WWE Daily

WWE has issued this press release:

WWE® WrestleMania® Revenge Tour In Mexico a Huge Success
May 29, 2008
MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 29, 2008 - The World Wrestling Entertainment® Superstars of RAW® drew huge crowds of enthusiastic fans and press on the WrestleMania Revenge live event tour in Mexico, May 21 to 24.

The tour kicked off May 21 with a sold out show in Monterrey, where more than 12,000 fans gathered in 100 degree heat to cheer on WWE Superstars Triple H®, John Cena®, Shawn Michaels®, Chris Jericho®, Jeff Hardy™ and Mexican Super Crazy™. On May 22, more than 10,000 were in attendance at The Plaza De Toros Santa Maria in Queretaro. The WrestleMania Revenge Tour ended with an amazing reception in Mexico City with two consecutive shows on May 23 and 24, with more than 15,000 fans each night at the Palacio de los Deportes.

“The amazing reception from our WWE fans in Mexico is consistently overwhelming�?, said Carl DeMarco, WWE President, Latin America. “In a country with such a rich lucha libre heritage and tradition, the success of the WrestleMania Revenge tour perfectly portrays the enthusiasm for the WWE brand and its Superstars in Mexico, confirming its position as the worldwide leader in sports entertainment.�?

Today WWE released this press release on the new network that will be working for the Smackdown brand on WWE:

MyNetworkTV Pins Down First Week of October 2008 For Tag Team of WWE® Television Events
May 19, 2008
NEW YORK, N.Y., May 19, 2008 – The WWE on MyNetworkTV will kick off a night early with a first ever broadcast presentation of “WrestleMania�? on Thursday, October 2nd at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT), announced the network’s president, Greg Meidel. This special presentation featuring the best moments of “WrestleMania XXIV�? including Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show® will be followed by the premiere of “WWE SmackDown�? on Friday, October 3rd at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

In making the announcement, Meidel stated, “We’re thrilled to bring fans even more of their favorite WWE action on MyNetworkTV. These side-by-side primetime events are sure to deliver two nights of edge-of-your-seat, action-packed entertainment.�?

“WWE SmackDown�? will be presented on MyNetworkTV weekly on Fridays and showcase a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars, including Edge®, Rey Mysterio®, Batista®, MVP™ and Undertaker®. It will feature all the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television, and one of the top ten English language prime time programs among Hispanic households.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon added, “What better way to introduce MyNetworkTV viewers to the WWE brand than to schedule our first-ever broadcast television debut of ‘WrestleMania.’�?

“WrestleMania�? is one of the biggest annual sports entertainment events. In addition to the Mayweather/Big Show match, this year’s lineup featured the retirement of the legendary Ric Flair following an emotional loss to Shawn Michaels, as well as the crowning of the Undertaker as the new World Heavyweight Champion and Kane as the new ECW Champion. Additional celebrity appearances included a performance of “America the Beautiful�? by John Legend, special guest hostess Kim Kardashian, BunnyMania Lumberjack Match Master of Ceremonies Snoop Dogg and Raven-Symoné along with 50 children honored by WWE in its largest ever Make-A-Wish event. “WrestleMania XXIV�? was the highest grossing live event for both the WWE and its venue, The Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

WWE released this press release:

WWE® Honored With Corporate Patriot Award
May 19, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., May 19, 2008- World Wrestling Entertainment® has been awarded the first-ever Corporate Patriot Award at the annual GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. WWE was given the award in recognition of its ongoing support and appreciation of the U.S. military and their families, particularly its annual holiday Tribute to the Troops tour to entertain troops in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

WWE Hall of Famer and Legend Ric Flair®, who has performed in Iraq with WWE, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Celebrities attending the award ceremony on Friday evening included Robert Duvall, Gary Sinise, Stephen Baldwin, John Ratzenberger, Karri Turner and Leeann Tweeden, Gil Gerard, James McEachin, Captain Dale Dye, Bill Chatfield, and Army Chief of Staff General George Casey.

