WWE Daily

TMZ reports:

Freddie Prinze Jr. is free game for a verbal smackdown now that he works for the WWE — which Hulk Hogan gladly gave him. Watch the video…

WWE® SummerSlam Hits Australian Shores

-Get ready for the hardest-hitting, most explosive blockbuster of the summer, starring John Cena®, Triple H®, Batista™, Rey Mysterio®, and more as WWE® SummerSlam® detonates live on pay-per-view Monday, August 18, exclusive to MAIN EVENT.

When Edge™ defeated Undertaker at One Night Stand®, the Rated-R Superstar™ and his at the time bride-to-be, SmackDown® General Manager Vickie Guerrero®, had stipulated The Phenom™ be banished from all of WWE. But after Edge’s infidelity, Guerrero did the unthinkable, reinstating The Deadman™ and putting her cheating husband in a match against the returning Superstar at SummerSlam – the dangerous Hell in a Cell Match™. Will Edge’s past sins come back to haunt him in the form of The Phenom? Or will the Rated-R Superstar rest in peace after Hell in a Cell™??

After proving victorious in Friday Night SmackDown’s Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer® Battle Royal, outlasting the likes of Big Show™, Umaga™, Jeff Hardy® and MVP™, The Great Khali™ has earned the right to challenge WWE Champion® Triple H™ at SummerSlam. The Great Khali has asserted himself as a force to be reckoned with in WWE. But, if he hopes to hold championship gold high above the WWE Universe, he’ll inevitably have to play The Game™. Will Khali’s tremendous size and dangerous ability overcome The King of Kings™?

At SummerSlam, ECW’s® physically ferocious champion, Mark Henry®, will defend his gold against a passionately determined challenger, Matt Hardy®. Earning his opportunity to face Mark Henry was not an easy feat. Hardy had to fight through Finlay™, John Morrison® and The Miz™ in a Fatal Four Way Match on ECW. By overcoming the odds, he showed without a doubt that he will never die. Matt Hardy finally has a chance to capture a top spot in WWE, but in order flaunt that honor he will have to do more than reach the top of the mountain. He will have to smash through it. And this massive mountain will be fighting back, with unbelievably vicious force

Will Batista gain retribution over John Cena in a match guaranteed to rock SummerSlam to its very foundations? Forced to partner up at last week’s Raw®, and holding victory over the tag team contenders JBL™ and Kane™, they now have the chance to battle their feud out in the ring.

Don’t miss a second of the action at SummerSlam, Monday, August 18th at 10am live and exclusive on MAIN EVENT available on FOXTEL, Austar and Optus.

Visit www.wwe.com and http://au.wwe.com for more details.

WWE had issued this press release today:

WWE® Rated PG

July 28, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., July 28, 2008 - In recognition of WWE’s family friendly programming, all of its network distributors (NBC, USA Network, SCI FI Channel, CW) now rate WWE’s weekly individual programs as PG.

WWE–produced television has long been thought of as family programming. It’s not uncommon for multiple family members across generations to enjoy the fun-filled excitement of World Wrestling Entertainment®.

WWE RAW® seen on USA Network, has produced more primetime episodes than any other weekly episodic television series in history, and continues to be the most highly rated weekly series on cable television. WWE’s popular SmackDown®, currently on the CW Network on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. EST, moves to MyNetworkTV in the same time slot on October 3. WWE’s ECW® is seen on the SCI FI Channel on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST (moving to 9:00 pm EST on September 30). These top-rated WWE programs attract nearly 15 million fans per week in the United States. This PG environment, as rated by the respective networks, is also consistent with WWE’s own self-regulation of its website (wwe.com), all other digital assets, and publications. WWE television programming can be seen in 130 countries and is translated into 23 languages.

WWE released a Press Release on establishing a new position for Special Events in the WWE. WWE has made John P. Saboor the new Amabassador.

The press release as follows:

Saboor New WWE® Ambassador
July 28, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., July 28, 2008 – John P. Saboor will join as World Wrestling Entertainment®’s new Senior Vice President, Special Events. In this newly created position, he will have primary responsibility for community partnerships, marketing, promotion and sponsorship support for WWE’s special events, including WrestleMania®, WWE’s annual pop culture extravaganza.

Prior to joining WWE, Saboor was President of the Central Florida Sports Commission. He and Orlando Mayor John Hugh “Buddy” Dyer, played a pivotal role in convincing WWE to bring WrestleMania XXIV to Orlando. The event was a tremendous success for Orlando, generating over $30 million in revenue locally and over $100 million nationally.

“John’s leadership as President of the Central Florida Sports Commission was a critical part of the tremendous success we experienced with WrestleMania 24 in Orlando,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman. “He really understands our brand. He is an ideal person to step into this position.”

