expected to challenge for the AEW World Title. The episode also featured other matches, but Danielson's proclamation and the crowd's enthusiastic response highlighted the high stakes and anticipation for the future event. (Grok)

News

Danielson Claims Best Wrestler Title

The latest episode of AEW Dynamite, which aired on August 21, 2024, from Cardiff, was a pivotal go-home show leading up to the AEW All In event at Wembley Stadium. The episode was marked by high energy from both the performers and the audience. Bryan Danielson made a bold claim, declaring himself the best wrestler in the world, a statement that was met with significant fan and commentator support. The show featured strong promos from key figures like Britt Baker, Mercedes, MJF, and Will Ospreay, all contributing to the anticipation for All In. AEW President Tony Khan expressed his gratitude for the audience's support, highlighting the show's importance in setting the stage for the upcoming major event. The episode was widely praised for its wrestling quality and storytelling, effectively building momentum towards AEW All In. (Grok)

News

UFC Vegas 96 Betting Highlights

Ahead of UFC Vegas 96, fans and analysts are actively discussing predictions and betting strategies for the event. Key points include Jared Cannonier being seen as a value bet despite his underdog status against Caio Borralho, and the addition of a last-minute fight between Zygimantas Ramaska and Fletcher. Discussions are centered around potential outcomes, with some focusing on specific bets like Llontop at +186 odds. The main event features Edmen Shahbazyan, with speculation on whether he will secure another finish. The community is engaging with detailed fight breakdowns, betting tips, and varied predictions, reflecting a mix of professional analysis and casual fan insights. (Grok)

News

Beterbiev vs. Bivol Set for Boxing Showdown

The upcoming boxing event on October 12th features a much-anticipated match between Dmitry Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, widely considered one of the top fights in recent boxing schedules. Beterbiev, known for his knockout streak, will face Bivol, who is recognized for his technical boxing skills. Predictions for the fight are split, with some believing Bivol's skill might lead to Beterbiev's corner stopping the fight, while others anticipate Beterbiev's aggressive style could overpower Bivol. This event has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts about the potential outcomes. Additionally, there was a notable fight on ProBox TV between Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario, which ended controversially in the second round, aimed at keeping the fighters relevant in their divisions. (Grok)

News

One Month to Joshua-Dubois Showdown

The upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley Edition, is scheduled for September 21 at Wembley Stadium, UK, featuring a headline fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight Crown. This event has generated significant anticipation among boxing fans, with tickets available through various platforms. Prominent figures in the boxing community, including Turki Alalshikh, have actively promoted the event, highlighting its importance in the boxing calendar. Discussions around the event include the potential for an upset, with some backing Dubois to defeat Joshua. The event is part of a broader series of boxing matches, marking a notable moment for fans of the sport. (Grok)

News

BKFC

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion that has become quite popular since its inception in April 2018. Here's what you need to know based on the latest information:

Events and Schedule: BKFC has upcoming events including BKFC 65 FEREA VS MASSON-WONG on September 6, 2024, and BKFC 66 BLAS VS REBER on September 13, 2024. They're also expanding internationally with BKFC SPAIN set for October 12, 2024.

Regulation and Structure: BKFC is the first promotion allowed to hold legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle events in the U.S. since 1889. Fighters are allowed to wrap and tape their wrists, thumbs, and mid-hand, but no gauze or tape can cover the knuckles within 1 inch.

Fighter Rankings: BKFC employs a ranking system where champions and interim champions automatically hold the top spots in their respective weight classes.

Fighters inactive for over 12 months are dropped from the rankings.

Media and Accessibility: BKFC has an official app where fans can watch live events, past fights, and access fighter profiles for a subscription fee. This indicates their push towards digital media for broader accessibility.

Public Sentiment and Coverage: From posts on X, there doesn't seem to be any direct discussion or updates specifically about BKFC's latest events or fighter news, but the platform's nature means there could be discussions or updates in various threads or posts that might not be directly linked to BKFC but could discuss related topics like combat sports trends or fighter performances.

Critical Examination: While BKFC has brought back the historical aspect of bare knuckle fighting, the sport's resurgence also sparks discussions on safety, the spectacle of violence, and its appeal in modern combat sports culture. Critics might argue about the ethics of promoting a sport where the lack of gloves could lead to more severe injuries, while fans and participants might highlight the raw, unfiltered nature of the competition as its primary draw.

Remember, while X posts can give insights into public sentiment or real-time reactions, they're not always factual or comprehensive sources for event-specific updates or official news. For the most accurate and current information on BKFC, checking directly with their official website or app would be advisable. (Grok)

News

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport is a series of professional wrestling events that blend elements of mixed martial arts (MMA) with traditional pro wrestling, focusing on a more realistic and hard-hitting style. Here's what's been happening recently around this event:

Event Details: The latest Bloodsport event, Bloodsport XI, took place on July 28, 2024, at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York. This event featured a mix of well-known names from both wrestling and MMA backgrounds, showcasing matches that end by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage, reflecting the event's ethos of minimal rules.

Notable Matches and Results:

Heddi Karaoui defeated Brian Johnson in what was likely an opening match, setting the tone for the event.

Julius Creed from WWE had a victory over Matt Makowski, highlighting WWE talent's participation in the event.

Masha Slamovich won against Jody Threat, another match that ended with a referee stoppage.

Royce Isaacs managed to defeat Charlie Dempsey, which was surprising given Dempsey's WWE background.

Brutus Creed also from WWE, defeated "Filthy" Tom Lawlor, another notable match where WWE talent was showcased.

Homicide won against Mike Santana, showing a mix of TNA and indie wrestling talent.

Josh Barnett himself competed, defeating Bad Dude Tito by knockout, which is in line with the event's theme of showcasing real combat skills.

MVP's Confrontation: Post-event discussions highlighted a confrontation between MVP and Josh Barnett, where MVP challenged Barnett to a future fight, indicating a potential storyline or match setup for future events.

International Expansion: Josh Barnett has taken Bloodsport international with Bloodsport Bushido in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22, 2024, at Ryogoku Kokugikan, featuring names like Minoru Suzuki, which underscores the event's global appeal and its blend of wrestling cultures.

Fan and Media Reaction: The event has been praised for its unique approach to wrestling, bringing in fans from both the wrestling and MMA communities. The inclusion of WWE talent in Bloodsport events has been a point of interest, suggesting a crossover appeal that might attract a broader audience or serve as a platform for WWE stars to show a different side of their wrestling skills.

This series continues to push the boundaries of what's expected in professional wrestling, focusing on a more grounded, combat sports approach, which appeals to fans looking for something different from the usual scripted wrestling fare. (Grok)

News

Bloodsport

The Sport: In a broader context, "bloodsport" refers to any sport or entertainment that involves bloodshed, often to the death or serious injury of animals or humans. This can include:

Historical Context: Events like gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome or medieval jousting.

Modern Interpretations: Some might consider extreme fighting sports like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or underground fight clubs as modern forms of bloodsport, though these are highly regulated to prevent serious injury or death.

Cultural Impact: The term "bloodsport" has also been used metaphorically to describe any highly competitive or ruthless activity, not necessarily involving physical combat, where participants might be seen as fighting for survival or dominance.

If you're referring to something specific about "Bloodsport," like a sequel, a remake, or a particular scene, let me know! (Grok)

News

Pay-Per-View (PPV)

Pay-Per-View (PPV) is a television distribution model where viewers pay to watch specific events or programs, typically on a one-time basis. Here's a deeper look into how it functions:

Business Model:
Revenue: PPV events generate revenue directly from viewers, which can be particularly lucrative for high-demand content like major sporting events, boxing matches, concerts, or exclusive movie premieres.

Cost: The price for viewing can vary widely, depending on the event's popularity, exclusivity, and the platform offering it.

Content Types:
Sports: Boxing, UFC, WWE wrestling, and major sports finals like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals are often broadcast via PPV.

Entertainment: Special concerts, stand-up comedy shows, or exclusive movie releases might also be offered through PPV.

Special Events: Weddings of celebrities, royal events, or unique live performances.

Distribution:
Cable and Satellite TV: Traditionally, PPV was offered through cable or satellite TV providers where viewers would call in or use their remote to order the event.
Streaming Services: With the rise of digital platforms, PPV has evolved. Services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and various sports streaming platforms now offer PPV events online.

Advantages:
Exclusivity: Viewers get access to content that might not be available through regular broadcasting.
Revenue for Content Creators: PPV allows for direct monetization of content, which can be beneficial for artists, athletes, or event organizers.

Challenges:
Piracy: High-profile PPV events are often targets for illegal streaming, which can cut into profits.
Market Saturation: With many events going PPV, there's a risk of viewer fatigue or competition for viewership.

Future Trends:
Integration with Subscription Models: Some platforms offer PPV within a broader subscription service, providing additional revenue streams.

Virtual Reality (VR): There's potential for PPV to expand into VR, offering immersive experiences for events.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of PPV, like its history, how to set up a PPV event, or its impact on media consumption, feel free to ask! (Grok)

News

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) represents a significant merger in the sports and entertainment industry, combining World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under one corporate umbrella. Here's a detailed overview based on the latest information:

Formation and Ownership: TKO Group Holdings was formed by Endeavor Group Holdings as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa, the parent company of UFC. This merger was completed on September 12, 2023, marking a historic moment as it was the first time WWE was not solely owned by the McMahon family, who had founded and owned it for over 70 years. Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) is the majority owner of TKO, with Vince McMahon personally owning approximately one-third of the Class A Common Stock of TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

Business Structure: Both WWE and UFC operate as divisions under TKO, maintaining their individual branding and operations but now under the same corporate governance. This structure aims to leverage combined resources for global expansion and cost savings, with an estimated value of more than $21 billion at the time of the merger.

