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WWE Network Fails To Get Picked Up By Any Cable Providers

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WWE Network

WWE is not having an easy time getting its television network off the ground – and a new article published by the New York Post reveals just how much trouble they are having.

According to the Post, WWE has yet to sign with single cable or satellite deal with providers to carry the Network. WWE has also been seriously lagging on hiring experienced cable executives.

WWE was expected to hire 200 employees including a general manager for the Network, but one cable executive told The Post:

“WWE has the programming and marketing muscle, but they just have no one with cable experience who can execute for them.”

Industry expert Gerri Dinini says that whole channel of WWE content might not have a broad enough appeal to be successful:

“Given the content issues, I think a whole channel would be a stretch. It is very limited in who it reaches.”

Three Additions To SmackDown Roster, Lilian Garcia Performing

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— WWE.com has added Darren Young, Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson to the SmackDown roster. All three wrestlers have largely appeared on WWE NXT. Meanwhile, Maxine and Titus O’Neil are still listed as NXT talent.

— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be performing at the Viper Room in Hollywood, California (located on 8852 Sunset Boulevard) on Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $10, are available for purchase here.

— Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page says he auditioned for a movie short starring Kevin Spacey. He wrote on Twitter, “I just NAILED an audition for a movie short as a Pirate starring Kevin Spacey… Cross your fingers.”

— Jim Ross stated on the following on Twitter, “Going 2 OU-Texas A&M hoops Saturday. Recorded a short sound byte to air prior to Sooners intro. Spring football starts Mon!”

Jay Briscoe Denies That ROH Blocked WWE Deal

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It has been reported this week that WWE is interested in several Ring of Honor wrestlers (including The Briscoe Brothers and Adam Cole), but was unable to sign these wrestlers because they are under contract with ROH.

ROH officials have stated that they would not prevent their contracted talent from fielding offers from WWE and moving up to the “big leagues” – so this news has received a lot of attention.

Jay Briscoe, one of the men at the center of the story, posted the following message on Twitter on Thursday night, calling the reports false:

“Just to set shit straight, ROH didnt block us from gettin signed to the WWE. The internet is fucking stupid.”

SmackDown Preview For Tonight: Randy Orton Returns

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The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown:

– Sheamus starts the show and talks about his title match at WrestleMania

– Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler

– Santino Marella vs. Heath Slater

– Eve vs. Natalya

– Big Show vs. Mark Henry

– Justin Gabriel vs. Drew McIntyre

– Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton

Jesse Sorensen Out 1 Year, Dixie & Jesse Comment

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TNA President Dixie Carter has provided an update on the health of TNA wrestler Jesse Sorensen, who suffered a bad neck injury (a fractured C1 vertebrae) at the recent TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view. Dixie Carter tweeted this week:

“@TNASorenson met w/doctors this wk & is out for up to a yr. We’re blessed he will be back at all. He’s staying positive. No comment on Zima.”

Sorensen also wrote about his recovery on Twitter, telling fans:

“To all the fans who continue to keep me in your thoughts & prayers, I want to say thank you! I am getting stronger everyday. #TexasTough”

HHH Signs New WWE Contract, To Wrestle For Four More Years

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WWE has published their 10-K report for 2011 and it includes their wrestling contract with Paul Levesque (a/k/a Triple H). The new agreement went into effect January 1, 2012 and expires on March 30, 2016, when he is 46 years old.

Highlights:

* Levesque will be paid a ‘Minimum Annual Compensation’ of $1 million for each year under contract.

* Levesque will be limited to 180 dates per year, unless both parties mutually agree to extend beyond that number.

* Levesque cannot work or perform in any capacity for any ‘martial arts’ organization while under contract.

source: PWInsider.com

Vince Russo Issues Statement On His Departure From TNA

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Vince Russo was scheduled to participate in an interview with PWInsider.com next Monday to discuss his departure from TNA Wrestling. The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion, however, decided against doing the interview and issued the following statement to the website regarding his TNA departure:

Despite the continuing rumors, speculation, and hearsay surrounding my departure from TNA Wrestling, in an effort to set the record straight, I was not fired, terminated, released, or let go from the company–it was my decision to walk away, and from there the separation was mutual, amicable and professional.

It simply makes good business sense that where someone of my talent and ability was not going to be used to their capability or capacity, that a parting of the ways was inevitable.

