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TNA Turning Point PPV Results (11/7/10)

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TNA Turning Point Results
From Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Results by: Sean Hopkins of WrestlingNewsWorld.com


The show opens with a video package highlighting Jeff Hardy, saying that tonight is a turning point in his life. He says he does what he has to do, and he serves one master, himself. He calls himself the antichrist of pro-wrestling. And we go straight into the pyro, and it’s PPV time!

Mike Tenay welcomes us to the PPV proper and hypes it as the first of the Bischoff, Hogan, Flair regime. We open the show with the X-Division title match as Robbie E.’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring with Cookie in tow.

TNA X Division Championship Match
– Jay Lethal (c) vs. Robbie E w/Cookie

Robbie gets a lot of heat as he does his dumb fist pumping. Lethal’s music hits next and the champion makes his way down to the ring to a lot of love from the Impact Zone crowd.

The start:

The bell rings and we’re ready to kick things off in this one. Both men lock up quickly and fight for position before Lethal breaks it off and points toward Cookie. Robbie rolls out and talks to his valet briefly before rolling back in.

Mid-match notes:

Another lock up and Lethal puts Robbie in the corner before pounding on him. A couple of arm drags from Lethal and Lethal holds on to it, stretching Robbie’s shoulder. Robbie fights out of it, but Lethal hits another arm drag and goes right back into the submission. Robbie fights out again, but this time finds himself backdropped over the top rope to the outside. Lethal stares down at him and baseball slides out, missing Robbie, but following up with a quick chop.

Lethal slams Robbie’s face into the apron a couple of times before sending him back into the ring and following with a top rope missile dropkick that’s good for a near fall. Hip toss/low dropkick combo from Lethal is good for another near fall. Lethal catches Robbie in the corner with a nice chop before trying for the Lethal combination, but Robbie hangs on to the ropes and Lethal falls to the mat. Robbie pounds on Lethal for a bit before going for a couple of quick pins that don’t amount to much. Robbie rolls to the outside and pulls Lethal to the apron where he pounds down across Lethal’s chest. Robbie rolls back into the ring and grinds his boot on Lethal’s chest before trying for another pin that’s good for two. Lethal begins to fight back with a series of rights, but Robbie sends him into the corner hard for another near fall.

Robbie sends Lethal into the corner and follows with a spear before continuing to grind his boot into Lethal’s chest. Robbie sends Lethal into the ropes and catches him in an abdominal stretch right in the middle of the ring. Lethal is able to fight out of it, but Robbie takes him right down with a back elbow for another two count. Robbie locks in a seated bear hug, continuing to work over Lethal’s midsection.

Lethal gets to his feet, and Robbie slams him into the corner. Lethal continues to fight, eventually stunning Robbie with a couple of blows, and a flying forearm, and a series of clotheslines. Lethal hits a hand spring back elbow, beautifully, and gets to hits feet to a big pop. Lethal is sent into the ropes and he tries for a sunset flip, getting it, but Cookie is distracting Earl Hebner. Lethal argues with Cookie, and when Robbie tries to attack, Lethal tosses him over the top. Lethal dives out through the ropes with a suicide dive, hitting his target.

The finish:

Lethal picks Robbie up to his feet and hits a sick chop before slamming him head first into the apron. Lethal continues to fight with Robbie around the ring, hitting another awesome chop and laying a couple of rights into Robbie’s head. Cookie spray Lethal with the hairspray, but Lethal blocks it. He turns around to a charging Robbie and connects with the Lethal combination. Lethal goes to the top, but Cookie grabs his legs while Hebner’s distracted with the perfume. Robbie pulls Lethal down, hits a neckbreaker, and scores a three count.

Winner & NEW TNA X Division Champion: Robbie E.

The crowd is not happy about this one and they voice their disapproval as Robbie fist pumps and celebrates with the title.

Tenay and Taz run down some of the highlights of the card including the TNA Tag Team and World Championship matches, as well as the EV2 vs Fortune match. They then throw it to the backstage area where Christy Hemme is with Mickie James. James runs down Tara and says although she may not like her, she will respect her.

TNA Knockouts Match
– Tara vs. Mickie James

The start:

Tara is out to the ring first accompanied by Madison Rayne. Mickie is out soon after and she runs to the ring, quickly slapping Tara in the face twice. Tara takes Mickie down and pounds on her, but Mickie turns it around. Tara catches Mickie with a big right and goesfor a piledriver, but James counters out with a backdrop and hits a low dropkick. Tara rolls to the outside and Mickie invites her back in.

Mid-match notes:

Tara catches Mickie off guard and snaps her neck on the ropes. When she comes back in the ring she kicks away at Mickie for a bit, and Mickie tries to fight back. Tara goes for the Widow’s peak, but Mickie rolls through out of it and goes right into a single leg crab, but she holds on to Tara’s hair, so she’s forced to break it. Tara rolls out to the floor and drags Mickie out after her. They both grab each other by the hair and fight back into the ring where the referee breaks it up. Tara goes right back to it and sends Mickie across the ring by her hair before choking her against the bottom rope.

Tara hits a beautiful suplex and rolls over into a guillotine choke before grabbing at Mickie’s hair. Tara kicks at Mickie and chokes her with her boot. Tara gloats for a bit, and it allows Mickie to get a couple of shots in. Mickie grabs Tara in a headscissors and takes her over the top to the outside. James is on the apron and she jumps off, launching herself Thesz press style into Tara. Mickie rolls Tara into the ring and follows with a top rope missile dropkick. Mickie goes for the chick kick, but Tara pulls her down into a splits and kicks her over.

Tara goes for another suplex but Mickie floats over. Mickie tries for a suplex of her own, but Tara picks her up and seats her on the top turnbuckle. Tara slips and ends up straddling James, and they fight for a bit before they both tumble to the outside in a pretty nasty looking spot. On the outside, both women immediately go right back for the hair. Mickie whips Tara back first into the ring,and to retaliate she hits a bit chop to Mickie’s chest.

The finish:

Both women fight up toward the entrance ramp area and into the crowd. Tara sends Mickie into a wall and both women continue to fight. The referee is forced to call for the bell, but it doesn’t matter as both women continue to fight.

Winner: No Contest

Mickie and Tara continue to brawl, back toward the entrance ramp, then toward the broadcast table before Mickie sends Tara into some TNA employees. Tara grabs a broom and snaps it over Mickie’s back, and Mickie comes right back with a garbage can to Tara’s head. Mickie pounds away on Tara, but Tara comes right back with a couple of right’s of her own. Security try to pull Mickie and Tara apart, but don’t have an easy time of it. Mickie eventually heads back to the ring and calls Tara out. Tara obliges, running through security and to the ring. Both women fend off security before they continue to fight. Tara rips off a piece of Mickie’s jeans, so Mickie rips off part of Tara’s outfit. They continue to fight until more security and backstage officials make their way into the ring. Even then, we’re still get another pull apart.

The crowd is chanting let them fight and Mickie breaks away yet again, launching herself at Tara. They finally get Tara out of the ring and cut to a video package for the TNA World Tag Team Title Match.

Christy Hemme is backstage with Team 3D. She asks about their last match, and Bubba says she smacked him in the face with reality. He says they did a good job of becoming the best tag team that ever existed. They’ve been around the world, and they did it together. Ray says they’ll do it one more time, together, and they’ll become the 24 time Tag Team Champions, and retiring in style. And they’re going out like they came in, together. D-Von says Testify.

TNA Tag Team Championship Match
– The Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. Team 3D

Team 3D’s music hits, and they make their way out to the ring, for what’s been heavily advertised as their last match, to a big pop from the Impact Zone. The Guns are out to the ring next, and they get a respectable reaction from the crowd, but not nearly what 3D got.

The start:

Shelley and D-Von look to start things out for their respective teams. The bell rings, and the crowd immediately begins a 3D chant. We get a handshake from both men. Both men lock up and D-Von pushes Shelley into the corner, breaking cleanly. Another lock up, and Shelley twists the arm, leading to him being taking over and off his feet. Shelley catches D-Von with a grapevine around the neck and D-Von relents. Both men get up and trade a few more holds before D-Von hits a shoulderblock, and spinning back elbow. D-Vin goes for a suplex but Shelley reverses out. Shelley tries to use his speed, but misses an enzugiri. He hits a dropkick to D-Von’s knee and tags out to Sabin.

Mid-match notes:

They go for a double team maneuver but D-Von avoids it and hits a double clothesline. Ray tags in and 3D goes for a double team, but Shelley goes to the outside and avoids it.

Back in the ring,Sabin and Ray fight, and Sabin connects with a couple of forearms to Ray’s face. Sabin goes to the apron and hits a springboard crossbody that’s good for a two count, but Ray comes right back with a big boot. Tag to D-Von leads to a double team backbreaker legdrop combo and near fall. Shelley tags in and the Guns hit a series of quick double team maneuvers of their own that leads to a near fall for Shelley. Shelley goes to the top turnbuckle and tries for a double stomp, but D-Von is able to roll out of the way and tags in Ray who targets Shelley’s knee with a grapevine.