Source

WWE launches Thumb Wrestlers

It is a series of miniature (2 inches) re-creations of renowned wrestlers including Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Edge, Batista and John Cena. The re-creations made of soft vinyl plastic can be fitted into one’s thumb to engage in a dual with an opponent

Now children of all ages, have a safe way to indulge in the adrenaline rushing sport of wrestling – that too with their favourite masters of the rings. The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE – formerly called the World Wrestling Federation) has launched the Thumb Wrestlers Franchise.

It is a series of miniature (2 inches) re-creations of renowned wrestlers including Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Edge, Batista and John Cena. The re-creations made of soft vinyl plastic can be fitted into one’s thumb to engage in a dual with an opponent.

The Franchise has been launched in India by My Baby Excels- A new label in the arena of Toys and licensee for International bestsellers like Disney Plush, Wow Wee, Funtastic, Bandai, Baby Einstein. Says Mustafa Kapasi, COO – Business Strategy and New Business Development, My Baby Excels “The Thumb Wrestlers has received a very encouraging response due to the huge fan base of WWE stars like Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Edge, Batista and John Cena. Also children can indulge in the WWE experience in a safe manner without risk of any physical harm”.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) is a publicly traded, privately controlled integrated media (focusing in television, Internet, and live events) and sports entertainment company dealing primarily in the professional wrestling industry, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales. WWE made its way into India with the advent of Satellite television way back in the early 90’s.

Earlier known as WWF, the franchise has grown with a huge following with the Undertaker, Hit man and others becoming household names. The WWE is the second most popular viewed sport in India after an India-Pakistan Match. The Great Khali – the wrestler of Indian origin who recently visited India is part of the WWE.

The Thumb Wrestlers will be available across leading stores such as Movies and More, Lifestyle, Spencers, Odyssey, More, Landmark, Crossword, and many more and is priced at Rs99 each.

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WWE has issued this press release today:
WWE® and Jenny McCarthy SmackDown Autism
July 22, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn, July 22, 2008 – Jenny McCarthy and Generation Rescue will take their fight against Autism to a WWE ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event® on August 2, 2008 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

The campaign to support Generation Rescue is already in full swing at WWE.com and can be found at http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/generationrescuesnme/

“Many of our viewers have children or friends who are affected by autism and the WWE is committed to helping fund programs for families in need and advancing research that will help this generation of children,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

“I love the WWE and when Vince McMahon called me and said he wanted to join the fight and help families suffering with autism I was really excited,” said actress and best-selling author Jenny McCarthy. “Who better to have on your side in a fight than WWE?”

Generation Rescue is a parent-founded, parent-led organization of more than 450 mentor families and leading researchers and clinicians from around the globe. Generation Rescue’s mission is to continue to discover and share the truth with families about the potential cause of their child’s neurological disorders so they can focus on effective treatments. Additional information about Generation Rescue can be found at www.generationrescue.org.

WWE has issued this press release this morning:

World Wrestling Entertainment® Announces WWE Studios
July 21, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., July 21, 2008 – WWE® is changing the name of its Los Angeles-based subsidiary from WWE Films to WWE Studios to better represent its focus on creating a diversified mix of filmed entertainment, including theatrical films, direct-to-DVD movies, and scripted television movies, series and reality programming.

“The name change reflects our focus on expanding the variety of projects that WWE intends to pursue, from theatrical films to direct-to-DVD to television and other media platforms,” said Michael Lake, President, WWE Studios. “WWE Studios will continue to pursue opportunities which expand the integration of the WWE brand and its Superstars into filmed entertainment.”

In early 2009, WWE Superstar John Cena’s latest theatrical film “12 Rounds,” directed by Renny Harlin, will be released by 20th Century Fox, under the WWE first look deal with Fox Atomic. WWE Studios, in conjunction with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, also will debut its first direct-to-DVD film, “Behind Enemy Lines: Columbia,” starring WWE Superstar Mr. Kennedy. Since the subsidiary’s formal inception in 2002, WWE has produced three motion pictures: “See No Evil,” “The Condemned “and “The Marine.”

-World Wrestling Entertainment has renamed its film division WWE Studios as part of a move to expand into the production of scripted series and pics for television.
“We’re now in filmed entertainment, not just the film business,” said WWE Studios prexy Michael Lake. “If we’re going to be in this business, we need to be in the business.” WWE pins film arm

WWE® Promotes Cheryl Kong Vice President, Marketing, Canada, Latin America and China
July 8, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., July 8, 2008 — World Wrestling Entertainment® today announced the promotion of Cheryl Kong, Vice President, Marketing, Canada, Latin America and China.

In her new role, Kong is responsible for the management, and continued development, of regional marketing teams in Canada, Latin America and China, overseeing all marketing, promotion and publicity of WWE Brand and Properties. Kong joined WWE Canada in 2002.