In closing, I’d like to thank my fellow writer and friend, Matt Conway, for giving me purpose, my friend and brother, Jeff Jarrett, for hiring me, Dixie Carter and the entire Carter family, for keeping me employed, but, more importantly, every man and woman in the locker room for giving me the opportunity, and ability, to work in the professional wrestling business for the past twenty years. Without their blood, sweat and tears . . . I would have not been able to support my family and make a living. My greatest loss by far is leaving them behind.

And truly, from the bottom of my heart, I wish TNA all the best in their future endeavors.

PS: I couldn’t help myself with that last line, but I truly DO wish TNA all the success in the world!

Peace,

Vince

No MITB At WM28, Savage-HOF Error, Bad Error On Ticket Site

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Savage Hall of Fame Error (Click To Enlarge)

– The WWE’s latest “Bring it Back” feature says the company should bring back “crazy Superstar props,” such as the Undertaker’s urn. The article features an image of WWE legend “Macho Man” Randy Savage from the days when he was the “Macho King,” wearing a crown and holding his scepter. Savage is referred to as a “WWE Hall of Famer,” which we know is factually incorrect.

– Daniel Tosh of Comedy Central’s Tosh.0 is auctioning off various props from his show on eBay, including a Piper’s Pit backdrop and an autographed action figure of Arn Anderson.

– In a glaring error, event ticketing website Seatwave.com was advertising several deceased and retired wrestlers for WWE’s upcoming tour of the UK later this year. Talent advertised for WWE’s trip to the UK this November included Edge, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Undertaker, Sheamus, John Cena, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton.

– With the announcement earlier this week that WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view will be taking place in July from Phoenix, Arizona, we can confirm that WrestleMania 28 will not feature a MITB match, as rumored.

Mark Henry May Be On His Way Out Of WWE

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Pro Wrestling Torch reports Mark Henry may be on his way out of WWE.

On the December 12, 2011 episode of Raw, Henry pulled his groin during a match against John Cena. Testing done during the week revealed that the injury was more severe than was originally believed. The majority of WWE’s creative forces wanted to give him an easier schedule for a few weeks to let the injury heal. Vince McMahon, however, was described as being less than sympathetic to Henry’s plight and decided to have him lose the World Heavyweight Championship to Big Show the following week at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. McMahon didn’t think Henry should have taken time off to heal and pushed him to continue making his scheduled dates. This has led to frustration on Henry’s part.

Henry’s contract with WWE is set to expire this year and the Torch says that tension could have led Henry to not renew, thus explaining why he’s losing the majority of his television matches.

Taker’s Status For RAW, Evan Bourne’s Return, Edge DVD

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– Evan Bourne’s 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy will end on March 17.

– The Undertaker is no longer listed the local advertising for Monday’s RAW Supershow from the TD Garden.

As previously reported, the show will feature Shawn Michaels and The Rock.

– WWEDVDNews.com has released the official promo for the upcoming Blu-Ray/DVD set on Edge’s career, “The Story of Edge,” due out April 3rd:

(Source: pwinsider.com)

MITB PPV Moved, New WWE Office In Miami, RAW Guest Star

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– The 2012 WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view scheduled for July 15th has been moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

– Actor James Roday of the USA Network’s original series “Psych” will guest star on the March 12th episode of RAW from Cleveland, Ohio. Roday will be promoting that week’s episode of Psych, which will feature an appearance by The Miz.

– One month before WrestleMania 28, WWE has opened a new office in Miami, FL that will focus on “achieving significant growth across all lines of WWE’s business including Media Distribution, Live Event Touring, Consumer Products, and Digital within Latin American markets.”

JR Blog: Punk-Jericho, Cruiserweight Show, FCW Talent

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. As always, you can buy his delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. In his latest blog entry, JR answered a ton of questions from his readers. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Why does WWE change the names of wrestlers?

“WWE is an entertainment company and they want to own all their intellectual property. Changing names of wrestlers allows them to own those names. It’s smart business and I would do the same if I owned a wrestling company. Wrestlers who are using a name that they used prior to joining WWE essentially ‘lease’ their name to WWE during the term of said wrestler’s WWE tenure.”

Is WWE going to do a Cruiserweight TV show?