Ray picks Shelley up by the leg and slams his knee into the canvas, but a splash is missed, and Shelley tags out to Sabin. Shelley and Sabin immediately begin throwing crazy dropkicks and double team maneuvers at both members of 3D. Shelley hits a suicide dive on D-Von, but Sabin misses a dive out on Ray. Ray tries to charge Sabin on the outside, but Sabin moves and Ray hits the ring post, splitting himself open. Sabin rolls him back into the ring where Shelley goes to work on Ray’s arm. Shelley tags out to Sabin who comes in with a quick right hand and rakes away at Ray’s wound on his forehead.

Sabin kicks Ray and tags out to Shelley, they both kick Ray square in the chest. Shelley hits a couple of knee drops, continuing to open the wound of Ray. Shelley prevents Ray from making the tag and Shelley tags himself in, but he eats a back elbow. Brother Ray goes to the top rope, and Sabin stops him, but Ray responds with a top rope power bomb. Ray covers Sabin but only gets two.

Shelley is able to make the tag, and he prevents Ray from making the tag, so Ray responds with a big chop. Shelley kicks Ray, so Ray comes back with another chest. Another kick from Shelley, and another, and Ray follows up with another chop that stuns Shelley. Ray stops another kick and eats an enzugiri, but he counters a diving Shelley with an ace crusher and both men are down. Ray makes the tag and so does Shelley. D-Von takes Sabin down with a series of rights and a big flying shoulderblock. Side slam from D-Von is good for a two count. D-Von charges Sabin, but Sabin gets the boot up, D-Von responds with a quick powerslam. Sabin avoids a back body drop, so D-Von follows up with a neckbreaker. Shelley breaks up a pin and pokes D-Von in the eye before they hit a poetry in motion. A second attempt, and D-Von catches Sabin, and slams him into Shelley. D-Von climbs to the top and hits a flying headbutt on Sabin that’s good for two.

Ray tags himself in, and hits a double clothesline on both of the Guns. Ray and D-Von hit a back suplex neckbreaker combo on Sabin, and the What’s Up head butt on Shelley. Ray pushes D-Von, and the crowd yells along to get the tables. D-Von is happy to oblige, and he goes to the outside. A few seconds later, and there’s a table in the ring. D-von tags in, and Ray tries to send Sabin through the table in the corner, but Sabin flips off of it, and Ray charges right through it. Double team from the Guns, and it’s good for two. Cross body/neckbreaker combo from the Guns is good for another two count. The Guns try for a double team, but D-Von fights it off and Shelley kicks Sabin. Shelley turns around and walks right into a 3D. D-Von covers Shelley, but Shelley kicks out! D-Von and Ray look shocked.

The finish:

D-Von tags out to Ray and they try for another, but Sabin DDT’s D-Von, and avoids a splash from Ray. A neckbreaker/cross body combo on Brother Ray, and Sabin pins Ray to get the three count.

Winners & STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: The Motor City Machine Guns

The Guns celebrate with their titles, and they help Ray sit up. D-Von raises the hands of both Shelley and Sabin. All three men help Ray to his feet. The Guns raise the hands of 3D, and Ray falls to his knees. Ray is able to get back up, and all four men hold their hands up. Ray hugs Sabin. We go right to the backstage area where Christy Hemme is with Tommy Dreamer.

Dreamer calls himself out as a reason 3D exists, and says tonight is a sad night because members of EV2 are fighting for their jobs, and he and RVD are fighting. Dreamer says tonight RVD will find out who is his true friend.

Singles Match
– Tommy Dreamer vs. Rob Van Dam

Tommy Dreamer makes his way out to the ring and Tenay announces that this match will be anything goes. RVD is out next, and he gets a really nice pop from the Impact Zone.

The start:

The bell rings, and it looks like we’re ready to kick things off in this one. RVD and Dreamer talks for a bit before locking up. They break quickly, lock up and break again. Another lock up and Dreamer grabs RVD’s leg, ducking an enzugiri, and trying for a quick pin, Van Dam comes back with one of his own, and both stand up quickly in a stand off. They talk a bit more nose to nose and then trade right hands. We get a bit of sloppy chaining reversals before Dreamer clotheslines Van Dam. RVD rolls to the outside.

Mid-match notes:

RVD stalls for a bit, but soon makes his way back to the apron. Dreamer charges him and RVD buries his shoulder in Dreamer’s midsection. Dreamer hits him in the chest and RVD falls to the floor. Dreamer goes out to the apron and launches himself toward Van Dam with a running clothesline from the apron. Dreamer tries to slam RVD’s head into the ring apron, but Van Dam blocks it with a quick kick before crotching Dreamer on the barricade and following it up with a spinning kick to Dreamer’s back.

Van Dam slams Dreamer’s head into the apron, and grabs a chair, sending it into the ring. RVD chokes Tommy for a bit before coming into the ring himself and setting the chair on Dreamer’s face while his head and neck is on the apron. RVD tries for a slingshot legdrop on the chair on Dreamer’s face, but Dreamer moves and Van Dam falls to the outside. Dreamer rolls RVD back into the ring and goes to work on RVD’s leg before sitting him on the top rope and setting him up in the tree of woe. Dreamer puts the chair in front of Van Dam’s face, but RVD moves it. Dreamer puts Van Dam right back into it, only for the same result. Dreamer catches him and instead drops him with a neckbreaker out of the tree of woe.

Dreamer goes out under the ring and grabs a ladder and a chair. Dreamer places the ladder on the apron, and just so happens to be in place for Van Dam to baseball slide into it. Dreamer picks up the ladder though, and slams it into Van Dam’s face instead. Dreamer sends the ladder into the ring and rolls RVD in. Dreamer hits a bulldog sending Van Dam face first into the ladder, but it’s only good for a two count. Dreamer places Van Dam on the ladder and goes for a middle rope elbow drop, but RVD moves. RVD puts Dreamer on the ladder and tries for rolling thunder, but Dreamer moves. Dreamer hits a spinebuster to put Van Dam down, and Dreamer goes to the top rope, coming down with a big splash. Dreamer pins RVD for a two.

Dreamer tries for a DDT, but RVD counters with a Northern lights suplex, and Dreamer looks like he’s broken his wrist in a really sickening sight. RVD looks down at Dreamer and he tries to pin him, but Dreamer kicks out. RVD hits a low dropkick and this is absolutely crazy on Dreamer’s behalf. RVD picks Dreamer up and slams him down on a chair and tries for a split legged moonsault, but Dreamer moves. I don’t know how, but somehow Dreamer pickes up the ladder puts it in the corner sending Van Dam in face first, only to have the ladder thrown right back in his own face. RVD tries for the five star frog splash, but Dreamer rolls out of the way, and somehow hits a stalling piledriver, but Van Dam kicks out at two.

The finish:

RVD goes to the top and Dreamer continues to fight, hitting him with a series of rights. He picks the ladder up and sets it up in between the middle and top ropes. Dreamer stands on the ladder and fights Van Dam, but Dreamer ends up slipping through the rungs of the ladder, Van Dam hits a sick kick and Dreamer is still hung up sickly in the ladder. RVD puts a chair in Dreamer’s face and hits a low dropkick. Another five star attempt, and Dreamer rolls out of the way again. Dreamer tries for the Dreamer Driver, but RVD fights out and throws him into the ladder in the corner. Dreamer ends up slammed into the chair, and RVD goes for another five star frog splash, connecting this time. RVD pins Dreamer for the three count. Crazy.

Winner: RVD

After the match, Van Dam approaches Dreamer, and calls him his brother. He apologizes to Dreamer and hugs him. Dreamer shakes his hand and hugs him back.

We cut right back to the backstage area where Hemme is with Fortune. Flair says this is the time for the show to start, because Fortune will kick a**, and they’ll fire a member of EV2. Everyone gets a little turn on the mic where they talk up their team and talk down EV2. Flair says it’s Fortune’s time.

Winning Team Gets to Fire A Member of the Losing Team
– EV2 vs. Fortune

Fortune is the first team out to the ring, but Flair is not out with them. EV2 are out next, and they look a lot more varied than the members of Fortune, but they also get a bigger pop. I’m sure this match will be fairly difficult to call so please bear with me during this one.

The start:

All ten men stare each other down and Kaz slaps Kendrick to start things off, leading right into a crazy brawl that breaks down pretty quickly, moving all over the ringside area. Kendrick and Kaz end up in the ring and Kendrick sends Kaz to the outside with a back elbow. Kendrick turns around into a chop block from Williams, and Stevie throws Williams to the outside. Roode hits Stevie with a spinebuster that’s good for a near fall.

Mid-match notes:

Kendrick is helped to the back by the trainers and even Storm looks a bit concerned. That was a nasty blow by Williams. Storm and Richards looks to start things off properly.

Kaz tags in and hits a jumping clothesline that’s good for a near fall before tagging out to William’s. Williams sends Richards into the corner and follows with a high knee. Williams tags out to Styles, who comes in and lays into Stevie with a big kick to the back. Styles tags out to Kaz and we get a double team side slam/slingshot legdrop combo. Roode catches Richards with a couple of elbows across the throat while the ref’s back is turned, and tags in, only to slingshot Richards against the bottom rope. Styles tags in and hits a suplex that’s good for another near fall. Kaz tags back in and hits another suplex before mocking Richards’ Stevie kick. When Kaz tries for it though, Richards counters into some kind of crazy combination. Rhino and Storm tag in and Rhino is a house of fire, spearing Storm in the corner and hitting a belly to belly suplex before taking it to all five members of Fortune.

