Yahoo News posted a story on Wednesday morning about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s connections to Robert LiButti, a reputed mob member who was a regular at Atlantic City casinos when the former was in that business. It’s a topic they’ve covered in the past, including how Trump Plaza was fined over connections to LiButti before he was banned from New Jersey casinos. The new story, however, centers around new evidence they discovered that theoretically rebuts Trump’s claims that he didn’t know LiButti: The two of them attending WrestleMania IV together.

Held at the Atlantic City Convention Center (billed as “Trump Plaza” due to the hotel sponsoring the event), Trump is seated in the front row opposite the hard camera throughout WrestleMania IV. LiButti is next to him the whole time. However, even though the show is on WWE Network with minimal edits, this is how Yahoo referred to the clip (emphasis ours):

The reputed mob figure, Robert LiButti, can be seen standing alongside Trump in the front row of a 1988 “WrestleMania” match in Atlantic City, N.J. LiButti wasn’t there by accident, according to his daughter, Edith Creamer, who also attended the event. “We were his guests,” she told Yahoo News in a text message this week.

The video was given to Yahoo News by a confidential source who discovered it in the online archives of World Wrestling Entertainment, the sponsor of “WrestleMania.”

The images and clips in question have the WWE logo on them and appear to be taken from WWE Network’s version of the WrestleMania IV broadcast, not any kind of leaked video taken from WWE’s servers. Also, while worded oddly, that last part of the quoted section isn’t even factually true. as Trump Plaza was the sponsor of the event. That’s why the Atlantic City Convention Center was referred to as “Trump Plaza” for the show, because the sponsoring hotel got naming rights a la Atlantic City boxing events from that era.

Analysis: Politics aside, this is really strange, but also not the first time something like this happened during the election. Other outlets have branded previously broadcast Trump clips as exclusive discoveries, though not necessarily with the “confidential source” angle and sleight of hand used here by Yahoo. Even though there’s news value to tying together Trump and LiButti with the clip, the claims about the sourcing cast a shadow over the entire piece.

Rob Naylor, who worked as Creative Assistant under Dusty Rhodes in Florida Championship Wrestling/WWE NXT from 2011 to 2013, tweeted some interesting stuff over the weekend. He kept formats, memos, and other documents from his time with WWE and decided to make some images of them public…

Format sheet for the first Full Sail University pilot taping in 2011 (note the puns):

Another gem. Before there was "NXT" – a secret pilot was taped at "Full Sail". Dream dubbed it "Project H" #1stdraft pic.twitter.com/jqJOr8nRLr

— Rob Naylor (@NINaylor) February 20, 2016

A list of indie wrestlers from 2012 that Naylor would sign if he could, which he was asked to make by Triple H’s assistant (the note about Alex Shelley being clear of a TNA contract is most likely due to TNA’s lawsuit against WWE and Brian Wittenstein being an ongoing matter at the time):

https://twitter.com/NINaylor/status/701186517667020801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

And finally a list of independent promotions to watch (Dragon Gate USA being the only one that isn’t running shows anymore in 2016):

https://twitter.com/NINaylor/status/701186638005870593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Naylor also mentioned that he found other things going through his collection of records, like performance reviews and a list of tips from Ricky Steamboat on how to work babyface, so hopefully there’s more to come.

Regarding the perception of WWE in the advertising world right now, an executive who works in television ad sales and was working with Dodge recently said that the company bought time on shows that underperformed in the ratings, so they were owed “make good spots” on the station.

It was suggested to representatives that since the ads were essentially free at this point, to run them during WWE RAW, as the show draws well in the 18-49 demo, which is the demo that buys cars. The advertiser, when given the suggestion, first said that WWE would not be something that their company would ever purchase time from.

It was told to the reps that WWE has changed their image to become more advertiser friendly. The person then reportedly said, “I do understand that, but WWE doesn’t make sense for Dodge Dart. WWE is very trashy and not appropriate for our target.”

• VIDEO: Young Girl KOs Older Man, Claiming To Be Ex-UFC Fighter, With Vicious Punch

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE issued the following press release:

STAMFORD, Conn. – WWE today announced it has officially changed its corporate logo to convey a more contemporary, bold and powerful image while maintaining the iconic “W,” which has been a part of the company’s long-storied history. The logo, originally designed for WWE Network, will become the beacon of sports-entertainment and will represent the brand as it continues to bring together a passionate, diverse and global fanbase with a unique blend of live action, excitement and drama.