Financial Performance: Recent financial data indicates TKO's stock price at around $119.78, with significant fluctuations in its financial metrics year-over-year. For instance, net income saw a decrease, while cash from operations increased dramatically, showcasing a mixed bag of financial health but with a strong operational cash flow.

Strategic Moves and Market Impact: The merger has led to various strategic decisions, including cost-saving measures, with expectations of saving between $50 million to $100 million. Additionally, WWE's deal with Netflix for content distribution was highlighted as transformative, indicating TKO's approach to expanding its media presence.

Board and Leadership: The board of TKO Group Holdings includes notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who joined to help expand the business globally, alongside other industry leaders from both WWE and UFC backgrounds. This diverse board aims to steer the company towards further integration and growth in the entertainment sector.

Public Sentiment and Media Coverage: From posts on X, there's a mix of excitement about the merger's potential for growth and concerns over the implications for WWE's traditional ownership structure. The listing on the NYSE and the involvement of high-profile figures like Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon have been points of discussion, reflecting both optimism for the future of combat sports and entertainment and skepticism regarding the cultural shift within WWE.

Stock Performance: TKO's stock experienced a significant rise after reporting a strong second-quarter earnings report, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous year's quarter, indicating investor confidence in the company's direction under the new structure.

This merger not only reshapes the landscape of sports entertainment but also positions TKO Group Holdings as a major player in the global entertainment industry, with ambitions to expand its reach and influence through combined resources and strategic partnerships.

News

Verstappen's Trophy or Bust

Formula 1 is set to resume with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, generating excitement among fans, particularly for Max Verstappen who has a perfect record at this event since its return to the calendar in 2021. Discussions are centered around Verstappen's potential to win again, with fans expressing high expectations and some playful skepticism about others' interest in the sport. Meanwhile, there have been significant team changes; Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes, ending speculation about his move to Ferrari with Hamilton. This news has stirred reactions among fans and within the F1 community, highlighting the dynamic shifts in team structures and driver-engineer relationships. (Grok)

News

Ronaldo Breaks YouTube Subscriber Record

Cristiano Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel and within less than 24 hours, he amassed over 14 million subscribers, breaking the previous record held by Mr. Beast who took 132 days to reach 10 million subscribers. Ronaldo's channel not only set a new benchmark for the fastest growth in subscribers but also highlighted his immense global popularity, with his first video garnering millions of views shortly after its release. This achievement was celebrated by fans and commentators alike, noting Ronaldo's unparalleled influence both on and off the football pitch. (Grok)

Media Man Int: Editor

The Grok reference for TKO Group is not 99 or 100 percent. A number of references are 6 to over 12 months out of date. The information regarding TKO Group is published as is, just as Grok AI directs us. This editor post may potentially assist Grok to further improve its otherwise excellent service, in the view of Media Man Group management. Media Man Int/Media Man Group management/staff finds Grok A.I to be overall much superior than that of the general A.I offerings of the industry and believes that under Elon Musk management and direction that the sky's the limit! Combat sports on Mars anyone?! Grok/X Championship Of The World!

Movie Box Office (North America)

August 18, 2024

1. Alien: Romulus - $41.5m

2. Deadpool & Wolverine - $29m

3. It Ends with Us - $24m

4. Twisters - $9.8m

5. Coraline - $8.4m

6. Despicable Me 4 - $6m

7. Trap - $3.4m

8. Inside Out 2 - $3.2m

9. Stree 2 - $2.6m

10. Borderlands - $2.4m

others...

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

Pop Culture/Streaming Entertainment

Top 10 Movies Streaming (United States)

August 20, 2024

Top 10 movies

1. The Instigators (Apple TV+)

2. The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

3. The Bikeriders (Peacock)

4. Deadpool 2 (Disney+)

5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)

6. Twister (Max)

7. Challengers (MGM+)

8. If (Paramount+)

9. Deadpool (Disney+)

10. Wicked Little Letters (Netflix)

Pop Culture/Streaming Entertainment

Top 10 Streaming TV (United States)

1. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

3. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

4. House of the Dragon (Max)

5. Industry (Max)

6. Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)

7. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

8. The Bear (Hulu)

9. Evil (Paramount+)

10. Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)

Movie Box Office (North America)

August 4, 2024

1. Deadpool & Wolverine - $97m

2. Twisters - $22.7m

3. Trap - $15.6m

4. Despicable Me 4 - $11.3

5. Inside Out 2 - $6.7m

6. Harold and the Purple Crayon - $6m

7. Longlegs - $4.1m

8. The Firing Squad - $1.6m

9. A Quiet Place: Day One - $1.4m

10. Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $601,000

others...

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

SEO And X Buzz For Pop Culture

Pro Wrestling And Pop Culture Connection

SEO And X Buzz For Pop Culture

Combat Sports and Contact Sports Connection

News Bytes via Media Man

In Case You Missed It; Updated July 18, 2024

UFC Partners With Crown Resorts (Melbourne, Australia)

UFC Teams Up With PCYC (Sydney, Australia), as per tip off 6 months ago

UFC Explored Venue Deal With Manly Warringah Leagues Club (Sea Eagles). Brookville, Sydney, Australia

WWE prepares for show In Germany and Canada; Japan this past week huge success

WWE stars including Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley and Rey Mysterio appear on Call Of Duty videogame upgrade

WWE NXT ratings up; TNA Wrestling helped keep positive momentum. TNA's Joe Hendry creates additional buzz, web and social media traffic for NXT. Continues to increase pro wrestling skills, technical etc, Fan signs start to appear on prime WWE brands Raw and SmackDown. NXT's Booker T stirs the pop with Joe Hendry: "What's he doing here"?!

Pro wrestling "forbidden door" strategy helps ignite fan and sports media interest; Fresh dream matches! AEW did start the recent ripple effect!

UFC 303 in Las Vegas over-delivers as management and fighters demonstrate teamwork and massive work ethic

UFC's Dana White X tie ins with Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler indicate that the match will happen this year to fans delight.

UFC staying clear of political drama says Media Man agency; Of course they respect the fight and "fight fight fight" in Trump's will and ability to survive just about anything than a sometimes crazy world can throw at him; "American Bad *ss" - Dana White

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship enjoys additional media buzz since Conor McGregor deal announced; Website traffic and PPV numbers on the rise - intel

WWE Raw broadcast deal on track with Netflix including in Australia - Jan 2025

Most Valuable Promotions: Jake Paul received alternative fight proposals from would be opponents to replace Mike Tyson. Vs Tyson confirmed for November 15 in Texas

Jake Paul vs Mike Perry in 8-round boxing match on July 21 AEST in Tampa, Florida.

WWE SummerSlam: August 3, 2024. Cleveland, Ohio.
Priest vs Gunther
Rhodes vs Sikoa
Bayley vs Jax
Morgan vs Ripley
Some surprises fully expected! No spoilers!

WWE RAW: This past Raw Big Bronson Reed vs Sheamus help spike X numbers and promotion for 'Twisters' movie; Announcers Michael Cole and Pat McAfee send wrestling media into positive spiral! Whips up X tsunami and storm of movie interest and buzz. 'Twisters' via Univeral Pictures. US release: July 19, 2024

CBD, Canna, alternative health b2b deals prevent in combat sports sector. Carma prevalent brand with Mike Tyson, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan...

CBD: Matt Riddle, RVD and Sean Morley also prominent figures with other brands, dispensaries and outlets

Pro wrestling and MMA promotions become more educated about benefits of SEO for websites to drive extra quality traffic, buzz. Helps sell more tickets, merch and grab additional balanced and positive news media coverage

Australian boxing gym exploring potential documentary; Australian, Russian and U.S connection. Stay tuned!

Josh Barnett's Bloodspot aka Bloodsport Bushido big hit with fans and combat sports media in Japan. Ryogoku, Kokugikan, Tokyo - June 22, 2024. Game Changer Wrestling next big event: GCW Bloodsport XI - July 28, 2024. Roulette Intermedium. Brooklyn, New York

Australian based sports agency receives additional government backed support; Need to know basis! More selective of brand partners, affiliates and associates. Under the watercooler!

TMZ Sports becomes even more active in pro wrestling, MMA and boxing coverage

ESPN's Pat McAfee of The Pat McAfee Show as broadcast on globally via ESPN, YouTube and socials, continues to ruffle some ESPN top brass feathers and PM's fanbase loves it; Sports Wars YouTube show generates even additional buzz. UFC's Dana White appears on Pat McAfree show and offers pro Trump comments and support.

Additional details to follow.