During the past five years, WWE Superstars have visited more than 200 military installations, forward operating bases, military hospitals, aircraft carriers, submarines, and the Pentagon. Since 2003, WWE has worked with Armed Forces Entertainment to produce WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops program that features WWE Superstars performing before troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the holidays. WWE and AFE celebrated the fifth anniversary of Tribute to the Troops in 2007, touring 20 forward operating bases, culminating in a live performance at Camp Speicher that was shown as a special Monday Night RAW on USA Network.

In 2004, the USO of Metropolitan Washington presented WWE with the first ever “Legacy of Hope�? award for our extensive support of our troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program. In 2005, The Army Air Force Exchange Service awarded WWE the first-ever Three Commander Coin Award for WWE’s support of its partnership with AAFES to improve the quality of life for our troops by supporting service members and their families worldwide. In 2006, WWE and Vince McMahon each received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

-SMACKDOWN head writer Michael Hayes has been suspended by the WWE, after allegedly using racist language. Hayes banned after racist slur

-Jim Ross has updates the BarB-Q report , here are some highlights:

-In my opinion, Ric’s greatest opponent, as far as match quality and continuing to raise the bar each and every time they competed, has to be Ricky Steamboat. I know Ric feels this way too. There is no doubt that the greats of the game like Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes,Wahoo McDaniel, Terry Funk, etc, among many others, deserve “props,” but Steamboat truly brought out the best in Ric and visa versa.

-The documentary film “Beyond the Mat” is making its rounds again I see. This documentary which was originally scheduled for limited released as an “art film” or so I was told, has to have done well in a financial sense for the producers. Especially considering that I don’t think the producers had much money invested in paying those of us who took our time and appeared on the film and contributed to the production of it. I know I was never paid a dime for my contributions on it, which used to bother me more then than it does now.

- I am looking to see how Natalia “Nattie” Neidhart represents herself and her famous Hart family on her first WWE PPV. I expect it will be well indeed. I have high expectations for young, Ms.Neidhart. More on the grill….

WrestleMania 25

World Wrestling Entertainment has issued this press release today:

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: WrestleMania® XXV In Houston
April 23, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., April 23, 2008 – Fresh off a tremendously successful WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, World Wrestling Entertainment® is already working with the Houston business community on WrestleMania XXV, which will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, home to the NFL’s Houston Texans.

WWE® executives and WWE’s most decorated Superstar, Ric Flair, traveled to Houston today to meet with local city officials and businesses, to begin preparations for this milestone event. Their collaborative agenda includes planning stadium production, discussing sponsorship opportunities and organizing citywide activities. The trip included a luncheon with more than 100 Houston business leaders and discussion of how their companies could integrate with sports entertainment’s biggest pop culture event.

For the past two years, WrestleMania has attracted fans from around the world, and infused up to $30 million into the local economies of host cities Detroit (WrestleMania XXIII) and Orlando.

The always anticipated WrestleMania weekend is expected to feature the 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the annual Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch, the annual national WrestleMania Reading Challenge Finals, another wish granting initiative with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visits to schools and libraries, local fundraisers and exciting opportunities to meet WWE Superstars and Divas at various public appearances. “Fans in Houston can expect an up-close and personal experience when WrestleMania XXV comes to Texas next year,�? said Geof Rochester, Executive Vice President, Marketing. “It’s going to be an amazing 25th Anniversary celebration.�?

In 2001, the Houston Reliant Astrodome hosted WrestleMania17 (WrestleMania X-Seven®). A record 67,925 fans witnessed Stone Cold Steve Austin regain the WWE Championship from The Rock, among other exciting matches, making WrestleMania X-Seven, at the time, the highest grossing live event in WWE history. In addition, the event shattered Reliant Astrodome live attendance records.

