SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Previews For Tonight’s RAW & Tough Enough Finale

    — The debut season of WWE Tough Enough concludes tonight with Luke or Andy being named winner by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and awarded a WWE contract.

    The format for tonight’s show will include a pre-taped portion from FCW in Florida, and a live portion prior to Raw tonight. The taped portion at FCW will have Luke & Andy in separate matches wrestling in front of a crowd.

    WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat will be the guest star of tonight’s finale.

    — WWE RAW takes place from Richmond, Virginia and will feature R-Truth apologizing to John Cena in order to receive a WWE title shot at Capitol Punishment. As of now there are no confirmed matches for the upcoming PPV, which takes place in less than 2 weeks.

    Also on RAW, expect the latest in the The Miz/Alex Riley storyline, plus the follow up to Kharma’s TV write off from last week.

  • John Morrison Update Following His Recent Surgery

    WWE diva Melina tweeted the following on Saturday regarding her boyfriend John Morrison’s condition after recent neck surgery

    “John is doing great. It’s going to be awhile ’till he can wrestle again. Strength in his arm is the same since the day of surgery. He went back to the doctor this week. He’s on his way to recovering. We just (h)ave to (b)e patient. I’m just happy he’s not in pain and that He Is getting better.”

    Morrison had surgery in early May day to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve in his neck. His recovery time was slated to 4-6 weeks at that time, so hopefully he’ll be back in action within the next month or two.

    Related Articles:

  • New Additions To SmackDown, Steve Austin Comments On TE 2

    — WWE.com has added newcomers Jinder Mahal and Johnny Curtis to the SmackDown roster page.

    Mahal beat Yoshi Tatsu in his SmackDown debut last night with a full nelson, suplex slam. He then instructed The Great Khali to manhandle Tatsu with the Khali Vise Grip.

    Curtis appeared in peculiar backstage segment on SmackDown. After being declared the winner of WWE NXT season four, Curtis was promised a WWE Tag Team Championship Match with his Pro, R-Truth.

    “But that’s not gonna happen,” Curtis chuckled. “And that’s the truth.” He then proceeded to do what any other WWE Superstar would do; cry over spilled milk.

    — On Twitter, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin commented on the possibility of a second season of Tough Enough.

    He wrote, “I have had many questions regarding a season 2 of Tough Enough…no word yet. Very interesting…”

    The WWE Hall of Famer also stated last Monday during an interview with AfterBuzz TV that he does not know whether there will be a second season.

  • Lesnar Interview: Working For Vince, WWE vs. UFC

    Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar recently spoke with Jeff Wagenheim of Sports Illustrated to hype UFC’s Ultimate Fighter show as well as the release of his new biography, Death Clutch.

    Here are some of the wrestling-related highlights from the interview. Lesnar talks about the differences between working for Vince McMahon and UFC president Dana White, as well as which company he prefers working for.

    SI.com: In moving from the WWE to the UFC, you went from having Vince McMahon as your boss to working for Dana White. How are things different?

    Lesnar: One thing about working for Vince: I never was able to get a really good read from him. He’s dealt with a lot of entertainers in his day. But when I sit down and talk to somebody, I just want to shoot straight and have the same thing done to me. You can’t take this away from Vince, though: He has taken his product and made it very successful.

    SI.com: Are you happier in the UFC? Is it a better fit for you?

    Lesnar: I finally found my calling, and it’s to be an ultimate fighter. But don’t get me wrong: The WWE did a lot for me. They made me a household name throughout the world. It’s just that in the WWE, the pen and paper are pushing you, along with the man behind the company. In the UFC, I kind of had to make my own name. Dana wants to see you do well, but at the end of the day you’ve got to get in there and execute the job.

  • Betty George, First Wife Of Gorgeous George, Passes Away

    WWE.com announced Friday that Betty Wagner, the first wife of WWE Hall of Famer Gorgeous George, died that day at the age of 98 in Gearhart, Oregon.

    Wagner attended the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame Induction ceremony to accept the posthumous induction on behalf of Gorgeous George.