Media/Entertainment: Australia

TV Week Logie Awards 2024

Winners

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television - Larry Emdur

Best Drama Program - RFDS, Seven Network

Best News or Public Affairs Presenter - Ally Langon, A Current Affair, Nine Network

Best Comedy Entertainment Program - Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network Ten

Best Lead Actor in a Drama - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Beat Scripted Comedy Program - Utopia, ABC

Best Current Affairs Program - Australian Story, ABC

Best Lead Actress in a Drama - Deborah Mailman, Total Control, ABC

Best Sports Coverage - FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Seven Network

Best Competition Reality Program - MasterChef Australia, Network 10

Best Factual or Documentary Program - John Farnham: Finding The Voice, Seven Network

Best Miniseries or Telemovie - Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report - Ben Roberts-Smith: The Truth, 60 Minutes, Nine Network

Best Structured Program - Gogglebox Australia, Foxtel and Network 10

Best Lifestyle Program - Travel Guides, Nine Network

Bert Newtown Award for Most Popular Presenter - Larry Emdur, The Chase Australia and The Morning Show, Seven Network

Best Supporting Actor - Bryan Brown, Boy Swallows Universe

Best Lead Actor in a Comedy - Rob Sitch, Utopia, ABC

Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Supporting Actress - Sophie Wilde, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Children's Program - Bluey, ABC

Best Entertainment Program - The Voice Australia, Seven Network

Best Lead Actress in a Comedy - Kitty Flanagan, Utopia, ABC

Pop Culture/Streaming Entertainment

Top 10 Movies Streaming (United States)

1. The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

2. Deadpool 2 (Disney+)

3. Twister (Max)

4. Deadpool (Disney+)

5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)

6. Tarot (Netflix)

7. If (Paramount+)

8. Wicked Little Letters (Netflix)

9. Challengers (MGM+)

10. Abigail (Peacock)

Others

The Beekeeper (Prime Video)

Find Me Falling (Netflix)

My Spy: The Eternal City (Netflix)

*correct at time of publication

Streaming TV (United States)

Top 10 TV

1. House of the Dragon (Max)

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

3. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

4. Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)

5. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

6. The Decameron (Netflix)

7. The Bear (Hulu)

8. The Boys (Prime Video)

9. Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Streaming Service

An online provider of entertainment (music, movies, multi-episode series, etc.) that delivers content over an Internet connection to the subscriber's computer, TV or mobile device.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Binge (Australia), Kayo Sports (Australia), Hulu, HBO, Disney, ESPN Plus, Gaia, Passionflix, Spotify, Discovery, Peacock, Paramount Plus, Triller TV, UFC Fight Pass, WWE Network and Apple TV+ are examples of paid streaming services.

Examples of free services include Amazon ABC iView, Freedive, Free TV, Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Snagfilms, Sony Crackle, SBS On Demand, Tubi TV, VUDU and Xumo.

Sports News Update

X's Grok Helps Keep Online Publishers, Newsrooms Up To Speed; Media Man

August 2, 2024

News

U.F.C. Abu Dhabi Fight Card

The UFC event in Abu Dhabi on August 3rd, 2024, is generating significant discussion among fans and analysts. The main event features Umar Nurmagomedov against Cory Sandhagen, with Nurmagomedov being favored by many. The card includes other notable fighters like Deiveson Figueiredo, Marlon Vera, and Shara. Predictions and betting odds are being shared across social media, and Khabib Nurmagomedov is expected to be in Umar's corner. The event is free to watch on ABC Network, further enhancing its accessibility and viewership. Tony Ferguson has expressed his desire to continue fighting in the UFC, while other fighters like Figueiredo and Vera are also generating interest among fans. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and competition in the world of mixed martial arts. (Grok)

News

UFC Abu Dhabi Event

The upcoming UFC event in Abu Dhabi on August 2, 2024, is generating significant buzz, featuring a main event between undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen. The event is free to watch on ABC Network and includes notable fighters such as Deiveson Figueiredo and Marlon Vera. The card also features Tony Ferguson, who has expressed his desire to continue fighting in the UFC. The event is anticipated to be a major one, with Khabib Nurmagomedov expected to be in Umar's corner. Betting predictions and discussions are prevalent across social media platforms, with various analysts and fans sharing their insights and picks for the fights.

News

Survivor Series: WarGames in Vancouver

WWE has announced that Survivor Series 2024 will be held in Vancouver, Canada, marking the first WWE pay-per-view event in the city since 1998. The event, featuring the WarGames match format, is scheduled for November 30 at Rogers Arena. This decision has sparked excitement among wrestling fans and local residents, with many expressing enthusiasm about attending the event in Vancouver. (Grok)

News

SummerSlam Predictions and Anticipation

WWE SummerSlam 2024 is generating significant anticipation among fans, with many expressing excitement and making predictions about the outcomes of various matches. Key discussions revolve around potential returns of prominent wrestlers such as Roman Reigns and The Rock, as well as the outcomes of matches like Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley. The event is set to feature a variety of matches that fans are eagerly awaiting, including those involving LA Knight, Logan Paul, and Gunther. The overall sentiment is one of excitement and speculation, with fans looking forward to a thrilling event. (Grok)

News

Rampage Debuts for MxM & Private Party on AEW

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events, including the highly anticipated All In event scheduled for August 25, 2024. The event is generating significant buzz among fans and is anticipated to surpass the success of the previous year's event. The card for All In features high-stakes matches such as Bryan Danielson putting his career on the line against Swerve, MJF facing Will Ospreay, and a tag team grudge match involving Darby Allin, FTR, and ROH Champion Sussex Co. Chicken against formidable opponents. AEW is also promoting other shows like AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, which feature matches like Hangman Page vs. Darby Allin and MxM Collection's debut against Private Party, respectively. The promotion is leveraging various platforms and media to engage with fans and build anticipation for these events. (Grok)

News

Crawford vs Madrimov: Pre-Fight Press Conference

Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov are set to face off in a highly anticipated boxing match on August 3rd, as part of the Riyadh Season Card. The event, which will be available on PPV, has generated significant buzz among boxing fans and media. The undercard for the event is also noted for its quality, featuring a heavyweight bout between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller, as well as other notable fights. The event is expected to be a major draw, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of the main event between Crawford and Madrimov. (Grok)

News

TNA Wrestling: Rascalz vs. Bailey, Seven & KUSHIDA

TNA Wrestling's iMPACT episode on August 1, 2024, featured a lineup of exciting matches and events. The show included a TNA World Title match between Nic Nemeth and Mustafa Ali, as well as the wedding of PCO and Steph De Lander. Other matches included The Rascalz in action against Mike Bailey, Trent Seven, and KUSHIDA in a six-man tag team match, Frankie Kazarian vs. Ryan Nemeth, and Jody Threat vs. Masha Slamovich. The event was broadcasted on various platforms including TNA+, AXS TV, DAZN, and YouTube, catering to a wide audience. Fans and wrestling enthusiasts expressed their anticipation and excitement for the event across social media platforms. (Grok)

ROH

Ring of Honor (ROH) is a professional wrestling promotion recently acquired by Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Chief Football Strategy Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and GM/Sporting Director of Fulham F.C. ROH has been holding events and television tapings, with notable developments including Sammy Guevara's return to help Dustin Rhodes against the Dark Order at the July 28th tapings. The promotion has been building new stars and continues to feature high-profile matches and events. (Grok)

News

WWE 2K24 Online Stability Hotfix

WWE 2K24 released Patch 1.14 to address online stability issues, which was automatically applied upon game loading. The update aimed to fix problems with the Pat McAfee Show Pack DLC for PS5 users, which was resolved, allowing the pack to be downloaded. However, the patch also caused issues with mods on PC, and some users reported problems with Titantrons in create an entrance and the unavailability of DLC for PlayStation 5 users. Despite these issues, WWE 2K24 encouraged players to participate in a giveaway for SummerSlam and provided a locker code for 7500 VC. (Grok)

Max Verstappen's Potential Mercedes Move

Speculation is rife about Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes, fueled by recent high-profile departures from Red Bull Racing. Despite the rumors, some fans express skepticism about the likelihood of such a move. The discussion also touches on the stability of other drivers' positions within their teams, with some questioning the rationale behind certain team decisions. Additionally, there is discussion about the performance comparison between Verstappen and his teammate, Perez, at Red Bull Racing. (Grok)

News

Wheatley's Move from Red Bull to Audi F1

Jonathan Wheatley, the long-serving sporting director at Red Bull Racing, is set to leave the team at the end of the 2024 season to become the new team principal of the Audi Formula 1 project. This move has been confirmed by Red Bull and widely reported across various Formula 1 news outlets. Audi has not officially commented on Wheatley's appointment, and there are indications that they were not expecting the announcement. Wheatley's departure marks a significant change in leadership for Red Bull and a notable acquisition for Audi as it prepares to enter Formula 1. The transition is expected to take place after the 2024 season, with Wheatley remaining in his current role until then. (Grok)

News

WWE NXT Great American Bash Week One

The WWE NXT Great American Bash kicked off with a series of exciting matches and events, including a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match where Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn defended their titles against Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend. Other highlights included a NXT Women’s Championship match between Roxanne Perez and Thea Hail, a live concert by Joe Hendry, and a NXT Heritage Cup match between Tony D'Angelo and Tavion Heights. Fans and commentators expressed excitement and anticipation for the event, with many rooting for their favorite wrestlers and speculating on potential outcomes. (Grok)

News

NXT Women's Championship: Roxanne Perez Retains

Roxanne Perez successfully defended her NXT Women's Championship against Thea Hail in a highly acclaimed match at NXT GAB. The match was praised for its intensity and the young ages of the competitors, with both being under 23 years old. The event also featured other notable matches, including Joe Hendry expressing frustration with Gallus and a confirmed match between Joe Hendry and Joe Coffey for the following week. The overall event was well-received, highlighting the talent and potential of the NXT roster. (Grok)

News

Bowlin Graham's Pocono Win Secures Playoff Spot

Graham Bowlin secured a spot in the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series playoffs with a win at Pocono Raceway. Despite missing out on the playoffs, drivers from Spire Motorsports expressed pride in their team's efforts. Nick Ottinger also secured a playoff spot, marking the seventh consecutive season Team Conti has fielded at least one car in the post-season. The playoff lineup includes Steven Wilson, Parker White, Nick Ottinger, Graham Bowlin, Vicente Salas, Bobby Zalenski, Tucker Minter, Garrett Lowe, Dylan Duval, and Daniel Faulkingham. (Grok)

