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August 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1962 - Almost a year before their famous WWF World Title match, Bruno Sammartino defeats Buddy Rogers for the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. However, Sammartino refused to accept the championship since Rogers was injured, and the title remained with Rogers.
1975 - Jose Rivera & Ciclon defeated Pierre & Michael Martel in Caguas, Puerto Rico for the WWC North American Tag Team Title.
1977 - Antonio Inoki defeats kickboxer Eddie Everett in Tokyo, Japan at Budokan Hall in the fifth round of a Wrestler vs. Kickboxer match via knockout.
1984 - New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan, with Antonio Inoki defeating Riki Choshu in a highly anticipated singles match.
1985 - Harley Race defeats Jerry Blackwell in St. Louis, Missouri for the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title. This marked the record setting seventh and final Missouri Title run for Race. The belt would be vacated when Jim Crockett Promotions purchased the Missouri territory.
1991 - Takako Inoue & Mariko Yoshida defeats Esther & Cynthia Moreno for the All Japan Women's Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1992 - Ron Simmons defeats Big Van Vader in Baltimore, Maryland to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title.
1993 - Luna Vachon defeats Miss Texas (Jacqueline) in Memphis, Tennessee for the USWA Heavyweight Title, ending Miss Texas' fifth and final run with the belt.
1996 - Guerrero de la Muerte defeats Mascara Magica in Mexico City, Mexico to win the CMLL World Welterweight Title.
1998 - ECW holds their Heatwave Pay-per-view in the Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio. ECW World Champion Shane Douglas, out of action with an arm injury, did color commentary with announcer Joey Styles for the show. Here are the results of the show:
- In a dark match, Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten defeated the FBI (Tracey Smothers & Little Guido).
- Justin Credible defeated Jerry Lynn.
- Chris Candido defeated Lance Storm.
- Masato Tanaka defeated Mike Awesome.
- ECW World Tag Team Champions Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki when Sabu pinned Shinzaki.
- FTW Champion Taz defeated Bam Bam Bigelow via submission in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
- Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, & Spike Dudley defeated Buh Buh Ray, D-Von, & Big Dick Dudley.
1999 - The Monday Night Wars continued, with WWF getting the win this week. WWF Monday Night Raw, headlined by Steve Austin vs. Undertaker in a no-contest, D'Lo Brown defeating Jeff Jarrett for the Intercontinental Title, and Edge defeating Gangrel in a Bloodbath match, earned a 5.9 rating. WCW Monday Nitro, headlined by Chris Benoit defeating Dallas Page, Vampiro defeating Eddie Guerrero, and Sting & Bill Goldberg defeating Rick Steiner & Sid Vicious via DQ did a 3.1.
2007 -
2008 - Ric Flair was released, at his request, from WWE after retiring, choosing to instead work outside of the company doing appearances.
2007 - Jimmy Rave, who was under contract to Ring of Honor, parted ways with the company and will no longer be working for ROH or its sister promotion Florida's Full Impact Pro.
2007 -
WWE Released their second quarter results this morning. Here they are.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports 2007 Second Quarter Results
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE - News) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2007. Revenues totaled $137.5 million as compared to $119.3 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $9.7 million as compared to $21.4 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $7.0 million, or $0.10 per share, as compared to $14.7 million, or $0.21 per share, in the prior year quarter. Earnings in the quarter were negatively impacted by a $15.7 million impairment charge related to our revised performance expectations of our feature film "The Condemned".
Excluding the impairment charge discussed above, operating income would have been $25.4 million as compared to $21.4 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 19% increase. Net income would have been $16.9 million, or $0.23 per share, in the current quarter as compared to $14.7 million, or $0.21 per share, in the prior year quarter.
"We achieved a broad-based 15% revenue increase, posting higher revenues across all key business lines in the current quarter. In addition to the top line growth, we achieved EBITDA of approximately $12.0 million, or $27.7 million excluding the film impairment. This $27.7 million represents an 18% increase over the prior year quarter," said Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer.
"Live and Televised revenues were driven by the success of WrestleMania® which set WWE® records for both the number of pay-per-view buys and gross ticket sales. Consumer Products revenues increased 29% over the prior year quarter, reflecting improvements in our home video, licensing and magazine publishing businesses. Digital Media revenues, which were up 30% over the prior year quarter, also benefited from new partnerships, particularly for wireless content," concluded Mrs. McMahon.
Results By Business Segment
The following chart reflects net revenues and profit contribution by segment for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. (Dollars in millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, June 30, Net Revenues 2007 2006 -------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Live and Televised Entertainment $ 102.9 $ 92.6 Consumer Products 26.4 20.4 Digital Media 8.2 6.3 WWE Films - - Total $ 137.5 $ 119.3 Three Months Ended June 30, June 30, Profit Contribution 2007 2006 -------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Live and Televised Entertainment $ 33.4 $ 33.0 Consumer Products 15.8 10.9 Digital Media 3.7 2.4 WWE Films (15.9) - --------- --------- Total profit contribution $ 37.0 $ 46.3 ========= ========= Profit contribution margin 27% 39% --------- ---------
Live and Televised Entertainment
Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $102.9 million for the current quarter as compared to $92.6 million in the prior year quarter, representing an 11% increase.
-- There were 84 events, including 26 international events, during the current quarter as compared to 85 events, including 17 international events, in the prior year quarter. -- North American average attendance was approximately 6,900 in the current quarter as compared to 5,800 in the prior year quarter, an increase of 19%, which represents our tenth consecutive quarter in which average attendance has increased as compared to the prior year quarter. The average ticket price for North American events was approximately $46.00 in the current quarter as compared to $42.00 in the prior year quarter. Revenue related to our pay-per-view events increased by approximately $3.1 million, reflecting the success of our WrestleMania 23 event which was attended by more than 80,000 fans and generated $5.4 million in ticket sales.
The details for the number of buys (in 000s) are as follows:
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Events (in chronological order) June 30, 2007 June 30, 2006 -------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ WrestleMania(R) 1,188 958 Backlash(R) 194 213 Judgment Day(R) 242 238 One Night Stand(R) 186 294 Vengeance(R) 243 339 ------------------ ------------------ Prior events 51 185 ------------------ ------------------ Total 2,104 2,227
Consumer Products
Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $26.4 million versus $20.4 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 29% increase.
Digital Media
Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $8.2 million as compared to $6.3 million in the prior year, representing a 30% increase.
WWE Films
WWE does not participate in any revenues associated with our film projects until the print and advertising costs incurred by our distributors have been recouped and the results have been reported to us. Accordingly, no revenues have been recorded to date for the three feature films released to date. After the recording of our $15.7 million asset impairment for "The Condemned", we have approximately $39.3 million of capitalized film production costs on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2007.
Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)
Profit contribution was $37.0 million in the current quarter as compared to $46.3 million in the prior year quarter while the profit contribution margin was approximately 27% as compared to 39% in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the $15.7 million feature film asset impairment discussed above, the profit contribution margin would have been consistent with the prior year quarter. Improved margins from our live events, home video and digital media businesses were offset by increased pay-per-view and television production costs. These costs reflect the staging of WrestleMania 23 in a large stadium and producing four television shows from international locations as compared to two in the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A expenses were $25.0 million for the current quarter as compared to $23.0 million in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting increased staff related costs.
EBITDA
EBITDA for the current quarter was approximately $12.0 million, or $27.7 million excluding the film impairment, as compared to $23.4 million in the prior year quarter.
Summary Results for the Six Months Ended
Total revenues through the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $244.9 million as compared to $214.4 million in the prior year period. Operating income for the current period was $30.3 million versus $35.7 million in the prior year period. Net income was $22.2 million, or $0.31 per share, as compared to $24.1 million, or $0.34 per share, in the prior year period. As discussed above, the current year results reflect the $15.7 million asset impairment for "The Condemned".
Excluding the impairment charge discussed above, operating income would have been $46.0 million as compared to $35.7 million in the prior year period, representing a 29% increase. Net income would have been $32.2 million, or $0.45 per share, in the current period as compared to $24.1 million, or $0.34 per share, in the prior year period.
The following chart reflects net revenues and profit contribution by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. (Dollars in millions)
June 30, June 30, Net Revenues 2007 2006 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- Live and Televised Entertainment $ 165.9 $ 153.9 Consumer Products 63.8 49.3 Digital Media 15.2 11.2 WWE Films - - -------- -------- Total $ 244.9 $ 214.4 ======== ========
June 30, June 30, Profit Contribution 2007 2006 ---------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- Live and Televised Entertainment $ 57.1 $ 56.8 Consumer Products 39.4 29.4 Digital Media 5.7 3.8 WWE Films (15.9) - -------- -------- Total profit contribution $ 86.3 $ 90.0 ======== ======== Profit contribution margin 35% 42% -------- --------
Live and Televised Entertainment
Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $165.9 million for the current period as compared to $153.9 million in the prior year, an increase of 8%.
June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 -------- -------- Pay-Per-View $55.6 $55.2 Live Events $48.3 $42.1 Venue Merchandise $10.6 $ 9.6 Television Rights Fees $45.8 $41.5 Television Advertising $ 2.2 $ 3.7 WWE 24/7 $ 2.3 $ 1.0
Consumer Products
Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $63.8 million versus $49.3 million in the prior year, an increase of 29%.
June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 -------- -------- Home Video $ 28.2 $ 24.5 Licensing $ 28.3 $ 18.5 Magazine Publishing $ 6.6 $ 6.0
Digital Media
Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $15.2 million as compared to $11.2 million in the prior year, an increase of 36%.
June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 -------- -------- WWE.com $7.4 $5.1 WWE Shop $7.8 $6.1
Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)
Profit contribution was $86.3 million in the current period as compared to $90.0 million in the prior year period while the profit contribution margin was approximately 35% in the current year as compared to 42% in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of the $15.7 million feature film asset impairment discussed above, the profit contribution margin would have been consistent with the prior year period. Improved margins from our home video and digital media businesses were offset by increased pay-per-view and television production costs. These costs reflect the staging of WrestleMania 23 in a large stadium and producing four television shows from international locations as compared to two in the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A expenses were $51.4 million for the current period as compared to $50.0 million in the prior year period.
EBITDA
EBITDA was for the current period was approximately $34.9 million, or $50.6 excluding the film impairment, as compared to $40.1 million in the prior year period.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $48.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year period.
Business Outlook
In lieu of providing specific financial guidance, we have expanded the depth of our business metrics, and made these available to investors on a monthly basis on our corporate website - corporate.wwe.com. Additionally, as a specific point of reference, the Company has targeted 2007 EBITDA growth of approximately 12% over the prior calendar year for the payout of management bonuses.
Note: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. will host a conference call on August 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's earnings results for the second quarter of 2007. All interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 800-795-1259 (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. (NYSE: WWE - News) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Additional information on the Company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. 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 the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, 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.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Income Statements (in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 ------------------------------------------- Net revenues $ 137,511 $ 119,339 $ 244,902 $ 214,417 Cost of revenues 100,524 72,955 158,621 124,375 Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,008 22,979 51,369 49,973 Depreciation and amortization 2,252 2,038 4,604 4,412 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating income 9,727 21,367 30,308 35,657 Investment income, net 1,681 1,806 3,979 3,804 Interest expense 126 138 234 280 Other (expense) income, net (60) 13 346 997 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes 11,222 23,048 34,399 40,178 Provision for income taxes 4,176 8,381 12,215 16,057 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income $ 7,046 $ 14,667 $ 22,184 $ 24,121 ========== ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share - basic and diluted: Net income $ 0.10 $ 0.21 $ 0.31 $ 0.34 Shares used in per share calculations: Basic 71,307 71,176 71,041 69,952 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted 72,145 71,397 71,411 70,409 ========== ========== ========== ==========
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) As of As of June 30, December 31, 2007 2006 ------------ ------------ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents $ 82,367 $ 86,267 Short-term investments 183,789 161,889 Accounts receivable, net 54,608 52,113 Inventory, net 3,309 3,049 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,856 13,803 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 343,929 317,121 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 66,678 67,972 FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS 39,273 53,560 INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 2,761 3,328 OTHER ASSETS 13,557 11,304 ------------ ------------ TOTAL ASSETS $ 466,198 $ 453,285 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current portion of long-term debt $ 894 $ 862 Accounts payable 14,890 14,909 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 31,272 25,837 Deferred income 18,660 20,166 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 65,716 61,774 LONG-TERM DEBT 5,345 5,800 NON-CURRENT TAX LIABILITY 11,130 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Class A common stock 236 231 Class B common stock 479 479 Additional paid-in capital 298,441 286,985 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,551 666 Retained earnings 83,300 97,350 ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity 384,007 385,711 ------------ ------------ TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 466,198 $ 453,285 ============ ============
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 --------- --------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 22,184 $ 24,121 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Write-off of feature film production assets 15,919 - Revaluation of warrants (117) (714) Depreciation and amortization 4,604 4,412 Realized loss on sale of investments 730 1,029 Amortization of investment income (247) (776) Stock compensation costs 4,218 2,795 Provision for doubtful accounts (573) 101 Provision for inventory obsolescence 1,090 1,119 Benefit for deferred income taxes (1,636) (1,754) Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements (795) (1,475) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (1,923) 75 Inventory (1,350) (1,658) Prepaid expenses and other assets 3,508 3,156 Feature film production assets (1,631) (10,737) Accounts payable (18) (1,654) Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,070 4,298 Deferred income (1,259) (1,299) --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 48,774 21,039 --------- --------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (2,578) (4,629) Purchase of other assets (166) (2,264) Purchase of short-term investments (79,695) (20,154) Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term investments 57,275 101,615 --------- --------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (25,164) 74,568 --------- --------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repayments of long-term debt (422) (391) Dividends paid (34,214) (33,583) Issuance of stock, net 438 305 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,893 12,753 Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation arrangements 795 1,475 --------- --------- Net cash used in financing activities (27,510) (19,441) --------- --------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (3,900) 76,166 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 86,267 101,314 --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 82,367 $ 177,480 ========= =========
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Supplemental Information - EBITDA (dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 --------------------------------------- Net income reported on U.S. GAAP basis $ 7,046 $ 14,667 $ 22,184 $ 24,121 Provision for income taxes 4,176 8,381 12,215 16,057 Interest and other, net 1,495 1,681 4,091 4,521 Depreciation and amortization 2,252 2,038 4,604 4,412 EBITDA $ 11,979 $ 23,405 $ 34,912 $ 40,069 --------- --------- --------- ---------
Non-GAAP Measure:
EBITDA is defined as net income before interest and other income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. 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- Free Cash Flow (dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities $ 24,077 $ 3,286 $ 48,774 $ 21,039 Less cash used in capital expenditures: Purchase of property and equipment (1,090) (2,822) (2,578) (4,629) Purchase of other assets (104) (1,389) (166) (2,264) --------- --------- --------- --------- Free Cash Flow $ 22,883 ($925) $ 46,030 $ 14,146 ========= ========= ========= =========
Non-GAAP Measure:
We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by continuing operations 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.