“We are excited to launch a new logo that reflects the evolution and future of WWE’s global brand,” said Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon. “While we usher in a new iconic brand identity, WWE’s best-in-class entertainment, which has stood the test of time for the past 50 years, will continue to reward our fans’ passion with our exciting blend of unique characters, incredible athleticism and engaging storylines.”

The new logo was unveiled on Twitter today by Vince McMahon, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, WWE, at the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Conn. Fans will begin to see it during SummerSlam, this Sunday, August 17, live on WWE Network and pay-per-view as the logo is rolled out across all platforms including live and televised entertainment, consumer products, digital media and WWE Studios.

The WWE’s brightest stars will attempt to cash in at this Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. Two ladder matches will main event the program, with one being held to declare a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, former champion Daniel Bryan will address the WWE Universe during the pre-show.

Here are my predictions for this Sunday’s event.

Summer Rae vs. Layla (Fandango Guest Referee)

I was never the biggest Fandango supporter, but I definitely thought he would be doing something bigger than referring a divas match a year ago. He has regressed over the past year and lost a lot of momentum. This will likely be the bathroom break match of the night, and Fandango will play a major role in the outcome, of course. Summer Rae will win this one by either rejoining Fandango or using him to influence the outcome of the contest before abandoning him.

Winner: Summer Rae by pinfall

Rusev vs. Big E

These guys performed well together at last month’s Payback, even though they were given less than four minutes total. They will hopefully get a little more time during this one, allowing both superstars to showcase their strengths.

I think Rusev will ultimately win this one, but Big E will also look strong during the match. Big E cut a passionate promo on last week’s Raw, so it appears the WWE wants to showcase him a bit more. Both guys will look good, but Rusev will force Big E to tap out in the end.

Winner: Rusev by submission

Stardust and Goldust vs. Ryback and Curtis Axel

The Rhodes Brothers storyline has been moving slowly over the past few months. It first looked as if the two brothers were going to feud with one another, with Cody searching for an adequate replacement because he felt Goldust deserved better.

He eventually rebranded himself as Stardust and the two have been on a winning streak ever since. They will continue to look strong on Sunday, picking up the win after Cody hits his Diamond Dust finisher on Curtis Axel.

Winner: Stardust and Goldust by pinfall

The following was issued today:

“CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS: 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES” TO AIR ON FOX SPORTS 1 THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30 AT 7 PM ET

STAMFORD, CONN. and NEW YORK, June 26, 2014 – WWE® and FOX Sports today announced that Celebrating Champions: 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, a one-hour television event chronicling the passion, dedication and determination of America’s most inspiring athletes during the week-long celebration of the 2014 USA Games, will air on FOX Sports 1 this Monday, June 30 at 7 pm ET. The special, produced by WWE, will be hosted by Mike Hill and Molly McGrath of FOX Sports 1’s America’s Pregame. Customers of participating video providers can also watch via FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content through iOS and Android devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.

The one-hour special will highlight six Special Olympics athletes as they travel from their hometowns to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. Viewers will experience a first-hand account of the excitement and pride each athlete exudes while training for, traveling to, and participating in the Games.

The special will include the following six athletes:

Theo “TC” Bazile, a 40-year-old from Vacherie, Louisiana, is a track and field athlete in sprints and shot put. Theo is very involved his community, where he volunteers at the local nursing home and fire department, sings in his church choir and remains active with his former high school football team.

Erica Bookout is a long-distance runner from Christiansburg, Virginia. The 22-year-old is a Junior at Radford University in Virginia majoring in Special Education. She is also the 2013 Special Olympics Virginia Athlete of the Year.

Andy Miyares, a 31-year-old from Miami, Florida, has competed in multiple sports, but has a passion for swimming and holds numerous records in the sport. He works for Special Olympics Miami-Dade and speaks both Spanish and English. In 2010, Andy was selected to serve a four-year term as one of just 12 Special Olympics International Global Messengers chosen from around the world to represent Special Olympics.

Derrick and Delon Noble, identical twin brothers from Bloomfield, New Jersey, compete in flag football. At 21-years-old, Derrick is the Quarterback and Delon is the Running Back. In addition to playing in the 2014 USA Games, during the last two weeks they’ve attended prom, seen their images on a Times Square billboard to promote the Games and graduated from high school. The twins were also honorary captains at a Rutgers football game last fall.