News

CM Punk's Top 5 Wrestlers of All Time

During an interview on ESPN's First Take, CM Punk named his top-5 wrestlers of all time, which included Harley Race, Terry Funk, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, and initially Ricky Steamboat, but he later switched to Roddy Piper. This selection sparked discussions among fans and commentators, with some expressing surprise at the absence of Bret Hart from the list. Punk also highlighted Stone Cold Steve Austin as the biggest superstar in the industry. The interview took place ahead of SummerSlam 2024, which is set to occur in a few days, generating anticipation among wrestling fans. (Grok)

News

Cedric Alexander's NXT Victory

Cedric Alexander emerged victorious in a match against Brooks Jensen on the WWE NXT show. The win was unexpected by some fans and commentators, and it was celebrated by many on social media. The event also featured other matches and announcements, including a promo by Pete Dunne about his upcoming match with Trick Williams. (Grok)

News

UFC Abu Dhabi Event

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host a highly anticipated event in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, featuring a stacked card of fights. Notable fighters on the card include Tony Ferguson, Cory Sandhagen, and Mackenzie Dern. The event is free and open to the public, with a live broadcast on various platforms. Fans and analysts are discussing the matchups and sharing their predictions and betting tips for the fights. Cory Sandhagen is a key focus of the event, with many fans and analysts predicting a strong performance from him in his fight against Umar Nurmagomedov. (Grok)

News

AEW Returns and Criticisms

The recent episode of AEW's Dynamite received mixed reactions from fans and critics, sparking discussions on various aspects of the show. Topics included the return of a star after a five-month absence, the company's approach to pushing certain talents, and comparisons between AEW and WWE. Some fans expressed disappointment in the show's content and booking decisions, while others praised specific moments and storylines. The discourse highlighted a range of opinions and critiques regarding AEW's current direction and its relationship with its audience and competitors. (Grok)

News

AEW Collision Viewership Drop Amid Summer Events

AEW Collision viewership experienced a significant drop, averaging 383,000 viewers with a 0.12 P18-49 rating, marking a 19% decrease from the previous week. This decline was attributed to tough competition from the Olympics. Meanwhile, WWE's SummerSlam is generating anticipation, with fans expressing mixed feelings about the event and the potential outcomes for their favorite wrestlers. (Grok)

News

Grok Search: TNA Wrestling

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Jarrett. It is currently owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment and is based in Nashville, Tennessee. TNA was initially known as NWA: Total Nonstop Action until 2004 when it rebranded to its current name.

TNA has been known for its innovative matches and storylines, and it has featured many notable wrestlers such as Kurt Angle, Sting, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy. The promotion has also been praised for its women's division, known as the Knockouts Division, which features some of the top female wrestlers in the world.

TNA has faced a number of challenges over the years, including changes in ownership and a decline in viewership. However, the promotion has continued to produce entertaining and innovative content, and it remains a significant player in the world of professional wrestling. (Grok)

News

Umar vs Sandhagen for Title Shot

Umar Nurmagomedov is set to face Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi, with the winner potentially earning a title shot against the victor of the Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili bout. The event also features Tony Ferguson, who is looking to make a comeback. The fight card is generating significant interest and betting activity among fans and analysts. Additionally, there are discussions about potential matchups for Shakur Stevenson, including a verbal agreement for a fight with William Zepeda, although no official agreement has been reached yet. The event is also notable for Khabib Nurmagomedov's involvement in Umar's corner. (Grok)

News

Ruiz vs Miller: Boxing Showdown in Riyadh

On August 3, 2024, a significant boxing event is set to take place featuring several high-profile matches. The main event includes a face-off between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller, which has garnered significant attention and anticipation. Other notable fights on the card include a matchup between Isaac Pitbull and Jose Valenzuela, which is expected to be a highlight of the evening. Additionally, the event features the return of Andy Cruz against Antonio Moran, adding to the excitement. The event is part of the Riyadh Season and will be broadcasted on ESPN Plus PPV. (Grok)

News

Russell Disqualified, Hamilton Wins Belgian GP

Lewis Hamilton was declared the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix after his teammate George Russell was disqualified for having an underweight car. Russell initially crossed the line first but was stripped of his win due to the technical violation. Hamilton's victory marked his second win in three races, sparking discussions among fans and commentators about the nature of his win and Russell's performance. The disqualification also led to Oscar Piastri being promoted to second place, and Charles Leclerc finishing third for Ferrari. (Grok)

News

F1 Drivers Pole Positions and Race Outcomes Debate

In recent Formula 1 races, Charles Leclerc has been praised for his ability to secure pole positions and maintain leads in a slower car, contrasting with Lando Norris's performance in a faster car. Max Verstappen has consistently performed well, often starting from lower positions and finishing higher, despite debates about the relative performance of his car. The current season is highly competitive, with several drivers from different teams closely competing in points, highlighting the tight competition in Formula 1. (Grok)

News

US Women's Rugby Wins First Olympic Medal

The United States women's rugby sevens team won their first Olympic medal, a bronze, in a dramatic match against Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The victory was sealed by a last-minute try and conversion by Alex Sedrick. Meanwhile, Simone Biles led the United States to a dominant victory in the women's gymnastics team final, securing her fifth career Olympic gold medal and becoming the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast in history with a total of 8 medals. (Grok)

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The Australian Financial Review - Media and Marketing

News Corp puts Foxtel up for sale after asset review

By Sam Buckingham-Jones

August 9, 2024

News Corp, the publishing and broadcast giant controlled by the Murdoch family, has put its majority-owned Australian pay television platform Foxtel up for sale after a nine-month strategic review of its assets.

Outlining its financial results on Friday, News Corp said there was “third-party interest” in Foxtel, which owns a pay TV business, streaming services Binge and Kayo Sports, and aggregation platform Hubbl.

“We are confident in the company’s long-term prospects and are continuing to review our portfolio with a focus on maximising returns for shareholders,” News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said.

“That review has coincided recently with third-party interest in a potential transaction involving the Foxtel ... We are evaluating options for the business with our advisors in light of that external interest.”

News Corp owns 65 per cent of Foxtel, and Telstra owns the rest.

Foxtel has spent the past decade pivoting to the streaming era, building Kayo and Binge – which have much leaner profit margins – while preserving its legacy base of around 1 million subscribers who pay, on average, $90 a month. It has grown its total paying subscription base to 4.7 million people.

Any sale of Foxtel would have a flow-on effect on long-term content deals, multi-billion dollar sports rights packages, and more.

Mr Thomson told analysts that News Corp had a “significant overture that we are naturally assessing”, but declined to provide further details.

“We have full faith in the potential of Foxtel and the talented team at Foxtel,” he said. “On behalf of shareholders, we have to evaluate any interest … You’ll have to stay tuned. Not indefinitely, not perpetually, not ad infinitum.” (Credit: The Australian Financial Review) @FinancialReview

Full article via subscription to The Australian Financial Review

https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/news-corp-puts-foxtel-up-for-sale-20240809-p5k0yv

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Media Man Int X

Elon Musk’s X Files Antitrust Suit Against Global Advertising Alliance

August 6, 2024

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has launched a significant antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and several of its member companies, alleging an illegal ad boycott that targeted the platform. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, is aimed at GARM, its parent firm World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and members including CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

In an open letter to advertisers, X CEO Linda Yaccarino highlighted the reasons behind the lawsuit, stating that it was a direct response to GARM’s actions which allegedly cost the company billions of dollars. “This is not a decision we took lightly, but it is a direct consequence of their actions,” Yaccarino wrote. “The illegal behavior of these organizations and their executives cost X billions of dollars” per The New York Post.

The lawsuit is seeking trebled compensatory damages and injunctive relief, according to a complaint viewed by The New York Post. GARM, led by Robert Rakowitz, is an initiative of the WFA, which represents many of the world’s largest companies and ad organizations, including Disney and Coca-Cola. Its members control 90% of global marketing spending, nearly $1 trillion per year.

Yaccarino emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial damages. “This case is about more than damages — we have to fix a broken ecosystem that allows this illegal activity to occur,” she added.

According to The New York Post, the suit argues that the boycott undermined the marketplace of ideas by financially harming certain viewpoints over others. (Credit: PYMNTS)

Full article and coverage via PYMNTS

https://pymnts.com/cpi-posts/elon-musks-x-files-antitrust-suit-against-global-advertising-alliance/

PYMNTS is a former Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of The Month' award winner and finalist

News

Elon Musk takes GARM, several companies to court over alleged advertising boycott of X outlined in bombshell report

August 7, 2024

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has taken several companies and an advertising alliance to court over allegations of a "boycott" of X.

Elon Musk has waged “war” against advertisers as his social media platform X filed an antitrust lawsuit against a global ad alliance and several major companies, accusing them of illegally boycotting the site.

X filed a suit in a federal court in Texas against the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and its members CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

The suit comes after a report from the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee found GARM and its members “directly organised boycotts” and employed other indirect tactics to target disfavoured “platforms, content creators” and news organisations to demonetise them.

It alleges that GARM’s boycott led advertisers to pull money from X under the guise of “brand safety” concerns.

X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino argued this tactic hindered users on the social media platform from accessing a wide breadth of ideas by funding alternative viewpoints.