Rhino plants Storm with a suplex, but when he goes for the gore, Roode distracts him and AJ hits a springboard dive that sets up Rhino for a near fall. Roode tags in and ends up spat at by Sabu. Roode hits a snap mare on Rhino and follows up with a flipping neckbreaker. Kaz tags in to the mat, and locks in a rear chin lock, and Raven just walks into the ring to break it up. Storm tags in to the match and stomps away on Rhino before snap maring him over and locking in a rear chin lock on his own. Rhino is able to fight up to his feet, but Storm jerks him down to the mat by the hair. Storm smacks Rhino across the face and sends him across the ring, where he follows up with an enzugiri that’s good for two.

Storm goes to the top turnbuckle, but Rhino stops him and shoulders him into a fallaway slam. Sabu and Styles make their way into the match and Sabu is the next to take it to all members of Fortune. Sabu sets up a chair in the middle of the ring and uses it to launch himself to the outside on top of three members of Fortune. Sabu tries to hit a superplex on Styles, but misses, avoids a spingboard 450 and hits a big DDT. Styles tags out to Williams who hits a top rope European suplex. Everyone gets a turn at the wheel hitting something in the middle of the ring as everything begins to break down.

The finish:

Sabu throws a chair into Storm’s face, and crotches Styles on the top rope. Styles catches him trying for a top rope hurricarana, Styles jumps down to the mat, and hits a Styles clash. Styles pins Sabu, and this one is over.

Winners: Fortune

Fortune stand on the ramp and wave goodbye to Sabu. Sabu looks frustrated in the middle of the ring. Ric Flair makes his way out to the entrance ramp with a mic. He asks the crowd to pay homage to Fortune. Flair says one of the fools in EV2 is going to lose the favor of Fortune. Flair says he didn’t like the Sheik, so Sabu is out of here, and he’s fired. Flair say us in the weeks to come, the others will be gone too. Sabu charges Flair, and the members of EV2 are forced to hold him back. RVD and Dreamer make their way out to the ring to say goodbye to Sabu. Dreamer asks for a mic.

RVD grabs the mic and says this sucks. He says that this is evidence that sometimes what RVD wants just isn’t good enough. Dreamer says if there was ever anyone who deserved to be a multimillionaire for what he put his body through, it’s Sabu. Dreamer says the people here tonight can tell their grandchildren that they saw Sabu in a ring doing what he does. Everyone gets their hugs in, and Sabu still doesn’t look too happy about it.

Christy Hemme is backstage with Pope and a ton of other people, who are introduced as his congregation. Pope says he made one call, and the rest of the flock followed. Pope names off a bunch of people, and says he even brought his very own brother here tonight to be on his side. He says he hasn’t given too much thought to Abyss until tonight, and calls him a p*ss stain on TNA’s carpet, and Pope is going to remove that stain. Pope says it’s better to be p*ssed off, than p*ssed on, and tonight, Pope is p*ssed. The camera cuts over, and Mickie and Tara are shown getting into it yet again. The congregation is forced to break things up. The congregation leaves, and Rayne comes in from behind and hits James with the belt. Madison and Tara scream at Mickie and leave her laying.

Lumberjack Match
– Abyss vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero

We get a video package of the events leading up to this match, including Pope’s alignment with Kevin Nash and Sting, and occurrences over the past few weeks. Abyss is the first man out to the ring, to a bit of a mixed reaction from the Impact Zone. Pope is out next, accompanied by the members of his congregation.

The start:

Pope takes it right to Abyss in the corner with punches and kicks, but Abyss is able to push him off. Pope continues to fight, and even fights out of a chokeslam. Pope dropkicks Abyss to the outside, and Abyss rolls right back in before the congregation can get to him. Abyss is able to send Pope into the corner, but he misses a splash, only to be splashed by Pope. Pope goes for, and connects with another splash in the corner. Abyss sends Pope over the top rope to the outside, and he’s caught by the congregation. Pope tries to come back in with a sunset flip but Abyss stays on his feet, Pope avoids a sitting Abyss. Pope goes to the top and connects with a clothesline, taking Abyss off his feet. Pope sends Abyss to the outside with a clothesline over the top, and the congregation is quick to send Abyss back into the ring. Pope hits Abyss with a series of rights but runs right into a big boot.

Mid-match notes:

Abyss traps Pope in the corner and tears off the tape around Pope’s ribs. Abyss hits him with a punch right to the gut, and Pope responds with a head butt. Abyss puts Pope right back down to the mat and comes back with a series of stomps to the chest. Abyss sends Pope hard into the corner and follows up with a big splash that flattens Pope. Abyss picks Pope up to his feet and catches him in a big bear hug, trying to wear down Pope.

Pope fights out of it by clapping his arms around Abyss’ head, but he runs right into another bear hug. The congregation helps get the crowd more into the match, and Pope tries to get out of the hold, only to have Abyss knee him in the gut. Abyss tries for the black hole slam, but Pope is able to reverse it into a big DDT. Both men get to their feet and Pope lays into Abyss with a series of strikes and a running forearm, and clothesline in succession. Inverted atomic drop from the Pope is followed by a big shoulder block. Pope ducks a series of swings from Abyss and takes Abyss down to his knees. Pope wails away on Abyss with a combination of punches and a series of right hands to the head.

Pope hits his signature corner elbow drop and pins Abyss for a two count. Pope works over Abyss in the corner, burying his shoulder in Abyss’ midsection. Abyss is quick to come back though when he catches Pope with the shock treatment backbreaker, but it’s only good for a two count. Abyss calls for the chokeslam, and he attempts it, but Pope fights out of it and hits the 4Up, sending Abyss to the outside. The congregation scatters when Pope launches himself to the outside on top of Abyss. The congregation roll Abyss into the ring and pick Pope up to his feet. Pope goes up to the top rope, and he jumps off with a flying head butt to Abyss’ shoulder. Pope goes for the pin but can still only get two.

The finish:

Pope throws everything he has at Abyss in terms of strikes with punches and backhands before jumping on Abyss’ back and neck and sliding out to the floor. The congregation congratulate Pope, and Bischoff is out at the top of the ramp, rubbing his fingers together in a money sign. Pope looks confused and he’s attacked from behind by his brother, and then the rest of the congregation. Pope’s brother is the man to roll him back in the ring to Abyss, and Pope turns around right into a black hole slam. Abyss pins Pope, and this one is over.

Winner: Abyss

Abyss celebrates, and the congregations make their way out with the monster while throwing their sunglasses back toward the Pope.

Christy Hemme is backstage and she asks for a word from Sabu but Stevie Richards says no. Richards has a word for Fortune, and he says he’s tired of breaking up the fights, he’s challenging AJ Styles to a match this Thursday on Impact.

Singles Match
– Jeff Jarrett vs. Samoa Joe

We get a video package detailing the events of the past few weeks that have led up to this match. Jeff Jarrett is the first man out to the ring, and he doesn’t really get much of a reaction at all from the Impact Zone, although it is mostly negative what he does get.

Jeff Jarrett is the first man out to the ring, and he doesn’t really get much of a reaction at all from the Impact Zone, although it is mostly negative what he does get. Jarrett grabs a mic and hypes how on 10/10/10 the Immortals were revealed, and over the past month they’ve taken down everyone who’s got in their way, and tonight, the founder is going to finish off Samoa Joe. And as far as selling out, Jarrett, Bischoff, Hogan, Hardy, and the entire crew of Fortune bought in, and they’re taking control of the company. Jarrett says he’ll shut the entire show down and the crowd won’t see Jeff Hardy tonight. As Jarrett makes his way to the back he’s stopped cold by Samoa Joe’s music.

Joe makes his way out to the ring and forces Jarrett to backpedal to the ringside area. Jarrett is apprehensive, but he slowly makes his way into the ring.

The start:

The bell rings and Joe is staring daggers toward Jarrett. We get a lock up from both men and Joe takes Jarrett into the corner. Jarrett is able to escape out of it. Jarrett tries to lock up Joe from behind, but Joe takes him down to the mat. Joe misses an elbow drop, and both men stare each other down.

Mid-match notes:

Jarrett goes behind again and Joe is able to turn it into a snap mare. We get a bit of chaining between both men, but Joe ends it with a running high knee. Joe lays into Jarrett with a couple of rights to the face, then the kidneys. Joe hits a splash, and a beautiful enzugiri type kick to Jarrett before choking away at him with his boot and catching him with a series of face washes. Jarrett is able to stop Joe and rake his face across the ring rope, but Joe comes right back with a quick forearm smash.

Joe is just taking it to Jarrett, pounding on him, and Jarrett is able to take Joe into the corner and hit a series of shoulder blocks. Joe hits Jarrett with a series of Kobashi chops in the corner and Jarrett’s chest is beet red. Jarrett fights out of a suplex and locks in an ankle lock on Joe. Jarrett goes to the outside and grabs a chair, but the ref is quick to take it away. Back in the ring Jarrett goes up and connects with a first drop. Another attempts and Joe blocks it, responding with a clothesline.