Win Bret’s Book……………

WWE® Slams Record Live Event Sell Outs in Europe
April 23, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., April 23, 2008—WWE’s WrestleMania® Revenge Tours of Europe finished as the most successful in WWE history, selling out 15 of 20 events. The tours generated more than $14.5 million in ticket sales revenue. More than 175,000 fans were in attendance at events in the United Kingdom, Spain, Austria, France, Switzerland, and Portugal to see their favorite Superstars from the RAW®, SmackDown® and ECW® brands.

Andrew Whitaker, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa, stated “The success of WWE’s April tour is a real testament to the growing popularity of the brand internationally. We are thrilled that so many European fans had an opportunity to experience WWE live events in person.”

For fans that missed the excitement of WWE live in April, WWE announced that April 26 is the on-sale date for tickets for the RAW and SmackDown/ECW Survivor Series® Tours this November, which will bring more excitement and action to Europe.

Win Brets Book…………….

Actor Scott Speedman, Marissa McMahon, director Henry Miller and actor Willem Dafoe attend the “Anamorph” Premiere at Tribeca Cinemas on April 16, 2008 in New York City.

NEW YORK – As the glow of the setting sun cooled over the Tribeca Cinemas theater in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening, a Hardcore Legend, a slew of Hollywood stars and the McMahon clan all shared the red carpet for a special screening of Anamorph – a film produced by Marissa McMahon, featuring WWE Superstar Mick Foley, Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe and a host of others.

Shane and Marissa McMahon
On a narrow sidewalk on Varick Street, Marissa – wife of Shane and daughter-in-law of the WWE Chairman, himself – bore a broad, infectious grin while exchanging hugs with family, friends, media, cast and crew for the special screening of her very first cinematic production.

Away from the flashing cameras, near the modest art house theater entry, the elated movie producing McMahon described the sensation of this big night in her career.

“It’s my first film, so that’s exciting in its own right,�? Marissa said, still somewhat overwhelmed by the moment. “I’m really proud of the film. It’s really exciting to work for so long and then finally get to this moment.�?

A masterful addition to the thriller/suspense genre, Anamorph is a production of IFC Films and Kamala Films (no relation to the belly-patting Ugandan Giant). As Marissa explained, she and director Henry Miller couldn’t be any happier with the independent label that embraced this movie.

“We were really proud and excited to see IFC take on the film because they have a history of taking on really smart, cutting edge films,�? she said. “To be in the company of the great films [IFC] represents feels like a good home for us.�?

Essentially the perfect tag team, Marissa McMahon and IFC bring this on-screen presentation to WWE fans as well as average movie lovers, promising something that’s “crazy and gruesome at times�? but overall, “just a great ride.�?

“It’s a unique film because it’s a thriller and a very artful kind of film,�? Marissa proudly added. “Willem [Dafoe] is fantastic. We’ve got an amazing cast … these great cameos. And, [WWE fans] will see Mick Foley in a way they’ve never seen him before.�?

She continued, “[Mick’s] great in the role that he plays; a little bit like Dude Love, which is why when we read the script, we thought he’d be perfect for the role.�?

Duly noted by the film’s producer, sports-entertainment’s own plaid-shirted Foley and Dafoe (Platoon, Spider-Man), share the screen with the likes of Blondie’s Grammy Award-winning lead singer Debbie Harry and Scott Speedman (Underworld). According to the enthusiastic Superstar, the production of Anamorph was an unmistakably defining moment in his career – one that didn’t include chairs, tables or great leaps from steel cells.

“I loved the day I spent filming,�? Foley claimed. “It was one of my most memorable days outside the ring. Marissa was great; I think she has every right to be proud.�?

Before heading out on a mission to obtain a box of buttery popcorn for the movie’s screening, the former WWE Champion revealed a most interesting muse for his on-camera appearance outside the squared circle.

“I’m not sure I channeled any of my WWE personas; I just tried to think of what a slightly sleazy pawn shop owner might look and act like,�? the Hardcore Legend said. “And it turns out it’s my personality exactly.�?

