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Backstage News On Plans For WWE Divas Title At WMXXX, Update On Naomi’s Return

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As things stand presently, there are no official plans for the WWE Divas Championship at WrestleMania XXX. The original plan, before Naomi suffered the eye injury at RAW, was for the Funkadactyl to face AJ Lee for the title. While not official, the likely scenario would have seen Naomi win the title as part of a story line for the second season of the “Total Divas” reality show. Even though those plans may be off the table, there is a good chance that Naomi’s injury and recovery will be used as part of a Total Divas story line.

As far as Naomi’s role at WrestleMania XXX is concerned, after the company received word last week that she will not need surgery, there is still time to factor her into plans for this year’s WrestleMania.

Naomi is expected to be out of in-ring action for four-to-six weeks. She won’t be able to appear on television unless she drives to RAW, as the pressure on her eyes from a flight would be dangerous.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Update On WrestleMania XXX Ticket Sales, Is The Event Officially Sold Out Yet?

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    As far as ticket sales for WrestleMania XXX are concerned, the event is not yet officially sold out. There are, however, 9,916 of the 55,000-plus ticket holders who have their seats available at Stubhub.com. Basically, this means many of those tickets were purchased strictly for investment purposes.

    The nosebleed seats are going for $46.90, and you can still buy two front-row seats for $13,000 a piece.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Reason Why WWE Feels Curtis Axel Will Be Cheered This Sunday

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    WWE officials are under the impression that Curtis Axel, who is from the Minneapolis area and is part of the famous Hennig family (Larry Hennig, Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig), may receive a babyface reaction from the fans in attendance at this Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber event.

    As previously reported, Axel, along with Ryback, will take on Goldust and Cody Rhodes in a tag-team match during the Kickoff Show prior to the start of the pay-per-view.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Latest On Plans For Weekly RAW Post-Shows, WWE Network/Apple TV Update

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    – As of right now, the tentative plan in WWE is to tape the WWE RAW post-shows backstage during the shows each week. The key reason for this is due to the fact that the post-shows would be going on at the same time as the dark match main-events live inside the arena.

    – One of the main reasons that WWE may not be pushing for the Apple TV clearance for the WWE Network is because Apple TV charges a 50 percent cut of all subscriptions. Similar streaming services such as XBOX or Roku charge closer to 30 percent.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • DISH Network Statement In Response To WWE’s Comments About PPV Situation

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    As previously reported, WWE released a statement regarding DISH Network choosing not to offer the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. For those who missed it, here is the statement WWE released:

    “WWE has chosen to launch a 24/7 online network, without its TV partners, that includes all of its pay-per-view events. As WWE enters the increasingly fragmented media world by themselves, DISH will continue to consider the value of WWE pay-per-view on an event by event basis. DISH continues to provide a variety of WWE programming, including ‘WWE Raw’ on USA, ‘WWE Smackdown’ on Syfy, ‘WWE Main Event’ on Ion and ‘WWE Total Divas” on E!. At this time, WWE pay-per-view events are not available on DISH.”

    DISH Network sent out a statement in response to the aforementioned comments made by WWE. That statement reads as follows:

    “DISH will not offer the ‘WWE Elimination Chamber’ PPV on 2/23. WWE is not willing to adjust their PPV costs to satellite and cable companies, which is unfair to their customers. We need to re-focus our efforts to support partners that better serve DISH customers. Other satellite and cable companies, including DIRECTV, have also expressed they may no longer provide WWE PPV events in the future.”

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • WWE Statement Regarding Dish Network Dropping WWE Pay-Per-View Events

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    WWE sent us the following statement on Wednesday evening regarding the future of WWE pay-per-view events on the Dish Network satellite TV provider:

    “WWE is pleased that the majority of our cable and satellite Pay-Per-View distributors are giving our fans an option to purchase traditional Pay-Per-Views as we prepare to launch WWE Network on Monday, February 24. Unfortunately, DISH will not be doing so. We hope DISH will reconsider for this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View event and especially for WrestleMania 30.”

    WWE HOF Special On USA Network, Ross Report Success, Rhodes Blog

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    – The new Jim Ross “Ross Report” podcast is already having great success. After only one show, JR’s podcast is already the number one ranked Sports & Recreation podcast on iTunes for the U.S., U.K. Canada and Australia. In overall podcasts, it’s number two in the U.K., number three in the U.S., number five in Australia and number seven in Canada.