Joe hits Jarret with a couple of right hands, and inverted atomic drop, big kick and back splash. Joe shoulders Jarrett, but Jarrett fights out of it and is able to connect with the stroke. Jarrett goes for the pin but only gets two. Joe is able to respond with an exploder suplex, and he follows it up by seating Jarrett on the top turnbuckle. Joe goes for a superplex, but Jarrett is able to fight it off and snap Joe’s neck across the top rope. Jarrett puts Joe on the top turnbuckle, and connects with a stroke from the middle rope. Another cover, and Joe still kicks out at two.

Jarrett goes for the chair again, and he and the ref argue over it. Joe goes for and connects with the elbow suicide, taking out both Jarrett and the ref. Joe rolls Jarrett into the ring, and seats Jarrett on the top turnbuckle. Security run down to the ring and Joe fights them off, hitting the muscle buster on one. Jarrett goes to the outside and grabs a night stick, taking it to the back of Joe’s knee, then jabbing it into Joe’s throat, and using it to choke out the big man. Jarrett chokes Joe while one of the security guys chokes Joe.

The finish:

Jarrett puts Joe in the rear naked choke as security throws the ref into the match. The ref picks Joe’s hand up and drops it down three times, leading to the end of the match by KO.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett

Christy Hemme is backstage with Eric Bischoff and the congregation. Bischoff calls them the brotherhood of the Immortals. Bischoff talks to Pope’s brother, calling Pope a douche bag. Bischoff puts on a pair of Pope’s glasses, and some of the congregation drape him in chains.

TNA Championship Match
– Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Morgan

We get a video package detailing the events leading up to this match, featuring a lot of profanity laden promo footage of Jeff Hardy. Matt Morgan is the first man out to the ring, and he gets a pretty nice reaction from this Impact Zone crowd. Jeff Hardy is out next, and he still gets a giant reaction from the crowd, despite him being a heel, and having such a terrible self-sung theme song. We get formal ring introductions from JB, and after much stalling, it’s finally time to kick off the main event of the evening.

The start:

The bell rings, and we’re ready to kick things off for this final match of the evening. We get a lock up and Morgan simply tosses Hardy away. Hardy rolls to the outside and recovers for a bit before coming back in. Hardy ducks another lock up, and eats a big elbow instead, putting him right back down.

Mid-match notes:

Hardy kicks Morgan in the midsection and pounds on him, but Morgan shrugs off a shoulder block and Hardy ends back on the mat. Hardy is able to rake the eyes of Morgan and goes to work on the leg, but Morgan grabs Hardy by the throat and tosses him over the top rope to the outside. Hardy is slow to get to his feet, but when he does he stalls getting back into the ring, and spits into the face of Morgan. Morgan goes to the outside and chases after Hardy. Hardy rolls back in and tries for an elbow drop, but he misses.

Morgan clubs down across Hardy’s chest before pulling him to the floor. Morgan rolls Hardy back into the ring and tries for a pin but he only gets two. Morgan tries for a leg drop but Hardy avoids it and hits a dropkick before turning his attention back to Morgan’s leg. Hardy kicks away at Morgan before hitting him with a low clothesline that’s good for a one count. Hardy tries for some kind of weird leg submission that doesn’t look too painful, but he turns it over into a single leg crab,pounding on Morgan’s knee all the while. Morgan crawls toward, and is able to make it to the ropes and force a break of the hold.

Hardy continues to work over the leg, propping it on the bottom rope and crashing down on top of it repeatedly. Hardy hits a knee drop that’s good for a near fall, and follows it right up with a rear chin lock. Morgan is able to fight up to his feet, but Hardy beats him back down. Morgan is quick to come back with a series of blows and clotheslines before ripping Hardy’s shirt off. Morgan hits a discus clothesline but it’s still only good enough for a two count. Morgan picks Hardy up to his feet, but Hardy responds with a DDT that’s good for a near fall of his own.

Hardy goes to the middle rope and jumps off, but Morgan catches him,and executes a big chokeslam that’s good for a two count. Morgan gets back up to his feet and drags Hardy up, but Hardy hits a low blow on Morgan and follows up with a twist of fate that’s good for a near fall. Hardy stomps away at Morgan’s head before laying into him with repeated rights. Hardy walks right into a bicycle kick, but Hardy kicks him accidentally, and the ref calls it a two count. It’s pretty sloppy. Morgan and the ref argure for a bit, and Morgan reaches down and picks Hardy up to his feet. Hardy hits the twist of fate and goes for another cover but still only gets two.

The finish:

Hardy charges Morgan in the corner but Morgan avoids it. Morgan hits Hardy with a head butt and a big right hand before seating him on the top turnbuckle. Hardy is able to fight Morgan off and connect with the whisper in the wind. Another twist of fate from Hardy and this one is enough to keep Morgan down for a three count.

Winner & STILL TNA World Champion: Jeff Hardy

Hardy celebrates with his title, and Fortune come out with champagne bottles in hand. Fortune douse Hardy in champagne as Williams and Roode get him on their shoulders and black, red and yellow confetti rains down. Flair gets ‘Iced’ by AJ Styles, and he takes a knee to drink it, downing it in one go. The heels end the PPV drinking in the ring, and celebrating with the World Champion.

Sabu Reportedly Finished With TNA Following Tonight’s PPV

1

Sabu was informed by TNA Wrestling officials that the company would cease to utilize him following Turning Point because they have no creative plans for him following tonight’s pay-per-view event.

The wrestling veteran will be competing in the match between EV 2.0 and Fortune, which features a stipulation where the winning team is permitted to fire a member of the losing team. It is unknown at this time whether his departure will tie into the storyline.

Officials originally intended to conclude the feud between the two factions last month at Bound for Glory, but ultimately decided to string it through Turning Point or this week’s set of iMPACT! tapings.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Divas Considered Safe From Expected Firings, Maxine Comments

24

— The current Diva-exclusive season of NXT — coupled with an ongoing recruitment drive by WWE officials to hire more models, which it can train as professional wrestlers — indicate that cuts will be made to the female roster in due time.

According to the UK based wrestling magazine, Power Slam, the list of females whose jobs are considered safe in the company is limited to Michelle McCool, Layla, Beth Phoenix, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Melina, and “possibly” Natalya and Eve Torres.

Those not listed are considered expendable by officials.

— Maxine, who was eliminated from NXT on Tuesday’s show, commented on why she believes she was expelled from the contest in an interview with nxt.wwe.com.

“The WWE Universe doesn’t always warm up to the bad girl. I think it’s much easier to really like somebody that’s overly perky and nice,” she stated. “I feel like I’m more of a leader, I’m not a follower. I make my own path and I think that’s the way to go.”

— Besides a few people who viewed the script for Monday’s Raw, former talent Lita’s surprise appearance was kept a secret until she walked into the Nassau Coliseum. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Cena Boosts Nexus Sales, Goldust Gets Stitches, Aksana

7

— WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith said at Thursday’s investor conference call to company stockholders that sales of Nexus merchandise have increased since John Cena joined the pack.

Update:

— Goldust noted today on Twitter that he received stitches to his eye after suffering an injury during his match last night in Cardiff, Wales with Ted DiBiase.

— The WWE website has released a soundboard highlighting NXT Rookie Diva Aksana’s most memorable remarks to date on NXT, such as “Billion Dollar Baby,” “Aksana Here Not By Mistake,” and “She Loves Her Dog.”

Goldust Suffers Injury Scare, Edge Missing Shows On Euro Tour

2

— Goldust suffered an injury to his eye during his bout against Ted DiBiase at last night’s Raw live event in Cardiff, Wales. He wrote on Twitter that he was heading to the hospital for eye surgery, but noted hours later the procedure had been called off and that he was okay enough to resume performing.

— Edge has missed the first shows of SmackDown’s live event tour of Europe to film the third season finale of Syfy’s Sanctuary. He will play the role of “an abnormal” named Thelo, with the episode scheduled to air in spring 2011.

— Wade Barrett’s father was in attendance at last night’s Raw live event in Cardiff, Wales, which saw the leader of The Nexus lose to Randy Orton, with John Cena serving as special guest referee. Barrett attended high school in Cardiff.

source: PWInsider.com

TNA Premieres Mickie James Music Video, Doane Rejects Tryout

8

— Former WWE talent Kenn Doane (a/k/a Kenny Dykstra) wrote on Twitter that he had rejected trying out for TNA Wrestling at next week’s set of iMPACT! tapings in Orlando, Florida.

“November 8th and 9th I will not be going for my “tryout” in Orlando,” he stated. “No offense to anyone but I’m not comfortable paying my own flights and working for free. That is all. I don’t need a job that bad. if WWE calls I’ll go back or if TNA offers something decent. Otherwise I’m absolutely happy where I am in life.”

— TNA Wrestling will be holding a live event at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Jan. 15, 2011. Tickets go on sale Nov. 19, 2010.