“I read those rumors online but I have no direct knowledge. If they do, I’d be more than willing to volunteer to do the play by play for those bouts. Smaller, skilled talents need a showcase to display their abilities.:

Thoughts on @CMPunk vs. @IAmJericho?

“I love their in ring banter but at the end of the day it comes down to who leaves as WWE Champion and not who has the most witty repartee leading into the bout. Do I hope to hear them verbally spar on future RAW’s? Absolutely. But I’m much more interested in them delivering a classic, wrestling match come April 1. I think that gets done.”

Anyone in FCW ready to go?

“Several are ‘this close.’ It’s all about timing and how individual talents are intergrated onto WWE TV. Why are they on TV? Who are they? What are they here to accomplish? Are they friend or foe? Can you help me get to know their TV persona? So, there are many elements involved in getting called up. Until then, the individuals themselves just need to continue to out work/perform their competition, put in more quality ring time, study more DVDS, and increase their strength and conditioning regiment.

MAILBAG: What Jump To WWE Would Hurt TNA The Most?

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SEScoops Mailbag for March 1st

(please submit YOUR questions to [email protected])

Q: I was wondering if CM Punk and Shawn Michaels ever had a match? – Dallas

A: No, they never did. But they did have a good verbal joust on the June 27th Raw last year, the same show where Punk cut his memorable worked-shoot promo that started his main event push.

Q: Why does the WWE keep Michael Cole? He is annoying and insulting. I know he is supposed to be a heel commentator, but he goes way over the line, making fun of the passing of one’s mother is way overboard. As for Johnny Ace, he is just plain useless. He has the personality of an egg plant. He adds nothing to the business and IMO that is why the ratings for the second hour of RAW drop, people just get sick and tired of them two goofs. I think WWE should just put Teddy Long in charge of both shows. – Hilda D.

A: So your solution to WWE’s ratings woes is to get rid of Johnny Ace and Michael Cole and give more TV time to Teddy Long? Not sure about that one. To be honest, I don’t think we need anyone “in charge” of any shows. The GM concept is beyond played out. We all know Vince McMahon is the chairman and is certainly capable of coming out and making important decisions on occasions where they need to be made. That should be enough. We did just fine in the 90’s when there was one figurehead WWF President who rarely appeared on the shows. Cards were already booked in advance before going on the air. What a concept!

Q: Do you think the women division will ever pick up in WWE again? They have the right talent, yet they are [using them wrong]. Plus, there have been rumors of WWE bringing back the Womens tag team belts. How are they going to run two womens belts when the last time they tried that, they failed? – Cristian A.

A: First, they’re not belts, they’re championship titles. Second, I would slightly disagree that WWE has “all the right talent” when it comes to their Divas division. Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Kharma and Eve (to some degree) are fine workers, but then the division falls off a cliff. Meanwhile, they let go of people like Mickie James and Gail Kim while turning a blind eye to independent workers like Sara Del Ray because they don’t fit the mold of what a WWE Diva should look like. Besides, why even consider Womens tag titles when your average women’s match on Raw goes about 30 seconds every week? They would be well-suited to assign somebody backstage specifically to help repair the damage they’ve done and investigate why TNA Knockouts segments on Impact have done some of that show’s highest ratings while Diva segments typically drive viewers away.

Video: Steve Austin Featured In New “Man vs. Phone” Ads

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WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin is featured in a new series of ads for the Kyocera Dura series of cell phones ..

Man vs. Phone — Episode 1
Steve Austin vs. Kyocera Dura Series. Who’s tougher?

Extreme Rules PPV Poster, Miz Overseas, WWE ’12 DLC

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Extreme Rules 2012 Poster

– Kane is featured on the new poster for WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, which takes place on April 29th from Chicago, IL. Below are the official event synopsis, courtesy of InDemand:

“Extreme times call for extreme rules. Don’t miss John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, The Miz and all your favorite WWE Superstars put it all on the line at Extreme Rules, Sunday, live on Pay-Per-View.”

– THQ will not be releasing any more Downloadable Content for the WWE ’12 video game.

– The Miz is overseas in Poland today doing promotional work for WWE.

– Happy birthday to WWE announcer Booker T, who turns 47 years old today.

– Zack Ryder is scheduled to appear at The Steiner Sports Store in Garden City, New York at 7pm this evening. For more information, you can call 800-242-7139.