“If I hadn’t been a WWE Superstar,�? he laughed, “I would’ve been a sleazy pawn shop owner.�?

Jokes aside, Foley humbly praised Anamorph’s star-studded cast as well as its talented producer. He also described what viewers – especially our WWE fans – can expect out of the Hardcore Legend on the silver screen.

“I think [fans] can just look forward to seeing one of their guys doing dialogue with one America’s great actors, Willem Dafoe,�? Foley affirmed. “I thought this was a great script from the moment I read it. I’m really anticipating it being a good and pleasurable movie-going experience.�?

Mick Foley Talks About His Movie Anamorph 4/14/08

Anamorph - Trailer #1 TRUE-HD


Photos

Hollywood Stars to Celebrate American GIs at the 2nd Annual GI Film Festival, May 14-18, 2008, in Washington, DC
ARLINGTON, Va., April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Second Annual GI Film Festival, which will be held May 14-18, 2008 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC, recently announced that award-winning actors Gary Sinise, Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, and James Franco are scheduled to lead the 2008 festival line-up. Overall, the five-day festival will present both classic and premier films honoring the nation’s men and women in uniform. For the full festival agenda, visit www.gifilmfestival.com. Scheduled events include:*

— Film screenings presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and
directors, including Gary Sinise, Jon Voight, Robert Duvall, James
Franco, Ron Maxwell, Lou Reda, and Terry Sanders, to name a few.

— 25 military film premiers featuring the work of promising new
filmmakers.

— A congressional reception honoring members of Congress who served in
the military.

— The presentation of the “Corporate Patriot Award,” to World Wrestling
Entertainment (WWE) and Vince and Linda McMahon for their philanthropic
work on behalf of the American Armed Forces.

— An “Armed Forces Action Fest” at Bolling Air Force Base featuring WWE
stars and former Buck Rogers television actor Gil Gerard.

— Panel discussions, including The 100 Greatest War Films of All-Time,
War Stories, featuring Medal of Honor recipients, and The Portrayal of
GIs in Film and the Media.

— VIP after parties featuring celebrities, top military brass, and
filmmakers

— A three-day, onsite exhibit where visitors can learn about veteran
service organizations.

— The Filmmakers’ Forum, a screening room which will provide films free
of charge throughout the festival.

— Special appearances by: Dale Dye, Karri Turner, Leeann Tweeden, James
McEachin, General Richard Myers, General George Casey, General Richard
Cody, The Honorable Dan Glickman, and many more.

“Our mission is simple: To honor the successes and sacrifices of American GIs through the medium of film. Some of the films will be fan favorites. Others will be screened for the first time. All will, in some way, honor the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women,” said GI Film Festival President Brandon Millett. “The GI Film Festival is a can’t-miss event for anyone who wants to watch great military films, meet Hollywood stars and support the troops.”

The GI Film Festival is the first and only film festival dedicated to the American military. GI Film Festival 2007, held Memorial Day Weekend 2007, received the George Washington Medal from the Freedom’s Foundation for the festival’s “exceptional work … promoting an understanding and appreciation for our country’s rich heritage and unique freedoms.” Moreover, one GI Film Festival 2007 premier, Operation Homecoming, was a finalist for the Academy Award for “Best Feature Documentary.”

Ticket prices range from $10 per event to $375 for an all-access festival pass, which includes access to all festival events and celebrity cocktail receptions, as well as VIP seating for all events.

GI Film Festival media partners include: The Military History Channel, The Discovery Military Channel, WUSA-9, WMAL, The Weider History Group, The Washington Times, The Hill Newspaper, and Military.com.

GI Film Festival sponsors include: World Wrestling Entertainment, American Airlines, Bank of America, Genius Products, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Oakley, and the Motion Picture Association of America.

For more information, please visit www.gifilmfestival.com. VIP festival passes and single event tickets now on sale.