2008 - WWE broadcast Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC. Sean Ryan filed the following TV report:
We are live from Washington D.C. with your announcers, Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, who are joined by World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.
JBL makes his way to the ring to start off Saturday Night’s Main Event with the big 4 on 4 tag match. JBL is followed by Cryme Tyme. They are followed by the World Tag Team Champions, Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase. Next up is John Cena. I’m not sure why they are running this out of order. Cena is followed by Kane, who is still carrying his mystery bag of fun. And finally to the big home town pop, is Batista.
Match Number One: Batista, John Cena, and Cryme Tyme vs. JBL, Kane, and the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase
Batista and Kane start off the match. They exchange strikes and Batista gets the better of Kane. Batista sends Kane into the ropes, but Kane responds with a big boot. Kane takes Batista into the corner and begins pounding on him. Batista reverses the Irish Whip into the corner and takes the advantage back. Batista with a snapmare and kick to a seated Kane for a near fall. Kane with an uppercut and a tag to Cody Rhodes. Cody takes advantage until he is powered into the corner for a tag to JTG. JTG works Cody over, until tagging in Shad for a double team. Shad with a big military press on Cody for another near fall. Shad continues to show his strength by catching a Cody Rhodes running body press and tossing him into the corner. JBL hits Shad from behind, allowing Cody to tag in Kane, who takes Shad down with a big clothesline. We go to commercial.
We are back as JBL is working over Shad. JBL throws Shad out of the ring and Kane begins to put a beating on him behind the refs back. JBL brings Shad in and gets a two count. Ted Dibiase is tagged in for the first time. A suplex and fistdrop on Shad while the ref holds Batista back as Dibiase taunts. Dibiase with a clothesline for a two count, followed by a camel clutch. Shad is able to get to a vertical base but is unable to escape a headlock. Dibiase takes Shad into the corner and distracts the ref while Kane chokes Shad. Cody is tagged back in. Cody with some punches, and brings Shad into the corner to work him over some more. Shad with a big boot, but Cody with a dropkick before Shad can capitalize. JBL is tagged back in and drops repeated elbows on Shad for a two count. JBL with a European Uppercut to the back of Shad. Kane comes over to continue the onslaught on Shad. A dropkick to the seated Shad from Kane. Kane with a body scissors and tags Dibiase back in. Dibiase goes for a suplex but Shad turns it in to one of his own. Shad is finally able to make the hot tag to Cena as Dibiase tags in JBL.
Two shoulder blocks from Cena, followed up by a spinning power bomb, into of course, the 5 Knuckle Shuffle. Cena lifts JBL for an F-U, but Kane comes in with a big boot. Batista has had enough and comes in to spear Kane, clothesline Cody, spinebuster Dibiase, and clothesline himself and Kane out of the ring. Cena tags JTG and assists him in giving a frog splash Dibiase, but Dibiase is not the legal man. JTG realizes this in time to turn around and take a Clothesline From Hell from JBL for the 3 count.
Winners: JBL, Kane, and the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase.
JBL and CM Punk engage in a stare down as Cena and Shad check on JTG.
We go backstage and see The Great Khali making his way to the ring, accompanied by Runjin Singh.
We cut to Jeff Foxworthy talking about the fight against autism. We go to commercial
We are back from commercial with Carmen Electra speaking out against autism as well. They emphasize checking out WWE.com for more information and to make donations.
The Great Khali is making his way to the ring as a video package is shown putting over his dominance and destruction. Jimmy Wang Yang is already in the ring, which is never a good sign.
Match Number Two: The Great Khali w/ Ranjin Singh vs. Jimmy Wang Yang
Yang with some kicks and punches, but they are ineffective as Khali catches the running Yang with a clothesline. Khali hits Yang with a big scoop slam. Khali throws Yang into the corner, Yang hits a dropkick, but is swatted out of mid-air after jumping at Khali from the second rope. Khali with the Khali-Bomb (two handed choke slam) for the win. At least it wasn’t the vice grip.
Winner: The Great Khali w/ Ranjin Singh
Khali poses and makes his way to the back as The King and J.R. put over Khali as a challenger for Triple H at Summerslam.
We cut to Ben Stiller giving his thoughts and support against autism. Jenny McCarthy is advertised as being up next. We go to commercial.
We are back from commercial with a preview for this week’s Raw featuring John Cena and Batista challenging the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase for the titles.
Jenny McCarthy is standing atop the entrance way, putting over Generation Rescue. She makes a couple bad wrestling puns, but it is a very worthy cause worth donating to and learning about. Again, they stress to check out WWE.com for more information. Credit to WWE for taking part in this.
We cut straight to a video package on the ongoing saga of Edge and Vickie. Jeff Hardy vs. Edge is advertised as being next. We go to commercial.
We are back from commercial. They put over Summerslam in two weeks, previewing all of the matches that have been announced thus far.
Edge makes his way to the ring as they show parts of the fantastic Mick Foley promo from Smackdown and the beat down Edge laid on Foley afterwards. Jeff Hardy makes his way to the ring as J.R. puts over Jeff Hardy’s extreme nature and the history between Hardy and Edge.