Scott Rohrer, a 24-year-old from York, South Carolina, is the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games Gold Medal Golfer with record scores for both 18-hole and 54-hole tournaments. Scott was also the 2013 South Carolina Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and he will be playing in Special Olympics World Golf Cup this August in Denmark.

In addition to the athlete profiles, the TV special will include highlights from the 2014 USA Games Opening Ceremony from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, which was hosted by actress and model Brooklyn Decker and Philadelphia 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams. The Ceremony included the traditional parade of athletes, athlete oaths and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Other celebrities that participated in the Opening Ceremony included WWE Superstars Big Show® and David Otunga®, TV personality Jack Ford, Glee’s Jane Lynch and musical artists Michael DelGuidice & Big Shot.

Also included is coverage of the first-ever Young Athletes Festival, held at the Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex. Children between the ages of two and seven, and their families, were invited to learn more about this program which provides critical early childhood development through the power of play.

Founding Partner WWE has helped promote the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games through its global platforms, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media, all of which increased the exposure of Special Olympics and reached a larger and more diverse audience. The partnership was announced in 2013 during WrestleMania® 29 in front of more than 80,000 fans at a sold-out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and millions more watching around the world. Over the past year, WWE has hosted Special Olympics athletes at its weekly live events, including WrestleMania® 30 in New Orleans, where the athletes got a chance to meet WWE Superstars and Divas, sit ringside and be recognized on TV for their accomplishments. WWE Superstars and Divas also served as honorary coaches for Special Olympics Unified Sports competitions around the country. WWE is the Official Production Partner of the 2014 USA Games, which included producing Celebrating Champions, producing the official sizzle reel and PSA, filming and serving as a production consultant for the Opening Ceremony, and creating daily electronic press kits for national media to help enhance coverage of the Games. In addition, WWE Superstars and Divas participated in various events at the Games, including daily autograph signings and medal presentations, while WWE employees served as volunteers.

21st Century Fox announced its Founding Partnership with the 2014 USA Games in November 2013. The network serves as the Official Presenting Media Sponsor and provided broad exposure for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games across its U.S. channels, which include FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, 28 local stations and FOX Sports 1. As Presenting Media Sponsor of the 2014 USA Games, 21st Century Fox committed to media exposure across its cable and broadcast networks as well as its local stations, most notably WNYW and WWOR in New York and WTXF in Philadelphia. In addition, 21st Century Fox provided exposure via live and recorded segments on FOX News Channel; FOX Sports 1, including a preview segment that ran the week before Super Bowl XLVIII; a PSA created by YES Network featuring New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter; and, on FOX Television Stations across the country, more than 50 athlete profiles, a 30-minute Games special, and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games PSAs which have aired thousands of times, among many other efforts. On site at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Mike Hill and Molly McGrath, hosts of AMERICA’S PREGAME on FOX Sports 1, hosted the Closing Ceremony, capping a great week of events. Cleatus and five FOX Sports Girls from across the country – Sara (Ohio), Kendall (North), Katie (Midwest), Chyna (Wisconsin) and Morgan (South) – came out to interact with athletes and fans at the 21st Century Fox tent in Corporate Park.

– The official WWE website has added a video playlist of WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ “most venomous deeds.” Fans interested in checking that out can do so at WWE.com.

– WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes, did the ring announcing at Thursday night’s WWE NXT television taping at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Rhodes re-tweeted the following photo of herself in action:

“@onesoulwarrior: @TheBrandiRhodes is live and working the mic! Sweet! #nxtfslive pic.twitter.com/BnsECEJ6VG”

— Brandi Runnels (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 10, 2014

– According to The South Florida Business Journal, former WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is having a $4.5 million home built in Broward County, Florida. Check out the full story online at BizJournals.com.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler noted on Twitter recently that he spent his New Year’s Eve at Hogan’s Beach in Florida. Lawler tweeted the following photo of himself with Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart:

Awesome New Years Eve Party last night at Hogan's Beach in Tampa! pic.twitter.com/cwGrmYUUzB

— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 1, 2014

– The official WWE website currently has a poll up asking fans who they would most like to see Batista wrestle when he returns. The options are Randy Orton, John Cena, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose and Big E. Langston. At last check, with nearly 10,000 votes cast, Orton leads the pack with 36 percent. Lesnar is in a close second with 33 percent and Cena comes in third with just 12 percent.