    Betty George, first wife of WWE Hall of Famer Gorgeous George, passed away
    June 3, 2011

    WWE is saddened to learn of the loss of Betty George, first wife of WWE Hall of Famer Gorgeous George, who passed away peacefully today in Gearhart, Ore. She was 98 years old.

    All of us at WWE wish to extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. George’s family and friends, including her four children, Carol Kelley, Donnie, Rex and Honi.

  • Riley Officially Switches Brands, Former Writer Visits WWE HQ

    — WWE.com has moved Alex Riley’s profile from the SmackDown roster page to the Raw roster page.

    Riley was moved to the SmackDown brand in the 2011 Supplemental Draft. He debuted on the April 29 episode of SmackDown, interrupting Randy Orton and given an RKO in response. This was his only television appearance on the brand. Riley continued to appear on Raw, alongside The Miz. The Miz fired Riley as his assistance on the May 23 Raw, blaming him for his lack of success in regaining the WWE Championship. It was announced the following Monday that the Anonymous Raw General Manager had hired Riley, therefore moving him back to Raw.

    — Former WWE creative writer Court Bauer posted a message on his Twitter account today indicating that he had a meeting at WWE’s corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

    “Interesting meeting and day here in Stamford, Bauer wrote. “Deja vu all over again.”

    He also posted a photo of the WWE building.

    — Paul Bearer stated on his Twitter account that he renewed his “WWE Legends” contract for five years with an option of a rollover for a sixth year.

  • Mick Foley Teases Return To WWE Following On-Screen Firing

    Last night’s episode of IMPACT WRESTLING concluded with Hulk Hogan announcing that Mick Foley had been fired as the Network Executive.

    Hogan opened up a legal document and said that effective immediately, The Network has exercised the option of terminating said position. He then said to the camera, “Mick Foley, you’re fired!” Hogan’s theme music played and Bischoff said, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

    Foley lampooned news of his on-screen firing on Twitter. He wrote, “Wait, I was FIRED?!? Are you CEREAL..I mean SERIOUS?!?”

    He added, “Wait, I just checked my DVR and it cut out during Bischoff’s speech. I can’t be fired; I just got back a few weeks ago. Right?”

    Foley then teased a possible return to WWE, saying The Miz needs a new assistant (following the dismissal of Alex Riley) and he needs a new job.

    He wrote, “Good point @DHStom – I think @mikethemiz might need a new assistant..and I need a new job. Interesting, huh?”

    He then retweeted a fan’s comment indicating that he could have appeared at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s birthday bash rather than return to TNA for a few weeks. It read: “Good thing Mick had to stay around for 3 weeks rather than be at @TheRock ‘s bday bash. #baddecisions”

    In accordance with the storyline, his profile has been removed from the company website’s roster page. Foley, however, is still under contract to TNA. It expires in early September and he stated during an interview late last year with GeekWeek.com that he doesn’t plan on renewing it. “The Hardcore Legend” said he was frustrated with communication problems inherent in the structure of the organization and that he wasn’t pleased that they didn’t air footage of his appearance at Jon Stewart’s Rally To Restore Sanity at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

  • SmackDown Match Preview, Why WWE Changed Name Of PPV

    — Tonight on SmackDown, Randy Orton defends the World Heavyweight Championship against No. 1 contender Sheamus. Plus, Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett takes on Ezekiel Jackson in an Intercontinental Title rematch. Other matches scheduled to take place include:

    * Christian vs. Mark Henry

    * AJ and Kaitlyn vs. Alicia Fox and Tamina

    * Jinder Mahal vs. Yoshi Tatsu

    * Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase

    — WWE changed the name of the October pay-per-view event from Uprising to Vengeance after finding out that Dragon Gate USA had a pay-per-view event called Uprising.