*Festival agenda subject to change.

SOURCE GI Film Festival

Vincent K. McMahon
Chairman
Vince McMahon, Chairman of the Board of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), is a third generation promoter who has made WWE into the global phenomenon it is today. As a pioneer in the television syndication business, a recognized television personality throughout the world, a visionary promoter and a fearless marketer, he continues to make his presence known as a leader within the broadcast and entertainment industries.

In 1972, McMahon joined his father’s company, Capitol Wrestling Corporation, on a full-time basis. By 1979, the company had syndicated programming to 30 television stations. In 1982, he purchased the Capitol Wrestling Corporation from his father and decided to take what had been a regional operation and turn it into a national venture.

McMahon soon became a pioneer in the cable television industry by leveraging the new technologies of pay-per-view and closed-circuit television for the first WrestleMania. Now, not only had he built a brand that people would watch in syndication, he had built the WWE into a brand that people would pay to watch. WrestleMania III in 1987 attracted 93,173 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome, setting an indoor attendance record that still stands. In April 2000, more than a million fans purchased WrestleMania X-6, at the time making it the most watched non-boxing event in pay-per-view history. WrestleMania has achieved approximately one million buys four more times since then. In 2006, nearly six million households purchased WWE pay-per-view events, placing the company among the largest pay-per-view event programming providers in the world.

Today, WWE produces new television programming 52 weeks a year. Programs such as “Monday Night RAW,�? “Friday Night SmackDown,�? and “ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling” are ratings successes that can be seen in more than 130 countries and heard in 22 languages.

As the television audience has grown exponentially, so has the live event audience. In 2007, WWE performed 308 live events, including 75 international events, entertaining more than 2.0 million fans.

Under McMahon’s leadership, the company continues to grow. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WWE. WWE has started WWE Films, which will produce and fully finance two to four motion pictures a year, and is making inroads into digital media platforms with new video-on-demand, broadband and mobile services. In recognition of WWE’s work to support children over the past 20 years, Vince, in 2005, was appointed to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America National Advisory Council. He is a tireless supporter of the U.S. military; the WWE was the recipient of the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s first ever “Legacy of Hope�? award for WWE’s extensive support of our troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program and in 2007, WWE received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for its support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Other Executive Bios

Vincent K. McMahon
Linda E. McMahon
Michael Sileck
Shane B. McMahon
Kevin Dunn
Stephanie McMahon Levesque
George Barrios
Donna Goldsmith
Geof Rochester
Edward L. Kaufman
John Laurinaitis
Michael Lake

WWE®’s WrestleMania® Rocks Sales
April 9, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., April 9, 2008—World Wrestling

Press Release on WWE.com:
Entertainment’s® WrestleMania XXIV pay-per-view used music to rock the Florida Citrus Bowl, and at the same time helped rock the charts for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Legend, Fuel and Rev Theory.

WWE Superstars making their colorful entrances on television and pay-per-view queued by audience-energizing theme songs can provide big dividends for musical performers.

Fuel’s “Leave the Memories Alone�? was the theme song for wrestling legend Ric Flair® at WrestleMania XXIV and the following night’s Monday Night RAW® on USA Network. The exposure led to the song experiencing a skyrocketing 999% increase last week, and a 409% increase this week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Fuel is thrilled with reaction to the song. “I think it’s fantastic. It shows how genuinely passionate WWE fans are about their wrestling and their music. When you write a piece of music that was very passionate to you, it’s nice to see people respond in the same manner, and that’s what’s happening here,�? said Carl Bell, guitarist.

After serving as one of WrestleMania XXIV’s theme songs, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ single “Snow (Hey Oh)�?, and album “Stadium Arcadium�? saw an increase in sales. John Legend’s album “Live From Philadelphia�? also saw a sales increase following his live performance of “America the Beautiful�? at WrestleMania.

