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WWE’s “RAW” Trademark In Jeopardy?

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The following press release was issued today:

Muscle Flex to Seek All Infringement Damages Against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) After It Was Successful in Defending Its “In the Raw®” Trademark Against the WWE’s “Raw” Trademark

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – September 17, 2009) – Muscle Flex Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MFLI) (www.MuscleFlexInc.com) has announced to investors that it will be seeking all infringement damages against the World Wrestling Entertainment for its unauthorized use of “Raw” in Canada which it has used without permission for over 10 years. Muscle Flex has accumulated significant evidence which it believes proves undeniably that the WWE procured the sale and distribution of “Raw” labeled products that infringed on the “In the Raw®” wares and services over a period of many years and continue to this day. In 2002, a Cease and Desist order was issued but was ignored by the WWE as they continued to sell “Raw” branded merchandise in Canada knowing that ‘In the Raw’ was a registered trademark.

In a press release dated July 20, 2009, Muscle Flex Inc. disclosed that it was in possession of WWE “Raw” labeled items that it believes directly infringe on its ‘In the Raw’ trademark. Items include: various CDs, VHS tapes and a number of apparel items. According to the WWE’s most recent reported financial quarter, combined sales of WWE’s consumer products and digital media business segments produced $40 million in global revenues. In previous quarters, these numbers were even higher.

The multi-year dispute between Muscle Flex’s “In the Raw” and WWE’s “Raw” trademark concluded in April of this year when Muscle Flex successfully defended its “In the Raw®” trademark against WWE “Raw” trademark application 1,153,018 in a final Federal Court appeal by the WWE. Previously, on June 18, 2008, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) Opposition Board issued its final decision with respect to the WWE Canadian trademark application for “RAW.” The ruling confirmed that certain wares listed in the RAW trademark application 1,153,018 were confusingly similar and thus lacked distinctiveness from the “In the Raw®” registered trademark.

“If someone steals your car and decides to drive it for 15 years knowing it was yours, how would you react?” commented Danny Alex, CEO of Muscle Flex Inc. “Now that the appeal process has concluded, Muscle Flex has begun the process to fully monetize all elements of its ‘In the Raw’ trademark including all infringement and potential damages caused by the WWE in its unauthorized use of ‘Raw’ in Canada. This has been a very long process and I fully intend to bring full and complete restitution to Muscle Flex shareholders… full stop.”

Danny Alex continued, “We are measuring the specific potential damages the WWE has caused over the years and the dilution of our ‘In the Raw’ brand in Canada as a result of WWE’s infringement. In 2002, we issued a Cease and Desist order that was ignored by the WWE as they continued to sell ‘Raw’ branded merchandise, and continue to do so in Canada, knowing that ‘In the Raw’ was and is a registered trademark in Canada and has been for many years prior.”

Muscle Flex Inc. is in the process of developing its first generation of “In the Raw” logo designs that will appear on all branded merchandise. Details of the Muscle Flex ‘In the Raw’ brand are expected to be released shortly.

For additional information regarding the “In the Raw®” trademark and details on the Federal Court and CIPO ruling, please visit our corporate website at www.MuscleFlexInc.com.

“Muscle Flex” is a Registered Trademark of Muscle Flex Inc.

“Muscle Flex” and “In the Raw” are Registered Trademarks of Muscle Flex Inc.

Muscle Flex Mission Statement
Muscle Flex Inc. is a company dedicated to providing the highest quality health, fitness and lifestyle products that enrich and provide unequivocal betterment for an individual both physically and emotionally. To this end, Muscle Flex strives to always keep respect and honesty in all it delivers to its customers and provide the highest regard on the value of each individual. Muscle Flex believes it is its fiduciary duty to help in assisting all individuals attain a healthier lifestyle who have been disadvantaged one way or another by circumstances that were not of their choosing or control.

About Muscle Flex Inc. (www.MuscleFlexInc.com)
Muscle Flex Inc. is a leading edge fitness, health and lifestyle company that develops exciting brands and new products to market using direct response TV advertising and infomercials as well as cutting edge brand and image marketing through the creation of television media content for network and cable television distribution.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Muscle Flex Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein

Jim Cornette Fired From TNA After Fight With Vince Russo

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According to a report on The Sun website, Jim Cornette’s contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling was terminated after throwing one temper tantrum too many. Reportedly, he caused a major scene at the most recent Impact television taping during an argument with head writer Vince Russo.