    – The latest video blog from Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes (aka Eden) is now available. You can check it out at WWE.com.

    – It was announced today that the USA Network will be airing a one-hour special for the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony on Monday, April 7th at 11:05pm E.T. The special will air the night after WrestleMania XXX. The full ceremony will air live on the WWE Network on Saturday, April 5th at 9pm E.T.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • Final Cable Rating For Monday’s Edition Of WWE RAW

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    The Monday, February 17th “Elimination Chamber go-home” edition of WWE RAW scored a final cable rating of 3.08, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 3.08 final draw marks a decrease from the 3.14 final cable rating that the show drew the previous week with Betty White as special guest host.

    As previously noted, RAW on Monday averaged 4.35 million viewers. The hourly breakdown saw hour one average 4.66 million viewers, hour two average 4.30 million viewers and the final hour average 4.13 million viewers.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • Ethan Carter III Speaks On Hogan/Sting Leaving TNA, Samoa Joe’s Speech & More

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    The following are highlights from a recent Busted Open Radio Show interview with TNA star Ethan Carter III:

    On his transition with Hulk Hogan and Sting leaving TNA: “I’ve been ready for a very long time to either sink or swim with an opportunity and I’ve been given it here in TNA. Transition wise, I’ve said before it’s not so much of a transition because at the end of the day, there’s a red light with millions of people behind it that you are paid to entertain one way or another and something I’ve always loved and something I have the chance to do now, so I’m doing it. Transition regardless, we’re in a ring, there’s a camera on us, and there’s people in the stands… so let’s do it.”

    On the biggest driving factor in getting him to TNA: “Honestly I think more people over there watched my stuff on NXT originally and knew I had talent and ability. I had a chance to really shine out on the grand stage. So there’s a couple people who brought me over and I was just looking for the opportunity to prove myself, prove people wrong, take the ball and run with it. Big John Gaburick came over from WWE and brought me over. He put a lot of faith in me and hopefully I’m returning the favor and faith to him.”

    On Samoa Joe’s recent speech to the talent: “Samoa Joe is a guy I looked up to while I was an indie guy. He made a strong name for himself in Ring of Honor and then was in TNA and had an incredible undefeated streak going and was at the top of the mountain for a very long time, so that’s a guy we look up to and is a locker room leader who can fire you up because he’s a fiery guy.”

    On if he had any hesitation in going from WWE to TNA: “Not one hesitation what so ever because one place has given me a golden opportunity to shine and I’ve taken that as far as I possibly can. It feels good to be in TNA right now because it’s an atmosphere where everyone has their eye on the prize. Everyone’s focused on one goal and that’s to continue to move forwards and to drive and succeed with each other.”

    On what happened with NXT and WWE: “I have multiple opinions. I think injury at an inopportune time and the regime change. Like in any business, if you’re not somebody’s guy, then you’re not the guy. That’s fine because I was born to make somebody some money. I’m very happy in TNA. Once I hit the top of the main event, I will never be leaving TNA.”

    Check out the complete interview at BustedOpenNation.com.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • WWE RAW Viewership Details For Elimination Chamber “Go-Home” Show

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    The Monday, February 17, 2014 edition of WWE RAW averaged 4.35 million viewers, which is the same number the show drew the previous week with special guest host Betty White.

    The hourly breakdown for RAW viewership, for what was the Elimination Chamber “go-home” edition of the show, is as follows:

    Hour One: 4.66 Million Viewers
    Hour Two: 4.30 Million Viewers
    Hour Three: 4.13 Million Viewers

    We should have the final cable rating out later today.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • Joey Styles Ranks Top 5 ECW PPVs, Xavier Woods’ Black History Month Video

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    – The official WWE website is currently running an article where former ECW announcer Joey Styles looks at what he considers the top five ECW pay-per-views that will be available on the new WWE Network. Styles’ list is as follows:

    1. ECW One Night Stand 2005
    2. Living Dangerously 1999
    3. Heatwave 1998
    4. Living Dangerously 1998
    5. Barely Legal 1997

    Check out the complete article at WWE.com.

    – The following is WWE’s “Black History Month” video on current WWE Superstar Xavier Woods:

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • Press Release: WWE Promotes Executive To New V.P. Role

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    WWE issued the following press release today:

    WWE PROMOTES TANDY O’DONOGHUE

    STAMFORD, Conn., February 19, 2014 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that Tandy O’Donoghue has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy & Analytics, effective March 15. In this newly created role, she will be responsible for overseeing corporate strategy, corporate and business development and data analytics for WWE. O’Donoghue will report to WWE’s Chief Strategy & Financial Officer George A. Barrios.

