– To keep with the undefeated storyline on RAW, WWE had the John Cena vs. Sheamus matches at this weekend’s live events end in disqualification with Cena as the winner. The Saturday night show saw Sheamus knock the referee down to be disqualified and yesterday’s show saw Sheamus get disqualified after hitting Cena with a low blow. It will be interesting to see what happens with the two on tonight’s RAW.

– Reader Ted sent in the following: Just thought everyone might want to know that Christian is now the longest reigning WWE-ECW Champion after holding it for 154 days. The previous record was held by Big Show with 152 days.

– The January 2010 edition of WWE Magazine is a Best of 2009 themed issue.

– Last week’s edition of ECW on Syfy scored a 1.0 cable rating, the same number as the previous week.

– To keep with the undefeated storyline on RAW, WWE had the John Cena vs. Sheamus matches at this weekend’s live events end in disqualification with Cena as the winner. The Saturday night show saw Sheamus knock the referee down to be disqualified and yesterday’s show saw Sheamus get disqualified after hitting Cena with a low blow. It will be interesting to see what happens with the two on tonight’s RAW.

– Reader Ted sent in the following: Just thought everyone might want to know that Christian is now the longest reigning WWE-ECW Champion after holding it for 154 days. The previous record was held by Big Show with 152 days.

– The January 2010 edition of WWE Magazine is a Best of 2009 themed issue.

– Last week’s edition of ECW on Syfy scored a 1.0 cable rating, the same number as the previous week.

WWE has added another second generation Diva to its talent roster with the recent signing of Sarona Snukka, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snukka.

The WXW promotion made the announcement on Twitter over the weekend, congratulating the talented young wrestler. Sarona Snukka has been with WXW since September and will likely be headed to the Florida Championship Wrestling developmental territory.

Here are some pictures of Sarona Snukka:

TNA Wrestling sent out the following press release today hyping next week’s 3=hour live Monday Night iMPACT! special:

Monday Night iMPACT!

HULKAMANIA IS COMING BACK TO MONDAY NIGHT ON “TNA iMPACT!” LIVE JANUARY 4 ON SPIKE TV

Hulk Hogan’s First Live Appearance On Spike TV’s “TNA iMPACT” Will Be In A Special 3-Hour LIVE Episode Monday, January 4 At 8:00 PM ET/PT

Hulk Hogan’s first appearance inside the six-sided ring of TNA Wrestling will follow weeks of speculation after Hogan and TNA President, Dixie Carter announced their partnership on October 27 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hogan has hinted in various media interviews that he’ll have multiple surprises in store for TNA Wrestling fans.

“I knew when I signed with TNA, that it would be important to make a statement with the first episode. Going head-to-head with the WWE on January 4th, makes the statement loud and clear: Game on!” Hogan said.

“TNA is kicking off 2010 in the biggest way possible with the biggest name in the history of our sport. Hulk Hogan is a pop culture icon, and his arrival will change not only TNA, but the entire professional wrestling landscape. We’re firing that first shot,” Carter said.

Joining Hogan for the three-hour live “iMPACT!” will be TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, “The Boss” Bobby Lashley, “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan and many more

TNA Wrestling sent out the following press release today hyping next week’s 3=hour live Monday Night iMPACT! special:

Monday Night iMPACT!

HULKAMANIA IS COMING BACK TO MONDAY NIGHT ON “TNA iMPACT!” LIVE JANUARY 4 ON SPIKE TV

Hulk Hogan’s First Live Appearance On Spike TV’s “TNA iMPACT” Will Be In A Special 3-Hour LIVE Episode Monday, January 4 At 8:00 PM ET/PT

Hulk Hogan’s first appearance inside the six-sided ring of TNA Wrestling will follow weeks of speculation after Hogan and TNA President, Dixie Carter announced their partnership on October 27 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hogan has hinted in various media interviews that he’ll have multiple surprises in store for TNA Wrestling fans.

“I knew when I signed with TNA, that it would be important to make a statement with the first episode. Going head-to-head with the WWE on January 4th, makes the statement loud and clear: Game on!” Hogan said.

“TNA is kicking off 2010 in the biggest way possible with the biggest name in the history of our sport. Hulk Hogan is a pop culture icon, and his arrival will change not only TNA, but the entire professional wrestling landscape. We’re firing that first shot,” Carter said.