 

Trish Talks WWE vs. Movies, Following Rock-Hogan At WM18

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Former 6 time WWE Womens Champion Trish Stratus was recently interviewed by @Arda Ocal of The Score Television Network.. Here are highlights of Part 2 of this exclusive interview:

Comparing fighting in the WWE for so many years to fighting in movies. How is that all different to her :

“So different. we approached it from a tradional movie stand point, which means we have to do stunt work. Thats what moves have stunts. The concept of not making contact in movies was difficult for me cause in WWE we made contact. Its very different from stunt work. I tip my hat off to the director Patrick cause he told his cast, whatever you wanna do with this script, go with it, make it look real, have fun with it, play with it”

Her match at Wrestlemania 18 in her hometown of Toronto, Onatrio where she faced Jazz and Lita in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Womens Championship. Her match was just after the bout between The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Was it bittersweet for her to be in that position at Wrestlemania 18 :

“Looking at it on the paper, im like oh my god I cant beleive were in this match, it was really a tough act to follow. The crowd actually surprisinaly was with us which was great cause it was a testament to the hard work that the womens division point had done. Something interesting had happened. When the guys ( The Rock and Hulk Hogan ) had their match, the one thing I remember was I was about to go out to preform, its my first Wrestlemania as a wrestler. I got the heads up from Hulk and The Rock. Rock said to me ” good luck go get em kid”, and Hulk Hogan said “you got this kid”

Her yoga studio, “Stratusphere Yoga”. What is the business plan for “Stratusphere Yoga” ? Are there any plans for her to open up new locations anywhere else, also has she ever approached other WWE superstars about recommending trying yoga themselves:

“I have, actually all the girls right now are doing it, the stratusphere yoga right now. DDP and I have been in touch. Randy Orton started doing it. Rey Mysterio, when he came back from his injury was like “you look great what are you doing, how did you make that comeback from that herniated disk” I told him about the yoga and he started trying that as well.”

Movie Poster For GI Joe 2 Featuring the Rock

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WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is featured on the new movie poster for the upcoming summer blockbuster, “G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation”

The Rock tweeted the following movie poster on Wednesday, which features him in-character as “Roadblock” holding a machine gun.

Rock tweeted a slogan: “The world ain’t saving itself.”

Royal Rumble Buyrate, WWE’s Interest In ROH Talent

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– We reported on Wednesday that WWE is interested in several top talents from Ring of Honor, including the Briscoe Brothers and Adam Cole. It’s believed WWE sent out “feelers” and expressed interest in them, but they are all under contract to ROH and until they become free agents, it’s a non-issue.

– WWE its monthly “end of month” business figures for February this week and one of the more newsworthy items is that the 2012 Royal Rumble drew approximately 438,000 pay-per-view buys.

272,000 of the 438,000 buys were domestic (from the United States, while 166,000 buys were international.

This year’s 428,000 buys is down from 446,000 in 2011 and the 462,000 in 2010.

(Sources: prowrestling.net, Pro Wrestling Torch)

HBK & Rock On RAW, Shaq-WM28 Update, Fozzy

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– Boston’s TD Garden, the site of Monday’s RAW, is advertising The Rock and Shawn Michaels will be appearing in person.

The dark match main event will see CM Punk & John Cena vs. Kane & Chris Jericho.

– As of this week, there is still no word on whether Shaquille O’Neal will be appearing at WrestleMania. Shaq has stated several times that he will be at WrestleMania, even saying back in December that he would be wrestling the Big Show. The WWE website posted an article last week denying that Shaq would be appearing at WrestleMania, which caused even more confusion.

For months, it was rumored that Shaq’s involvement with WWE would kick off next Monday’s RAW from Boston’s TD Garden.  If Shaq doesn’t appear on that show or isn’t referenced in some way, he most likely won’t be a part of WrestleMania and it can be assumed his negotiations with the company fell through .

– Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy has been announced to play the Download Festival, one of the biggest rock festivals in the UK. Other bands announced for the show are Metallica, Tenacious D, Killswitch Engage and Corey Taylor. Fozzy will perform on Saturday, June 9th.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview For Tonight

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TNA Impact Wrestling

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling from Orlando, FL:

* TNA Champion Bobby Roode, X-Champion Austin Aries & Bully Ray vs. James Storm & TNA Tag Team champions Samoa Joe & Magnus

* Gauntlet Match: AJ Styles vs. Kazarian and Daniels

* Kurt Angle will explain why he attacked Jeff Hardy.