Match Number Three: Edge vs. Jeff Hardy
They start with a collar-elbow tie-up as Edge takes Hardy into the corner. Edge tries to punch Hardy as the ref breaks them up, but Hardy ducks and catches Edge with an arm drag. They each attempt to work over the other one’s arm, but Hardy gets the better of Edge and catches him with another arm drag. Edge Irish whips Hardy but Hardy rolls out of the ring. Edge follows, but Hardy rolls in and catches Edge with a dropkick through the ropes. Hardy with a body press over the top rope. Hardy throws Edge into the barricade and attempts a flipping springboard off the steps, but Edge moves and Hardy takes a sick bump. We go to commercial.
We are back and Edge is now working over the legs of Jeff Hardy. Hardy with some punches, but Edge dodges a mule kick to retain the advantage. Edge rolls outside the ring and drags Hardy towards the ring post, and slams Hardy’s leg against it. Hardy is selling the leg big, but hits a clothesline and both men are down. They exchange some punches but Hardy gets the better of it and sets Edge up in the tree of woe. Hardy goes for a dropkick but Edge sits up and avoids it. Hardy rolls out of the ring though and punches Edge back down before hitting a dropkick. Hardy is too hurt to take advantage right away and only gets a two count. Hardy calls for the Twist of Fate, but Edge reverses it into an impaler DDT for a long two count. Edge sets up for the spear, but Hardy dodges it and hits a Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Hardy with a sit out front suplex. Hardy goes up top for the Swanton Bomb, but Edge rolls away. Edge goes for a spear, but Hardy leap frogs out of the way and Edge flies right out of the ring. Hardy is down as he landed on his bad leg, and while the ref is checking on Edge, MVP runs out of the crowd and boots Jeff Hardy in the head. Edge rolls back in to the ring and hits a spear for the 3 count.
Winner: Edge
Replays are shown of MVP’s interference as J.R. and the King put over the Hell in a Cell match between Edge and Undertaker at Summerslam.
2009 - WWE Raw ran White Plains, NY. Barry Bruno filed the following results:
In the opener, Evan Bourne beat someone whose name I didn't catch. Good match.
The Miz beat Santino Marella. Not so hot, mostly due to Santino. I felt bad for Miz.
Primo beat Chris Masters. A group around me wondered why Primo couldn't have worked with Miz and let Masters work with Santino.
Kofi Kingston beat Carlito. Not bad.
Mickie James, Gail Kim and Kelly Kelly beat Rosa Mendes, Beth Phoenix and Alicia Fox.
Jack Swagger beat MVP in a good match.
In Handicap action, John Cena and Mark Henry beat the Legacy trio. The babyfaces were over big time, especially Cena.
2010 - Early ECW star Tony "The Hitman" Stetson was nominated a Barrymore Award nominees (awards for the local Philadelphia Theater scene) for "Best Choreography and Movement" for the InterAct Theatre Company's production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity.
2010 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look at Cena’s Warriors who will face the Nexus at SummerSlam being unveiled two weeks ago. We fast forward to last week when Nexus swept the Superstars All Stars in a seven on seven match. Then we see the tension between the members of Los Hombres de Cena. Will there be peace among Team Cena this week?
We are live on tape from San Antonio, Texas and your announcers are Michael ‘Déjà vu’ Cole and Jerry ‘The Showstopper’ Lawler.
Edge comes to the ring to address the crowd. He says that he tried but last week things became crystal clear to him. He needs to go with his gut. He needs to listen to one person and that person is him. He says that after he returned at the Royal Rumble, he listened to the fans. He says that the fans let him down. Just like his SummerSlam team is letting him down because they are disintegrating before his eyes. He does not respect John Cena, he does not trust Chris Jericho, and he has no faith in the Great Khali. He barely knows Truth and Morrison. That is why he needs to do things his way. Nexus needs to be taken down. They have wreaked havoc since they debuted in WWE. Edge says that he will challenge Wade Barrett to a one-on-one match. He does not want anyone coming down to stick his nose into his business.
Edge is interrupted by R Truth. Edge wants to know why Truth is down here. Truth says that he wanted to ask the same questions. Will challenging Barrett to a match squash things. Edge says that he doesn’t want to have to rely on anyone. Truth says that if Edge doesn’t want to listen to John Cena, that is fine. However, Edge will listen to him. Truth says that Edge has been in a ton of matches, but how many times has he had to fight for everything? Truth says that they are fighting for what they love to do. They are fighting for their lifestyle, their friends, and the WWE Universe. It is ‘we’ fighting. If that isn’t the case, Nexus wins. Truth tells Edge that he has to stop thinking about himself and pull his head out of his rear end. Truth tells Edge that is the truth.
Edge says that is Truth’s version of the Truth. Edge says that you kill a snake by chopping its head off. That will cause Nexus to crumble. Edge asks Truth if he is going to lose or will he have to spear Truth.
Michael Cole has mail and he goes to his General Manager Lectern. The e-mail tells R Truth to leave so Edge can face Wade Barrett.
Truth wishes Edge luck and tells him he is on his own.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Edge versus Wade Barrett
They lock up and Barrett with a knee and punch. Barrett with a head butt but Edge with an Irish whip but Barrett avoids a slide by Edge. Edge trips Barrett and then he drops Barrett on the top rope. Edge with a punch to Barrett followed by a kick. Edge sends Barrett into the turnbuckle and then Irish whips him and hits a running shoulder into the corner and gets a near fall. Barrett with a big boot to the head and Edge goes to the apron. Barrett with another running boot that knocks Edge off the apron. Barrett goes to the floor and he sends Edge into the apron. Barrett with a knee to Edge’s head followed by a boot and then he chokes Edge in the ropes. Barrett gets a near fall after choking Edge some more in the ropes. Barrett with a reverse chin lock.
Edge with elbows and then we see each man with clotheslines and they are both down. They get to their feet at the same time and Edge with punches. Edge with a flying forearm and clothesline. Edge tries for a DDT but Barrett escapes. Edge hits the Edge-o-matic and gets a near fall. Edge goes up top but Barrett with a kick to the head and then Barrett tries for the fireman’s carry slam but Edge escapes and hits a DDT. Edge sets for the spear and he waits for Barrett to get to his feet. Barrett goes to the floor to avoid the spear.
Barrett signals for something and Nexus comes to the ring and Edge sees them coming so he goes into the crowd.
No Contest
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE has won a number of awards from the military.
Edge is in the back looking for John Cena. Edge finds John and wants to know where he was. Edge says that he was out there on his own and now he wants to know where Cena was.
Cena says that he was listening to Edge and he let him do everything on his own. Cena tells Edge that the only way they have to win is seven-on-seven. Edge says that they will do it without him because he quits.