– Former WWE Diva Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria) attended the WWE live event in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday. The following is a photo of she and Natalya backstage at the event:

Great running into my old friend @REALLiSAMARiE in #WWEChicago. Next time I'm here it's @theSQDcircle for dinner! pic.twitter.com/AUmkSFcWII

— Nattie (@NatbyNature) December 27, 2013

– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently shared his thoughts regarding the rumors of Shawn Michaels coming out of retirement to wrestle another match, and whether or not that would offend The Undertaker, who “sent him into retirement” by beating him at WrestleMania. JR noted, “I don’t think HBK is returning to the ring as a wrestler. If he did it would be at WrestleMania and I’d like to see him wrestle Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. Taker wouldn’t be offended whatsoever.”

– Stephanie McMahon recently tweeted the following photo from the WWE Holiday party that was held in Stamford, Connecticut on Wednesday night.

Thanks to the @WWE families who came to the holiday party to celebrate! And thank u to those who made it happen! pic.twitter.com/ZYXNhXdVBX

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 18, 2013

– WWE Hall Of Famer Gerald Brisco was scouting talent at a wrestling show that featured several mixed-martial-arts fighters in Madison Square Garden this past weekend.

– As seen on WWE Total Divas on Sunday night, WWE Diva Cameron is working on her music career. Cameron revealed the artwork for her first single “Bye Bye,” which is scheduled to be released on iTunes. Cameron tweeted the following:

So you got to hear a sneak peek of my song called “bye bye”. Stay tune for my single/album coming soon #ByeBye pic.twitter.com/nBc10zJECL

— Ariane Andrew (@WWECameron) December 2, 2013

• Another Current WWE Diva Shows Off Her New Look (PHOTO)

– WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio will be in attendance at today’s amateur wrestling tournament in Mar Vista High School at Imperial Beach, California. Mysterio will be there in support of his nephew, who will be competing in his first ever tournament.

– WWE announcer Alex Riley was in attendance at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders NFL game on Thanksgiving. Riley was there representing WWE along with his girlfriend. Riley posted the following tweet, which includes a photo of them together at the game:

Hangin with America's Team w/ some @WWE representation at AT&T field. #HappyThanksgiving pic.twitter.com/w6pFRoza6A

— Alex Riley (@AlexRileyWWE) November 28, 2013

– WWE Superstar Sheamus tweeted a photo himself at the TD Garden in Boston on Sunday night for WWE Survivor Series. Sheamus told his fellow WWE Superstars to “take note.” You can check out the tweet below:

Boston TD Garden. A reminder I was great once & shall be great again. Take note @wwe roster. Sheamus' in da house. pic.twitter.com/hT8OEypdnh

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) November 24, 2013

– The following is the latest edition of “After Total Divas,” courtesy of the official WWE YouTube channel:

– The following is a new tweet from the official Twitter account of WWE broadcast member Josh Mathews. The tweet contains a photo of WWE setting up the “expert panel” for tonight’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view.

Hours away now from @WWE #SurvivorSeries Kickoff! All HOF Panel @BookerT5x @BretHart @realmickfoley 7:30e/4:30p Live pic.twitter.com/avw490gp03

— Josh Mathews (@wwejoshmathews) November 24, 2013

– The following is the preview on WWE.com for tonight’s edition of Total Divas, which goes head-to-head with WWE’s own Survivor Series pay-per-view.

‘Total Divas’
DANCING AROUND THE ISSUE

When Tyson Kidd gets a little too cozy with Eva Marie, Natalya ropes in Fandango for some payback. Check out this preview video from the upcoming episode of “Total Divas,” airing tonight at 10/9 CT on E!

• PHOTOS Of The Bella Twins Throwing A Party With WWE Stars

– Stephanie McMahon is scheduled to participate in CableFAX’s “Most Powerful Women In Cable Breakfast” this Thursday from 8-10am at the Grand Hyatt in New York Ciy, New York.