    — Edge is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • VIDEO: Jesse Ventura Talks Savage, McMahon & More

    New York City radio DJ Peter Rosenberg (Hot 97) interviewed former WWE personality / Governor / best selling author / actor / TV host Jesse Ventura this week. Ventura speaks about Randy Savage for the first time since his recent death and the epic encounter Savage had at WrestleMania III against Ricky “The Dragon Steamboat. Ventura also talks about working with Vince McMahon back in the heyday of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Gorilla Monsoon and more:

  • JR Blog: Chris Jericho’s WWE Return, Alex Riley, WWE ’12

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross said about:

    Chris Jericho’s 3rd Book & WWE Return:

    Chris Jericho is looking at doing a 3rd book! Amazing. I can’t even put a plan together to write one while wanting to stay away from a full blown autobiography at this time. Jericho is uber talented in many areas and has likely not wrestled his last WWE bout. The thing about Jericho is that he’s going to do things on his time line and that he enjoys doing. When or if he becomes ready to return to WWE he will. The Winnipeg native and Fozzy front man certainly doesn’t ‘owe’ any of us one more match.

    Alex Riley Getting A Babyface Push:

    – Yes emailer….Alex Riley has upped his game the past two weeks on Raw while beating up The Miz. The key to Riley’s rise to stardom and latching on to something tangible at the next level is his continued ability to shine and to get on a roll. The roll has started but how long will it be sustained? That’s always going to be the question no matter the talent. Riley-Miz has been some of my favorite, MNR content the past two broadcasts. It feels new and fresh.

    The New WWE ’12 Video Game:

    – The THQ rendition of the WWE12 video game is going to really be slick. THQ has some very educated and intelligent fans of the genre working on this game and I look for it to be the most ecstatically pleasing and exciting to play video game that THQ/WWE has done to date.

  • Ring Name Discussed For Averno, Backstage Skepticism On Cara

    Mexican based wrestling magazine Super Luchas reported on Sunday that WWE had signed Averno, one of the top heel wrestlers in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). He then claimed he hadn’t signed with WWE and would prove it by defeating La Mascara in an upcoming Mask vs. Match Match. His father confirmed that his son had signed with WWE, but backtracked because it would make the result of the match, scheduled for June 17, obvious.

    Averno participated in a tryout match with WWE in October, but was not signed then due to organization officials’ directive on not obtaining talent older than 30 years unless established. He is 34 years old.

    Averno, as well as WWE developmental wrestler Peter Orlov, participated in the filming of the vignettes promoting Sin Cara’s debut. WWE’s acquisition of the masked grappler is said to be directly related to the SmackDown Superstar being asked to name the wrestler he worked best with, following concern over his match with Chavo Guerrero at Over the Limit. WWE officials are determined to make Sin Cara successful because he was promoted as the first discovery of Triple H in his role as chief of talent development. However, there has always skepticism on his prospects due to his inability to speak English and being thrown on television before learning the American style of wrestling.

    It is considered certain that Averno will debut with a new ring name. One name being discussed for the 16-year wrestling veteran is Rey Ortiz II. He is also expected to perform without his mask.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • VIDEO: Z! True Long Island Story (Episode 16)

    Mr. Long Island Iced Z, Zack Ryder is back with another installment of his Z! True Long Island Story series.

    Sit back and enjoy Episode 16, BRO .. WWWYKI

  • Road Dogg Comments On Triple H’s Office Role, R-Truth’s Push

    Five-time WWE Tag Team Champion Road Dogg appeared on Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca, which airs Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sirius 92 and XM 207. Highlights from his interview are as follows:

    R-Truth’s current push: “If you ask me, the WWE is about ten years too late. They had this guy ten or twelve years ago. I actually kind of recruited him to be my tag team partner cause Billy (Gunn) had just blown his shoulder out and was gonna have surgery and he was gonna be out for a year. I saw Ron Killings perform in Memphis when I was on break from WWF at the time and I saw him perform and I just thought ‘Man, this guy is great’. I saw something in him…and the next thing I know, we were tagging together.”