    O’Donoghue will work with WWE executives to identify and execute cross-functional high-impact initiatives including the global rollout of WWE Network, the development and execution of WWE’s long-term gaming strategy and global content monetization initiatives. She will also lead WWE’s efforts in securing strategic equity investments and partnerships, and will provide leadership for WWE’s use of advanced data analytics to support short- and long-term decision making across the company.

    O’Donoghue previously served as WWE’s Senior Vice President, Affiliate Relations & Business Development, where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of WWE’s pay-per-view business as well as the development and launch plans for WWE Network.

    O’Donoghue holds a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

    Triple H Claims He Invented The Elimination Chamber Match Concept

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    The official WWE website features a new article focusing on the Elimination Chamber match. In the article, Triple H talks about how he created the match. HHH noted:

    “I’m the one who invented it. I drew a square cage and put four other squares in the corners, and I said, ‘It’s six guys. Two start and every few minutes, another cage opens and one more guys enters the fight, and everyone fights until there’s one guy left.’ I thought it could be interesting because, if the Superstars involved have issues, then there’s intrigue.”

    “In typical WWE form, it was twice as big as I envisioned it and twice as elaborate. We don’t do anything small, so I should have known better. When I stood in it for the first time, I thought, ‘Jeez. Please don’t tell anybody this was my idea!’”

    Check out the complete article at WWE.com.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • New Sting Article On WWE.com, Details On WWE’s New Theme Music DVD

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    – The official WWE website is currently featuring a new column by veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter, where Apter looks at the career of Sting. You can check that out at WWE.com.

    – WWE Superstar Fandango is featured on the cover of the new DVD, “WWE’s Signature Sounds: The Music of WWE.” The DVD is set for a March 18th release. The following is the official synopsis for the project:

    “Music has been integral in WWE history, especially anthems for all the greatest WWE Superstars. Since Sgt. Slaughter first made his entrance to the Marine Corp hymn in the early 80?s music themes have become synonymous with the Superstars themselves. Just hearing the first few notes brings the crowd to their feet. They are the songs that let the WWE Universe know that business is about to pick up.

    Now, get behind the music and learn the inside story behind the timeless anthems of WWE and the superstars.”

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • Edge On Having One More Match In WWE, Total Divas Season 2 Trailer (Video)

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    – As previously reported, WWE Hall Of Famer Adam “Edge” Copeland was the special guest on the second edition of the “30 Years Of WrestleMania” podcast, which is hosted by Renee Young every week at PodcastOne.com. During the interview, Edge noted that if he could have one more match in WWE, he would like it to be against Christian. He also spoke about his WrestleMania main event against The Undertaker being the highlight of his career.

    You can check out the complete interview at PodcastOne.com.

    – The following is a new official trailer for the upcoming second season of the WWE and E! reality show, “Total Divas.” The show returns on March 16th.

    http://youtu.be/bsTZ9zL6zzE

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • More On Jarrett/Toby Keith Not Buying TNA, Perception Of The Carter Family

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    Apparently one of the reasons that Jeff Jarrett and Toby Keith did not purchase TNA was because Bob Carter wanted Dixie Carter to be kept around as a behind-the-scenes executive, as well as an on-air performer.

    As far as Bob and Janice Carter are concerned, the word going around is that Janice is more of a “dollars and cents” type-person, while Bob is considered to be more “living a dream” oriented.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: F4WOnline & PWInsider.com)

  • Jim Ross Q&A: Future Ross Report Guests, Sting/WWE HOF, Damien Sandow

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    The following are highlights from a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

    On his debut “Ross Report” podcast and future guests: “Austin will be back for Ross Report #2 next week followed by Mauro Ranallo, Trish Stratus, and Mick Foley. I’ve got some great guests coming on to shoot the breeze. Thanks for listening.”

    On why Ron Simmons was more successful as part of a tag-team in WWE: “Hmmm…he did well in both roles especially being pivotal launching Rock from the Nation. The APA thing with JBL was good too and garnered a great deal of TV time. They were two different presentations that were both executed well.”

    On whether or not Sting never working for WWE will prevent him from going into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Absolutely not. I wold bet a case of JR’s BBQ Sauce that Sting is in the WWE HOF within 2-3 years.”