— The music video for Mickie James’ TNA Wrestling theme song, Hardcore Country, premiered this week on the international program Xplosion. Dixie Carter’s husband, Serge Salinas, also took part in the recording of the song, offering additional vocals. Check it out:

Match Announced For SmackDown, Update On Paul Bearer, More

10

— As seen last night on SmackDown, MVP become the No. 1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship after defeating “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in an Intercontinental Championship Qualifying Match. Next week, MVP will face Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler in a title match on SmackDown.

— Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.64 cable rating, with 639,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew a 0.2 cable rating, with 174,000 viewers. (source: PWInsider.com)

— Paul Bearer stated on his Twitter account that he is solely being used for television and pay-per-view events—no house shows. He will be flying to England for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping and returning stateside the next day.

Mind Behind Bryan’s “Nerd” Character, Bourne Hopeful For WM

10

— The unique manner in which Daniel Bryan is being promoted on television — as a “nerd” character — is the brainchild of Vince McMahon. When Michael Cole chastises the United States Champion over commentary, it’s largely the WWE Chairman feeding Cole lines than Cole developing his own insults.

— Evan Bourne is hopeful to return to the ring in time for WrestleMania after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. He is expected to be sidelined until at least February.

— Jerry Lawler’s flight to Minneapolis for Bragging Rights caught on fire and had to make an emergency landing in Syracuse, New York. The WWE Hall of Famer made mention of it during the pay-per-view broadcast.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

When Nexus Will Be Broken Up, Latest Name Discussed For HOF

29

— The November programming schedule for WWE Classics on Demand has been released here.

— J.J. Dillon’s name has been discussed for induction into next year’s WWE Hall of Fame class. Should it occur, it is expected that he would be inducted with the Four Horsemen as a group rather than by himself.

— WWE’s creative department has discussed keeping The Nexus together through WrestleMania and then splitting the group via the annual Draft in April.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Gross Amount For Knucklehead, Former WWF Announcer Dies

5

— Michael Porter, who worked as a ring announcer for World Wrestling Federation live events in the West Coast from 1988 to 1993, died on Oct. 23.

His cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but it is said that he was having heart problems.

— While the exact gross amount for the two-day theatrical release of WWE Studios’ Knucklehead has yet to be disclosed, the film reportedly garnered less than $1,000 total.

It is said that company officials did not expect to make much money off the film at the box office due to it basically being a straight-to-video release. The film was given a limited release in theaters to ward off the perception.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

TNA In Talks With Serena, 80s Star Offered Producer Job, More

10

— Attendance for this past week’s TNA Wrestling live event tour was dubbed “horrible,” especially considering that World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy headlined the cards. Thursday in Sedalia, MO drew 600, Friday in Springfield, MO drew 300, and Saturday in West Plains, MO drew 500.

— Ricky Morton of Rock ‘n’ Roll Express fame is strongly hinting on his Facebook account that he’s headed to TNA Wrestling. He has been offered a job as a producer. It is said that the 80s tag team star would assist talent in structuring matches, but would have no creative input in finishes.

— TNA Wrestling officials have had discussions with former WWE performer Serena Deeb in regards to joining the organization.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Belief Within WWE That The Product Is Suffering, Ryan Touring

11

— WWE’s creative department has not been getting much face time with Vince McMahon in recent weeks due to Linda McMahon’s U.S. Senate campaign. A number of people within the organization feel Vince has become obsessed with his wife’s political race, resulting in the television product suffering.

— FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan worked the opening night of SmackDown’s eleven-day live event tour of Europe, beating Chavo Guerrero Thursday night in Belfast, Ireland. The developmental wrestler also worked a dark match at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut, defeating Trent Barreta.

Finlay is also touring with the brand. He beat Tyler Reks in the opening match of the Belfast event.

sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, PWInsider.com

Anderson Confirms Return Date, Wrestler Removed From Roster

0

— Mr. Anderson told Live Audio Wrestling that he will miss Sunday’s Turning Point pay-per-view and subsequent iMPACT! tapings, but will return to the ring on Nov. 12 for a live event in Nashville, Tennessee.

He was sidelined after suffering a concussion from a chair shot he received from Jeff Hardy last month at an iMPACT! taping.

In a separate note, his wife underwent ankle surgery on Oct. 27.

— The official TNA Wrestling website has removed Suicide from its roster page.

The video game based character was portrayed by Frankie Kazarian, Christopher Daniels and Kiyoshi during its two year run.

The character last appeared on June 14 in a bout taped for Xplosion.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Hall Undergoes Pacemaker Surgery, Diva Says She’s Drug-Free

5

— Scott Hall is hospitalized after undergoing surgery to implant a pacemaker in his heart. Sid Vicious discussed Hall’s health during an interview Wednesday night with www.ringsideradio.com:

“His condition is this, I think everybody knows a little about, he just received a little thing in his heart where it monitors his heart beat and if it gets too low it kicks his heart back in because of some of the medication he has been on and because of this heart deal he has been having a few seizures. That is why he has been in the hospital the last couple of days. One thing is he has told me and the people around him, I forgot how many hits he had for his birthday, those things right there. Those are the things that people like me and Scott, of all the things I cherish in this business are things like that…I know all the comments and all the great feedback he got for his birthday and about his condition has been good. I hope people keep that up.”

— Beth Phoenix wrote a message Thursday on Twitter praising WWE’s drug testing policy and noting she herself is drug-free.

“The WWE Wellness Policy is such an important part of our company. I am very proud to be a healthy drug-free athlete,” The Glamazon wrote. “I want young female athletes to know you CAN be the best and lead a healthy lifestyle. Make smart choices for your future.”

WWE In Talks With The Rock, Layla’s Reaction To BP Sign, More

23

— WWE officials are in talks with former talent Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson regarding a possible appearance to promote his latest feature film, Faster, which hits theaters on Nov. 24.

The WWE website is currently serving numerous banner ads promoting the action thriller drama.

— According to a fan in attendance at last night’s SmackDown live event in Belfast, Ireland, Layla acknowledged his sign putting over TNA Wrestling’s “Beautiful People” group by airing a disgusted look on her face once it was brought to her attention. The sign read “Beautiful People > Lay-cool.”

— The WWE Smackdown taping on February 8, 2011 will be held at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tickets go on sale November 13, 2010.

AJ Styles Babyface Turn Nixed, Two TNA Live Events Canceled

7

— TNA Wrestling’s original creative plans called for AJ Styles to turn babyface to replace the injured Mr. Anderson as Jeff Hardy’s opponent at Turning Point, but they instead went with Matt Morgan.

Some have questioned whether Morgan’s turn will culminate with a finish similar to Kevin Nash lying down for Hulk Hogan during match on a 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, but the belief is that he will be a face going forward.

— TNA Wrestling has canceled live events scheduled for Nov. 19 in Evansville, Indiana and Nov. 20 in Indianapolis, reportedly due to lackluster ticket sales. The only events scheduled past those dates for the remainder of the year are iMPACT! television tapings and the Final Resolution pay-per-view in December.

It is said that live event attendance has been “way down” since Bound for Glory.

sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, f4wonline.com

Kendrick Says He Hates Wrestling At times, Comments On 9/11

10

TNA Wrestling has posted online the latest episode of its Spin Cycle web series, which features Rob Van Dam, Brian Kendrick, Mickie James and Douglas Williams as panelists, with Jeremy Borash hosting. The wrestler formerly known as “The Brian Kendrick” notably remarked his hidden secret, his hatred for finisher maneuvers, and his conspiracy theory for 9/11.

In response to the topic of the premiere finishing maneuver in the company, Kendrick replied, “I think the idea of having a move to finish someone off with is silly to begin with. You know what I mean?

“I’m going to wait to hit you with my speciality move, then you’ll be knocked out.”

On the topic of hidden secrets, Kendrick said that at times, he really hates being a professional wrestler.

“My hidden secret is sometimes I hate wrestling so much,” he revealed.

“I was lying in bed last night and I couldn’t move my knee. I just started crying. I had to wrestle a dark match because of all the stupid politics. And I just hate being a wrestler so much sometimes that I just want to slap myself in the face for being so stupid.”

He later issued his conspiracy theory for 9/11, calling it “an inside job.”

To view the episode, click here.

WWE Rep Comments On Austin Rumor, Jackson Denies Report

5

— Regarding Jeff The Drunk’s claim on The Howard Stern Show that he and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would appear as guest celebrities on the Dec. 27 Raw in Albany, NY, a WWE representative said, “I think this is one of the reasons why Stern calls him Jeff The Drunk”.

— The first SmackDown taping of 2011 will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at the Tucson Arena in Tucson, Arizona.

— Ezekiel Jackson denied reports that he suffered an injury during a match at Wednesday’s Raw live event in Nice, France, writing on Twitter, “not true.”

Hulk Hogan Denies Flashing His Junk In Video

10

Earlier this week, we posted a link to a video featuring TNA star Hulk Hogan playing the new “Def Jam Rapstar” video game with his daughter Brooke and allegedly exposing himself. Hogan’s private parts were censored in the video with a black box, but it was pretty apparent exactly what Hogan was doing.

Now, Hogan has gone on Twitter and has responded to the story:

“Be on the lookout for press, from people apologizing and releases of real footage from the video with nothing but good, clean fun”

He added:

“My real friends and fans know what I’m really all about and after 30 years, I’m not about public displays of private parts.”