Rev Theory’s “Light It Up�? also served as a theme song for this year’s WrestleMania event and had their sales increase 999% as well. Rev Theory performed during the final leg of WWE’s Fan Axxess Tour in Orlando in front of 20,000 people. They were so impressed with its reception, the band invited WWE Diva and fan Ashley Massaro™ to Los Angeles last week to star in their new video, “Hell Yeah�?.

“This is yet another great example of the many levels of exposure WWE generates for performers.The music partnerships that we have are ever increasing and our commitment to create global awareness for music acts today is as relevant as ever; especially with the state of the music business,�? Neil Lawi, General Manager WWE Music Group. “Bands that record theme songs for WWE promotional use are establishing themselves as pop culture icons by gaining coveted exposure to millions of fans worldwide while continuing to rock the sales charts.�?

-WWE collecting, storing for future Hall of Fame site

-DDP radio interview tomorrow morning
Body: I will be doing a radio sho with Lee Marshall tomorrow morning at
8:15 AM West Coast Time
Not in the west coast? No problem! Just visit
http://www. 1450theboomer. com/
and click on Listen Live!
BANG! - DDP

-Heyman’s on his wildest Hustle

WrestleMania Reading Challenge Crowns National Champs

WWE.com has posted the winners of the WrestleMania 24 reading challenge:

April 3, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla., April 3, 2008 – Hometown hero David Silva of the Orlando Public Library and Ajoura Gwinn of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, Pa., were crowned 2008 WrestleMania Reading Challenge National Champions. Silva, the national middle school reading champ, and Gwinn, the national high school reading champ, received the coveted trophies along with ringside seats to WrestleMania XXIV at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

This is the second year of the national competition held by WWE and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) to reach reluctant readers and get more teens reading beyond Teen Read Week™, YALSA’s annual initiative to encourage teens to read for fun. WWE plans to continue to expand the reading challenge competition as part of a new initiative to extend its popularity with youth.

Silva and Gwinn had the most correct responses to questions about the books “Stuck in Neutral�? by Terry Trueman and “Ball Don’t Lie�? by Matt de la Pena. The authors served as judges while the finalists were quizzed by WWE Superstars CM Punk, The Miz and Matt Striker. Punk, Miz and Striker all appeared in posters distributed nationwide to encourage libraries’ participation in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge.

From the more than 30,000 participants in more than 1,170 libraries across the country who competed, 10 finalists were selected to face off in Orlando to become national champions. Gwinn and four others competed in the 9-12 grade division, Silva and the other four finalists competed in the 7-8 grade division. Each finalist won airfare, hotel, and spending cash for two to Orlando, tickets to WrestleMania XXIV, $2,000 for their public or school library and the opportunity to compete in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge finals.

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association. For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, films and audiobooks for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.

WWE To Launch Cutting Edge “WWE Kids” Magazine
March 25, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., March 25, 2008 – World Wrestling Entertainment® is debuting “WWE Kids,�? an exciting new consumer magazine targeting 6-14 year olds. The bi-monthly title launches April 15, beginning with the much anticipated May/June issue. The launch will be supported with a comprehensive cross-platform blitz, including a 100,000-unit pallet promotion in Wal-Mart stores.

“With content ranging from fitness and nutrition to geography to esteem building, ‘WWE Kids’ will appeal to children, their parents, and their teachers. Young fans will get to know their favorite Superstars through activity-based art projects, fun games, interviews and trivia�?, said Tony Romando Vice President, Editorial Director.

Every week, more than 2.6 million young fans, ages 6-14, tune-in to WWE’s top-rated television programs on USA Network, The CW and SCI FI Channel. In the fourth quarter of 2007, WWE reached more kids under age 18 during the average week than the total day average deliveries of Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon combined. “WWE Kids�? will tap into these youthful WWE enthusiasts and also encourage their friends to become fans as well. “The WWE brand appeals to millions of fans worldwide. ‘WWE Kids’ Magazine is a logical brand extension that is specifically designed for our younger audience,�? stated Bob Lee, Vice President, Publishing Director.