“The consequence - perhaps the intent - of this boycott was to seek to deprive X’s users, be they sports fans, gamers, journalists, activists, parents or political and corporate leaders, of the Global Town Square,” she wrote.

“To put it simply, people are hurt when the marketplace of ideas is undermined and some viewpoints are not funded over others as part of an illegal boycott.”

Mr Musk shared his colleague’s statement to the platform and boldly declared: “We tried peace for 2 years, now it is war.”

He later encouraged “any company who has been systematically boycotted” to file a suit.

Following his post, video sharing platform Rumble joined Mr Musk’s lawsuit, claiming it has also been impacted towards GARM’s alleged skew away from right wing voices and ideologies.

The platform announced its move on X where it accused GARM of being “a conspiracy to perpetrate an advertiser boycott of Rumble and others, and that's illegal”.

Since Musk took over the social media platform in October 2022, X has suffered a serious dive in ad dollars with the platform taking in US$2.5 billion in 2023, according to Bloomberg.

This was down from the US$1bn it was bringing in every quarter of 2022.

Musk triggered controversy again in November 2023 when he endorsed an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jewish communities push “hatred against whites”.

The X owner responded: “You have said the actual truth,” sparking an advertiser exodus that was reported to have lost the company as much as $75m, per The New York Times.

He made headlines again in the same month after blasting advertisers boycotting the social media platform, boldly declaring: “Go f**k yourself”.

“If somebody is going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f**k yourself. Go f**k yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is,” he said. (Sky News Australia)

Full article and coverage via Sky News Australia

https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/elon-musk-takes-garm-several-companies-to-court-over-alleged-advertising-boycott-of-x-outlined-in-bombshell-report/news-story/7bac6243aada770042d14ca84afc23e7

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PYMNTS wins Media Man 'Businees News Outlet Of The Month' award

Market, Commodities and Financial News Snapshot via Media Man

August 7, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6520 USD (up $0.0024 USD)

Iron Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $102.85 USD (down $0.70 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $72.96 USD (down $1.02 USD)

Gold Price: $2,389.45 USD (down $19.96 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.0095 USD (up $0.0085 USD)

Bitcoin: $56,485.71 USD (up 3.10% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 38,997.66 at 5.02pm NY time (up 294.39 points on yesterday's close)

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Box Office News (North America)

Movie Box Office (North America)

July 28, 2024

1. Deadpool & Wolverine - $205m

2. Twisters - $35.3m

3. Despicable Me 4 - $14.2

4. Inside Out 2 - $8.3m

5. Longlegs - $6.8m

6. A Quiet Place: Day One - $3m

7. Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $1.3m

8. The Fabulous Four - $1m

9. Fly Me to the Moon - $950,000

10. Raayan - $453,000

others...

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

1. Kung Fu Panda 4 - $30 million

2. Dune: Part Two - $29.1 million

3. Arthur the King - $7.5 million

4. Imaginary - $5.6 million

5. Cabrini - $2.8 million

6. Love Lies Bleeding - $2.5 million

7, Bob Marley: One Love - $2.3 million

8. One Life - $1.7 million

9. The American Society of Magical Negroes - $1.3 million

10. Ordinary Angels - $1 million

Pro Wrestling

WWE

Promos Matter In Pro Wrestling

WWE's Karrion Kross Has Developed Into One Of World's Best Over Past Year + ; WWE Creative Offered Time To Shine; Can't Wait For The Netflix Killer Version: Media Man

Mr Kross @realKILLERkross Is A Former Media Man 'Pro Wrestler Of The Month' and 'Sports Entertainer' Of The Month winner and finalist. What some don't know is that Kross would wipe the mat with most of the world's pro wrestlers in an uncontrolled aka real- insert your own word, situation. Wrestler, fighter, MMA and master promo.

Promos In The Who Have Impressed Of Late In Addition To Kross Include: Logan Paul, LA Knight, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Liv Morgan, Lexis King and Sol Ruca. Promos are subjective in nature, but these days Karrions are motion picture grade in our view. Netflix Movies, Blumhouse and others surely have an eagle eye on.

Previously known as names such as:

"The White Rabbit"
"The People's Executioner"
"The Devil Of Monterrey"

The WWE Universe should wake up and know him as a man not to mess with. Ala the legendary "Macho Man" Randy Savage, "The cream always rises to the top". Cheers to the worldwide Kross Cult/Kult. So Sayeth.

Promo:

"What are you doing, Woods? What are you doing? No, no, no. Please don’t do that. Do not involve other people in our business. I don’t like that. I don’t appreciate it. Not only that, it defeats the entire purpose of everything I’m trying to do for you. I’m trying to help you stand on your own two feet. I never said, ‘Don’t ever talk to Kofi again,’ or, ‘You can’t visit him on the holidays,’ or, ‘You can never tag with him again.’ All I suggested was that you take a step away from New Day. You had I guess your own interpretation of that. Don’t turn me into the bad guy here. Kofi’s the bad guy. You, I’m suspicious of at this point because all you’re gonna do for those guys is get them severely hurt. I don’t know what you’re trying to do here. Are you trying to replace the New Day? You think these two guys are gonna be the next Big E and Kofi Kingston? No, brother. It doesn’t work that way. This is not going to help you. The only thing that’s going to help you is to learn how to stand on your own two feet and then, you come with me. If you’re not going to do that, well, next Monday, I’m gonna see you, like I always do. When I do, I’m gonna step on your head. Then I’m gonna leave you where I find you, just like I do. Because after all, you beat me once, right? Haha. Sure you did. You beat me where Kofi couldn’t. That’s the confidence we want. I’m telling you right now, that’s never gonna happen again. You understand what I’m trying to tell you? Get rid of these guys, or else. Tick tock" Karrion Kross

https://x.com/realKILLERkross/status/1813032453449347141

Websites

Real Killer Kross
https://www.killerkross.com/

WWE: Karrion Kross
https://www.wwe.com/superstars/karrion-kross

The Final Testament

Casino (19950

In Las Vegas, two best friends - a casino executive and a mafia enforcer - compete for a gambling empire and a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.

News

Gonzo Casino 'N Gaming Edition

Art Imitates Life and Visa Versa

Everything Is A Gamble

Casino was my last good role, says iconic actress Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone has said she never got a good part again after 1995's Casino and described herself as "the invisible actress".

The Basic Instinct star, now a stunning 66, has since appeared in films such as Catwoman, Lovelace and Basic Instinct 2.

Stone was passed over on snatching an Oscar for Martin Scorsese's crime thriller Casino to Susan Sarandon in Dead Man Walking.

Speaking on high profile Louis Theroux Podcast, Stone disclosed The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola warned her in advance that this would be the case.

She said: "Francis put his hand on my shoulder and he said: 'I need to talk to you.'

"He said: 'You're not going to win the Oscar.'

'I want you to feel like you're going to cry now. I don't want you to cry in the room, and that's why I'm doing this, and it feels so mean right now.

"'But I didn't win for The Godfather and Marty didn't win for Raging Bull, and you're not going to win for Casino."

Coppola said none of them won because the Academy couldn't "hear opera", she remembered.

"'This is not the level of films they want," she remembers him saying.

Discussing attending the Oscars when she knew she was going to lose, she said: "You have to pretend it's fantastic and it's not fantastic.

"And then I didn't get any good parts ever again for the rest of my entire life."

When Theroux replied: "That can't be true. I'm sure there were other movies you did that were good," she replied: "No, and guess what? I hate it."

She continued: "It's easier to say: 'She's cold', or: 'I don't like her', or: 'She's difficult', or: 'She must be sick', or: 'She's too old', or that 'she's hard to cast', or: 'We don't know what to do with her.'

Stone also touched on her experiences with disgraced and vulgar producer Harvey Weinstein, who is in the clink (jail) for sex offences and with whom she she crossed paths at events for the Aids charity Amfar.

She said: "I had a long time of dealing with Harvey and I'm really glad that he's in prison and I think he should stay there with the rest of the people who are like him. Harvey's a pig. He's an octopus and you're just always getting one of his tentacles off you."

Asked if she was too powerful for him to try to coerce into sex, she said: "He would say things to me like: 'You know, you think you're such a princess, Sharon,' as I would unwind him off me.

"And I'd say: 'Yeah, I think I'm the queen of France. F*** off.'

"But he was certainly comfortable with throwing me across the room. He was physically violent to me on more than one occasion because he was so angry at me because I wouldn't do what he wanted me to do."