Chris Jericho appears next to Cena and he shakes his head. Cena wants to know if Jericho is quitting too. Jericho says that if anyone on the team needs to quit, it is Cena. Jericho says that Cena is just as bad as Nexus. The team has its best chance if Cena leaves the team. He tells Cena that he should do the right thing and quit. Jericho says that if Cena doesn’t want to do it, he will make Cena quit. Chris suggests that they meet in the ring and the loser of the match leaves the SummerSlam team.
Cena says that Nexus isn’t doing this and they shouldn’t be doing this either. Cena accepts the match.
Lawler and Cole talk about what is happening to Team Cena. Cole wonders how Bret Hart is taking this. Speaking of Bret Hart, let’s go back to SummerSlam 1991 for the SummerSlam Recall. We see Bret Hart versus Curt Hennig.
Great Khali is with John Morrison and he says that he doesn’t care about what happened last week. Morrison mentions Magnificent Seven and Seven Samaurai and says that if the seven don’t work together, it doesn’t matter.
Singh says that there was also the Seven Dwarfs. Morrison wishes Khali luck against DiBiase tonight.
Tarver and Otunga stop by and Tarver says that they did not attack him because they don’t attack people they respect. Otunga says that he heard a rumor that if Khali loses to Ted DiBiase, he is off the team and that doesn’t sound like respect. Tarver says that if Khali wants to go somewhere he is respected, the door is always open.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Eve Torres, Gail Kim, and Natalya versus Tamina, Jillian Hall, and Alicia Fox
Jillian and Gail start things off and they lock up and Jillian tosses Gail by her hair and gets a near fall. Jillian pulls Gail’s hair and then hits a back breaker and gets another near fall. Alicia tags in and she punches Gail and hits a Northern Lights suplex for a near fall. Gail kicks Alicia and punches her. Gail with a kick and then hits a flap jack. Natalya tags in and hits a clothesline followed by a suplex. Natalya with a drop kick to the back of the head followed by a slam and butterfly suplex and bridge but Tamina breaks things up. Gail with a cross body onto Tamina and Jillian sends Gail into the ring post. Eve with a baseball slide to Jillian. Tamina with a clothesline to Eve. Natalya tries for the sharp shooter but Tamina breaks things up. Alicia with a scissors kick on Natalya for the three count.
Winners: Tamina, Alicia Fox, and Jillian
After the match, Alicia says that everyone is viewing the greatest title run in Divas history. Whether it is a singles match, tag match, battle royal, or fatal four who has beaten her. There is no Diva who is comparable to her on the roster.
We hear Melina’s music and she is back. Alicia tries to escape and Jillian sends her back in. Melina with a matrix move followed by a cravate DDT and then she hits the step over leg drop.
Sheamus is walking in the back as we go to commercial. . . fella.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Randy Orton defeating Jey Uso while Sheamus watched. Then we see Jimmy Uso attack Orton onto to get kicked by Sheamus. Then we see Sheamus getting an RKO.
We see that this is not the first time that Goldust and Sheamus have faced each other. They met in ECW last year with Sheamus getting the victory.
Match Number Three: Sheamus versus Goldust
They lock up and Sheamus with a thumb to the eye but Goldust with punches and a clothesline or two. Goldust tries fro the drop down uppercut but Sheamus with a knee to the head. Sheamus with a running double sledge. Sheamus with the uranage back breaker to Goldust. Sheamus hits the pump kick and then he picks up Goldust for the High Cross and gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Sheamus gets on the mic and he says what a difference a year makes. This time last year, he was in a war with Goldust in ECW trying to make a name for meself. One year later, there is no trying, it is sheer and utter dominance. Like it or not, he is a two time WWE Champion standing on top of the world. He didn’t have to grab a briefcase like Miz or be a third generation wrestler like Randy Orton. He earned it himself. Sheamus mentions Triple H and how Randy Orton couldn’t beat him, but Sheamus points out that he ended Triple H’s career. Sheamus says that he irony is that he will do the same to Randy Orton at SummerSlam. Sheamus says that he has not been given any credit by the fans but he doesn’t want it. He has what he needs and he holds up the WWE Title belt.
John Cena and Chris Jericho walk in split screen as we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Chris Jericho versus John Cena in a Loser Leaves Team Aquaman Match
They lock up and Cena backs Jericho into the corner but Jericho with a punch while the referee is out of position. Jericho with forearms to Cena and then he hits a suplex. Cena blocks a punch from Jericho and hits one of his own. Jericho ducks when Cena tries for a cross body and Cena goes to the floor. Jericho with an Irish whip that sends Cena into the ring steps. Jericho returns to the ring while the referee starts to count Cena out. Cena makes it back in and Jericho with a double sledge and then he slaps Cena in the head. Jericho chokes Cena in the ropes and then he stands on Cena’s back. Jericho punches Cena in the head but Cena punches back. Cena charges into an elbow from Jericho and Jericho catapults Cena into the bottom rope.
Jericho with a reverse chin lock but Cena with a snap mare to escape the hold. Jericho misses a charge into the corner and Jericho hits the ring post. Cena with two shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena sets for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Jericho recovers and hits the Codebreaker and Cena rolls to the floor. Jericho struggles to roll Cena back into the ring and Jericho returns as well. Jericho can only get a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho punches Cena. Cena with a drop toe hold and he tries for the STF but Jericho avoids it. Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but Cena avoids it. Jericho grabs the ropes when Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment. Cena goes over the top rope to the floor when Jericho ducks down when John charges at him. Cena gets on the apron and Jericho hits the double jump drop kick and Cena returns to the floor. Jericho sends Cena into the announce table and Jericho tells him to stay down and that he is a stupid man. Jericho hits a back elbow off the turnbuckles but Cena kicks out.
Cena with a punch to Jericho but Jericho with punches of his own. Cena with more punches followed by an Irish whip. Cena misses the bulldog and Jericho hits a Lionsault for a near fall. Jericho waits for Cena to get up and he hits a running clothesline in the corner. Jericho puts Cena on the turnbuckles and tries for a superplex but Cena head butts Jericho and punches him off the turnbuckles. Cena with the Rocker Dropper but Cena appears to have hurt his knee. Cena can only get a two count. Cena gets Jericho up for the Attitude Adjustment but Jericho rolls through and puts Cena in the Walls of Jericho. Cena escapes and puts Jericho in the STF and Jericho taps.
Winner: John Cena
After the match Jericho throws the ring steps and walks to the back.
Cena gets on the mic and he wants Jericho to listen to him. Cena says that the fans saw a hell of a match between two of the best in the WWE. He says that he doesn’t want Jericho to leave the team. Cena says that he wants Jericho to stay because he is one of the best in the world at what he does. Cena says that he is not going to beg Jericho so the choice is his. Jericho can come back into the ring and they co-exist and handle what needs to be handled; or Jericho turns around and walks out and he lets everyone down, including himself.