    “I know they switched it up a little bit and turned him heel and it’s working for him man, so I say you work it girl….he’s doing great. I don’t follow the show as closely as I probably should, but I do turn over when I hear my brothers reffing or Ronnie Killings is on. I love to watch him work, he’s a great athlete, he looks great, he’s a great guy and I love him. Nothing but love for Ronnie Killings.”

    Triple H’s role within in WWE: “He’s a really level headed guy. He’s not very emotional. He’s not going to let his emotions rue the day whether he hired somebody because he doesn’t like them. If somebody is talented, they’re going to get an opportunity and that’s how he is. And I think he’s always kind of had a knack to get over. Even if it was being attached to somebody that was gonna get over, bringing a faction together that was gonna get over. He always knew what to do from very young in his career. He knew who to get with, who to hang out with, and what to say and what to do. As far as a skill set to be in that position he definitely has that.”

    “Now that’s not saying that he didn’t marry the boss’s daughter and that all helped him along the way. I’m not saying that he got married because of the gig. I’m saying that that may have helped him achieve the ultimate goal of getting where he is now. One day, him and Steph are going to run that company, and that’s just the bottom line. Vince always held things tight to his vest and handled things himself, and I think Hunter and Stephanie will do the same thing in the future. I think the right guy is in the right spot, and I think he’ll continue to make good decisions as far as making WWE profitable.”

    Working with Chyna: “To be quite honest with you, and I’m sure steroids are no secret in this business. I’m sure that she was probably on some steroids because she was a monster. I saw her train and it was just incredible to watch her and see how she grew and everything. I haven’t spoken to her in a long time. I know she’s had her own demons that she’s dealt with and so I hope she’s doing well. I didn’t see her on TV when she was on there. Billy (Gunn) talked to her when he was down there in Orlando when they filmed that TV and he said she’s doing really well.”

    “She was a great girl. She was really one of the guys without trying to saying anything, everybody always ribbed her about being a guy. She wasn’t a guy, she was a girl. She definitely had the attitude and camaraderie. She had a great sense of humor, she was funny. I’m sure she still is, but we all become someone other than ourselves when we use drugs and use too much alcohol. Before that all happened to her, I think the wrestling world brought it out in her because she wasn’t like that at first. She wasn’t eccentric at all. She wasn’t like that. She was really level headed and fun to be around and so I hope she’s doing well now.”

  • WWE Adds Social Media Expert To Its Board Of Directors

    WWE issued the following announcement on its corporate website, announcing that Patricia Gottesman has been elected to WWE’s board of directors. The statement includes a statement from WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon:

    WWE ELECTS PATRICIA A. GOTTESMAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    STAMFORD, Conn., June 2, 2011 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced that Patricia A. Gottesman has been elected to its Board of Directors.

    Gottesman is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Hexagon, a social media monitoring and analysis company. Prior to joining Crimson, Gottesman served as Founder and Principal for Omnibus PG, an international media and technology practice. Gottesman began her career with Cablevision Systems Corporation and held several senior executive positions during the 29 years she spent with the company including Executive Vice President, Digital Marketing and Commerce; Executive Vice President, Product Management and Marketing; and Senior Vice President, Development.

    “We are pleased to have Patricia join our Board of Directors,” stated Vincent K. McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, WWE. “She brings extensive cable industry experience and is an accomplished senior executive with more than 30 years of business and management expertise in a number of areas, including programming, product development and new media.”

    Gottesman has served as a board member of Crimson Hexagon since December 2010. In addition, Gottesman serves in advisory roles for TechMahindra, America India Foundation, comScore, Inc. and Elucido Media.

    Gottesman graduated magna cum laude from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications.

  • Punk’s WWE Future, Warrior Has Big News, Orton-Sheamus

    – The Ultimate Warrior is now on Twitter and is wasting no time making with his controversial tweets. After releasing a scathing video earlier this week to Hulk Hogan for silencing his Warriors on Twitter, Warrior tweeted the following on Thursday, teasing “big news” coming soon:

    “Thank you to all The Warriors out there spreading the word. Big news soon. Always Believe!!!”