* ODB vs. Madison Rayne.

* Zema Ion vs. Shannon Moore.

* Mickie James & Velvet Sky vs. Angelina Love & Sarita.

Big Update On Plans For The Hall Of Fame Ceremony

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As previously reported, the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on March 31st (the night before WrestleMania) – but will not air on the USA Network until Monday, April 2nd, as a 1-hour lead-in to RAW.

As of this week, the plan is for the televised ceremony to feature the inductions of Edge and the Four Horsemen only.

It is still expected that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be announced as on of the final members of the Class of 2012. The deceased Samoan/sumo warrior will be inducted by his cousin, The Rock.

Edge is scheduled to be inducted last by Christian.

The Horsemen will be inducted by Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Dusty Rhodes

There was a push include Dusty on the Horsemen induction because he had some legendary wars with the Horsemen back in the 1980s.

Because Hall of Fame speeches tend to run long, both Edge and the Horsemen have been given a 10 minute time limit on their speeches.

(Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Undertaker’s In-Ring Future, WWE Interested In ROH’s Briscoes

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– The Undertaker’s time away from the ring has included surgeries on both his shoulder and hip. He was lighter than ever before when he showed up backstage at last week’s Raw SuperShow, estimated at 275 to 280 pounds. The belief that he would retire following his WrestleMania XXVIII encounter with Triple H is largely gone since it’s not being hinted. Peers expect him to continue wrestling for a few more years if he’s able to compete once annually.

– WWE officials have expressed interest in acquiring Jay and Mark Briscoe, but they are both under contract to Ring of Honor.

– Last Friday’s Raw live event at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California drew 9,000 paying $360,000. Saturday’s Raw show in Ontario, California drew a near sellout with 9,000 paying $275,000. Sunday in Eugene, Oregon drew 5,000 paying $165,000. Smackdown’s tour of Central America opened on Thursday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with 2,500. Friday in Panama City, Panama drew 4,000. Saturday in Guatemala City, Guatemala drew 2,000.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Kharma Says She’s Returning Soon, Layfield On Potential Return

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— WWE has yet to follow up on Kharma’s appearance last month at the Royal Rumble because she has not fully recovered from giving birth on December 31, 2011 and isn’t ready to work a full-time schedule. Nonetheless, her return to the squared circle is on the horizon.

When asked on Twitter this week what she was doing, she replied, “Working hard to come back at my best.” She was then asked when she would be returning to WWE and said “Soon.”

— Former WWE Champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield wrote the following on Twitter regarding a potential return to WWE: “Sorry, WWE has never asked about coming back more than a one off- happy coaching kids in Bermuda! Gotta make a difference-or try at least!”

— Former WWE stars John Morrison, Maria and Melina have been announced to appear at the Motor City Comic Con taking place May 18-20 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

Jeff Hardy Unable To Work Impact Taping, Velvet Not On DWTS

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— Jeff Hardy was unable to work Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida due to a bout with food poisoning. PWInsider.com reports he is feeling well enough today to appear and work today’s show.

— Velvet Sky’s Twitter campaign to appear on the fourteenth season of Dancing with the Stars failed as she was not among the celebrities announced on Tuesday by ABC.

— A match pitting Velvet Sky against former “Beautiful People” mate Angelina Love was taped Tuesday night in Orlando, Florida for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion.

— Chelsea has been announced to appear at The Big Event 2 taking place March 10, 2012 at LaGuardia Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd East Elmhurst, New York.

Matches Taped For NXT & WWE Superstars, Dark Match Result

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Matches taped Tuesday night at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington for this week’s episode of NXT Redemption are as follows:

* Darren Young and Titus O’Neil vs. Alex Riley and Percy Watson

* Michael McGuillicuty vs. Tyson Kidd

* Kaitlyn vs. Maxine

Jinder Mahal faced The Great Khali in a match taped for WWE Superstars

Hunico defeated Ted DiBiase in a pre-show dark match.

The lower bowl of the Key Arena was largely full and most of the upper section was tarped off. Attendance was estimated at 9,000.

source: PWInsider.com

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