Jericho thinks about it and he walks back to the ring but then he decides that he can live with letting the parasites down. He gets to the stage and then he walks to the back.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Replay of Chris Jericho tapping out against John Cena and turning his back on Team Cena and the WWE Universe.
Edge is in the locker room and he is joined by Edge. Edge tells Jeircho that he doesn’t blame him for what he did. John Cena needs them. Edge says that he respects Jericho for what he did.
Chris says that if they were being honest, he respects Edge for quitting the team. They were doing fine before the Nexus stuff started.
Edge says that they have had some ups and downs. Together they could own this place. That is why they have them banging heads all the time. Edge suggests letting bygones be bygones.
Jericho offers his hand and they shake hands and hug.
We have an e-mail from the General Manager and Michael Cole says that after what has transpired this week, Edge and Jericho will face John Cena and Bret Hart. All seven members of Nexus will be lumberjacks.
Josh Mathews has Randy Orton in the interview area. Josh asks Randy about Sheamus’ comments earlier tonight. Randy says that Sheamus needs to do his homework because he gave Triple H a six week vacation from a kick to the skull. Randy says that he is going to invite Sheamus to ringside to see what he is can do to a human being. Randy says that Miz will be in no condition to cash in his briefcase and Sheamus will get the same treatment in two weeks.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a World Premiere of the trailer for Legendary starring John Cena.
We see footage from last week when Nexus spared Khali. We then see David Otunga and Michael Tarver tell Khali that he is welcome on Nexus.
Match Number Five: Great Khali with Runjin Singh versus Ted DiBiase with Maryse
Khai misses a punch but Ted connects but has no impact. Khali with kicks and elbows in the corner followed by a chop and Ted goes down. Ted with a drop kick to the knee and then he puts Khali in a front face lock. Ted gets picked up by Khali and sent to the mat. Khali with a clothesline but Ted goes to the corner to avoid a chop. Khali grabs Ted by the throat and then the referee is distracted by Maryse and that allows Ted to take advantage and he punches Khali.
Wade Barrett and Skip Sheffield come to ringside and Ted gets distracted and Khali with a chop to the head. Khali with the Khali Krush and Ted is out.
Winner: Great Khali
After the match, Cole and Lawler wonder what is happening with Team Cena since they are down to five.
The Miz is awesomely walking in the back with the most awesome briefcase in sports entertainment. We go to commercial.
Michael Cole talks about The Other Guys and Jerry says that the Bellas got to hang out with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. They talk about their roles in the movie and Will says that attractive women are attracted to his character. The Bellas say hello to Will and ignore Mark. Will says that he is busy with the movie. He calls them average looking women. Will says that he wouldn’t notice them if they were sitting next to each other on the bus. The Bellas say that they have a dinner reservation for three. Will says that he can’t make it. Mark says that he loves the WWE and how he cried when Wendy Richter got inducted into the Hall of Fame. When the Bellas ignore him, Mark says that he likes Alicia Fox more.
We see footage from last week when Miz wanted to cash in his briefcase last week only to be RKOed by Orton.
Miz tells Randy that he made a mistake last week. He says that it was a life altering, world bending, possibly skull crushing moment in the life of Randy Orton. Orton does not have a shred of positivity in him. He says that Orton will pay for this. Miz says that Orton’s best case scenario for SummerSlam is that he beats Sheamus for the WWE Title, but then Miz says that he will have his moment. Randy will only delay the inevitable of him becoming the WWE Champion. Miz reminds us who he is and the fact that he is AWESOME.
Match Number Six: Miz versus Randy Orton
They lock up and Orton backs Miz into the corner but Miz gets out of the corner as they continue the collar and elbow tie up. Miz with punches to Orton in the corner and the referee warns Miz. Miz with an Irish whip but Orton with a clothesline and then he stomps on Miz’s solar plexus a few times. Orton with a boot to the head and then he misses the leaping knee drop. Miz with a knee lift to Orton and he gets a near fall. Miz with kicks to Orton in the corner and then he chokes Orton with his boot. The referee warns Miz again. Miz with a forearm to the head followed by a punch. Miz runs into a boot from Orton and then he slingshots Miz’s throat into the bottom rope.
Orton with a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Orton clotheslines Miz over the top rope to the floor.
Sheamus makes his way onto the stage and we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton punches Miz and then he puts Miz in a reverse chin lock. We see Sheamus remaining on the stage while the match continues. Miz with elbows and a jawbreaker to Orton. Miz with a running boot to the head. Miz returns the favor with a boot to the solar plexus. Miz with crossfaces to the head and then he hits a running boot to the head and gets a near fall. Miz with a reverse chin lock. Orton escapes with elbows and punches. Orton with the Viper backbreaker. Miz sends Orton into the turnbuckles and then Miz stomps on the abdomen and chokes Orton with his boot. Miz waits for Orton to get up for the clothesline into the turnbuckles and he hits it and he gets a near fall. Miz punches Orton in the head and the referee warns Miz one more time. Orton with a European uppercut to Miz and that staggers him. Miz with a punch and Orton goes down. Miz stands over Orton and then picks him up and misses a punch. Orton with punches and clotheslines followed by a power slam and Orton swings at the air and wants to do RKO push ups but Miz goes to the apron. Orton with a kick and then Orton sets for the IEDDT but Miz gets back into the ring and he back body drops Orton over the top rope to the floor.
Miz goes to the floor and he sends Orton back into the ring and Miz returns as well. Miz with inverted neck breaker into a swinging neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Miz waits for Orton to get up and Miz misses a clothesline and Orton hits the RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Sheamus makes his way to the ring but Orton anticipates Sheamus and does RKO push ups. Sheamus stays on the floor as we go to credits.
2010 - The following press release was issued:
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today that WWE Superstar Triple H, a 13-time World Champion, is the newest member of MDA's Muscle Team, a group of celebrity activists dedicated to building awareness for MDA. Triple H will begin appearing in print, video, radio and digital public service advertisements for MDA's new "Make A Muscle, Make A Difference" campaign in August.
As a proud member of the MDA Muscle Team (see his "Make A Muscle, Make A Difference" print PSA; http://www.mda.org/news/100802tripleh-mda.html and video PSA; http://www.youtube.com/user/MySpaceMDA), Triple H joins a diverse and growing group of celebrities including: Alison Sweeney, host of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" and "Days of Our Lives" star; Kurt Warner, former NFL Super Bowl-winning quarterback; Nancy O'Dell, Emmy-winning entertainment personality, author and entrepreneur; Booboo Stewart, star of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" movie; Wynonna Judd, country music recording artist; Ace Young, "American Idol" finalist; Brandon Barash, star of ABC's "General Hospital" and Gold Medal Olympians Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, all of whom are dedicated to building awareness for MDA in 2010 and beyond.