Whether or not Hogan’s junk actually was exposed under that black censored box – from the video, it’s pretty clear what they were going for.. Check it out below and judge for yourself:

GSP Says He Will KO Or Submit Koscheck At UFC 124

7

UFC Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre is usually not much of a trash talker,  but had the following to say about his upcoming rematch fight with Josh Koscheck at UFC 124 on December 11th ..

“Yeah, I think he’s going to try to put me down. I also think he’s going to try to knock me out with his big right hand but I know him. I’ve been studying so much tape on him, I’ve got to the point where I know Josh Koscheck probably better than he even knows himself. My coaches have been studying him a lot. Being with him on the Ultimate Fighter for eight weeks was a way for me to know him a little bit better as a person and as a fight”

GSP continued:

“I knew how he was before I got there. I think he was like that to get inside my head, and to keep the fans entertained. I don’t think he’s a bad person. In a way, I think that’s his way to motivate himself. He likes to be the bad guy…. [I’ll] win, that’s all I can say. Submission or knockout.”

(Source: MixedMartialArts.com)

JR Blog: Austin Hosting RAW? Lita’s Surprise Return

11

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Steve Austin Not Hosting RAW? “To the best of my knowledge, Steve Austin has not been officially scheduled to appear on an upcoming Raw as has been reported elsewhere. Steve is preparing to film another movie in Vancouver soon that will take him into December. At that time I assume he will head to his Texas ranch for some R&R and to celebrate the holidays. Jan and I hope to visit Steve and his crew at the Broken Skull Ranch in late December or early January. BTW Steve’s latest movie ‘Hunt to Kill’ is out next week on DVD and it’s a cool, kick ass movie that I really enjoyed. I think that you will too especially if you like to see Stone Cold kick the bad guy’s butt. Good storyline/script that makes for some stout action/adventure.”

Lita Appearing On RAW: “Enjoyed seeing Lita make her cameo on Raw Monday night. She was one of the all time great Divas in WWE and I can still vividly remember her job interview in my WWE office many years ago. I assume she will not come back to WWE full time but, as a fan of her work, it would be nice to see her back for a short run. I think that the team of Trish & Lita vs. Lay Cool, for example, would be a really nice attraction type bout at WM27. Just an idea.”

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

9

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Credit to reader Nick Fox for sending in this live report of Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown! tapings from Bridgeport, CT:

*Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio goes to a no contest when The Nexus (except Wade Barrett) hits the ring and attacks both. David Otunga says that Nexus are taking over. Kane, Big Show and Rey Mysterio make the save.

* Teddy Long announces a ten man tag tonight: The Nexus vs. Edge, Del Rio, Big Show, Rey Mysterio, & Kane.

* WWE Intercontinental champion Dolph Ziggler defeated JTG. Kaitlyn comes into the ring to celebrate with Dolph but Vickie Guerrero comes out and slaps her. Officials hold the women apart.

*Backstage, Guerrero storms into Teddy Long’s office and demands revenge against Kaitlyn. Long makes the match.

*Backstage, The Nexus attack Rey Mysterio and lay him out. David Otunga says that Wade Barrett is in Great Britain, but they attacked Rey because they can.

*MVP, who had new theme music, defeated Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes in a Three-Way to earn an Intercontinental championship match. The former Dashing Ones worked together early but that didn’t last long.

* Vickie Guerrero pinned Kaitlyn.

* Teddy Long announces Kofi Kingston will replace Rey Mysterio tonight.

* Backstage, Kelly Kelly and Kaval congraulate MVP on his win. The Nexus attack Kaval and MVP.

* Tyler Reks pinned Chris Masters.

* Team Smackdown defeated The Nexus.

Linda McMahon Formally Thanks Her Campaign Supporters

13

Linda McMahon’s campaign issued the following to her mailing list:

Dear Friend,

It has been my honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to run for the United States Senate here in Connecticut.

I couldn’t have done it without you. Your faith and trust in me during the past 13 months has meant so very much.

I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling around our beautiful state from the northwest corner, to the quiet corner down along the shoreline and into Fairfield county with points in between. We racked up 52,000 miles on the campaign vehicle but the journey has been a joy.

I am also very proud of the campaign that we have run. Our ground game was tremendous: hardworking volunteers like you knocked on 100,000 doors, made more than 400,000 phone calls and proudly placed countless yard signs in front of your homes and businesses.

My campaign’s focus was on economic recovery and job creation, and today, that same focus must remain the top priority of our newly elected officials. Let us all make sure they have our support for the good of our state and our country.

The United States is the best place to live in and I truly believe we as American’s have a strength and resolve that will pull us through these next few unpredictable years. We must look ahead and bring ourselves to remember as President Ronald Reagan once said, “If you’re afraid of the future, then get out of the way, stand aside. The people of this country are ready to move again.”

Thank you all for your heartfelt support and encouragement. Sincerely,

Linda McMahon

PPV Buyrates Down For 2010’s SummerSlam, MITB & NOC

23

As part of its Third Quarter 2010 financial results that were released on Thursday morning, World Wrestling Entertainment released the official pay-per-view buyrates and revenues for the quarter – and no surprise here, they’re down from last year.

WWE’s 3 pay-per-view events from July-September generated $13.6 million which is down 6.2% from $14.5 million in same quarter in 2009. PPV buys were down an alarming 16% from the same quarter last year.

Here is the breakdown:

  • Money in the Bank (July) did 165,000 buys, down from the 267,000 buys that Night of Champions drew in July 2009.
  • SummerSlam (August) did 350,000 buys, down from the 369,000 buys that SummerSlam 2009 drew.
  • Night of Champions (September) did a 165,000 buys, down from the 169,000 buys earned by the Breaking Point in September 2009.

It’s worth noting that WWE raised the price of pay-per-view events by $5 this year .. One could make the argument that the company would have likely sold more PPV events had the price remained lower, but PPV buyrates and overall PPV revenue are down either way.

For more details on WWE’s Third Quarter 2010 financial results, click here.

WWE Announces Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results

0

WWE has released its Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results on Thursday morning …

It’s quite interesting to note that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon did not take part in the company’s investor conference call, which he was previously scheduled for.

Here’s the official statement from Corporate.WWE.com:

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWENews) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2010. Revenues totaled $109.6 million as compared to $111.3 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $20.3 million as compared to $14.5 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, as compared to $8.9 million, or $0.12 per share, in the prior year quarter. Impacting comparability to the prior year quarter are production tax credits recorded in both current and prior year quarters. Excluding the impact of these credits, Adjusted Operating income was $14.2 million as compared to $12.0 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net income was $10.3 million, or $0.14 per share, as compared to $7.4 million, or $0.10 per share.

“In the third quarter, our results reflected the Company’s continued focus on optimizing business results in a difficult environment,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We generated earnings growth despite a decline in revenue across many of our businesses. We believe our ongoing talent transition and the sluggish economy were important factors in these declines. Based on our history of developing talent and creating content with broad appeal, we are confident we can address these creative challenges. Further, by taking advantage of our strategic opportunities, we can achieve meaningful growth.”

Comparability of Results

Excluding the impact of production tax credits, Q3 2010 Adjusted Operating income increased 18% to $14.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $17.4 million. The Q3 2010 results included approximately $6.1 million of tax credits received related to our television and digital media production activities, which were recorded as a reduction of the direct expense in these areas and in our selling, general and administrative costs. The Q3 2009 results included approximately $2.5 million of such tax credits, which were recorded in the same manner. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information)

Results by Business Segment

Revenues from North America decreased by 3%, led by declines in our Live Event and Home Video businesses, while revenues outside North America increased 2%, led by growth in our Television and Licensing businesses. There was no significant impact from changes in foreign exchange rates in the current quarter.

The following tables reflect net revenues by segment and by region for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009. (Dollars in millions)

Three Months Ended
Net Revenues
September 30,

2010
September 30,

2009
Live and Televised Entertainment $
73.8
$
77.9
Consumer Products 21.4 23.0
Digital Media 6.8 7.4
WWE Studios 7.6 3.0
Total $ 109.6 $ 111.3

Three Months Ended
Net Revenues by Region
September 30,

2010
September 30,

2009
North America
$
78.9
$
81.3
Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) 15.0 14.4
Asia Pacific (APAC) 13.3 12.5
Latin America 2.4 3.1
Total $ 109.6 $ 111.3

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $73.8 million for the current quarter as compared to $77.9 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 5% decrease.