    Warrior has vowed to expose Hulk Hogan for the man he truly is, while Hogan maintains that Warrior is talking nonsense and is simply a negative person.

    – Friday’s episode of SmackDown will feature a main event of Randy Orton defending the World Heavyweight title against Sheamus. The match was taped on Tuesday night from Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to the match taking place, a WWE fan jumped the ringside gate and tried jumping into the ring – but was caught by security and escorted out of the building.

    – Following reports that Nexus leader CM Punk is strongly considering leaving WWE when his contract expires this summer, it’s worth noting that WWE’s live event website is only advertising CM Punk to appear at TV tapings and the Money in the Bank pay-per-view from July 6th through August 6th.

  • Update On Mexican Star Averno Headed To WWE

    As reported over the weekend, masked Mexican wrestling star Averno is believed to have signed a contract with WWE. Averno was one of Sin Cara’s top opponents before Cara came to WWE and is expected to join the SmackDown brand as a familiar face that Sin Cara can have great matches with in the coming months.

    Averno, who had a tryout match with WWE last October, puts his mask on the line in a match with La Mascara later this month at  CMLL’s next big show.

    Averno was recently contacted by WWE after company officials asked Sin Cara who he would most like to work with. A number of WWE superstars have had a difficult time thus far adapting to Sin Cara’s lucha libre star and bringing in Sin Cara’s longtime rival from Mexico is a way to showcase both of their unique styles.

    Averno headed to WWE has drawn a lot of negative press in Mexico, which has seen their top promotions business’ eroded by WWE recently establishing a strong presence in the region. Averno was interviewed in Mexico yesterday and basically did damage control, denying all of the WWE rumors – likely to keep fans interested in his final CMLL match later this month.

    Averno’s father, who is an EMLL referee, confirmed in a separate interview that his son is headed to WWE.

    Check out this match between Averno and Sin Cara from earlier this year at “CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2011” from Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall this past January:

    Part 2:

  • Maryse Opens Facebook Page, Update On William Regal, More

    — Maryse announced this evening on Twitter that she has an official Facebook page. It is located at www.facebook.com/besexymaryseouellet.

    The page has been open since 2009, but she changed the URL and plans on being active on it again.

    — William Regal, who now reigns as a color commentator on NXT: Redemption, missed last night’s show. Michael Cole filled in for Regal.

    Regal forewarned followers on his Twitter account last week that he wouldn’t be back on the site until this Friday, with no reason given. His wife, however tweeted Tuesday that he is in England this week. It is possible that it’s a business trip since his wife’s tweets implied that he isn’t with his family. (Thanks to Jen)

    — WWE has posted a job listing for an ‘Archivist’. Responsibilities include: “Plan, establish, and maintain WWE’s repository of items that have enduring historical, aesthetic, and/or nostalgic value. Details are available here.

  • Former Diva Battles Super Villains, WWE Live Event Postponed

    — The first episode of the “Sprinkles” web series starring Shelly Martinez was posted online today. The former WWE Diva appears as a superhero battling evil villains on the beach.

    To see the video, click here.

    — A SmackDown live event scheduled for this Sunday at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, West Virginia has been moved to Friday, September 16, 2011.

    — Reby Sky has pulled out of this weekend’s Dragon Gate USA events in Boston and New York City.

  • Kharma Blogs About Jim Ross Saying She Was “Too Fat” For WWE

    Pregnant WWE dvia Kharma has posted a blog in which she discusses her promo from RAW where she said Jim Ross told her a few years ago that she was “too fat” to make it in WWE.

    Here’s what Kharma wrote about the situation:

    “I’ve been told that a lot of people are taking pot shots at Jim Ross lately.