Joining Hogan for the three-hour live “iMPACT!” will be TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, “The Boss” Bobby Lashley, “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan and many more

— Former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer will be starring in “A Night At The Silent Movie Theater,” a straight-to-DVD film that will be released on January 15. Her website (9thWonderOfTheWorld.com) says that she’ll be appearing on entertainment news show Entertainment Tonight’s “Weekend Edition” show on January 10 to promote the release.

— It’s also interesting to note that Chyna’s website features a poll asking fans whether she should guest host an episode of the show she “was apart of for 5 years” – WWE RAW.

— Chris Jericho wrote a message on Twitter that he’ll will be appearing on VH1 again tonight as the host of the “100 Most Shocking Music Moments” countdown show. Visit VH1.com for more info.

THQ and WWE issued the following this morning:

Dec 28, 2009 — THQ Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. announced that they have entered into a new eight-year agreement granting THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on WWE’s content effective January 1, 2010.

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

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

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

THQ and WWE issued the following this morning:

Dec 28, 2009 — THQ Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. announced that they have entered into a new eight-year agreement granting THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on WWE’s content effective January 1, 2010.

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

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

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

Monday Night iMPACT!

– TNA Wrestling will be holding a part at Universal Citywalk in Orlando on January 3rd to celebrate Hulk Hogan’s iMPACT! debut the following night. Hogan and many other TNA stars will be there. The event will be filmed by TNA and parts will air on the three-hour iMPACT special the next night. Radio personality and longtime Hogan ally Bubba the Love Sponge is apparently having a big role with the event that they’re billing as a “Pre-Hulkamania Invades TNA” party. It begins at 5PM and admission is free. This event is expected to be similar to the Hulkamania Parade thrown by WCW back in 1994 when Hogan joined that company.

– Hulk Hogan came in at #85 on a “2009’s Most Annoying People” list in the UK. Hogan was listed for the OJ Simpson comments he made about his ex-wife earlier this year.

– TNA will be releasing a Best of 2009 DVD on February 16th, 2010.

– As previously reported , top independent tag team The Young Bucks have signed with TNA Wrestling. There is talk of them debuting on the January 4th live iMPACT.

— Alissa Flash noted on her Twitter account that last week, she accidentally stepped on some shattered Christmas ornaments destroyed by her cat in the middle of the night. This could explain why she did not appear at last Monday’s all-Knockout television taping.

— The TNA website has posted all-new holiday photos of Sarita, Velvet Sky, ODB, Tara, Daffney, Taylor Wilde, Lacey Von Erich and the infrequently seen SoCal Val. You can see the images at the following link.

Monday Night iMPACT!

– TNA Wrestling will be holding a part at Universal Citywalk in Orlando on January 3rd to celebrate Hulk Hogan’s iMPACT! debut the following night. Hogan and many other TNA stars will be there. The event will be filmed by TNA and parts will air on the three-hour iMPACT special the next night. Radio personality and longtime Hogan ally Bubba the Love Sponge is apparently having a big role with the event that they’re billing as a “Pre-Hulkamania Invades TNA” party. It begins at 5PM and admission is free. This event is expected to be similar to the Hulkamania Parade thrown by WCW back in 1994 when Hogan joined that company.

– Hulk Hogan came in at #85 on a “2009’s Most Annoying People” list in the UK. Hogan was listed for the OJ Simpson comments he made about his ex-wife earlier this year.

– TNA will be releasing a Best of 2009 DVD on February 16th, 2010.

– As previously reported , top independent tag team The Young Bucks have signed with TNA Wrestling. There is talk of them debuting on the January 4th live iMPACT.

— Alissa Flash noted on her Twitter account that last week, she accidentally stepped on some shattered Christmas ornaments destroyed by her cat in the middle of the night. This could explain why she did not appear at last Monday’s all-Knockout television taping.

— The TNA website has posted all-new holiday photos of Sarita, Velvet Sky, ODB, Tara, Daffney, Taylor Wilde, Lacey Von Erich and the infrequently seen SoCal Val. You can see the images at the following link.

Here’s an early preview for tonight’s edition of WWE RAW from Connecicut, the final show of 2009:

Guest Host: Rapper & Producer TIMBALAND:
Innovative music maven Timbaland mixes the last edition of Monday Night Raw in 2009. How will the mastermind behind guaranteed chart-topping album “Shock Value 2” fare in the squared circle on the next Raw?

WWE Champion Sheamus vs. John Cena
Can Cena – the 2009 Superstar of the Year – recapture the prize as he vowed, thus closing out the year as eight-time World Champion?

Also, with Bret Hart making his long awaited return to WWE television next week to host RAW, expect the announcement to be made tonight and for WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to react to the news.

