World Wrestling Entertainment updated its Wellness Policy last week to officially note that any positive test for marijuana will result in a $2,500 fine. Previously, it was a $1,000 fine.

The levied fine was in response to pot usage running rampant throughout the company. With that being said, usage is said to be way down among those on SmackDown, but still reportedly “out of control” among Raw talent.

In the case of alcohol, the policy states that WWE performers are prohibited from “using or consuming alcohol at any time within a twelve hour period prior to any WWE event or WWE scheduled performance.”

— In WWE’s latest attempt to find a Mexican star, the company recently inked a deal with Incognito, who previously worked under the guise of Mistico de Juarez. He briefly worked with TNA Wrestling a few years ago, but when he missed a television taping, they stopped using him.

— The lone wrestling related death to make Sports Illustrated’s annual year-end “Not to be Forgotten” list was WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano, who passed away this past October.

(Credit to f4wonline.com for some of the information used in this report)

There are mixed feelings on WWE champion Sheamus among those in the locker room.

While some feel his friendship with Triple H has been blown out of proportion, others are accusing him of being a “shameless suck-up.”

The word going around the company continues to be that Sheamus and new Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre are the favorites of Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

– The latest on Ric Flair is that he has not signed with TNA as of this week. Flair was out of the country on vacation last weekend but word is that TNA is putting pressure on him that if he doesn’t sign and appear on the January 4th show then the offer may be pulled. The issue most likely is Flair not wanting to go with WWE’s competition. However, money plays a factor as the last time WWE made him an offer it wasn’t even close to what TNA is offering. It’s believed that WWE’s last offer to Flair was somewhere around $250,000 per year. Flair hasn’t spoken with WWE about any kind of offer recently. As noted before, Flair wants to sign with Panda Energy in case TNA goes under, he still gets paid. Flair feels that since Hulk Hogan signed a deal under the same circumstances with Panda, he should get the same treatment.

– Reaction within TNA to the news of Scott Hall returning has been negative because of Hall’s track record with the company. Some are also worried about what kind of negative impact Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff can have on TNA with making bad decisions.

– While TNA is still turning people away from the iMPACT Zone for pay-per-views, they are having problems with attendance at TV tapings. They have been having to get people to move closer together and only film that direction because of attendance lately. They are trying to get more fans to come out for the January 4th live show and the feeling is attendance is more of a problem this time around because of the slow season at Universal Studios. Attendance at the theme park is down this time of year and people in the park who aren’t wrestling fans usually make up a good part of the crowd. There is hope that with Hogan and possibly Flair wrestling in the iMPACT Zone in 2010, attendance among park-goers who aren’t wrestling fans will increase.

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for some of the information used in this report)

– As noted earlier, sources in WWE are interested to see how the politics will be with Triple H once Bret Hart is back in the company. Many are curious to see how diplomatic Triple H will be with the whole situation. Most feel that given the recent changes in his life, Shawn Michaels will get along fine and wouldn’t be surprised if he gave Hart an apology.

– A former WWE employee was with Shane McMahon at a non-wrestling function over the weekend. The friend notes that Shane was beyond relaxed and relieved. Shane didn’t say anything negative about WWE but did seem glad that his travel schedule was over. Shane gave no indication of what’s next for him besides spending more time with his family. Apparently the meeting he had with UFC officials went well but it doesn’t look like anything further has came from it. While Shane is pretty aware of UFC, his interest in MMA must be blown out of proportion as he didn’t know of MMA promotion Strikeforce, where they stand of their recent moves.

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for the information used in this report)

Teddy Hart is telling people he’s joining World Wrestling Entertainment alongside his uncle Bret.

While his claims have yet to be confirmed, the feeling among his peers in Mexico — where he currently resides — is that should he wind up in WWE, he won’t last long because “he hasn’t learned one thing since he’s been there.” He still has a reputation for being highly talented, but greatly lacking in the psychology aspect of wrestling. Also, he still has a reputation for not listening, which is pretty much why he was released by WWE in October 2007.

Hart wants to bring Jack Evans with him, but Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) is high on Evans, more so than Hart, not mention he has more than two years left on his contract anyway.

Hart was either asked to visit WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, or already has, to do an interview for their DVD release profiling the legendary Hart Family. He was under the impression that the DVD would coincide with next year’s WrestleMania where Stu Hart would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for the information used in this report)

The short-term deal that Bret Hart has signed with WWE is a performer’s contract, so he will be an integral part of the storylines heading into WrestleMania. It’s still believed by many that he will be wrestling one match, most likely against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania.