    If @JRsBBQ hadn’t shot from the hip all those years ago, I wouldn’t of had the fire to succeed as much as I did. I wouldn’t of had the strength to sacrifice being with my family, my country, my native tongue to live in Japan for 6 years and learn this craft. I owe Mr. Ross a great gratitude. Not only for setting me on my path to success, but also being there with open arms at the end of my journey and escorting me to the finish line. Many of you may not know this but JR lobbied for my recruitment to WWE. We met at the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion in Las Vegas and I became fast friends with him and his lovely wife. He had heard the noise I was making in the industry and graciously gave me kudos. You never have to worry about where you stand with JR. He’ll give you constructive criticism when you need it and praise when you’ve earned it. He’s no sycophant and that is something to be celebrated. I’m hoping you all send him a thankful salutation, I know I will.”

    (Source: kharmageddonblast.blogspot.com)

  • Ratings Are In For Monday’s WWE RAW & Tough Enough Shows

    The ratings are in for Monday’s episodes of WWE RAW and Tough Enough.

    – Raw did a 3.1 rating, which is down from last week’s 3.4. The did hours of 2.98 and 3.16 and averaged 4.7 million viewers for the 2-hour broadcast.

    – Tough Enough did a 1.74 rating (up from last week’s 1.64) and had 2.4 million viewers.

  • THQ Announces WWE 12: Game Being Shown At E3

    THQ’s official press release on the new WWE ’12 video game that’s currently in development for a fall release .. Find out which WWE stars will be at the E3 gaming convention to hype the game and much more.

    THQ Reveals A Bigger, Badder And Better WWE Videogame Experience With Debut Of WWE® ’12 At Electronic Entertainment Expo

    THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced development of WWE ® ’12, the electrifying rebirth of the renowned WWE flagship videogame franchise. Featuring a bigger game, badder presentation and better simulation-based gameplay, WWE ’12 will include long-awaited and critical core gameplay improvements, the most creative and extensive feature set to date and a visceral, edgy and polished presentation. WWE ’12 is currently in development for the Xbox 360 ® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation ®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii ™ system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release timing of November 22, 2011 in North America.

    “With vital changes to core gameplay, innovative feature support and an incredibly striking presentation, the WWE simulation experience is back with WWE ’12,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “At E3 2011, this is the definitive WWE videogame experience you do not want to miss.”

    WWE ’12 will be playable for the first time at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), booth #2001 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, from June 7-9, 2011. In addition, prominent WWE personalities are slated to attend E3 in support of the new WWE ’12 experience. WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio ™ and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly ® are currently scheduled to appear on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., while WWE Superstar The Miz ® is currently scheduled to appear on Wednesday, June 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All talent appearances are subject to change.

    About WWE ’12

    WWE ’12 will offer players the opportunity to engage in the WWE experience through the new Predator Technology ™ dynamic gameplay system, which is poised to deliver the most fluid, dynamic, authentic and action-packed WWE simulation experience to date. Included are the new Breaking Point submission system, new Attributes and control layout as well as significant improvements to other key gameplay systems, including Momentum and Stamina. WWE Universe Mode 2.0 will generate new and more impactful elements of unpredictability based on player decisions, while dynamic visual changes to gameplay presentation, including new animations, camera positions, lighting and improved rendering, will set the tone for delivering an exceptional simulation of WWE programming.

    WWE ’12 will feature the franchise’s best-in-class creation suite, enabling players to develop and customize their own Superstars, entrances, finishing moves, storylines, Highlight Reels and other all-new capabilities to be announced later this year. As well, the popular Road to WrestleMania ® Mode will enable players to explore compelling new storylines and major gameplay improvements. WWE ’12 will also boast one of the largest rosters of WWE Superstars, WWE Divas and WWE Legends in franchise history, including cover Superstar Randy Orton, John Cena, The Miz and the debuting Alberto Del Rio.

    For more information about WWE ’12, please visit wwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.

    About WWE

    WWE, 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 entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. 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, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

    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.

    Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox LIVE logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

    “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.

    THQ Forward-Looking Statements: 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 and expected features of WWE ’12 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and particularly the discussion of trends and 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.

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

    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, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; our exposure to bad debt risk; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; 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, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

  • Jim Ross Says He Didn’t Call Kharma “Too Fat”, Warrior-Twitter

    — Former WWE Champion Ultimate Warrior has launched a Twitter account at twitter.com/ultimatewarrior. The account is listed in the description of the video he posted over the weekend targeting Hulk Hogan.