The advertised dark match for tonight’s show is Cena and DX vs. Randy Orton, Big Show, and Sheamus in a six-man tag.

TNA president Dixie Carter posted the following message on Twitter announcing the signing of a promising young tag team:

“Proud to report TNA has signed the Young Bucks. Thanks to all of you for the input on them. They show great potential.”

Visit PWTweets.com to follow Pro Wrestlers & Divas on Twitter!

Southern California’s Young Bucks – comprised of Slick Nick and Instant Replay Matt Jackson – have wrestled across the United States and Japan. They recently wrestled what was described as a great TNA iMPACT! dark match against the Motor City Machine Guns and have a ton of potential. Check out this ‘best of’ music video of TNA’s newest tag team – the Young Bucks:

TNA Founder Jeff Jarrett

A local newspaper in Johnstown, Pennsylvania recently conducted an interview with Jeff Jarrett to promote TNA’s live event in the city on January 14th.  Jarrett spoke at length about how TNA Wrestling can compete with World Wrestling Entertainment.  “They [WWE] are sports entertainment; we are professional wrestling,” Jarret said. “Our in-ring product takes priority over other facets of the business.” “The product that has drawn millions and millions of fans over the years, going back to the ’60s, is professional wrestling … (TNA) is fresh and modern, but it is in the essence of what has always been done.”

Jarrett knows what it takes to build a successful wrestling promotion and thinks TNA goes an extra step to make sure their fans are satisfied. “We recognize the fact that we’ve got to earn our fans one at a time,” Jarrett said. “I have been a part of wrestling my entire life, but I’ve never seen this kind of excitement generated by the backstage access, the autograph sessions, and the opportunities to get up close and personal with the TNA stars at the merchandise table.”

With TNA firing their “first shot” at WWE on January 4th with their first live 3-hour Monday night edition of TNA iMPACT!, Jarrett explains what’s ahead on TNA’s path to truly competing with WWE. “Things are getting bigger and better. With the addition of Hulk Hogan, skies are very blue for TNA. Are we going to come right out of the gate and beat them? Are we claiming that? Absolutely not,” he said. “But we’re in the game, and competition is good. We are very optimistic that by the end of 2010, it’ll be a different game.”

Visit OurTownOnline.biz to read the entire piece.

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

Warning: The following contains a major *SPOILER* for the January 4th edition of WWE RAW:

It’s been rumored for several weeks that WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has signed a new short-term contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and will be returning as an on-air character in early 2010. There has been a great deal of speculation that Bret Hart will make his WWE return on the January 4th edition of WWE RAW, the night TNA Wrestling goes head-to-head with RAW for the first time ever.

Cable provider DirecTV has released its preview for the January 4th RAW and confirms that the Hitman will in fact be hosting RAW that night. Their preview reads:

“Shocking Guest Host Bret The Hitman Hart returns to confront Mr. McMahon.”

It’s also worth noting that the January 4th RAW is listed as a 2-hour show, contrary to speculation that WWE will add a 3rd hour to compete with TNA’s 1-hour lead-in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

His Future in Wrestling: “Have I called my last wrestling matches? Hell, no. Will I return to weekly TV for the long term? That’s not too likely. Short term, weekly TV work may be in the cards and in a few months I may have a different mindset…”

Mike Tyson hosting RAW: “Tyson would be a great guest on WWE 24/7’s Legends Roundtable if the subject matter was the WWWF from back in the day as Mike and I had many casual discussions about him watching WWWF religiously as a kid growing up in NYC. Tyson would be hard to beat in a WWWF trivia contest. Based on personal experience and being one on one with him, Mike Tyson is a different guy than the publics perception of him.”

Wrestlers being “Independent Contractors”: “I have read so much about the unionizing of pro wrestling, which will never happen by the way in my view, and improving the working conditions for all the talents of which I wholeheartedly endorse by the way … Yes, in a “perfect world” all performers working for any company being full time employees with the traditional benefits would be ideal but the thought that individuals who are independent contractors cannot create their own benefits and take advantage of independent contractor status is not accurate.”

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

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

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

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

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

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

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

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

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

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

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

THQ AND WWE SIGN EIGHT-YEAR DEAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Based on US Market brand ranking 1995-November 2009

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

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

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

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

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements about WWE
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

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

THQ AND WWE SIGN EIGHT-YEAR DEAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Based on US Market brand ranking 1995-November 2009

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

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

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

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

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements about WWE
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.