  • Live Event revenues were $22.8 million as compared to $27.2 million in the prior year quarter. Revenues decreased 16% primarily due to 15 fewer events in North America as lower average attendance, both domestically and internationally, was offset by higher average ticket prices.
    • There were 78 events, including 16 international events, during the current quarter as compared to 94 events, including 17 international events, in the prior year quarter, primarily due to changes in our touring schedule.
    • North American events generated $13.8 million of revenues from 62 events as compared to $16.6 million from 77 events in the prior year quarter. North American average attendance decreased 10% to approximately 5,200 from 5,800 in the prior year quarter. The average ticket price for North American events was $41.07 in the current quarter as compared to $36.26 in the prior year quarter.
    • International events generated approximately $9.0 million of revenues from 16 events as compared to $10.6 million from 17 events in the prior year quarter. International average attendance decreased 26% to approximately 6,700 from 9,100 in the prior year quarter. Average ticket prices were $86.07 as compared to $65.59 in the prior year quarter, a 31% increase, in part due to changes in foreign exchange rates.
  • Pay-Per-View revenues were $13.6 million as compared to $14.5 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a 12% decline in total pay-per-view buys. Beginning in January 2010, the suggested domestic retail price of non-WrestleMania pay-per-view events increased $5.00 to $44.95.The details for the number of buys (in 000s) are as follows:

Broadcast Month
2010 Events (in
chronological order)
2009 Events (in
chronological order)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2010
2009
July
Money in the Bank
Night of Champions® 165 267
August SummerSlam® SummerSlam® 350 369
September Night of Champions® Breaking Point® 165 169
Prior events 55 31
Total 735 836

  • Television Rights Fees revenues were $31.1 million as compared to $28.3 million in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily due to contractual increases from our existing programs.
  • Venue Merchandise revenues were $3.9 million as compared to $4.3 million in the prior year quarter, as the impact of 15 fewer events in North America was partially offset by an 8% increase in domestic per capita merchandise sales to $9.44 in the current quarter.

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses decreased 7% to $21.4 million from $23.0 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the performance of our Home Video business.

  • Home Video net revenues were $7.2 million as compared to $11.2 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower sell-through rates. Shipments increased 2% to approximately 864,000 units in the current period. This increase in units was more than offset by a 6% decline in the average price per unit to approximately $12.17, reflecting discounted sales and promotions.
  • Licensing revenues were $10.8 million as compared to $7.9 million in the prior year quarter, predominantly due to higher toy sales. Revenues related to toys increased by approximately $2.4 million, reflecting improved performance and the strength our new partnership with Mattel. Revenues from video games decreased by approximately $0.5 million as the prior year quarter benefited from the release of an additional video game title, Legends of WrestleMania. Unit shipments of our SmackDown vs. Raw video game increased slightly as compared to the prior year quarter.
  • Magazine publishing net revenues were $2.6 million as compared to $3.4 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower newsstand sales in the current quarter.

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $6.8 million as compared to $7.4 million in the prior year, representing an 8% decrease.

  • WWE.com revenues were $4.0 million as compared to $4.5 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting a decline in online advertising and mobile content revenues.
  • WWEShop revenues were $2.8 million as compared to $2.9 million in the prior year quarter. The number of orders increased by 7% to approximately 59,000 while the average revenue per order declined to $46.04 as compared to $50.46 in the prior year quarter.

WWE Studios

During the current quarter, we recorded revenue of $7.6 million related to all seven of our released films as compared to $3.0 million in the prior year quarter. The current quarter results included $3.8 million of revenue associated with our latest film, Legendary. For our first six film projects, we participate in revenues generated by the distribution of these films after the print, advertising and distribution costs incurred by our partners have been recouped and the results have been reported to us. In September we released our latest film, Legendary, under our revised film strategy. This strategy entails self-distribution and marketing of films. Under this new model, we reflect a film’s gross receipts and its associated distribution and advertising costs in our results. In addition, the change in distribution results in earlier recognition of revenue and expenses relative to initial release of the film as compared to our previous model. As a result of the timing of Legendary’s distribution and advertising expenses, we have recorded a $0.6 million loss for Studios in the current quarter.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution decreased to $47.8 million in the current quarter as compared to $51.2 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower revenue across our business segments and a loss in our WWE Studios segment, which more than offset a $2.6 million net increase in production tax credits, recorded in cost of revenues. Gross profit contribution margin decreased to approximately 44% as compared to 46% in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the performance of our film business, which reflected the recognition of marketing costs under our new self-distribution model. Excluding the impact of production tax credits, Adjusted Profit contribution declined to $43.8 million in the current quarter as compared to $49.8 million in the prior year quarter and Adjusted profit margins declined to 40% as compared to 45% in the prior year quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $24.3 million for the current quarter as compared to $33.1 million in the prior year quarter, led by decreases in staff-related expenses, predominantly accrued management incentive compensation, and to a lesser extent lower legal and professional fees and reserves for bad debt. Excluding the impact of production tax credits, Adjusted SG&A expenses declined to $26.4 million in the current quarter as compared to $34.2 million in the prior year quarter.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.2 million for the current quarter as compared to $3.6 million in the prior year quarter.

EBITDA

EBITDA was approximately $23.5 million in the current quarter as compared to $18.1 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a $3.6 million net impact from production tax credits and SG&A cost savings. Excluding the impact of production tax credits, Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $17.4 million in the current quarter as compared to $15.6 million in the prior year quarter.

Investment and Other (Expense) Income

The decline in investment income of $0.2 million in the current quarter reflected lower average investment balances and average interest rates. Other income was $0.9 million, as compared to $0.2 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting realized foreign exchange gains and losses and the revaluation of warrants held in certain licensees. During the quarter, we recorded a $0.3 million gain relating to the revaluation of our warrants as compared to a $0.1 million loss in the prior year quarter.

Effective tax rate

The current quarter effective tax rate was 34% and reflects benefits due to the increased Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 199 deduction rate on qualified production activity income and the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits. The prior year effective tax rate was 42% and was negatively impacted by differences between our tax returns and our estimated tax provision.

Summary Results for the Nine Months Ended

Total revenues through the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $355.1 million as compared to $357.9 million in the prior year period. Operating income was $67.8 million as compared to $59.3 million in the prior year period. Net income was $45.3 million, or $0.60 per share, as compared to $39.1 million, or $0.53 per share, in the prior year period. EBITDA was $76.3 million for the current nine month period as compared to $70.3 million in the prior year period. Excluding items that impact comparability, Adjusted Operating income for the current period was $60.1 million as compared $59.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted Net income was $40.4 million, or $0.54 per share, as compared to $38.7 million, or $0.52 per share, in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA was $70.2 million for the current nine month period as compared to $70.0 million in the prior year period.

The following charts reflect net revenues by segment and by geographical region for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009. (Dollars in millions)

Revenues from outside North America increased 11% led by our Television and Licensing businesses as well as an approximate $2.8 million favorable impact from foreign exchange rates.

Net Revenues by Segment
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
Live and Televised Entertainment $ 249.5 $ 251.2
Consumer Products 75.4 77.0
Digital Media 18.6 22.2
WWE Studios 11.6 7.5
Total $ 355.1 $ 357.9
Net Revenues by Region
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
North America
$
256.4
$
268.6
Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) 55.6 55.8
Asia Pacific (APAC) 29.2 25.1
Latin America 13.9 8.4
Total $ 355.1 $ 357.9

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $249.5 million for the current period as compared to $251.2 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 1%.

September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
Live Events
$
78.0
$
79.6
Pay-Per-View $ 56.4 $ 63.7
Venue Merchandise $ 14.7 $ 15.2
Television Rights Fees $ 91.3 $ 81.5
Television Advertising $ 4.5 $ 5.5
WWE Classics On Demand $ 3.5 $ 4.2

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $75.4 million as compared to $77.0 million in the prior year, a decrease of 2%.

September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
Home Video
$
26.3
$
29.0
Licensing $ 39.4 $ 36.7
Magazine Publishing $ 7.9 $ 9.9

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $18.6 million as compared to $22.2 million in the prior year, a decrease of 16%.

September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
WWE.com
$
10.4
$
12.9
WWEShop $ 8.2 $ 9.3

WWE Studios

We recorded revenue of $11.6 million in the current period related to all seven of our film releases, including $3.8 million associated with our latest film, Legendary, as compared to $7.5 million in the prior year period. In September we released our latest film, Legendary, under our revised film strategy. This strategy entails self-distribution and marketing of films. Under this new model, we reflect a film’s gross receipts and its associated distribution and advertising costs in our results. In addition, the change in distribution results in earlier recognition of revenue and expenses relative to initial release of the film as compared to our previous model.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution decreased to $156.6 million in the current period as compared to $165.6 million in the prior year period, reflecting a reduction in revenue across our operations and marketing expenses to support our film business. In addition, total profit contribution margin decreased to approximately 44% as compared to 46% in the prior year period due to the impact of lower effective pricing and sell-through rates in our Consumer Products business. Excluding items that impact comparability, Adjusted Profit contribution decreased to $152.6 million in the current period as compared to $164.2 million in the prior year period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $80.3 million for the current period as compared to $95.3 million in the prior year period, led by decreases in staff-related expenses, including accrued management incentive compensation, as well as lower legal and professional fees and reserves for bad debt. Excluding items that impact comparability, Adjusted SG&A expenses were $82.4 million for the current period as compared to $94.2 million in the prior year period.

EBITDA

EBITDA for the current period increased to approximately $76.3 million as compared to $70.3 million in the prior year period, reflecting SG&A cost savings as described above, and a $3.6 million net increase in production tax credits. Excluding items that impact comparability, Adjusted EBITDA was $70.2 million for the current period as compared to $70.0 million in the prior year period.