    Warrior’s first tweet was towards Hulk Hogan. He wrote, “@HulkHogan4Real Karma is coming to collect Terry.”

    — Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section on his official website with some commentary on Kharma’s claim on RAW that JR told her several years ago that she was “too fat” to be a WWE diva. Ross denies ever used those words when Kharma first tried out for WWE Tough Enough several years ago and wrote:

    “Kharma tried out for Tough Enough in Vegas at an open casting call for seemingly hundreds of potential talents. I never told her she was ‘too fat’ but that she was ‘too big’ at that time to be cast in a role that the role’s criteria had been clearly outlined to us.

    “People don’t get that pro wrestling shows are entertainment based and facts, situations, etc are often times embellished for entertainment purposes. Those that have lashed out at me have wasted their time denigrating me for something that was not factual and was scripted.

    — SmackDown Superstars Tyson Kidd and Natalya are advertised to appear at Fairway Market 699 Canal Street Stamford, Connecticut on Saturday, June 18 beginning at 11:00 a.m. For more information, call 203-388-9815.

  • The Rock & John Cena Trade Insults, MITB PPV Poster & Synopsis

    Their showdown at WrestleMania 28 is still 10 months away – but that doesn’t mean The Rock and John Cena’s beef is cooling off.

    On Monday, The Rock posted a photo from his farm of him and his horse, Scoob. The Rock referred to the horse’s large teeth as “John Cena teeth.”

    After RAW, Cena responded to The Rock on Twitter with the following:

    “Hey dwayne. Glad u had fun on the farm. Would loved to have joined u and scoob…but I was at RAW looking for the guy who brings it…. Guess he decided he had better things to do…you know…like….hang out….on the farm…and stuff. :)”

    – Pay-per-view provider iNDEMAND has released the official synopsis and promotional poster for WWE’s upcoming Money In The Bank event on Sunday, July 17th. The synopsis reads:

    “A guaranteed championship match hangs 20 feet above the ring in a steel briefcase. One man will scale the heights and seize his destiny. Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars at WWE Money in the Bank live on pay-per-view.”

    Here is the PPV poster featuring John Morrison, who will hopefully be back in action by mid-July following his recent neck surgery:

    Money In The Bank PPV Poster

  • Divas Comment On Kharma’s Pregnancy, “Big Jimmy” Speaks

    – Actor Kelci Jones, who played the character of “Big Jimmy” on RAW during the crowd segment featuring R-Truth, wrote the following on Facebook about his RAW appearance:

    “Got to get sweated by R-Truth and be in the ring with Cena. And Vince McMahon likes my swagger…uh yeah life is good!!!”

    – Maryse and Eve Torres took to Twitter and commented on Kharma’s announcement on RAW that she is pregnant and will be off WWE television until next year. Eve wrote:

    “Didn’t expect that one! I respect @Kharma for BeliEVEing & following her dreams. Just not when it involved planting my face into the ground.”

    Maryse had the following heel remarks for Kharma:

    “I volunteer to give @Kharma a treadmill…its my baby gift to her”

    “Btw for all haters, stop hating im a HUGE @kharma fan myself, ill buy the baby some awesome gap onesie… And also maybe some baby louis vuitton flats…”

  • Diva Appearing On “The Mo’Nique Show”, Cole Returns To NXT

    — Alicia Fox appears as a guest on tonight’s episode of The Mo’Nique Show at 11:00 p.m. on BET. The former Divas Champion will chat with the Academy Award-winning comedienne on the critically acclaimed late night talk show.

    — Michael Cole returned to NXT: Redemption last night for a one-night-only appearance. He filled in for William Regal on commentary, who was absent.

    — WWE will be airing the documentary portion of the February 2011 DVD release The Big Show: A Giant’s World beginning July 4.

    — Former WWE star Big Bully Busick celebrates his 57th birthday today.