The WWE youth initiative, which includes the new ‘WWE Kids’ magazine and the WWE website for kids. are all part of WWE’s recommitment to provide its young audience with new, fun, age-appropriate content,�? said Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President, Global Media.

Source

WWE has issued this press release:

WWE® Extends Relationship With Habbo’s Virtual World To WrestleMania® XXIV

March 18, 2008

WWE® Extends Relationship With Habbo’s Virtual World
To WrestleMania® XXIV

STAMFORD, Conn., March 18, 2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment® is going virtual to promote its largest annual event, March 30’s WrestleMania XXIV, with an ambitious partnership with Habbo, the virtual community with more than eight million unique users in 31 countries around the world.

The campaign, entitled “The Road to WrestleMania XXIV,” will kick-off March 24. It will challenge participants in Habbo to have their personal avatars compete against each other based on the themes of five anticipated WrestleMania matches, including “The World Heavyweight Championship: Edge vs. The Undertaker” and “The Biggest Battles The Best,” which pits WWE’s seven-foot tall “Big Show” against welterweight boxing legend, Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

“WWE’s fanbase is young, tech-savvy and hyper-social – the ideal target for the rich, multilayered campaigns we are executing with Habbo,” said Geof Rochester, WWE’s Executive Vice President, Marketing. “These promotions are proving to be the perfect conduit for expanding our brand and digital footprint to the virtual world.”

The “Road to WrestleMania XXIV” is a complex virtual maze of seven themed rooms, including one for each of the five title matches, a “No Way Out” room and a “WrestleMania XXIV�?-themed room in Habbo. Habbos compete to earn points on behalf of their favorite Superstar by completing the daily maze. The campaign will be promoted via a variety of Group Pages created within Habbo featuring alerts about daily race start times and locations, exclusive WWE videos, and free virtual swag, including WWE-branded badges and wallpapers.

WWE has once again engaged Millions of Us LLC, an agency specializing in virtual worlds and large online communities, to help manage this campaign.

“Habbo users are drawn to our online community for engaging activities and to be connected to the biggest names and events in entertainment,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, Executive Vice President, Habbo Business and President, North America. “By again partnering with the WWE and Millions of Us, we are bringing our audience to the center of sports entertainment with its premiere annual event.”

“Habbo pioneered the booming youth virtual world space and is one of the most internationally successful communities of its kind,” said Reuben Steiger, CEO, Millions of Us. “We’re delighted to have helped WWE successfully enter multiple virtual worlds and online communities.�?

About Habbo: Habbo is a richly colorful, multi-dimensional online community and virtual world for teens. Users join by creating a fully-customized online character called a Habbo. From there, they can explore many public hang-outs, play a variety of games, connect with friends, decorate their own rooms, and have fun through creativity and self-expression. Currently there are Habbo communities in 32 countries on six continents. To date, over 92 million Habbo characters have been created and 8.6 million unique users worldwide visit Habbo each month (source: Google Analytics). www.habbo.com

Superstar George Barrios Leaves NY Times For WWE® Ring
March 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Superstar George Barrios Leaves NY Times For WWE® Ring

STAMFORD, Conn., March 17, 2008 – World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. announced today that George Barrios has been named its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 24, 2008.

Barrios joins WWE as the company has been making headlines with record annual revenues and a recently announced 50% boost in dividends paid to public shareholders. “We welcome George Barrios as our new CFO,�? said Linda McMahon, CEO. “At a time when we are focused on growth initiatives around the world, we are confident that George’s experience will be a tremendous asset for WWE’s future.�?

Barrios was formerly Vice President and Treasurer of The New York Times Company. He replaces Frank Serpe, who is retiring as CFO after 21 years with WWE. “WWE thanks Frank Serpe for his commitment and dedication to the company through the years, and we wish him well,�? said Mrs. McMahon.