– MLB star Josh Reddick, who as we mentioned previously has been teasing a “beard-off” with Daniel Bryan at “RAW Country” tonight, posted the following tweet on his official Twitter account on Monday afternoon:

I have found @WWEDanielBryan @ww. Who’s winning?! pic.twitter.com/yEWCJGrtSK

— Josh Reddick (@joshreddick16) November 18, 2013

• Very In-Depth Report On Recent WWE Firings & Major Office Changes

– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley will be a participant in the International Fruitcake Eating Competition on December 7th at Santa’s Candy Castle in Indiana. The event will start at 11am and is free for the public to attend. Following the competition, Foley will be signing autographs of his children’s book, “A Most Mizerable Christmas.”

– WWE Superstar and current World Heavyweight Champion John Cena was invited to speak at The Oxford Union in England this past week. Students and their parents asked Cena questions after the event. You can check out a photo of Cena’s appearance at The Oxford Union below:

– The Divas currently working in the WWE developmental system are apparently being treated to a wealth of knowledge from Mickie James, who as previously reported has been working at the WWE Performance Center as a guest trainer this week.

WWE NXT Diva Paige posted a new tweet on her official Twitter account putting over the work James has been doing with the students throughout the week. Paige tweeted the following:

Amazing having @MickieJames here teaching us with @TheSaraDelRey Awesome training day! Thank you!!

— DivaOfTomorrow (@RealPaigeWWE) November 14, 2013

– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley, along with current WWE Superstar Sheamus and current WWE Diva and Total Divas star Eva Marie recently appeared together as WWE representatives at a USO event in Washington, D.C. this past Wednesday evening. Below is a photo of the three together at the event:

– As previously reported, former WWE Superstar and current WWE agent Billy Kidman has been appearing at recent WWE live events as Paul Heyman’s personal doctor. Below is a photo of Kidman portraying the character at a recent WWE European live event:

– According to a source within WWE, the former manager of Alberto Del Rio and Rob Van Dam, Ricardo Rodriguez, has been doing some agent work backstage for WWE. Additionally, Rodriguez has been wrestling at WWE live events under a mask as “Los Locale” in tag-team matches against Los Matadores.

– WWE Superstar Sheamus recently appeared at the Folsom Elementary School in Thomotosassa, Florida on Tuesday to serve as a “reading buddy” for a WrestleMania Reading Challenge winner. “When I’m traveling I always have a book with me,” said the WWE Superstar. “Reading is an important part of my everyday life.” You can check out a photo of a clean-shaven Sheamus reading at the school below:

– The following matches are confirmed for tonight’s edition of WWE Main Event:

AJ Lee (c) vs. Natalya [WWE Divas Championship]
Tyson Kidd vs. Justin Gabriel
The Prime Time Players vs. 3MB

For those interested, we have full WWE Main Event spoilers up on the newsboard right now.

• News On Plans For Sheamus’ WWE Return & New Matches For WWE Survivor Series

– The song used in the promo for the special “RAW Country” show next Monday night is “Round Here” by the band Florida Georgia Line. There is no word yet as to whether or not the band will appear during the show, however their schedule is reportedly open, so they are available if both sides are interested.

– WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre suffered a bit of an arm injury recently. The 3MB member tweeted the following on Tuesday morning:

A little bruise isn’t gonna stop my father and I throwing some weights around and #Smackdown getting rocked….hard pic.twitter.com/6uUXhkncFO

— Drew McIntyre (@TheDrewMcIntyre) November 12, 2013

• DIRECT LINK: CM Punk MOCKS Roman Reigns After RAW Ended On Monday Night (VIDEO)

A backstage photo of Vince McMahon and Triple H at the “gorilla position” of a recent WWE television taping has leaked online:

WWE Superstar Zack Ryder has been rocking a goatee during his recent appearances on the WWE European tour. You can check out a photo of Ryder’s new look below:

• More Rare Backstage WWE Photos & Videos + Updated Survivor Series PPV Card

– On Friday’s edition of the “Late Show with David Letterman,” WWE Hall Of Famer Andre The Giant was mentioned. While talking to Tom Brokaw, Letterman referred to New York Mayor Billy DeBlasio as “Andre The Giant.”

– Saturday marked the 16th anniversary of the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” match between WWE Hall Of Famers Shawn Michaels and Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

– WWE Diva and co-star of the Total Divas reality show, Eva Marie, recently tweeted about her appearance on Sky TV in Germany. Marie tweeted the following:

Thank you so much for having me @SkyDeutschland @SkyWrestling @WWE I had a blast! Until next time #WWEMunich pic.twitter.com/Bj9fTziyEC

— Eva Marie (@natalieevamarie) November 10, 2013

• