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WWE Releases David Hart Smith

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith.

Their statement reads: “WWE has come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes David the best in all of his future endeavors.”

The third generation wrestler’s prospects with the entertainment empire became grim following the dissolution of the Hart Dynasty late last year; his final match occurred on the April 28, 2011 episode of WWE Superstars. Even further, Smith had not competed in a match on Monday Night Raw in eight months. He last appeared on the program on December 6, 2010, which saw him lose to former tag team partner Tyson Kidd in a blow off match. He was then laid out by Kidd’s short-lived bodyguard Jackson Andrews.

His mother, Diana Smith, stated in April that David had plans to cross over to mixed martial arts.

WWE Announces Release Of Raw Superstar

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of Chris Masters.

Chris Masters released

WWE has come to terms on the release of Chris Masters as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Chris the best in all of his future endeavors.

WWE Releases Raw Superstar

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of Vladimir Kozlov.

Vladimir Kozlov released

WWE has come to terms on the release of Vladimir Kozlov as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Vladimir the best in all of his future endeavors.

Cara Returning To TV Next Week, Punk Appearing At Hot Topic

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— Tonight’s episode of SmackDown, which has already aired overseas, features a vignette advertising Sin Cara for next week’s show.

WWE announced on July 18, 2011 that Sin Cara had been suspended 30 days for his first violation of the organization’s Talent Wellness Program. He is scheduled to return Tuesday in Sacramento, California, which would indicate that WWE ended his suspension prematurely.

— WWE Champion CM Punk is advertised to appear at Hot Topic on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California next Friday at 5:00 p.m. Those who purchase a CM Punk T-Shirt receive a wristband that guarantees the opportunity to meet the Raw Superstar.

— Kofi Kingston is advertised to appear at the Maverick Store in West Valley, Utah today at 2:00 p.m. The store is located at 3112 South Redwood Road West Valley, Utah 84119.

— Stan Lane turns 58 years old today.

source: PWInsider.com

Update On Stacy Keibler Dating Hollywood Star Geoge Clooney

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This article is an update to:

US Magazine has provided new details on former WWE diva Stacy Keibler being romantically linked to Hollywood megastar George Clooney.

Just over a month following his announced split from Elisabetta Canalis, George Clooney is now dating actress Stacy Keibler, multiple sources confirm to Us Weekly.

According to US, “It’s more than just a fling .. They’re basically exclusive at this point. They like each other’s sense of humor. Obviously they’re both physically attracted to one another.”

Keibler, 31, and Cooney, 50, have reportedly known each other for over 4 years and recently “reached out to one another through a mutual friend.”

Since recently linking up, Keibler and Clooney  have been spending time together in London and at one of Clooney’s homes in Italy.

Despite the celebrity gossip blogs covering the story extensively this week, the couple is hoping to keep their romance very private and do not plan to make any public appearances

FCW Talent React To Jeremiah Riggs’ Scathing Remarks

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Tough Enough contestant Jeremiah Riggs blasted WWE’s developmental system and talent scouting in a lengthy diatribe this week after being informed that WWE would not be using him.

Speaking to AroundTheOctagon.com about his recent tryout at WWE’s developmental camp, Riggs said Florida Championship Wrestling is full of “clones” who are “are all the same – long hair, pony tail, boring as can be.”

Riggs called FCW “all politics,” where the developmental wrestlers try to “kiss ass” to get ahead. “People are real phony there including the trainers,” he claimed. Riggs also railed Tough Enough peers Andy Leavine and Luke Robinson, saying he had more talent and potential than both.

Since the release of the article, numerous developmental wrestlers have said off the record that Riggs was one of the most disliked individuals to have tried out for WWE in years. They feel Riggs carried himself as if he “was doing everyone a favor” by going to FCW, which upset his peers. Developmental talent Seth Rollins added on Twitter that Riggs was “ten words away from a beatdown.”

Riggs, meanwhile, has given his side of the story in a new interview with IWantWrestling.com.

source: PWInsider.com

Final Card For Sunday’s TNA HardCORE Justice Pay-Per-View

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Following Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact Wrestling, here’s the final card for Sunday’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Sting (c) vs. Kurt Angle

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Ber Money (c) vs. Mexican America

TNA X Division Title Match
Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Mickie James (c) vs. Winte

Bound For Glory Series Match
Crimson vs. Rob Van Dam

Bound For Glory Series Match
The Pope vs. Brother Devon

AJ Styles, Kazarian and Daniels vs. Gunner, Abyss and Scott Steiner

Mr. Anderson vs. Bully Ray

Triple H Talks About Wrestling Again, His Role As COO, Vince

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The WWE website is featuring an in-character sit-down video interview with WWE COO Triple H, which you can view here.

The Game spoke about his recent rise to power, Vince McMahon being forced out of his job and his own future inside the squared circle.

Triple H said nothing can compare to Vince – who is a visionary and is the man responsible for the WWE Universe as we know it today.

“Nothing can be compared to what Vince McMahon did for this industry. He created it from the ground up with his bare hands,” Hunter said. “I’m just hoping to carry on that legacy and do just as good of job he did for the fans of the WWE Universe everywhere.”

Triple H said he’s a huge fan of professional wrestling and he tries to listen to the fans and give them what they want. He doesn’t work for the talent – he works for the WWE Universe.

Vince taught him that nobody is bigger than WWE. Vince has always lived by the “law of the jungle” – eventually the top lion grows old and gets eaten.

When asked whether his days competing are over, he said:

“Never say never in WWE. I don’t know. If I put myself in the seats of the WWE Universe and the right guy comes along at the right time and it’s the right challenge, would I want to see it? I think there’s your answer.”

Cena vs. Rock News, Edge On SyFy Tonight, Maryse-Kids Choice

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– There is reportedly a WWE executive who is pushing hard for WWE to scrap the planed John Cena vs. The Rock match at WrestleMania 28 next year. While most people feel that the match will take place, the person in question is a high ranking official with a lot of influence with Vince McMahon.

– Speaking of The Rock, he took part in a photo shoot for WWE yesterday. No word yet on what it was for.

– Edge will be appearing on SyFy’s Haven tonight after SmackDown airs.

– WWE Diva Maryse will also be at this weekend’s Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles. She will be joining John Cena and The Miz at the show, who will be presenting an award together.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight

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Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on SyFy, taped Tuesday night from Lexington, Kentucky:

– Sheamus vs. The Great Khali

– Natalya vs. AJ Lee

– Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd

– Zack Ryder vs. Ezekiel Jackson

– Mark Henry vs. Vladimir Kozlov

– The Usos & Trent Baretta vs. JTG, Michael McGillicutty & David Otunga

– Randy Orton & John Morrison vs. R-Truth & Christian

We’ll also get a new SummerSlam match announced.

SPOILERS For Tonight’s Episode of WWE SmackDown

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Here are detailed spoiler results for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on SyFy, taped Tuesday night from Lexington, Kentucky. Credit to Wrestling News World for this recap:

* It’s announced that Sheamus will face Mark Henry at SummerSlam but tonight he’ll face The Great Khali.

* Sheamus b. The Great Khali

* Natalya b. AJ and continues the assault after the match.

* Debuting new music, Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd. Winner via LeBell Lock, Daniel Bryan.

* Zack Ryder comes out with WWE Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson. Ryder gets on the mic and Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase interrupt. Teddy Long ends up coming out and informs Ryder he will face Jackson up next.

* WWE Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson b. Zack Ryder.

* Triple H comes out and ends up giving Zack Ryder the Pedigree off-camera. VIDEO:

* Mark Henry b. Vladimir Kozlov. Henry goes ballastic after the match which brings Sheamus out for the save.

* WWE Tag Team Champions David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty & JTG b. The Usos & Trent Baretta

* World Heavyweight Champion Christian & R-Truth b. Randy Orton & John Morrison when Christian pinned Orton.

X Division Wrestler Says He Is Leaving TNA Wrestling

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Amazing Red announced this afternoon on his Twitter account that he has parted ways with TNA Wrestling. He cites creative differences for his departure from the organization.

Red wrote, “Heys Guyz, I just wanted to let Ya kno 1st…TNA & I parted ways do to the “creative has nothing for you” line, so we r gonna future endeavor each other right now.

“Thanks to my @ImpactWrestling famo & fans… Now “On to the Next one” (Jay-Z).”

Red, however, is still listed as a member of the TNA Wrestling roster on the organization’s official website.

Max Buck, who too parted ways with TNA, reacted to Red’s announcement with the following: “Within a year, you’ve now lost (Jay Lethal), (Jeremy Buck), (Max Buck), & (Amazing Red). C’mon now.”

Red wrote in the response, “Weird huh, (X-Division run).”

Red had been appearing as Sangriento as well as himself in recent months.

Foley To Work WrestleMania? Backstage News On Punk’s Promos

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– As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, it appears that hardcore legend Mick Foley is on his way back to WWE.  According to a reliable source in WWE, Foley is interested in working a match at next year’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view from Miami. When Foley was granted his release from TNA, part of the agreement was that he could not appear on WWE TV until his contract would have expired, which is in September.

– WWE’s website has posted a series of in-character video interviews with John Cena and CM Punk to promote their upcoming WWE Title unification match at the SummerSlam pay-per-view.

In one of the videos, Punk talks about some of the changes he wants to see in WWE now that he’s decided to return to the company – including seeing people like Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler and the WWE divas getting more television time.

– Speaking of Punk, we’ve got some backstage news on his recent promo work. WWE management is breaking from the norm once again with Punk – giving him the basic framework for his promos – but not over-scripting them as they do with most of the WWE talent. Prior to Monday’s RAW, punk was practicing his return promo in the back and going over it with a few other wrestlers.

– Jack Swagger’s wife and former WWE developmental Diva Catalina White is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Check Out: Pictures of Catalina White – Jack Swagger’s Wife

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Mickie James Looking To Have Fans Fund Her New Music Album

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Mickie James announced Thursday plans to record a second country music album; providing she raises enough money from fans to fund the project.

Through Kickstarter.com, the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is seeking $5,000 in contributions by September 2, 2011 to begin work on the project. She wrote, “I’m getting ready to go into the studio to record a new project, and I wanted to find a way to offer you a chance to not just pre-order the CD, but to have an exclusive chance to get some other goodies that have never been available (and won’t be available again!).”

Those who pledge $10 receive a copy of the album and MP3.

Those who pledge $25 receive an autographed album and their name in the album’s “thank you’s.”

Those who pledge $50 receive access to an exclusive web concert.

Those who pledge $75 receive a personalized video message from James.

Those who pledge $100 receive a one-of-kind T-shirt painted by James.

Those who pledge $200 have their name listed as an Executive Producer in the new album.

Those who pledge $2,500 receive a 30-minute acoustic concert at their home. However, they will also have to provide James with two plane tickets, a rental car and two hotel rooms.

Those who pledge $10,000 receive all of the above, plus a co-starring role in James’ music video.

Her campaign can be accessed here, which also features a video of James discussing the project. The TNA Knockout has so far raised $1,610.

Update On The Undertaker, ‘Mania Headliners At Teen Choice

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— A photo surfaced online last month showing what appeared to be The Undertaker with a shaved head. There was speculation as to whether or not the image was legit but a WWE source says the SmackDown Superstar did indeed shave his head.

— John Cena and The Miz are scheduled to present awards at this Sunday’s Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is up for the award of Choice Movie: Action Actor, will also be on hand for the event.

— Shawn Michaels is in Africa filming episodes of Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures. The episodes are scheduled to air in the fall.

— A WWE live event scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas will be a Supershow featuring talent from Raw and SmackDown. Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 27, 2011.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Jeremiah Riggs Continues To Trash WWE Developmental

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Tough Enough contestant Jeremiah Riggs appeared on Hit The Ropes Radio (interview available at HitTheRopes.com, beginning in the second hour). He discussed his time on the USA Network reality series, as well as his recent stop in Florida Championship Wrestling. Interview highlights are as follows:

On the promo he cut in FCW that led to an issue with Dusty Rhodes: “I don’t know the whole system on how, I guess, things work around here. If you give somebody a microphone and you tell them they’ve got one minute, go have fun, hey this is your time, do what you need to do. And you’ve got a guy who goes out there, bar none…there’s nothing about Jeremiah Riggs that is like anybody else. I don’t have to be the next Stone Cold, I don’t need to be the next Triple H, I don’t need to do anything but be the one and only up-and-coming, Jerry Riggs.

“That’s the only thing I care about. So after I do what I do, we’re having a daggone good time. I might have dropped an F-bomb but hey, I didn’t see a big deal in that and I didn’t do it again once I was told not to do it. Man, I’m having fun. Even after the altercation with me and Dusty, or whatever he wanted to do, I sat down on the chair, put my hat on my knee and started laughing and said ‘Guys, I’m just having fun.’ I don’t want ya’ to think that I’m being pissy but hey, man, don’t someone just going to run over me. I even told them, ‘It ain’t no disrespect.’ It ain‘t nothing like that. I’m just saying. It would have been better if I had some guidelines.”

On phoniness in FCW: “Sometimes locker rooms are just like beauty parlors. It’s nothing but a bunch of drama and a bunch gossip. I like to consider myself away from that stuff. That’s like after the promo stuff. Don’t shake my hand and then whenever something goes down walk past me like, ‘I don’t know that dude.’ That’s phony. That’s being fake to me.”

On having the opportunity to do Tough Enough and wrestling thus far: “I enjoyed the opportunity. I am very pleased to be apart of what I been apart of. Never dreamed in a million years I would have been apart of anything like that. And I pride myself on that. Like I said, we’ll see what happens. I’m not promising anything. I’m not writing books and stuff about it but we’ll see what happens down the road. I’m not a fortune teller.”

Other Interview Topics

* Says he’ll give Seth Rollins his two minutes of radio time before responding to Rollins’ claim that he was “10 words from getting his ass kicked.”

* Names his favorite wrestlers growing up.

* Speaks of his time in the military, doing a tour in Afghanistan.

* Mentions whether or not he would go to TNA if they came to him.

* Talks of how injuries played a part in Tough Enough and thinks they should separate the ladies from the guys.

Wrestler Removed From Raw Roster, HHH Scheduled For Fallon

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— Husky Harris has been removed from WWE.com’s Raw Superstars page. He is, however, still under contract to WWE as he is still listed as a member of Florida Championship Wrestling.

Harris last appeared on WWE programming on the January 31, 2011 episode of Raw as he and Michael McGillicutty unsuccessfully challenged Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Following the bout, Randy Orton attacked both individuals for costing him the opportunity to recapture the WWE Championship in an earlier match, and punted Harris in the head. This was a scripted injury to write the second generation wrestler off television and demote him to developmental.

Harris resurfaced in FCW as the hockey mask-wearing character Axl Mulligan but has since appeared as himself.

— Triple H will be a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Friday night. Tune in to NBC at 12:35/11:35 CT to see “The Game” on the hit talk show.

— WWE producer Dean Malenko turns 51 years old today.

Vince Says The Rock Will Appear At Several Upcoming WWE PPVs

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During Thursday’s WWE investor conference call, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon spoke about The Rock’s impact on the company’s second quarter financial results, namely WrestleMania 28, which generated over $28 million in revenues.

McMahon announced that The Rock will be appearing at “multiple” pay-per-view events aside from WrestleMania 28.

The Rock announced last month that he’ll be appearing at the 25th anniversary of Survivor Series in November to confront John Cena, who he will wrestle at WrestleMania 28.

McMahon mentioned that The Rock’s involvement at Wrestlemania 28 have resulted in demand for WM28 travel packages being stronger than usual – selling out in just two days.

While there was talk of The Rock appearing at SummerSlam in some capacity, scheduling conflicts prevented that from happening.

Edge Talks WWE Return, SummerSlam, Acting, CM Punk & More

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Former WWE Superstar Edge did a media call this week to promote his upcoming appearances on the hit SyFy show Haven.

Here are some highlights of what Edge said about:

Returning To WWE:

– He doesn’t know if he wants to but hasn’t been contacted by WWE. He feels it’s too soon at this point to return and says he stuck around for a bit after first retiring for the Christian storyline.

– Edge said he’s not in contact with WWE. He said it’s nothing personal, everyone is just busy. He still keeps in contact with his friends who are on the road.

Appearing At SummerSlam:

– He will be appearing at SummerSlam Axxess but won’t be appearing on the pay-per-view later that night. He said by the time the pay-per-view is going on, he will be headed back to the hotel to wait on Dolph Ziggler and Christian to have some sushi.

His Acting Career:

– He’s open to more acting projects in the future but isn’t aggressively pursuing them. He made it clear that he didn’t leave wrestling to go into acting and would still be wrestling if he were able to.

Working For WWE Behind The Scenes:

– Edge said he’s not sure if he would even consider it, maybe in 5 or 10 years. He talked about being that close to wrestling without actually being able to perform might be something he doesn’t enjoy. He added that the travel of an agent job would probably turn him away and said when he travels, his neck hurts, plus he doesn’t want to wake up in a different city anymore.

CM Punk’s Recent Storyline & Life After Wrestling:

– He hasn’t been following the CM Punk storyline on RAW but does DVR SmackDown to see the Christian storyline. He said since he can’t wrestle, he feels watching it right now may be “a little funky.” He said he’s trying to step into everyday life and not have wrestling be a part of it all the time. He said he will never be ashamed of Edge and where it got him, but doesn’t want to be Edge 24/7.

Entering The Hall Of Fame One Day:

* Regarding the WWE Hall of Fame, he said he would not turn down the offer and Christian inducting him would be a no-brainer.

4 More Rumored Matches For SummerSlam Next Weekend

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WWE SummerSlam is this Sunday night- and we still only have four matches confirmed for the show thus far:

WWE Championship Unification Match
John Cena vs. CM Punk with Triple H as the Guest Referee

No Holds Barred Match for the World Heavyweight Title
Christian (c) vs. Randy Orton

WWE Divas Title Match
Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

Sheamus vs. Mark Henry (Will be announced on SmackDown)

According to our WWE sources, the following matches are also very likely to appear on the card:=

  • Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston
  • Dolph Ziggler vs. Alex Riley
  • Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett

PPV Buyrates For WM27, Extreme Rules, OTL, Capitol Punishment

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WWE announced its 2nd quarter financial results on Thursday – including the pay–er-view buyrates for WrestleMania, Extreme Rules, Over The Limit and Capitol Punishment.

WWE did a total of 1,598,000 pay-per-view buys in the second quarter of 2011, mostly due to the 1,059,000 buys from WrestleMania 27.

* Extreme Rules 2011 did 209,000 buys, up from 182,000 in 2010.

* Over the Limit 2011 did 140,000 buys, down from 197,000 in 2010.

* Capitol Punishment 2011 scored 170,000 buys, up from Fatal 4 Way doing 143,000 in 2010.

Comparing the 2011 pay-per-views in this quarter to Q2 2010, if you take WrestleMania 27 out of the equasion, up against the 2010 events, 2011’s 2nd quarter drew 519,000 buys compared to 522,000 in 2010.

WWE Announces 2nd Quarter Financial Results

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STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE (NYSE:WWE – News) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2011.

To view the complete, detailed breakdown of all the numbers, click here (PDF).

Revenues totaled $142.6 million as compared to $106.8 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $21.0 million as compared to $10.3 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, as compared to $6.3 million, or $0.08 per share, in the prior year quarter. There were several items that impacted the comparability of our year-over-year results, primarily the timing of our annual WrestleMania® event and a $3.3 million film impairment charge in the current year quarter. Adjusting for these items in both the current and prior year quarters (as described below), adjusted revenues increased 5% to $142.6 million from $135.6 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Operating income declined 2% to $22.9 million from $23.4 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net income was $15.5 million, or $0.21 per share, as compared to $15.1 million, or $0.20 per share, in the prior year quarter.

“Through the second quarter, WWE has generated top-line growth across our four business segments led by the strength of WrestleMania. WrestleMania XXVII achieved more than 1 million pay-per-view buys worldwide and reached record levels of both revenue and profit,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our earnings, however, were constrained by the performance of our movie business, adverse home video sales trends, and the status of our talent development. Key operating metrics, such as average live event attendance and pay-per-view buys showed declines in the second quarter when evaluated on a comparable basis to last year (excluding WrestleMania). But, while our key metrics were down, the gap to our prior year performance continued to diminish. We believe this trend demonstrates that we are making important progress on our talent development and creative initiatives. As we continue to evaluate the potential of different forms of distribution, such as a WWE Network, we are more confident than ever that we can create and monetize content in a variety of existing and new media, and thereby create meaningful incremental value for our shareholders.”

Comparability of Results

WrestleMania XXVII occurred on April 3, 2011 and contributed $35.9 million of revenues, $16.7 million of profit contribution ($11.4 million, net of tax) and $0.15 of EPS from across various business lines to our current year second quarter results. In conjunction with the promotion of this event, $1.4 million in marketing expenses were recognized in the first quarter of 2011. WrestleMania XXVI occurred on March 28, 2010, and contributed $28.8 million of revenues, $13.1 million of profit contribution ($8.8 million, net of tax) and $0.12 of EPS to our first quarter of 2010 results. In order to facilitate an analysis of our financial results on a more comparable basis, where noted, we have adjusted our results to include the promotional costs (discussed above) in our second quarter of 2011 results and added the impact of WrestleMania XXVI to the second quarter of 2010 results. In addition, the current year quarter included a $3.3 million impairment charge related to our film, That’s What I Am. We have also adjusted our second quarter of 2011 results to exclude the impact of this charge. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information). Please note that our revised film strategy utilizing a self-distribution model may also impact the comparability of results but is not adjusted in the aforementioned schedules.

Bischoff Interview: Impact’s Future On Spike, Announcing Again

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iMPACT Wrestling’s Eric Bischoff was one of the featured guests on this week’s live edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.

Eric Bischoff Discusses Why He Does Not Feel Uneasy About The Future Of iMPACT Wrestling On Spike TV Amidst Reports Of The Network Looking To Rebrand, The Latest On The TNA Returns Of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, & Matt Hardy, Sting’s New Persona/Character And The Fan Split About Its Current Direction, If He Believes An Effective Relationship Between TNA & The World Of MMA Should Develop In The Near Future For The Benefit Of Both Entities, Whether TNA Plans On Adding An Additional Featured TV Program, A Possible Return To Commentating, Triple H Taking Over Vince McMahon’s Spot On WWE Television, The Strategy Of Wrestlers Being Moved From Heels To Faces Too Quickly & Its Impact On Storyline Continuity, How MTV Has Influenced The Worlds Of Professional Wrestling & Sports-Entertainment, The Evolution Of His Friendship & Business Relationship With Jason Hervey Through The Years, Plus Much More.

You can listen to an MP3 of the entire interview by visiting MondayNightMayhem.com.

Here are some highlights of what Eric Bischoff said about:

Why he does not feel uneasy about the future of iMPACT Wrestling on Spike TV, amidst reports of the network looking to rebrand:

“Once again the Internet Wrestling Community has taken ahold of a story that came out a month or two ago about rebranding, and a couple of quotes that were made, and noticed that TNA wasn’t prominently featured in that story, and jumped to conclusions. The truth is iMPACT (Wrestling) is the highest-rated show on Spike TV. iMPACT has been, over the past year, averaging the largest audience that it ever has in the history of the company. The audience is growing unlike other networks & television shows that have very short life cycles and that peak & valley very quickly. 2011 looks like it’s going to be the best year ever for iMPACT. I think the folks at Spike TV are pretty excited about it quite frankly, and I haven’t or heard anything that makes me nervous.”

If he believes an effective relationship between TNA & the world of MMA should develop in the near future for the benefit of both entities:

“Could it happen? Maybe. Should it happen? I don’t think so. MMA is a sport. It’s a legitimate sport. Professional wrestling is an entertainment property, and the similarities kind of end once you get past that they operate in a Pay-Per-View environment and in an arena environment. Anybody that operates under the assumption that there’s some really cool synergy between MMA & professional wrestling, it’s their opinion, but I don’t share it.

Whether or not he has given any thought on returning to commentating:

“Actually I have. Not on a regular basis, Mike Tenay is doing a wonderful job. I enjoy commentating. Play-by-play is one of the toughest jobs in the industry. The list of things for you to accomplish & maintain during the course of a broadcast, all while you are creating a story, and calling action, and making things seem larger than life; it’s very difficult job. I miss getting immersed in the story, and the energy, and getting caught up in the moment. It’s at those moments you forget what you’re doing, and you get caught up in the excitement & energy of that, and you do your best work. I miss that

WWE Teases Undertaker Return, Former WWE Divas On TMZ

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— The October 2011 issue of WWE Magazine teases a possible return for The Undertaker at the October pay-per-view event Vengeance.

“On October 23 Vengeance rises from the grave in the form of an all new Pay Per View. What better time and place for The Undertaker to make his return to a WWE ring? After all, it was a year and a day to the date that the Deadman lost a Buried Alive match to Kane with the aid of the Nexus at 2010?s Bragging Rights. The Phenom hasn’t come calling for revenge on that score (some streak got in the way) So if we were Kane or Wade Barrett, we’d watch our backs come October. And if you happen to hear the ominous gong, you’ll know the bell indeed tolls for thee.

— Former WWE Divas Candice Michelle and Lilian Garcia were briefly shown during today’s episode of the syndicated news program TMZ on TV as the duo attended a red carpet event last night in Beverly Hills, California. The episode replays in most areas tonight.

— Eve Torres stated on Twitter that her new entrance theme, which debuted this past Monday on Raw, is the remixed version of her prior song. It is called “She Looks Good” and it was created by WWE music producer Jim Johnston.

Jeremiah Riggs Trashes WWE Developmental, Andy Leavine

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Jeramiah Riggs

Former WWE Tough Enough contestant Jeremiah Riggs spoke with MMA website AroundtheOctagon.com about his time with WWE – and he did not hold back his displeasure with the way he was treated at developmental .. Here are some highlights from the long blog, which you can read here in its entirety.

“I was informed yesterday that the WWE isn’t going to use me. Two weeks ago I was invited to go to Tampa to tryout for FCW and from what they gathered they loved my personality but they said I was only average in the ring and said I have a bad attitude and carried myself like I had something to prove. I told them that if I’m average I’m doing pretty damn good considering I had only done this for two months. If I can get to average in several weeks imagine what I can do in a few months. And of course I’m eager to prove myself. I was surrounded by guys who had done this for several years and they were all wondering who this new rookie was. I had to show them I belonged.

If I’m average the pecking order starts behind me. Compared to me none of those guys are as cut up as me. My physique puts them to shame. Maybe I do have a bad attitude. I don’t give a f–k. I went on their TV show and ran circles around everybody with no experience. Andy wasn’t the star of the show. I was. Hell I won challenges they didn’t even show on TV. I got all the camera time and I got the biggest reaction when I was on RAW. You know why? It’s because I’m me. I’m not a clone or a sell out. People recognize that. That’s why CM Punk is so hot right now. He is his character. He’s just being himself. But I do it and I have a bad attitude.”

“90% of those guys are vanilla. They are all the same. Long hair, pony tail, boring as can be. The day I left Tampa I shaved my head because I didn’t want to be anything like them. I’m Jeremiah Riggs from Vicksburg, Mississippi. I’m not going to be a clone. All of their promos sounded the same. They are boring and play it safe. People are afraid of the truth. What do they want in a superstar? I don’t need a character. I’m Jeremiah Riggs. I don’t need a new name or gimmick. The WWE has a shitty developmental roster. No one stands out. They are all scared of failure and half of them have been there for years. They are all the same and do the same stuff. Sure, they have a few guys that have potential but they are all clones. But I’m not going to be just like everybody else. What are they going to do send me home? You can’t scare someone who ain’t afraid.”

“What made Steve Austin, The Rock, and CM Punk such big superstars? They speak their mind and buck the system. I know this may hurt my chances of ever making it in the WWE but what are they gonna do? Fire me? They aren’t ready for someone like me.”

It’s all politics at FCW. People are real phony there including the trainers. Me and Bill were cool on the show. I heard he got a job as a scout for the WWE and I was glad to hear he was doing good for himself. He deserves it after so long in the business. When I was in Tampa doing my match with Orlov Bill was praising me and talking about how good I was doing. I was doing stuff that Luke and Andy couldn’t do, on the first try. But when I walked into FCW a few weeks ago he acted like he was too cool to talk to me.

He’s changed man. He thinks he is somebody because he was the big man on the show. I guess Hollywood went to his head. Sure he had a mediocre wrestling career and found new life on Tough Enough. I don’t give a shit. I’ll whoop his fat ass. He’s no better than me. If I was to shoot on him who is going to stop me? Andy sure as hell ain’t. I’ve rolled with some badass heavyweights like Jon Madsen and Scott Barrett. Seriously, what is Bill DeMott going to do to me? All he could do about it is write another chapter in his sorry book about how he got run over by Big Rigg when he gets his arm out of the cast. I lost all respect for Bill. If he only knew what the boys say about his fat lazy ass he wouldn’t even come to work. I’m sure he will read this and put something on Twitter about it. I don’t care. He might have Twitter muscles but I’m the real deal. He said I was green? The only thing green on me was the shit stain on my boot I stuck up his ass.

Hell, Andy the dude that won the WWE contract is a big pussy too. He is still in FCW. He’ll be in FCW the rest of his life. He had a developmental contract with the WWE before the damn show aired. He’s boring and a big f—ing baby. He cried the whole time we were doing the show about his wife and his kid. He did it all for pity. We pity the weak.

I got a little boy at home but you got to make sacrifices if you want to make something of yourself. I thought about my little boy the whole time we were shooting but I didn’t whine about it. I used it as fuel. I want the best for him so I had to step it up and show them I belonged.”

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