    On if he feels Damien Sandow is being underutilized in WWE: “I’d agree that Sandow could be more of a force. That’s partly WWE’s fault and partly the talents. To be great it takes a partnership between company and talent.”

    Check out more from JR’s latest website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Undertaker To RETIRE This Year?, MAJOR Star To RETURN To WWE + NEW HOF Inductees …
  • NXT “Arrival” Expert Panel, WWE Divas On Austin/Jericho Podcasts, More

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    – The “expert panel” for the live WWE NXT “Arrival” pre-show on the WWE Network will consist of Renee Young, Kevin Nash, Paul Heyman and Bret “The Hitman” Hart. The pre-show for the live special is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm E.T.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin mentioned during a recent “Steve Austin Show” that WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be an in-studio guest on one of his upcoming podcasts.

    – Speaking of podcast guests, WWE Diva Natalya will be the special guest on this Friday’s edition of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which is hosted by former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho. Natalya recently tweeted the following about the appearance:

    WWE Announces Full Programming Lineup For The WWE Network

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    WWE issued the following press release today:

    WWE NETWORK ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING LINEUP

    STAMFORD, Conn., February 19, 2014 – WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, has unveiled its programming lineup, which is highlighted by WrestleMania® 30 on Sunday, April 6 at 7 pm ET live from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

    In addition, for the first time ever, the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air live in its entirety on Saturday, April 5 at 9 pm ET on WWE Network. This year’s current inductees include The Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Lita. A one-hour special will also air on USA Network on Monday, April 7, immediately following Monday Night Raw®.

    WWE Network will officially launch on Monday, February 24 at 9 am ET and fans will instantly have access to live programming and the most comprehensive WWE video-on-demand library upon signing up exclusively at WWE.com.

    WWE Network will be available through the WWE App on TV via connected devices including Roku streaming devices, Sony PlayStation® 3, Sony PlayStation® 4 and Xbox 360. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on iOS devices, including Apple iPad and iPhone, Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices and Android devices, as well as on desktops and laptops via WWE.com.

    The programming line-up on WWE Network includes:

    WrestleMania 30

    WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania 30, will air live on Sunday, April 6 at 7 pm ET from New Orleans. More than 70,000 fans from all 50 states and more than 30 countries are expected to converge on the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with millions more watching around the world. Current WWE Superstars will be joined by a host of WWE Legends for a celebration 30 years in the making.

    WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

    For the first time ever, the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air live in its entirety on WWE Network on Saturday, April 5 at 9 pm ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This year’s current inductees include The Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Lita.

    Live Monday Night Raw Pre-Show and WWE Raw Backstage Pass

    A live, 30-minute RawPre-Show will air each week and premieres on Monday, February 24 at 7:30 pm ET.

    WWE Raw Backstage Pass will air live each week immediately following Monday Night Raw, providing analysis of the night’s action and exclusive backstage interviews. The premiere will air on Monday, February 24 at 11:05 pm ET.

    Friday Night SmackDown® Pre-Show and WWE SmackDown Backstage Pass

    A 30-minute pre-show for SmackDown will air each week and premieres on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm ET.

    WWE SmackDown Backstage Pass will air each week immediately following SmackDown, providing analysis of the night’s action and exclusive backstage interviews. The premiere will air on Friday, February 28 at 10 pm ET.

    WrestleMania® Rewind

    WrestleMania® Rewind will provide fans with a comprehensive look back at the most groundbreaking matches and dramatic moments in WrestleMania history. The series premieres on Tuesday, February 25 at 9 pm ET with a sneak peek on Monday, February 24 at 9 am ET.

    WWE Countdown™

    A one-hour, groundbreaking, interactive, countdown series that will put the power squarely in viewers’ hands by giving the audience the chance to discuss and rank WWE’s most spectacular Superstars, unexpected moments, best catch phrases and more through digital polling and social media interaction. The series premieres on Tuesday, February 25 at 10 pm ET with a sneak peek on Monday, February 24 at 10 am ET.

    WWE Legends’ House™

    WWE’s greatest Legends reunite for a new title – only this time, they’re competing outside of the ring. Imagine a beautiful house in the suburbs – perfectly furnished, with gorgeous landscaping, a lovely pool and quiet, respectable neighbors. WWE Superstars from the past including Rowdy Roddy Piper, Tony Atlas and Hacksaw Jim Duggan will turn the neighborhood upside down as the house staff tries their best to keep these Legends on time, on speaking terms, and out of trouble in this new reality show. The series premieres on Thursday, April 10 at 8 pm ET.