The Power of the Documentary: Breaking the Silence

OCEAN'S 8 - Official 1st Trailer

BLADE RUNNER 2049 - "2048: Nowhere to Run" Short

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer (Official)

TOMB RAIDER - Official Trailer #1

Netflix Is A Joke | Emmys 2017 | Netflix

Sandy Wexler | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

GLOW | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

YouTube Red Originals

News

Vince McMahon biopic, Pandemonium; Hollywood star Bradley Cooper approached with offer

Wrestling fans and general public calling for movies and world class documentaries on pro wrestling legends: Gorgeous George, Andre The Giant, Bruno Sammartino, Rowdy Roddy Piper, by Greg Tingle - September 2017

Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe lets Media Man cosplay superhero characters Starlord and Captain America; One time is not enough, by Greg Tingle - 25th July 2017

Movie Trailers

“Ant-Man & The Wasp” Now In Production

Marvel Studios' Black Panther - Official Trailer

Thor: Ragnarok Teaser Trailer [HD]

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer (Official)

TOMB RAIDER - Official Trailer #1

The Greatest Showman | Official Trailer | 20th Century FOX

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD - Official Trailer (HD)

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin - [Official Trailer]

Interviews

Interviews with new and established models via Media Man website network

Preity Üpala feature - June 2017

Hannah Fraser, Professional Mermaid, Artist, Activist and Model

Richard Bradley (Producer: Richard Bradley Productions) - 26th May 2016

John "Vulcan" Seru, Wrestling legend, trainer, motivator and actor - June 2017

Davo Hardy - May 2016

Brigette Paroissien, Model, Actor and Entertainment Industry Entrepreneur

The Rock, Actor & Wrestler (Credit: ABC Mondo Thingo) : 2004

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper - Wrestler & Actor, by Chris Yankek - April 2003

Joy Hruby, Producer, Presenter, Actor & Author, Joy's World & The Dubbo Dazzlers: 29th July 2003

Darren Gray, Director, Darren Gray Management: 15th June 2003

Lorraine (Abner Zurd) Fontanes, Democrat Candidate for Governor of California & Film Maker : 15th August 2003

Ric Drasin, Bodybuilder, Wrestler, Actor & Self Defense Expert: 18th June 2003

Gary "Jaws" Tiplady, Wrestler and Actor - 8th July 2003

Brooke Paige Anderson, Actor: 4th December 2003

Lisa Milner, Writer, Film Maker & Activist: 15th January 2004

Kym Jackson, Actor: 31st October 2004

News

Media Man Movies Blog

Hollywood remake: James Packer follows in dad Kerry’s footsteps with $450 million film deal

WWE Studios and Film Roman announce 'Camp WWE' irreverent animated web series

Human Statue Bodyart ramps up bodypainting and human statues for James Bond movie themes: Skyfall, Goldfinger and more

Thor: The Dark World

Universal Pictures Australasia release schedule update

The Avengers wins three MTV movie awards

Marvel Studios keen to bring female superhero to big screen

Marvel Entertainment news: Bradley Cooper Cast as Rocket Raccoon in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

Hugh Jackman contemplates an exit from "X-Men" Wolverine role

'Expendables 3' movie blockbuster cast: Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cage, Wesley Snipes in Talks to Join the Action Sequel

'Expendables 2' beats 'Dark Knight Rises,' 'Spider-Man' in China

Grudge Match - Official Trailer

Avatar mystery building up in Sydney suburbs with Eva Rinaldi: News media companies start probe

WWE Studios movie releases; Wrestling and movie connection

James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz -
13th December 2012

'Wolverine' Actor Hugh Jackman to be Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hugh Jackman leads Aust SAG-Globe charge

Skyfall, Rise Of The Guardians battle at US box office

Superhero movie line-up for Australia in 2013

Skyfall, Rise Of The Guardians battle at US box office

Movies, Hollywood, Entertainment and gaming - casino news; WWE, pro wrestling, Marvel Entertainment - Star Wars, James Bond Skyfall, WWE Studios...

Hollywood And AussieWood Celebrity News, Wrestling, WWE Et Al - 13th March 2012

News

Aussie Celeb News; James Bond Casino Icon Connection, by Greg Tingle - 29th December 2010

Season's Greetings punters, entertainment news junkies, one and all. Today we have a look at the latest from Aussiewood and Hollywood powerhouses James Bond, with a Bondi Beach twist, Marvel Entertainment (go Wolverine)..we love you Hugh, Spider-Man, Underbelly and more.. Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com and Gambling911 with your celebrity and entertainment news fix, just in time for the New Year. Ho Ho Ho!...

MGM Emerging from Bankruptcy; Wants To Produce James Bond 23...

MGM Studios is emerging from bankruptcy with a $500 million line of credit, and its first Xmas wish is to produce James Bond #23, rumoured to be directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig (again), despite many leaks saying that means it will be a gay Bond (for real), if you follow.

The James Bond franchise has long been a fav of casino and gambling lovers, with Casino Royale being the top pick for most punters.

MGM Studios has been going through the wars as of late, with the filing of bankruptcy hanging around their neck. Their massive financial troubles led to the delay of not only The Hobbit, directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson, but also James Bond 23 starring the Daniel Craig.

The studio just underwent a giant restructuring and was able to acquire $500 million worth of credit from financial powerhouse JP Morgan, a good lot of which will likely be spent on the sequel to Quantum of Solace. MGM is expected to partner with Sony for co-financing, as it has done a few times previously with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

Bond fans, did you know that 2012 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. No (1962), the very first James Bond movie ever, which makes it bloody good timing to release a new Bond movie. The studio will be attempting to secure and shore up its cast, director, and screenplay for the new movie in very short order.

The studio had previously announced that Peter Morgan, and frequent Bond collaborators Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, would be penning a draft of Bond 23. Purvis and Wade have worked on every James Bond flick since The World Is Not Enough, and that includes Die Another Day, Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace - the last two of which were rewritten, to some extent, by Paul Haggis.

Rumors have been flying for months have indicated that Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road) is leading the pack to direct the new movie. Now, Mendes is not a filmmaker known for his action style skills. He did however direct Road to Perdition, co-starring none other than Daniel Craig.

As of press, James Bond will not be film in 3D. Oh, did we mention Media Man is the agent and manager for John Seru who played bad guy Gabor in Bond's 'The World Is Not Enough'. In Nine's 'Underbelly' Seru placed Kiwi Steve in the following episodes: Alpha and Omega, The Good Lieutenant, Hurt on Duty (2010), Saving Face and Women in Uniform.

MGM is still technically under bankruptcy protection for a couple more months.

Marvel Entertainment's The Avengers: New Mexico Connection...

Marvel Entertainment's biggest film project of all time is is now New Mexico’s biggest film production ever as 'The Avengers' confirms its 2011 shooting locations.

Thor not only hits off the summer movie season of 2011, but it sets up events that will culminate in the Marvel superhero team-up epic, The Avengers, the following year. With story elements of Thor taking place in New Mexico, and the production shooting in Santa Fe and Galisteo, it’s of little surprise to see Marvel Studios returning once again for their biggest project ever.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Marvel Studios officially announced the agreement making The Avengers the single largest film production in the state’s history. The current schedule has Joss Whedon’s The Avengers shooting in New Mexico between April and September of next year, using both Albuquerque Studios and of course, the beautiful and vast surrounding locations that so many other major Hollywood flicks have used.

The Avengers also is set to shoot action in Michigan and New York but production will primarily take place in New Mexico’s largest city Albuquerque.

Governor Richardson talks to local economic benefits to New Mexico: "In addition to being our biggest production to date, The Avengers will be the most technologically advanced and will provide cutting-edge training opportunities for our crew… I’m announcing this as a Christmas present of sorts to the people of New Mexico. This is a perfect example of the incredible job creation, economic impact and global visibility this industry has brought our state over the past eight years, and of the need to keep it moving forward."

So Marvel heroes fans, be looking out for Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson.

Thor opens May 5, 2011; The First Avenger: Captain America hits July 22, 2011 and The Avengers is scheduled to debut May 4, 2012.

Spider-Man: Broadway No Match For Movie; Spidy Fans Disappointed; Would Rather Play Spider-Man Games And Play Dress Up...

The new and much talked about Spider-Man musical has another problem stuck in its web. Sick to death of waiting for the problematic Broadway show to officially open, critics for two mainstream news companies released early and negative reviews of the $65 million musical, which won't officially open until February 7.

Writing for Bloomberg News, the influential financial news wire service, veteran critic John Simon slammed the show as "an unfocused hodge-podge of story-telling, myth-making and spectacle that comes up short in every department. A few good songs would help, in which department the show is sorely lacking," Simon wrote in the review late Sunday night. Like most rock stars, Bono and The Edge haven’t a clue about writing for the theatre."

The U2 legends wrote the score for the show, which was directed by Lion King helmer Julie Taymor.

Both Simon and Newsday's Linda Winer defended their premature reviews on the grounds that the show was charging full ticket prices in some cases more than $200 a seat for the performances, and that the opening date had been pushed back twice.

Winer called the show's infamous high-flying acrobatics "exciting and scary, in a circus way" but dismissed the second act as "weak."

Simon was also impressed with the flying scenes: "An hour of anticipation for about 90 seconds of exhilaration," he wrote.

Would you believe four actors have been injured during the show's rehearsals, including a horrible injury to lead aerialist Chris Tierney last week.

Critics almost never publish their reviews of productions before the official opening night. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has pushed back its debut twice.

The New York Times said in a posting to its arts blog that it would not review the show until the official opening.

Media Man loves Marvel Entertainment, Spider-Man and U2, but this project does not sound good. Sorry guys.

Underbelly TV Movie Legal Problems...

Network Nine may be forced to shelve forever one of its Underbelly telemovies because of legal action in the state of New South Wales.

Tell Them Lucifer Was Here, the first of 3vtelemovies being made under the Underbelly Files title, tells the story of the 1998 murders of Victoria cops Rod Miller and Gary Silk.

After a probing investigation by the Lorimer Task Force, Bandali Debs and Jason Roberts were found guilty of the double murder in 2003. Debs was sentenced to life in prison, Roberts to 35 years.

The subject seemed relatively safe... for true crime. Reader may recall the first Underbelly could not be screened in Victoria.

However, anything that identifies "Debs" could be a bit no go zone in NSW.

On September 24, the Victorian Government Solicitor applied to the Melbourne Magistrates Court to have Debs transferred to a NSW prison for questioning over the death of a Sydney prostitute 15 years ago.

Debs's lawyer, Michael De Young, did not oppose the application, saying his client maintained his innocence and was confident of being acquitted and returned to Victoria.