Bret is old-school and is trying to keep everything about his return quiet. Because of this, a lot of news might not get out about plans for him in WWE before his first appearance. It’s still not confirmed that Bret will be hosting the January 4th RAW. WWE has announced guest hosts for the weeks before and after that date and that’s the night TNA challenges WWE for the first time on Monday nights, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Bret is a bit heavier than he has been in the past and is trying to get back into ring shape. He has been suffering from an unknown back injury that has made it hard to train.

Bret hasn’t talked with Shawn Michaels or Triple H since Montreal so it will be interesting to see how everything plays out between them.

WWE video games will continue to be developed & published by THQ through 2018 after a new agreement signed by the two companies. The agreement also puts an end to ongoing issues battle between WWE, THQ and Jakks regarding the WWE’s video game publishing rights.

THQ AND WWE SIGN EIGHT-YEAR DEAL

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE), leaders in video gaming and sports entertainment, today announced that they have entered into a new eight-year agreement granting THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on WWE®’s content effective January 1, 2010.

WWE grants THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to publish interactive games based on WWE properties across all major gaming platforms and distribution channels.

Since WWE entered the video game market in 1990, it has been a recognized leader and one of the top ten best-selling brands since 1995* according to NPD Group. Through September 30, 2009, THQ has reported net sales of WWE video games in excess of $1.4 billion.

“This agreement ensures that WWE games will continue to be an important cornerstone of THQ’s annual release schedule for the long term,” said Brian Farrell, THQ President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to working directly with WWE to expand their brand in the video game space through continued game play innovation and increased online delivery of WWE content.”

“As one of the most successful video game brands, WWE is excited to work directly with THQ to translate WWE’s colorful characters and ever-changing content into exciting and fresh video games for our fans,” said Donna Goldsmith, WWE Chief Operating Officer.

“This year’s highly rated WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 video game demonstrates the innovation and creativity that THQ brings to WWE,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This new licensing agreement will ensure that we continue our tremendous success in the video game industry in the years to come.”

*Based on US Market brand ranking 1995-November 2009

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), 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, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

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.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements about THQ
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the release of WWE video games, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements about WWE
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 the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; 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 to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

In an interview with the UK’s Daily Star, Sheamus says he found success through ‘determination’ and ‘an unerring self-belief (that) saw him right’.

“Here’s the deal – I grew up a red-headed kid and took a lot of abuse. Wrestling was always my dream, and people laughed at me.

“When I told people what I wanted to do, they laughed. But the lesson that every kid out there should take from me is don’t ever let anyone say you can’t do something.

“If you want something, if you have a dream, then do whatever it takes, and don’t listen to anyone who tells you can’t do it. I’m from a small country – and I’m WWE Champion.”

The WWE Champion also spoke out against those who feel the veterans ‘are keeping the young guys down’.

He strongly feels instead of brown-nosing and politicking, a positive and respectful attitude goes a long way.

“Lots of people complain that the top guys are keeping young wrestlers down.

“But, you know, in reality the top guys are looking for wrestlers to step up. They want young people to step up to that level – it’s what they’re waiting for. And I’ve worked my arse off.

“These guys are on top because they are the best. My goal is to be better than all of them. I don’t want to be first Irish champ. I want to be the best ever, the longest reigning champion.”

The Irish superstar also acknowledged the speculation regarding his relationship with Triple H.

“Yes, there are a few stories going around about HHH but the deal is that Trip has been fantastic.

“He’s one of the most successful WWE champions of all time. If you’re going to learn, then learn from the best.”

Visit DailyStar.co.uk to read the article in its entirety.

— Lacey Von Erich could soon find her way out of TNA Wrestling as DOIWrestling.com is reporting that the second generation performer is on “thin ice” with management. Officials have apparently thrown in the towel on Angelina Love’s successor as she has been resistant to suggestions to further her formal wrestling training not to mention her perceived negative attitude has been a source of contention among many in the company.

— Taylor Wilde accidentally cut herself at home last week while cutting vegetables and simultaneously talking on her cell phone. As a result, her finger needed to be stitched up. You can see an image of her laced finger at the following link.

— TNA posted a holiday themed shoot featuring Taylor Wilde and Daffney on its website today, but was pulled shortly thereafter.