Investment and Other Income (Expense)

The $1.0 million decline in investment income in the current period reflects lower average interest rates and decreases in realized gains on sales of investments. Other expense of $1.2 million in the current period as compared to other income of $0.3 million in the prior year period primarily reflects the impact of realized foreign exchange gains and losses and the revaluations of warrants. In the current year period, we recorded $0.9 million of foreign exchange losses as compared to gains of $1.7 million in the prior year period. In the current year period, we recorded a gain of $0.6 million as compared to a loss of $0.8 million in the prior year period relating to the revaluation of warrants.

Effective tax rate

The effective tax rate was 33% in the current period as compared to 37% in the prior year period. The decrease in tax rate in the current period was primarily driven by increased benefits from IRC Section 199 related to qualified domestic production activities and the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits.

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $92.8 million in the prior year period. This $64.9 million decrease was driven primarily by an increase in feature film investments and changes in WWE’s tax position. Our cash investment in films increased by $40.0 million, driven by a $33.5 million increase in film production spending and the absence of $6.5 million in film tax incentives as compared to the prior year period. Related to the current period spending, we anticipate receiving approximately $7.7 million of film tax incentives in future periods. Capital expenditures increased to $9.1 million from $3.6 million in the prior year period primarily due to increased investments in television production initiatives.

Additional Information

Additional business metrics are made available to investors on a monthly basis on our corporate website – corporate.wwe.com.

Note: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. will host a conference call on November 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company’s earnings results for the third quarter of 2010. All interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 888-647-2706 (conference ID: WWE). Please reserve a line 15 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. A presentation that will be referenced during the call can be found at the Company web site at corporate.wwe.com. A replay of the call will be available approximately three hours after the conference call concludes, and can be accessed at corporate.wwe.com.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:WWENews), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Toronto and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWENews) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Income Statements
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Net revenues $ 109,564 $ 111,254 $ 355,131 $ 357,873
Cost of revenues 61,763 60,077 198,542 192,264
Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,322 33,108 80,284 95,337
Depreciation and amortization 3,211 3,578 8,461 10,954
Operating income 20,268 14,491 67,844 59,318
Investment income, net 524 704 1,504 2,495
Interest expense (64 ) (82 ) (202 ) (261 )
Other income (expense), net 899 168 (1,173 ) 300
Income before income taxes 21,627 15,281 67,973 61,852
Provision for income taxes 7,290 6,342 22,648 22,717
Net income $ 14,337 $ 8,939 $ 45,325 $ 39,135
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ 0.61 $ 0.53
Diluted $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ 0.60 $ 0.53
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 74,576 73,944 74,372 73,646
Diluted 75,325 74,419 75,263 74,207

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
As of
September 30,
2010
As of
December 31,
2009
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 84,361 $ 149,784
Short-term investments 95,367 58,440
Accounts receivable, net 51,761 62,732
Inventory, net 1,831 2,182
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 34,039 21,721
Total current assets 267,359 294,859
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 81,021 84,376
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS 57,301 37,053
INVESTMENT SECURITIES 15,107 22,370
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 170 276
OTHER ASSETS 1,743 1,687
TOTAL ASSETS $ 422,701 $ 440,621
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,147 $ 1,082
Accounts payable 22,218 21,281
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 25,090 35,164
Deferred income 22,281 14,603
Total current liabilities 70,736 72,130
LONG-TERM DEBT 1,922 2,790
NON-CURRENT TAX LIABILITIES 11,475 17,152
NON-CURRENT DEFERRED INCOME 10,293 11,528
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Class A common stock 274 257
Class B common stock 465 477
Additional paid-in capital 334,632 326,008
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,453 2,377
Retained (deficit) earnings (10,549 ) 7,902
Total stockholders’ equity 328,275 337,021
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 422,701 $ 440,621

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 45,325 $ 39,135
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Amortization of feature film production assets 7,014 3,723
Revaluation of warrants (552 ) 802
Depreciation and amortization 8,461 10,954
Realized gain on sale of investments (55 ) (863 )
Amortization of investment income 1,286 805
Stock compensation costs 6,522 5,659
(Recovery) provision for doubtful accounts (37 ) 3,115
Provision for inventory obsolescence 1,530 1,745
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes
(8,946
)
6,000
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements (2,723 ) (74 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 11,008 (3,596 )
Inventory (1,178 ) 366
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (8,902 ) 12,615
Feature film production assets (27,343 ) (1,496 )
Accounts payable 937 2,859
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (10,882 ) 10,025
Deferred income 6,443 1,033
Net cash provided by operating activities 27,908 92,807
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment (9,070 ) (3,640 )
Proceeds from infrastructure incentives 4,130
Purchase of other assets (60 ) (92 )
Purchase of short-term investments (88,343 ) (41,489 )
Proceeds from sales or maturities of investments 59,035 45,586
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (34,308 ) 365
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of long-term debt (804 ) (744 )
Dividends paid (62,598 ) (61,605 )
Issuance of common stock, net 961 864
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 695 1,290
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation arrangements 2,723 74
Net cash used in financing activities (59,023 ) (60,121 )
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (65,423 ) 33,051
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 149,784 119,655
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 84,361 $ 152,706

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information – EBITDA
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Net income reported on U.S. GAAP basis $ 14,337 $ 8,939 $ 45,325 $ 39,135
Provision for income taxes 7,290 6,342 22,648 22,717
Investment, interest and other income, net (1,359 ) (790 ) (129 ) (2,534 )
Depreciation and amortization 3,211 3,578 8,461 10,954
EBITDA $ 23,479 $ 18,069 $ 76,305 $ 70,272

Non-GAAP Measure:

EBITDA is defined as net income before investment, interest and other expense/income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company’s definition of EBITDA does not adjust its U.S. GAAP basis earnings for the amortization of Feature Film production assets. Although it is not a recognized measure of performance under U.S. GAAP, EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company’s performance. The Company uses EBITDA to measure its own performance and to set goals for operating managers. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2010
Sep. 30,
2009
Sep. 30,
2010
Sep. 30,
2009
Profit contribution $ 47.8 $ 51.2 $ 156.6 $ 165.6
Adjustments (Added back):
Production tax credits (4.0 ) (1.4 ) (4.0 ) (1.4 )
Adjusted Profit contribution $ 43.8 $ 49.8 $ 152.6
$
164.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses 24.3 33.1 80.3 95.3
Adjustments (Added back):
Production tax credits 2.1 1.1 2.1 1.1
Restructuring (2.2 )
Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 26.4 $ 34.2 $ 82.4 $ 94.2
Depreciation and amortization 3.2 3.6 8.5 11.0
Adjustments (Added back):
Infrastructure tax credit 1.6
Adjusted Depreciation and amortization $ 3.2 $ 3.6 $ 10.1 $ 11.0
Operating income $ 20.3 $ 14.5 $ 67.8 $ 59.3
Adjusted Operating income $ 14.2 $ 12.0 $ 60.1 $ 59.0
Depreciation and amortization (Added back) 3.2 3.6 8.5 11.0
Adjusted Depreciation and amortization (Added back) 3.2 3.6 10.1 11.0
EBITDA $ 23.5 $ 18.1 $ 76.3 $ 70.3
Adjusted EBITDA $ 17.4 $ 15.6 $ 70.2 $ 70.0

Non-GAAP Measure:

Adjusted Profit contribution, Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses, Adjusted Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impair the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments
(in millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2010
Sep. 30,
2009
Sep. 30,
2010
Sep. 30,
2009
Operating income $ 20.3 $ 14.5 $ 67.8 $ 59.3
Adjustments (Added back):
Production tax credits (6.1 ) (2.5 ) (6.1 ) (2.5 )
Restructuring 2.2
Infrastructure tax credit (1.6 )
Adjusted Operating income $ 14.2 $ 12.0 $ 60.1 $ 59.0
Investment, interest and other expense, net 1.4 0.8 0.2 2.5
Adjusted Income before taxes $ 15.6 $ 12.8 $ 60.3 $ 61.5
Adjusted Provision for taxes (5.3 ) (5.4 ) (19.9 ) (22.8 )
Adjusted Net income $ 10.3 $ 7.4 $ 40.4 $ 38.7
Adjusted Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.14 $ 0.10 $ 0.54 $ 0.53
Diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.10 $ 0.54 $ 0.52
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 74,576 73,944 74,372 73,646
Diluted 75,325 74,419 75,263 74,207

Non-GAAP Measure:

Adjusted Operating income and Adjusted Net income exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impair the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information- Free Cash Flow
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Sept. 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2009
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 2,959 $ 17,778 $ 27,908 $ 92,807
Less cash used in capital expenditures:
Purchase of property and equipment (2,444 ) (765 ) (9,070 ) (3,640 )
Proceeds from infrastructure incentives 4,130
Purchase of other assets (55 ) (60 ) (92 )
Free Cash Flow $ 515 $ 16,958 $ 22,908 $ 89,075

Non-GAAP Measure:

We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less cash used for capital expenditures. Although it is not a recognized measure of liquidity under U.S. GAAP, Free Cash Flow provides useful information regarding the amount of cash our continuing business is generating after capital expenditures, available for reinvesting in the business and for payment of dividends.