New South Wales Police have been trying for 2 years to question Debs...also was convicted in 2007 of the 1997 murder of 18-year-old sex worker Kristy Harty...and reckon they have enough evidence to link him to the killing.

The transfer order was granted by the court, but Debs had 14 days to appeal the decision.

Channel Nine has 3 options: rush the Silk-Miller telemovie out before NSW police have laid any charges that might arise from the interview; release the telemovie in all states bar NSW if charges are laid; or hold off for a national release until any case has been heard.

Nine has has yet to comment on this matter.

Underbelly #4 To Hit Aussie TV...

A 4th Underbelly series to screen in 2011 promises to showcase the birth of organised crime in Australia.

Based in Sydney in the roaring 1920s, Underbelly Razor tells the story of the bloody battle between "vice queens" Tilly Devine and her rival Kate Leigh.

The Nine Network are calling it their most "ambitious and daring" Underbelly series yet.

It will be joined by 3 Underbelly telemovies - Tell Them Lucifer was Here, Infiltration and The Man Who Got Away...which were announced earlier in the year.

Aussie Poker Celeb King Shane Warnie Tag Team With Wolverine Hugh Jackman In Cricket Nets; Jackman Hit In Balls (Almost) In Lead Up To Boxing Day Ashes Test...

The tag team led the celebrity contingent to the Melbourne Cricket Group for the prestigious Boxing Day Test. 'Our Hugh' got hit in the balls by a Warnie spinner, so it seemed, but he had a cup on, perhaps taking safeguards, after getting hit in the eye with a foreign object at his Oprah Winfrey grand entrance via way of flying fox a couple of weeks ago. Wolverine Jackman joined other famous mugs in the crowd, including Opposition Leader Tony 'The Bruiser' Abbott and veteran English talk show king Sir Michael Parkinson aka 'Parkie'. Premier Ted Baillieu and wife Robyn also tagged along, as did Eddie "Everywhere" McGuire, Cathy Freeman and Molly Meldrum. In a smart and rather cunning move, just outside the MCG sports stars and entertainment biz celebs tag teamed a game of cricket which raised money for the McGrath Foundation. The foundation ambassador Lee Furlong joined ex-cricketers Justin Langer and Michael Slater, Glen Moriarty, Kris Smith and Guy Sebastian at the friendly game. Earlier, Shane Warne made one of his very first public appearances since the "Hurley-burley", acting as host for his fav Shane Warne Foundation's annual Boxing Day breakfast at Crown. Warne mate, James Packer, attended, along with wife Erica in a show of support. Singer Leo Sayer also entertained to an appreciative crowd that included Glenn Robbins, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, Aaron Hamill and Bill Brownless. A great day was had by all, as best we can tell.

Aussie Poker Celeb Shane Warne And UK Sort Liz Hurley: Come Down Under And Come In Spinner?...

Is Liz Hurley coming to Australia? Getting spotted at Heathrow Airport sent press into a frenzy and created munch speculation she will keep her date with Warnie. Friends of Hurley told the Pommie press she had dumped the cricket spin legend after learning he had sent more than 100 sexy text messages to another woman behind her back. Warnie is known for his ability to sent sexy texts that can get the right response. Now it appears Liz may have reconsidered after attempts to stop an imminent divorce and rekindle her relationship with husband Arun Nayar reportedly failed. During her public flirtation with the spinner on Twitter, Hurley wrote that she was keen to attend the January 3 "Pink Test," which supports the Jane McGrath Foundation. Talk about a play on words "Pink Test", got to love her form. Liz also told Warnie she would "definitely" make an appearance on his Channel Nine chat show if she made it to Sydney. Sources close to the Aussie spinner have said the cricketer was devastated after being apparently dropped by Hurley, having previously confided his desire to marry her. Both Hurley and Warne announced on Twitter that they had split from their respective partners shortly after spending 2 delightful, fun filled nights together at a luxury London hotel earlier this month and being papped kissing outside a restaurant. Warne was last week caught in the outfield sending erotic texts, including, "I want to see you riding me" to middle-aged Melbourne mum Adele Angeleri. In an apparent attempt to win Hurley back after the messages were published in the British tabloids he logged back on to Twitter to pen "No matter what anyone says if you know in your heart… who cares what people think / say !!!" Hurley was snatched in the airport mess at Heathrow, where snowy conditions caused widespread cancellations from Saturday, leaving over 100,000 punters stranded, having their patience tested. A fellow traveler said the swimwear model and well loved celeb babe "looked nervous" as she attempted to blend in with the crowd, wearing large sunglasses and dressing down. "She'd dressed down and it was clear she wanted to be left alone," the witness told The Sun. "She looked like a woman with a lot on her mind." Liz’s office refused to comment on her travel plans. Whatever the case, we wish Liz (and Warnie) well on any of their upcoming travel plans.

Betting For Aussies On TV And Film Success: Not Yet...

Many Australia's remain pissed that they are not able to bet on financial outcomes of upcoming TV shows and motion pictures. Passionate Aussies has been reading reports filed by Media Man and Gambling911 on Box Office betting exchanges, but none of the action has come to Australia, so us Aussies can't be on it. We're not sure any Yankees of Canooks got to bet on outcomes either. Sly, Arnie and Wall Street - when you read this, give us an update please. We want to bet on movie and TV outcomes. PartyGaming and Virgin were rumoured to have some interest in the concept, but nothing has eventuated from our probe as yet. Oh, if you want to see the way Hollywood used to work, do yourself a favor and rent or buy 'The Last Mogul', which told the career story of the late Lew Wasserman. Oh, we heard you want a review, so here it is mates...

The Last Mogul: The Life And Times Of Lew Wasserman...

For the second half of the 20th century, Lew Wasserman was without question the most powerful money man in show business, even if most people had no idea who he was. Born in Cleveland, OH, in 1913, Wasserman started out booking music gigs for mob-controlled clubs, and quickly became an agent for Music Corporation of America, which became the most lucrative music agency in America. Funny that. As Wasserman rose through the ranks at MCA, he established such innovative business practices as "packaging" talent i.e: booking hot acts and artists only in a package deal with other artists who were not as talented, to put it politely, and took the company into managing acting talent in Hollywood, where he re invented the film industry forever by negotiating a ground-breaking deal for James Stewart on the film Winchester '73, which reduced the actor's up-front salary in favor of a cut of the movie's profits, earning the actor a mint in the process. Under Wasserman's lead at MCA, the company took over Universal Pictures, established the studio's television branch and made it the most important production outlet in the business), created the hugely successful Universal City studio tours, and expanded MCA's recording branch into one of the biggest record companies in the world. Wasserman was also politically well connected. Ronald Reagan was one of his early clients when MCA want Hollywood), and was reputed to have some handy connections to organized crime. Wasserman was a secretive fellow who did not give interviews or commit anything to writing if it could be avoided, but he knew nearly everyone in show business. The Last Mogul: The Life and Times of Lew Wasserman is a documentary that through interviews with his friends and business associates beautifully showcases his remarkable career, from his childhood in Ohio to his death in 2002. Yep, there's mob ties and such, but hey, that's show business.

Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? What films and celebs take your liking? As Shane Warne says, 'How good was that?!". Have you been naughty or nice? Did Santa give you what you had hoped for? What have you got planned for New Year's Eve? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

News

Aussiewood - Hollywood Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 29th November 2010

Sylvester Stallone Sex Film 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's' Sells For $400K on eBay...

Sly, The Italian Stallion himself, is back in action…erotic action, sort of... The rights to a soft-porn film starring Sylvester Stallone four decades ago, was sold on e-Bay for $412,100. The then strapped-for-cash star made his on-screen debut in the 1970 film "The Party at Kitty and Stud's." Stallone played Stud, a young man who, along with his oversexed lover Kitty, enjoys inviting various women into their bed. The 71-minute movie was eventually renamed "The Italian Stallion" by Bryanston Distributors after the actor became famous in "Rocky." Now that the rights have been purchased (the owner has not yet been identified), it's likely the film will be re-released, The Sun reported. In an interview in the 1970s, Stallone, now 64, told Playboy that he was so poor that he had to take the role. "It was either do that movie or rob someone because I was at the end—at the very end—of my rope. Instead of doing something desperate, I worked two days for $200." After filming "Rocky," the erotic filmmakers tried to sell the movie back to Stallone for $100,000, but the actor said he "wouldn't pay two bucks for it," according to AOL's Moviefone. Last year MGM unsuccessfully tried to buy the flick. Sly, you've cum a long way since then.

U2 legend Bono Waits For Table At Australian Bondi Beaches' Icebergs...

Bono snuck into 'Sin City' Sydney on Saturday. He headed for a eat and a drink as he often does when down under. The renowned Irish rock singer, who spent two weeks at Sydney's Bungan Beach with his family in 2006 completely undetected, casually strolled into Rose Bay nosherie Catalina on Sunday for a seafood feed with guitarist The Edge (David Evans) and the eatery's owner, Michael McMahon. On Saturday night he arrived unannounced at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi Beach and like a normal person waited or a table at the "no reservations" restaurant. "He was having a red cocktail but didn't finish it because a table became available," advised a deepthroat. No, not a Stallone type of deepthroat you rascals. The U2 360 tour begins in Melbourne this Wednesday night.

Avatar Michelle Rodriguez Star Teams Up With Sea Shepherd In Perth...