    This is NXT®

    A one-hour special that will take viewers inside the action-packed world of tomorrow’s WWE’s Superstars as they aspire to become the future of WWE. Featuring behind-the-scenes moments and in-ring action from WWE’s Performance Center, fans will get up close and personal with the next generation of Superstars. The series premieres on Monday, February 24 at 11 am ET.

    NXT ArRival™

    WWE Network’s first live in-ring event will air on Thursday, February 27 at 8 pm ET. The live special will showcase the brightest and best of WWE’s rising stars from WWE’s Performance Center, as well as appearances by WWE Superstars John Cena®, Sheamus®, The New Age Outlaws and WWE Legends Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.

    Thirty minutes prior to the event, the NXT ArRival Pre-Show will air at 7:30 pm ET and include exclusive interviews and appearances by NXT Superstars, WWE Superstars and Legends.

    WWE NXT®

    Each Thursday at 9 pm ET, WWE Superstars and Divas of tomorrow face off on WWE NXT, a one-hour, weekly show that features the brightest and best of WWE’s rising stars. WWE NXT showcases the Superstars and Divas from WWE’s Performance Center as well as appearances from WWE Superstars and Legends in an intimate setting. WWE NXT broadcasts from the state-of-the-art Full Sail LIVE venue on the Full Sail University campus in Orlando, Florida. The series premieres on Thursday, March 6 at 9 pm ET.

    WWE Superstars®

    A one-hour, weekly show highlighting the best of WWE Superstars and Divas in heart-pounding matches. The show will also feature highlights from all WWE programming, as well as a special glimpse at everything going on in the WWE Universe. The series premieres on Thursday, February 27 at 10 pm ET.

    Beyond the Ring™

    An all-access pass to the fast-paced action of WWE’s home video library. With classic matches and groundbreaking biographies of WWE Legends, fans will have all the action from WCW®, AWA®, ECW® and WWE right at their fingertips. The series premieres on Saturday, March 1 at 8 pm ET.

    Best of Raw

    Every Wednesday at 9 pm ET, Best of Raw will feature the most memorable episodes from the longest-running weekly episodic show in television history. Each week, see some of the most incredible matches and controversial moments featured over the years on Monday Night Raw. The series premieres at a special date and time on Thursday, February 27 at 4:30 pm ET.

    Best of SmackDown

    For more than a decade, Friday Night SmackDown has brought amazing action and memorable moments to the WWE Universe. On Saturdays at 1 pm ET, WWE Network will showcase the most exciting episodes of SmackDown. The series premieres on Saturday, March 1 at 1 pm ET.

    Expansive Video-On-Demand Library

    In addition to live and original programming, fans will have access to the most comprehensive WWE video-on-demand library the instant they subscribe. WWE Network will offer all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views as well as encores of Raw and SmackDown® totaling more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.

    Mick Foley Reacts To The Passing Of Big Daddy V

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    WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley posted the following on his Facebook page about the passing of Nelson Frazier Jr. (Big Daddy V):

    GOODBYE BIG VIS

    I was saddened to hear of the passing of Nelson Frazier Jr, better known to most of us as Viscera or Big Daddy V – a nice man, with a big heart and a great look – who left not only a unique legacy in the world of sports entertainment, but a unique mark on my own career, and an indelible memory in the minds of my children.

    Although we faced each other only sparingly, I actually sought images of him my home every day for over a year when my children took turns drawing pictures of the fearsome figure, which found homes on the Foley family refrigerator. They Warint scared of him, so much as they were enamored of him – drawn to the contrast of the huge figure they watched on the television set, with the gentle man they saw backstage. My youngest son was terrified of mascots and characters for several years, a fear that actually left him hiding underneath a table at the Magic Kingdom, when Cinderella and her three mouse friends arrived at a character dinner. I tried to talk my little guy out of this illogical fear by reasoning with him.

    “You’re not scared of Big Daddy V, are you”, I asked.

    My son shook his head, no.

    “How about The Great Khali”, I said.

    Once again, he shook his head no.

    “But 3 guys dressed in mouse costumes?”

    Absolutely terrified!

    Good bye Big Vis – you will be missed.

    Daniel Bryan’s Yes Movement Getting Mainstream Coverage, More On WWE-NBCU

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    – The New York Post has published an article looking at WWE’s ongoing TV rights fees negotiations and NBCUniversal’s exclusive negotiating period expiring last week.