�?Cheryl has been instrumental in leading her team and developing marketing and public relations initiatives throughout Canada, Latin America and China,�? said Carl De Marco, President, WWE Canada. Latin America and China. “She will continue to be a driving force in WWE’s international expansion efforts building the brand in all three territories.�?

Within the past year, WWE has opened offices in Sao Paolo, Brazil and Shanghai, China and has recently launched television programming in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Chongqing, Jiangsu with additional launches expected in Hubei and Shaanxi.

Press Released by WWE:

WWE® Fuels USA Network’s Continuing Success
July 7, 2008
In a remarkably competitive 2Q 2008 marked by NBA playoffs and high-profile cable originals, USA was the No. 1 cable network delivering more P25-54 (1.27 million), P18-49 (1.25 million), total viewers (2.73 million) and households (2.04 million) than any other network in basic cable prime.

USA’s success was fueled, in part, by another tremendous ratings performance by WWE’s Monday Night RAW, as it has been since the program returned to USA in 2005. In the second quarter, RAW regularly placed in the top 10, representing more of these top spots than any other show and reaffirming its status as the No. 1 weekly series on cable.

-JR Blogs on The Ric Flair Definitive Collection:

The new Ric Flair DVD is “gold” and after watching it this weekend unless one absolutely hates “Naitch”, and if so shame on you, this particular DVD is a must have for any true wrestling fan’s collection. Naturally, one can make an argument as to why certain matches were included and some were left off but all in all this is a helluva DVD and I love the seemingly endless interviews and some of the classic bouts are timeless. Yes, it did feel strange that someone apparently dropped the ball by not including a sit down interview with Ricky Steamboat who Flair will readily say is Ric’s greatest ever opponent. There are so many great Ric Flair bouts the WWE owns that another DVD of just classic, Flair matches could be easily assembled some day. More from Jim Ross…

Watch a few highlights of the Ric Flair Definitive Collection on Youtube…

JR’s recent blog post consists of him heading over to Smackdown:

It’s also humorous to read that “the WWE can’t rely on J.R. forever.” True. But who can the WWE or any other company for that matter rely on “forever”? Manure like this just serves as motivation for a hard headed, competitive, old school guy like me. More on JR…….

-Jim Ross has been an Executive Vice President for the WWE and now moving to Smackdown, hoping to get some action over the opther WWE Brand. JR has earned up to $782,959 n the WWE. More on WWE executives earnings…

Wounded Soldiers And Veterans Get Assist From WWE®
June 19, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., June 19, 2008- Thirty wounded soldiers and veterans will be special VIP guests of World Wrestling Entertainment® at the June 30 “Monday Night RAW®�? when the show is broadcast live from the Ford Center in Oklahoma City on USA Network.

The local Oklahoma City chapter of the national organization Soldiers’ Angels contacted hometown celebrity Jim “J.R. ®�? Ross, the legendary announcer for RAW and a WWE Hall of Famer, about having the soldiers and veterans attend. J.R. put the wheels in motion with WWE to finalize the arrangements. “The servicemen and women who are guests of WWE are like family to us. I find it an honor to be able to play a small role in helping these brave, war veterans who have been wounded in action see a night of entertainment that they will not soon forget,�? said J.R., who added that WWE provides free tickets to all active duty military personnel who provide military ID the day of any WWE events across the U.S. that are not sold out.

In recognition of its continued support of the U.S. military and their families, particularly through its annual holiday Tribute to the Troops tour of war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, WWE recently received the Corporate Patriot Award at the annual GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Other past honors for WWE have been the first ever “Legacy of Hope�? award from the USO of Metropolitan Washington, The Army Air Force Exchange Service Award in gratitude for WWE’s efforts to improve the quality of life for troops by supporting service members and their families worldwide, and the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

About Soldiers’ Angels
Soldiers’ Angels is an all volunteer based organization, incorporated in the state of Nevada. Their mission is to provide aide and comfort to any of the armed forces and their families. The organization has several ongoing projects including the Letter Writing Team, Wounded TLC Team, Holiday for Heroes, Blankets of Hope and Veterans Assistance.

Chris Nowinski talks about being a survivor of concussions, related to his retirement from the WWE on audio post on the Alzheimer Research Forum.

At one part of the discussion Nowinski says:

“I fought very hard to get his brain studied because he told me in a locker room in Manchester, New Hampshire about a year prior that he had more concussions than he could count… He had been exhibiting a lot of strange behavior at the end of his life.” …To listen to the full audio clip….

-WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt sent a lengthy email to author Irvin Muchnick on Monday regarding a list of the author’s top nine “unanswered questions” regarding the Benoit family tragedy. Go here to view the whole document in its entirerty or upload it here: wwe-lawyer-jerry-mcdevitt-letter-to-author-muchnick.doc

WWE® and Ten Sports Form TV Tag Team in India
June 16, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., June 16, 2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) and Ten Sports have announced a new agreement which will see WWE available exclusively on Ten Sports in India through 2014.

The joint announcement gives Ten Sports exclusive broadcast rights to more than 450 hours of first run, WWE branded content in the Indian sub-continent, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives. WWE programming consistently rates number one in daily sports content across the Indian sub-continent WWE’s most successful programs, including RAW®, SmackDown® and ECW®, as well as special pay-per-view events, will be presented on Ten Sports.

-Triple H talks about his Father-in-law, Vince McMahon, he’s a pretty smart guycrazy or not.Triple H then is asked to respond to some recent comments Scott Steiner made about him and Ric Flair.

Check out the interview below:

Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg Interviews Triple H

Original Media, the shingle behind unscripted hits “Miami Ink” and “L.A. Ink,” has sealed a development pact with WWE wrestling legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Under the pact, Original will partner with management/production company Caliber Media to create a reality show with Austin at the center. Producers are keeping tight wraps on the concept, which they plan to pitch to network and cable nets shortly. Original, Austin ink development deal

Over One Million Fans Enter McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania™
June 11, 2008
-PLEASANT RIDGE, Mich., June 11, 2008 –In only one week, over one million WWE® fans have signed up for McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania, registering over two million sweepstakes entries. Traffic to the promotion site continues to reach historic levels as viewers look to cash in on World Wrestling Entertainment®Chairman Vince McMahon’s generosity. The frenzy hit an all time high during the June 9 broadcast of Monday Night RAW® on the USA Network when users signed up at a rate of 9,000 per minute.

“There was a fever of anticipation Monday night in Oakland,�? said Gabe Karp, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of ePrize. “We were thrilled to see this level of exhilaration matched through the online promotion. As Mr. McMahon knows, and this sweepstakes is proving, it’s all about the money. Nothing moves viewers to their computers faster than cold, hard cash and the chance to be part of a dynasty like the WWE.�?

Unless fans visit wwe.com and register, they will have no chance of receiving a call from Mr. Mahon live on Monday Night Raw. It’s just a matter of time before the Chairman closes his personal ATM machine to viewers. Fans may take part in the mania by logging onto WWE.com for their chance to win. Mr. McMahon will be sharing a million dollars of his personal wealth again on RAW, Monday, June 16, live from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Eight winners were called live on Monday night and asked for the password to claim their part of McMahon’s fortune. Steve Rosenzweig, the final winner of the evening, took home $250,000. As a longtime WWE fan, the 42-year-old internet retailer was thrilled to win from Mr. McMahon. “This sweepstakes,” said Rosenzweig,”can definitely make a dream or two come true.”

– Vince McMahon will be giving away yet another Million Dollars on next week’s show. Based on the official contest rules for Week 2 of Million Dollar Mania, there will be 8 prizes given away with the grand prize for next week being $300,000. Here is the complete prize info:

-One (1) prize, consisting of three-hundred thousand dollars ($300,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

- One (1) prize, consisting of one-hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

- One (1) prize consisting of one-hundred seventy-four thousand nine-hundred eighty four dollars ($174,984 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-One (1) prize consisting of one-hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-One (1) prize consisting of one-hundred thousand dollars ($100,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-One (1) prize consisting of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-One (1) prize consisting of fifty-thousand dollars ($50,000 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-One (1) prize consisting of sixteen dollars ($16.00 USD) to be awarded in the form of a check.

-The ratings are in for the June 9th edition of WWE RAW and it’s not good news for WWE. With all the hype over Mr. McMahon’s Million Dollar Giveaway, this week’s show drew only a 3.03 cable rating, according to data compiled by Neilson Media Research. This is down from last week’s 3.06. This week’s show did hourly numbers of of 2.97 and 3.09. The quarter hour numbers ranged from 2.82 to 3.21.

This Tuesday, June 3, WWE invites all our fans to a very special press conference at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles at 12 noon PT. Fans can join WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon and their favorite WWE Superstars as they make a special announcement.

Along with this blockbuster announcement, the Chairman will further explain his reasons behind Mr. McMahon’s million dollar announcement and why he plans on giving away more cash on live television than ever has been done before.

Doors at the STAPLES Center open at 11:15 a.m. PT on Tuesday and admission is free to those fans who want to witness this monumental occasion live. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, don’t miss out. Be a part of sports-entertainment history!

But, if you can’t be live at the STAPLES Center this week, log on to WWE.com live at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT to catch the press conference streamed live. Be a part of sports-entertainment history!