Hollywood babe actress Michelle Rodriguez, star of Avatar, was in Fremantle supporting anti-whaling activist group Sea Shepherd. Rodriguez has been aboard Sea Shepherd’s flagship vessel MY Steve Irwin. The crew are replenishing supplies before heading to the Southern Ocean in December. The trip, dubbed 'Operation No Compromise', will be Sea Shepherd’s seventh mission into the frigid waters of Antarctica to attempt to stop the slaughter of whales by Japanese "scientific researchers". Among the crew are three Perth residents including former Labor Attorney General Jim McGinty’s brother Kevin McGinty, Steven Bennett and Georgie Dicks. Captain Locky MacLean said the crew are looking forward to having Rodriguez on board. The group, which uses rather militant art of war tactics in its fight against whaling, made headlines early this year when their stealth vessel the Ady Gill was "cut in half" by Japanese whalers. This year, a new monohull fast vessel called the Ocean Adventurer will replace the Ady Gill. SS are currently seeking a large sponsor which would give them the naming rights to use 'Godzilla'. Something like that. Sea Shepherd’s Australian Director Jeff Hansen said: "It is great to see high profile people like Miss Rodriguez giving up their spare time to help promote our fight to defend the whales being illegally targeted in New Zealand and Australian waters". Media Man lost good mate Peter Carrette this past weekend, approximately 48 hours after doing photography at the Bondi Beach 'No Compromise' gig at Bondi Beach last Friday. R.I.P Peter. We miss you mate.

Darren Aronofsky Explains 'The Wolverine' Aussie Hugh Jackman...

If you're wondering why "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky was hired to tackle "The Wolverine" for 20th Century Fox, wonder no more. Aronofsky himself has broken his silence on the "Wolverine" front in an extensive interview with Movie City News. According to the filmmaker, his reasons for choosing the "Wolverine" non-sequel as his next project are quite simple: in the end, he just wanted to have a good time. "I'm just trying to have fun," he said. "I think, for the first time in my life, you know, every single film that I've done so far I've been the only person in the room who wants to make the movie. And, I kind of am excited about doing a film where actually everyone wants to make it just to see what the experience is like and to see if I can do what I do in that world." It's not like I'm going to change my process," he added. "I'm going to be working with the same team, and making, you know, really trying to do something very, very different and see what happens." During the interview, Aronofsky said that he's received a large amount of support both from franchise lead Hugh Jackman and Fox Studios head Tom Rothman, joking that Rothman "doesn't even know how gutsy it is" that he hired the outside-the-box filmmaker for "The Wolverine." "I've been looking for a situation where everything lines up really well. This just makes sense; I think I'm being hired because of who I am. I'm not being hired to turn into someone. I'm being hired to do what I do. I don't know if (Rothman) knows exactly what he's bought, but we're definitely going to make something great, you know, but it will be very different, and that's what I do. We're going to try and have a great time with it."

John Travolta and Kelly Preston 'Overjoyed' With New Baby Benjamin; Travolata Not Gay...

Living legend and iconic star of Saturday Night Fever (the movies and the online slot game), is delighted with his new baby, but very unhappy about the gay rumours. Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston took to Travolta's website earlier this week to announce the birth of their 8-pound, 3-ounce son, Benjamin Travolta. "We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our son, Ella's baby brother, Benjamin Travolta. Born November23, 2010 in Florida, Benjamin is healthy and doing beautifully. Thank you for the congratulations messages and wishes...we are beyond happy about the newest addition to our family," the family said in the message. Travolta, 56, and Preston, 48, announced the pregnancy earlier this year, celebrating with a dozen close friends at a shower held at their Los Angeles-area home. "This baby is such a healing baby," a family friend told People magazine. The pregnancy was the first bit of good news they had shared in a long time. "It's impossible to keep a secret," they wrote in a statement on Travolta's website in May, "especially one as wonderful as this." We want to be the first to share this great news with everyone that we are expecting a new addition to our family," the online statement continued and like this week's update, was signed "Love, John, Kelly and Ella." John Travolta's family has been dealt another blow as reports emerge that he has been allegedly cheating on his wife...engaging in "lewd sex acts with other men" as part of a "secret gay spa subculture." Perez Hilton posted the story on his website along with a cover of the National Enquirer, carrying the headline "John Travolta Caught In Cheating Scandal! "John Travolta has been cheating on Kelly for years!" said Robert Randolph, author of the memoir, You'll Never Spa in This Town Again. "And when the details emerge, he's gonna make Tiger Woods look like a boy scout." John has been married to Kelly Preston for 19 years, with the pair expecting their third child this year. They lost their eldest son Jett in 2009 to an autism-related seizure.

WWE Studios Films Flop At Box Office; Perform Well In DVD Rental Market...

Entertainment trade publication Variety published a report today on WWE Studios's new films strategy "flopping" at the box office, but perhaps finding a market on home video. Variety followed up on WWE's third quarter earnings report last Thursday by noting WWE reported $3.8 million in revenue related to "Legendary," despite the movie drawing a measly $200,000 at the box office. WWE executive Jim Connelly told Variety that WWE is banking on strong storefront marketing at retail locations such as Walmart to help boost DVD and Blu-ray sales of their movies. Variety also reported on WWE pushing their slate of movies to theaters simply for marketing purposes before pulling the movies and releasing them on DVDs. That was apparent with WWE Studios's theatrical release schedule for "Legendary" and "Knucklehead." Related to the planned launch of the WWE TV Network potentially in 2011, Variety reports that WWE is looking to their slate of movies to serve as "more high-profile programming" on the new cable tele channel. Going forward, Jim Connelly told Variety that WWE will be re-evaluating their movie release schedule for 2011 as they begin to roll out the next slate of low-budget movies in theaters with an eye on home video. Variety concluded: "For now, it appears as if the future of WWE Studios will play out on the smallscreen."

Aussie's Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban To Appear On Oprah Winfrey Show Tomorrow; Australia Catches Oprah - Oprah House Mania...

Australian actress Nicole Kidman and huby singer Keith Urban will be on The Oprah Winfrey Show tomorrow. Urban has earlier confirmed that he would be performing in the shows Ultimate Australian Adventure episodes to be filmed later this year. "Tomorrow, two of the hottest Aussies are here! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban! The countdown to Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure starts now!," says a post on the official Facebook page for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Keith Urban was in The Oprah Winfrey Show earlier this November where he confirmed his performance at the much anticipated episodes set to be shot in Sydney this December. Urban promoted his sixth studio album Get Closer to in the United States. However, the Australia singer did not comment on rumours that his wife Nicole Kidman will also be on Oprah's Australian show. Tomorrow's episode might just confirm if Nicole Kidman will indeed be a guest on December 14 and 15 at the Sydney Opera "Oprah" House.

Mad Max Revamped Movie #4 Will Happen Says Aussiewood Insiders; Fury Road?!...

Remember the Aussie cult film classic that went on to mainstream...Max Max. They got to #3, always with Aussie tough guy Mel Gibson in the lead as 'Max Rockatansky' aka 'The Road Warrior'. Filming will take place near Broken Hill, New South Wales. Gibson will not be reprising his old role in Mad Max 4: Fury Road which will star British actor Tom Hardy alongside Charlize Theron. In November 2006, George Miller had stated that he still had full intentions to make Fury Road, telling the press that he was considering doing the film without Mel Gibson, saying, “There's a real hope. The last thing I wanted to do is another Mad Max, but this script came along, and I'm completely carried away with it." The film's screenplay was co-written with cult British comic creator Brendan McCarthy, who also designed many of the new characters and vehicles. Miller again confirmed his desire to make another Mad Max at the 2007 Aurora film maker initiative. However, he did say he thought Mel Gibson would not be interested in the film because he is too old (not too nuts!)

Billionaire Branson To Launch Apple iPad Lifestyle Mag...

Aussie's live Branson and Virgin, so you'll love this...Word of Sir Dick's plans to publish "Project" for delivery on iPads came shortly after media mogul Rupert Murdoch hinted that his News Corp empire will soon publish a digital newspaper for the hot Apple gadgets. News Corp, owner of The Australian, has been tight-lipped about the project but 79-year-old mogul Murdoch acknowledged in an interview last week that "The Daily" is in the works. Sir Richard said in invitations to the press that "Project" themes will include entertainment, travel, business, design, and international culture. The event in New York City on Wednesday did not indicate whether "Project" would be provided as passenger reading on flights. Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard owns about half of Virgin Atlantic airline with its aircraft that boast internet-age amenities such as power outlets at seats and wireless connections to the web. He recently said that his Virgin Galactic enterprise is on track to offer commercial space travel within 18 months, and that space hotels are next on the drawing board. Yeah, we know, Branson has appeared in films such as Casino Royale, Around The World in 80 days, and a good spread of other movies and TV specials. If your going to be a media tart, you might as well be very good at it.

Lachlan Murdoch Acquires Ten Network Stake, Joins Shareholder Aussie James Packer...

Lachlan Murdoch, son of News Corp. Chairman Rupert, has recently acquired a little over half of James Packer’s stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Packer bought a 17.88% stake, or 172.2 million shares, in the media group last month through Cavalane Holdings Ltd. Murdoch, through Illyria Nominees Television Pty Ltd. has agreed to buy 93.4 million shares for A$128.2 million, according to a regulatory filing to the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange). The two gents will act in concert in relation to the exercise of their votes, the statement said. Packer and Murdoch agreed to join the board of Australia’s third-ranked television broadcaster last month. Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, lifted her stake in the company to 10%. Packer also owns 49% of Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. which in turn has 25% of Foxtel, down under's largest pay television operator.

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