    USA Today has published a long article looking at Daniel Bryan’s “Yes Movement” crossing over into mainstream pop culture. Bryan was quoted in the article, saying,

    “People like to do it because it’s fun and it’s interactive,” he said. “When you’re part of an arena, a whole arena with thousands upon thousands of people doing it, it’s very, very surreal.

    “I don’t know what is going on in my world that this happened,” he added. “Now these basketball teams are doing something that I made popular. How this all happened is surreal.”

    Triple H Weighs In On Each Of The 6 Elimination Chamber Participants

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    Triple H’s weekly sit down meeting with Michael Cole is now online, with the WWE COO talking about Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and analyzing each of the 6 chamber match participants.

    Hunter said that WWE World Heavyweight champion Randy Orton is dangerous because he’s been in several Elimination Chamber matches already. John Cena’s mantra of “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” will be put to the test. Cesaro is at a “different playing level” than just a few weks ago, while Sheamus “enjoys the physicality” of the Chamber and Christian is desperate with nothing to lose. He said added that Daniel Bryan is not 100 percent, which allows the audience to get behind him as the underdog.

    He said The Authority is prepared to anoint the Chamber winner the “Face of WWE.” When Cole asked, “Even if it’s not Orton?” Hunter responded, “Yes!” and did Daniel Bryan’s hand motion.

    Jim Ross’ First Podcast Now Online, WWE Files For New Trademarks

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    – WWE has applied for trademarks for “NXT: Arrival” and “Yes Movement.”

    – The first episode of WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ new Ross Report podcast is now online at PodcastOne.com. His first guest is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who talked about his career, why a match with Hulk Hogan never took place and more.

    Austin noted that while he was at last week’s RAW from Los Angeles, nobody from WWE mentioned anything to him about appearing at WrestleMania.

    Jay Lethal Talks About CM Punk’s Situation, Wanting To Join WWE & More

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    Jay Lethal appeared on Ring Rust Radio this week and spoke about his time in TNA and ROH, CM Punk leaving WWE, working with Ric Flair and more.

    Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    ROH’s 12th Anniversary: “Well, already signed for the 12th anniversary show is myself versus the returning AJ Styles which I’m really excited about and it’s something to be excited about because as a company, Ring of Honor is showing growth. Guys are coming back and there’s a lot of controversy and such around AJ’s return because he was somewhere else before and now he’s back with Ring of Honor and of course with the acquisition of AJ there’s a few more eyes on Ring of Honor who may not have been watching before but they are now and that is exciting.”

    CM Punk situation: “Would I like to see CM Punk return to Ring of Honor? Of course. Mainly the reason would be from a business standpoint. The fact that AJ Styles is returning brings a couple of new eyes paying attention to Ring of Honor. That situation would carryover to the fact that I would love CM Punk to come back to Ring of Honor because then there would be a few more eyes watching Ring of Honor that perhaps weren’t watching Ring of Honor before. And they’ll see a couple of matches and they’ll see that Ring of Honor actually has one of the greatest wrestling products out there and they’d continue to watch much after CM Punk’s matches.

    “I do think that there is a big chance [that Punk could return to Ring of Honor] because before CM Punk left Ring of Honor to go to WWE I was there for one of his last matches and I was there for a lot of CM Punk’s career in Ring of Honor and CM Punks blood and his DNA strands have Ring of Honor written all over it. The way he acted, he just loved Ring of Honor so much that I really do believe that CM Punk could return.”

    Working with Ric Flair: “I’ve never been married, I don’t have any kids, so at this point in time any and every single interaction that I’ve ever had with Ric Flair, namely when I got to wrestle him, is considered to me be the greatest day and greatest night of my entire life. Like I said I don’t think I’ve grasped and really tried to understand exactly what has happened in such a short time and when I realize it I think I’m going to explode. That was the greatest time I’ve ever had in my life.”

    Being a well-known young guy: “I really don’t think about it that often, I just feel like it has all happened so fast that I haven’t had a chance to sit down and think about it. I know for a fact that once it slows down and I can sit and think about everything that has happened I’d go insane. I don’t think that I have fully grasped everything because I have been extremely lucky and blessed.”

    Also talked about ROH being on the rise, wrestling AJ now vs. years ago, match preparation, hopes to be in WWE in the future and showing the wrestling world how good he truly is.

    Official Trailer For Guardians Of The Galaxy Starring Batista

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    In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

    Release date: August 1, 2014