Cornette directed his anger toward the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion during a production meeting calling for more focus on Eric Young on television.

“Everyone was in a production meeting with Russo running down the show, but Cornette went nuts screaming ‘why are we pushing Eric Young?’,” according to The Sun’s source. “Russo reacted calmly and said it wasn’t a big deal, but Cornette wouldn’t let it go and kept screaming about it, really causing a scene. He just wouldn’t stop. Even after the meeting broke, Cornette was walking around complaining to everyone who would listen.”

A few concerned co-workers went to management to voice their displeasure over their belief that Cornette had been acting unprofessionally. Apparently, this was “his latest refusal to be a pro,” so the organization decided to release him from his contract.

Similarly, Cornette was released by World Wrestling Entertainment in July 2005 after slapping current WWE star Santino Marella for breaking character and laughing at The Boogeyman during a live Ohio Valley Wrestling show.

“This wasn’t politics or anything to do with Jeff. It was purely a decision prompted by the same behaviour that got Jim fired in WWE,” the source said.

Jeff Hardy's MySpace & Twitter Pages Taken Down

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— In the wake of Jeff Hardy’s 9/11 arrest for drug trafficking, the former WWE superstar’s MySpace and Twitter pages have been taken down.  Jeff posted a message on his Twitter the day of the arrest assuring fans that he would tell his side of the story and make a statement “later,” but now that his primary outlet for speaking to his fans is gone, we’ll see if that ever happens.

— It’s also worth noting that the Twitter account of Beth Britt, Jeff Hardy’s fiance, is still active, all the content has been removed. It appears they have shut the accounts down due to the attention stemming from Hardy’s arrest.

— There were rumors over the weekend that Matt Hardy had been sent home by WWE management. After speaking with a source within WWE, we can confirm those rumors are false. Matt was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Hamnilton, Ontario but was not used on television.

Jeff Hardy’s MySpace & Twitter Pages Taken Down

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— In the wake of Jeff Hardy’s 9/11 arrest for drug trafficking, the former WWE superstar’s MySpace and Twitter pages have been taken down.  Jeff posted a message on his Twitter the day of the arrest assuring fans that he would tell his side of the story and make a statement “later,” but now that his primary outlet for speaking to his fans is gone, we’ll see if that ever happens.

— It’s also worth noting that the Twitter account of Beth Britt, Jeff Hardy’s fiance, is still active, all the content has been removed. It appears they have shut the accounts down due to the attention stemming from Hardy’s arrest.

— There were rumors over the weekend that Matt Hardy had been sent home by WWE management. After speaking with a source within WWE, we can confirm those rumors are false. Matt was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Hamnilton, Ontario but was not used on television.

WWE CEO Linda McMahon Steps Down To Run For U.S. Senate

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WWE has announced Linda McMahon is leaving her post as Chief Executive Officer to begin her senate campaign:

WWE’s Linda McMahon Resigns to Run for U.S. Senate

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Linda McMahon has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer after announcing her candidacy for the United States Senate, representing the state of Connecticut. Vince McMahon assumes the duties of Chief Executive Officer in addition to his current position as WWE® Chairman. McMahon will be supported by the seasoned executive management team already in place and led by Chief Operating Officer and board member, Donna Goldsmith.

Notice how Linda says, “I’ve been in business for over 30 years. I was the CEO of a publicly-traded company that has created over 500 jobs right here in Connecticut” yet does not mention WWE by name. Let the distancing game begin!

Several mainstream media outlets are covering the story of Linda McMahon running for the United States Senate:

Associated Press | New York Times | Wall Street Journal | The Greenwich Post

Most of them are pretty neutral in the coverage, Politico.com says Linda will have a hard time escaping WWE’s marketing of sex and violence. Politico also includes a link to a YouTube video of Linda getting tombstoned by Kane on Raw from several years back, which you can see here.  That footage should make for some nice anti-Linda campaign videos.