"I am honored to partner with MDA in advancing their life-saving mission for those affected by debilitating muscle diseases," stated Triple H. "As a member of the Muscle Team, I am truly inspired by the perseverance these adults and kids demonstrate every day in overcoming the challenges of muscular dystrophy."
Joining Triple H in some of the PSAs is Max LaCaria, an 11-year-old from Arizona who has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. While at the photo and video shoot for the campaign, Triple H presented Max with an official WWE Championship belt.
"There's no discounting the importance of having Triple H as a member of the MDA Muscle Team," said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA President & CEO. "He's already energizing fans as champions for MDA both in and out of the ring. And, while everyone is amazed by Triple H's incredible physical strength, it pales when compared to the strength of his caring heart."
You can see the Public Service Announcement commercial with Triple H at this link.
2011 - Tough Enough finalist Jeremiah Riggs provided a long statement to MMA website Around the Octagon after being informed that WWE had no interest in signing him following a recent tryout in FCW. Riggs, in his usual fashion, held nothing back while describing his experiences down in FCW.
Riggs noted that he was told, "they loved my personality but they said I was only average in the ring and said I have a bad attitude and carried myself like I had something to prove. I told them that if I’m average I’m doing pretty damn good considering I had only done this for two months. If I can get to average in several weeks imagine what I can do in a few months. And of course I’m eager to prove myself. I was surrounded by guys who had done this for several years and they were all wondering who this new rookie was. I had to show them I belonged."
Riggs noted he was asked to cut test promos, noting, "the only direction I got was to have fun with it and they would send it up to Vince for him to see. One guy did a promo about having sex with a goat and one of the girls was really nasty with hers so I went out there with all guns blazing. I cussed on my first one and said I wish Vince McMahon would’ve slapped me because I would’ve kicked him in the nuts. They pulled me aside and told me I couldn’t cuss. So on my next one I decided to really have fun with it. I didn’t cuss but I did a promo about how I couldn’t cuss and counted on my hand how many words I wasn’t allowed to say as I said them to myself then threw the mic over my shoulder and laughed as I walked off. I thought it was hilarious. All the boys did too. Just about everyone there told me they had never seen anything like that. I was doing crazy CM Punk stuff before he made it cool. After that I got called to the back and Dusty Rhodes jumped on me and told me I couldn’t do that and chewed me out. He went to walk away and I told him to get back over here because I wasn’t done talking to him. He walked back over and I thought he was going to piss in his pants because he was acting so nervous. I told him that I would do whatever they wanted me to do but no one said I couldn’t cuss or throw the mic. I was just having fun with it and being me. I think it kind of threw him off because no one there stood up for themselves. I wasn’t going to let anyone walk all over me. I said what I had to say and we were cool. A lot of the boys thought I got sent home and were surprised when I came back the following day. They were even more surprised when Dusty went out of his way to walk over to me and shake my hand. I’m going to stand up for myself and I think they are afraid of that."
In regard to the talents signed to developmental, Riggs noted, "90% of those guys are vanilla. They are all the same. Long hair, pony tail, boring as can be. The day I left Tampa I shaved my head because I didn’t want to be anything like them. I’m Jeremiah Riggs from Vicksburg, Mississippi. I’m not going to be a clone. All of their promos sounded the same. They are boring and play it safe. People are afraid of the truth. What do they want in a superstar? I don’t need a character. I’m Jeremiah Riggs. I don’t need a new name or gimmick. The WWE has a sh**ty developmental roster. No one stands out. They are all scared of failure and half of them have been there for years. They are all the same and do the same stuff. Sure, they have a few guys that have potential but they are all clones. But I’m not going to be just like everybody else. What are they going to do send me home? You can’t scare someone who ain’t afraid."
Riggs ripped the company's politics as well as Bill DeMott and Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine, noting, "People are real phony [in WWE developmental] including the trainers. Me and Bill were cool on the show. I heard he got a job as a scout for the WWE and I was glad to hear he was doing good for himself. He deserves it after so long in the business. When I was in Tampa doing my match with Orlov Bill was praising me and talking about how good I was doing. I was doing stuff that Luke and Andy couldn’t do, on the first try. But when I walked into FCW a few weeks ago he acted like he was too cool to talk to me. He’s changed man. He thinks he is somebody because he was the big man on the show. I guess Hollywood went to his head. Sure he had a mediocre wrestling career and found new life on Tough Enough. I don’t give a sh**. I’ll whoop his fat ass. He’s no better than me. If I was to shoot on him who is going to stop me? Andy sure as hell ain’t. I’ve rolled with some badass heavyweights like Jon Madsen and Scott Barrett. Seriously, what is Bill DeMott going to do to me? All he could do about it is write another chapter in his sorry book about how he got run over by Big Rigg when he gets his arm out of the cast. I lost all respect for Bill. If he only knew what the boys say about his fat lazy ass he wouldn’t even come to work. I’m sure he will read this and put something on Twitter about it. I don’t care. He might have Twitter muscles but I’m the real deal. He said I was green? The only thing green on me was the sh** stain on my boot I stuck up his ass. Hell, Andy the dude that won the WWE contract is a big p**sy too. He is still in FCW. He’ll be in FCW the rest of his life. He had a developmental contract with the WWE before the damn show aired. He’s boring and a big f—ing baby. He cried the whole time we were doing the show about his wife and his kid. He did it all for pity. We pity the weak."
To read the entire statement (and man, there is a lot more), click click here.
2012 -
WWE held their conference call to discuss their quarterly earnings release.
Vince McMahon welcomed everyone and said that they were essentially flat, which was "nothing to write home about." He said they had a 17% increase in PPV performance and they've reduced losses from the movie business. Their licensing profits dropped as a video game that "was to be produced" (WWE All-Stars 2) was not released. McMahon said their social media is exploding. Live events remained flat.
Vince touted their excellent rating for the 1000 episode of Raw and said that they have incredible staying power as no show has held as many episodes of as they have. He said the three hour show will bring them an additional audience to tap into their interactivity. He also pushed the debut of the new series on Ion, saying it will give them an audience on Wednesdays and said that they are happy with their Youtube series, noting some of them can be repurposed into larger series.
Vince laughed as he mentioned the re-release of "No Holds Barred" but said it's done very well since they've remastered it for DVD release.
Vince said that their explosive growth on social media can change the overall impact of their business. He said that in a year's time, they should be much better positioned on a global front.
He said that internationally, they held sold out shows in Russia and had an "OK" debut in Brazil,
Vince said everyone has been patient in waiting for the WWE Network details. He said they are not ready to make an announcement but was confident they will make one the next quarter. They have produced content for it, have built an infrastructure and began discussions with potential carriers.
CFO George Barrios said that they have increased their domestic TV to six hours a week (with the Ion series and Raw expansion) and will have over 80 hours of original content with Youtube compared to 52 this quarter.
They discussed the investment in social media platform Tout. They invested $5 million into the platform and after they promoted Tout on Raw, it jumped to #6 in the itunes app store for photo/video.
They noted that the incredible live performance of Wrestlemania was pulled down by a 7% decrease in international ticket prices and a 6% decline in live international ticket sales, mostly for Mexico and Brazil.
PPV business was up $6.4 million dollars. Wrestlemania counted for 60% of that growth. The other events were up 28% on their own, partially due to larger price tags for HD broadcasts. They credited their increased brand awareness, creative and character development.
While the loss of WWE All Stars pulled down their licensing money, videogame sales were down 34% while toy sales were down 8%, partially because the action figures are down 10% overall in sales.
Video revenues were about the same.
The magazine publishing cost structure has been re-engineered so they can make it profitable despite lower sales.
The Youtube video material led to a huge increase in revenue for the WWE.com. WWE's channel is the fourth most popular channel on the website.
WWE.com Shop orders were up 7%, partially due to less "deep discount" sales.
WWE Studios made revenues of $6 million. There were no new releases (thus no losses) and their revenues were from older titles being sold via DVD as well as the first DVD release of Hulk Hogan's No Holds Barred. It cost them less than $100,000 to remaster and release the DVD and expect it to make them upwards of $300,000.
They discussed their new relationships with different movie studios and pushed the future releases of "Marine: Homefront" with 20th Century Fox, "Dead Man Down" with IM Global featuring Colin Farrel and Wade Barrett. "The Hive" with Halle Berry and David Otunga (which will be released theatrically) and "No One Lives" with Luke Evans and Brodus Clay, which is going into the Toronto International Film Festival. Their equity investment is only 40% of their investment in previous self made and distributed films, so they have much less of a gamble on each individual film. Their final self-financed film, the thriller "Barricade" will be released in September.
They are pleased with the process of the WWE Network, but they don't feel its in the best interest of their shareholders to discuss details at this time.
They pushed their huge surge in social media and said it will only increase with the integration of Tout.
They went into the Q&A Session:
A caller said that stockholders were waiting for more details on the WWE Network. They were asked about their range for the network. The models they have looked at are broad distribution, a pay TV format and one "over the top". That's all they can say at this point.
They were asked about their Internet traffic being up and whether it can be maintained. They've done some operational improvements on the site and have improved the content and integration of social media to it. Social is growing faster and they hope to use that to grow the site as well.
They were asked about the one-time loss they expect from cable network costs and additional projects. They will down the line describe them but for this year, they are going to spend $5-$10 million on programming and they have spent money already on the "Legends House" reality series. $10-$15 million will be spent on marketing but that will depend on their launch timing. They've spent $4 million on the Network already this year. It all depends on how much they spend on marketing but they have a good handle on staffing, etc. for the year.
They were asked about the PPV rise this quarter and what drew the growth. Wrestlemania buys were up 15%. The other buys were up 20%. The growth were driven by homes buying the HD purchases for $10 more per buy. They went from 20% of their buys being in HD to 34% of the PPV orders being in HD. Their creative was "great" and Wrestlemania was "amazing." Their marketing expenditures were the same as the year prior.
Regarding the loss of attendance in North America, Barrios noted that they are in different places quarter to quarter so it's tough. The Smackdown brand is a little behind where they want it to be and that it pulling down the numbers. They have invested in new production to help increase the interest in the live events.
They were asked how they can really monetize the online video and whether it was just cannibalizing the traditional viewership. Vince said that there is an insatiable appetite for the genre and "we are the genre." He said that YT allows them to do more humor and they can do more dramatic variety on their broadcasts. He noted the Raw expansion brings them an additional viewership. Raw and Ion allows them for additional material to sell internationally when current broadcast deals come up for re-negotiations. He said that if they do their jobs right, there is a huge appetite for where "we want to go."
They were asked their ownership percentage in Tout. They aren't going to disclose that at this time. They will be accounting for it using the cost method, which implies a level of ownership. They thought they could grow the global potential and that technology could held them.
They were asked about ratings. Domestically, they have a structured format for finding ratings but internationally, they get different numbers. They can measure the amount of fan engagement via social media.
They were asked about NXT and Superstars. NXT has a change in how it's been produced but has been moved to Orlando (actually Winter Park, FL guys) with Full Sail University. It's been going well and the show is doing great. They feel Full Sail is getting benefits from working on the show. They had no updates on distribution domestically for either show.
They were asked about the programming slate for the network. Barrios said that for the network to be at the transformative level they hope it will be, they need to have strong content. They have developed a Monday Night Wars series that will be compelling content looking at the WWE vs. WCW war. A shareholder told them that they need to share more about the Network because holding back is hurting the stock and you need to comfort the shareholders as to why this is a good thing for the company. Vince said he was confident the next quarter they would be able to discuss the Network.
They were asked about the library. Barrios said that they have about 100,000 hours total and 30,000 hours have been digitized. They were asked how many more original hours would launch with the Network. Barrios said that whatever makes sense economically, they will do. When there is more content, the audience wants it. New content doesn't hurt existing content.
They were asked about their plans to diversify into other opportunities but they haven't done any of that beyond the Studios and how they can be more than just a wrestling company. Vince said that film was a project and they felt they had the right plan for that now. He said from a media standpoint, they do more than even Disney since Disney doesn't produce PPV. He said they can shape the company and take it in any direction. He said they have the overall brand and the individual brands, like John Cena, that you can capitalize on domestically and internationally. They are a variety show and there's nothing else in the world like it. They have wrestling but they have drama, comedy, music- they do it all.
They were asked how the investment community should value WWE. They said the stock price today has reflected last year's earnings, which were brought down by their film impairments, which was "jarring for all of us." He said that the film issues and the lack of knowledge for the network leaves questions so they have created the new film model yet still need to deliver. Once they roll out the full business model for the network and roll it out, that will help. Barrios said that they should feel good about where the company is going.
Vince was asked about the creative front and being a little more on the edge front. He was asked if that was an intentional move. Vince said it's an evolvement and the writing of the shows are "considerably better." There are no subject matter they can't touch upon but have to do it in a more sophisticated PG environmnent. They can stretch segments without pushing it into PG-14. When asked if they took it too far into the "G" rating in the past, Vince responded "that was pretty fair."
2013 - TNA star Kurt Angle was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Wise County, TX. Angle posted a $2,000 bond and was released. He immediately announced he was going into rehab.
This is not the first DUI arrest for Angle. He was arrested in September 2011 in Warren County, VA for DUI but got his lawyers got the charges amended to reckless driving.
Angle was also arrested for DUI in Pittsburgh a few years back after being found at his home by police after a woman phoned in a complaint about his driving, but those charges were later dropped.
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