— Working her first match in TNA in several years, former WCW valet April Hunter worked last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando.

Teaming with fellow independent women’s wrestler Lorelei Lee, the former Playboy model squared off against Knockout Tag Team Champions Sarita and Taylor Wilde in a tag match — which will air during TNA’s four-hour New Year’s Eve Knockout Eve special on Spike.

Hunter, 35, announced her retirement from in-ring competition in 2007 as a result of numerous wrestling-related injuries. Though still not healed, she has since gotten better as she was able to return to the ring a few weeks ago. Following a recent wrestling tour of Europe, Hunter commented on why she returned to the ring in her online newsletter:

“I got a lot of questions as to WHY I would wrestle again…it’s a fair question with a simple answer: I am trying to help my mom out financially. She has health insurance, but it’s not covering nearly enough of her cancer treatments, so I’m doing what I can if the money is right. I’ve been through a lot of therapy for my back and am also trying to work SMARTER rather than harder now. No, I’m not healed, but I am better than I was and can get by if it means getting another ridiculously high co pay of hers sorted out. Incidentally, Mom’s scans came back showing tumors starting to shrink from the chemotherapy, so here’s to hoping for remission.”

You can sign up for her free newsletter at her official website, www.AprilHunter.com.

— TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich, who had been selling ring-worn items and autographed photos on eBay, was booted from the online auction and shopping website on Monday. Her previously registered account now reads: “Not a registered user.”

— Sheik Abdul Bashir’s profile has been removed from the roster section of the official TNA website.

source: www.pwtorch.com

According to multiple sources within TNA, Scott Hall is expected to appear on the live episode of iMPACT! opposite Raw on January 4, 2010.

Hall, who is now 51, is expected to reform an Outsiders/nWo reunion with Kevin Nash, but without the WCW labels due to World Wrestling Entertainment owning the trademarks.

Sean Waltman’s name has also been mentioned for the reunion, but the latest indication given is that he is not a lock to appear.

Hall last appeared in TNA two years ago, briefly feuding with The Angle Alliance (Kurt Angle, AJ Styles and Tomko). Hall was scheduled to partner with Nash and Samoa Joe at the December 2007 pay-per-view, Turning Point, but Hall no-showed the event. During the live show, Joe cut a heated promo on Hall while Nash stood in the background.

Despite Hall’s poor track record with the company, recent reports regarding his behavior at independent shows have been positive. In a recent Twitter post, Nash vouched for Hall with the following: “Talked to Scott on Monday (December 7) and he sounded great!”

In the latest battle of “He Said, She Said,” www.f4wonline.com is reporting that the story of Shawn Daivari (a.k.a. Sheik Abdul Bashir) requesting his release from TNA Wrestling is false. His release from the organization was not unexpected as the company made the decision to let him go. Reportedly, he’s had a ton of heat on him for months, not to mention he didn’t get along at all with the company’s Director of Talent Relations, Terry Taylor.

— Infrequently seen ECW Superstar Tyler Reks competed in a dark match prior to last night’s live Raw broadcast in Tampa, Florida, working as a heel. After defeating Yoshi Tatsu — his first victory inside a WWE ring in several months — Reks grabbed the mic said, “chants of Yoshi makes my ears vomit.”

— On newsstands today is WWE Magazine: The Year in Pictures, “a pictorial phenomenon that recaps the explosive moments of WWE in 2009.” For an exclusive preview of the issue, click here.

— The WWE website has posted new photos of Bella Twin member Brie.

Wrestlers and employees from both World Wrestling Entertainment and TNA Wrestling met up on Sunday night in Orlando, Florida – where WWE was taping this week’s ECW, Superstars and SmackDown and TNA held its Final Resolution pay-per-view.

TNA president Dixie Carter visited with WWE wrestlers a bar in Orlando, according to prowrestling.net Carter hosted a Christmas party next door at the hotel where the majority of the TNA crew stays. Several WWE superstars were said to be leery of going over to the TNA party because they feared heat from WWE management. However, some of the TNA crew went over to the bar to meet with the WWE wrestlers, and Dixie Carter eventually followed. It was described as a social visit with Carter meeting some of the WWE crew members for the first time.

TNA star Samoa Joe wrote the following on his Twitter page: “Just found out there are old associates in town. Tonight the Illuminati meets… Illuminati meeting became Illuminati sleepover and is now Illuminati pancake breakfast. Secret societies seem so much cooler in the movies.”