Several Charges Against Kurt Angle Dropped, Assault Charge Still Pending

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TNA Champion Kurt Angle appeared in a Robinson Township, PA court on Tuesday morning and was found not guilty of harassing his ex-girlfriend, Trenesha Biggers (TNA Knockout Rhaka Khan). District Judge Carla Swearingen also dismissed charges of driving with a suspended license and posession of Human Growth Hormone (he had a valid prescription), which was inside his vehicle at the time of his arrest.

Biggers was present at the hearing but did not comment publicly afterward.

Angle still faces an assault charge against Biggers and will be back in court next month to defend himself. He maintains that he’s never physically harmed Biggers.

After leaving the courthouse, Angle spoke to the media and said, “I will continue to live my life by the law, as I always have.”  To watch video of Angle’s emotional comments to the media, visit <a href=”http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/20925703/index.html” target=new><b>ThePittsburghChannel.com</b></a>.

Jeff Hardy Court Hearing Scheduled For 9/30

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Jeff Hardy’s first court hearing stemming from his 9/11 arrest for drug trafficking will take place on Wednesday morning, September 30th. Here is a summary of the charges brought against the former WWE superstar:

  • Felony possession of cocaine.
  • Felony drug trafficking of opium
  • Two counts of felony possession with intent to redistribute a Schedule III drug
  • Maintaining a dwelling for drug use and/or distribution (also a felony)
  • Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

It’s worth noting that the drug trafficking charges brought against Hardy are a result of the sheer quantity of drugs found at his home. Should Hardy be able to provide a legitimate prescription for some or all the painkillers found, those charges could be reduced or dropped entirely.

The day of his arrest, Hardy promised to make a statement regarding the situation, but since then his comments have been limited to thanking his fans for their support on Twitter.

Next Week's Raw Host, Hell In A Cell Matches Announced

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— So far, the top matches for WWE’s next Pay-Per-View event, Hell in a Cell, will be rematches from Breaking Point. On Raw, guest host Trish Stratus announced new WWE Champion John Cena will defend against Randy Orton. Also, Degeneration X’s will face Legacy’s Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. Both matches will take place inside Hell in a Cell.

— Cedric the Entertainer will be the guest host for WWE Raw next Monday.

— The next 3-hour edition of WWE Monday Night RAW will take place on November 23rd in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Talent from all three WWE brands are expected to appear on the show

Next Week’s Raw Host, Hell In A Cell Matches Announced

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— So far, the top matches for WWE’s next Pay-Per-View event, Hell in a Cell, will be rematches from Breaking Point. On Raw, guest host Trish Stratus announced new WWE Champion John Cena will defend against Randy Orton. Also, Degeneration X’s will face Legacy’s Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. Both matches will take place inside Hell in a Cell.

— Cedric the Entertainer will be the guest host for WWE Raw next Monday.

— The next 3-hour edition of WWE Monday Night RAW will take place on November 23rd in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Talent from all three WWE brands are expected to appear on the show

Ric Flair To Wrestle Hulk Hogan This November In Australia

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Last week, it was announced that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are planning a tour of Australia in November. “Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin” will feature many of the top free agents in pro wrestling today performing on four shows.

Some of the names set to appear include former WWE superstars Ken Anderson, Umaga, Rikishi, Orlando Jordan, Gangrel, Val Venis and the Godfather. Former WWE developmental diva Lacy Von Eric is also booked to appear. Several of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s friends are also rumored for the tour, including Diamond Dallas Page, Brutus Beefcake the Nasty Boys.

The biggest selling point, however, will be the opportunity to see two of the biggest legends in wrestling history returning to the ring to renew an old rivalry. It was rumored last week that Ric Flair was in negotiations to wrestle Hulk Hogan on at least one of the shows of the tour. According to PWInsider.com, a source close to Ric Flair has confirmed that the Nature Boy will indeed be coming out of retirement to wrestle Hulk Hogan on the tour.

It is unknown at this point how many times Hogan and Flair will wrestle on the four-show tour, however a chance to see Ric Flair “walk that aisle” once again and square off against Hulk Hogan is sure to draw fan interest down under.

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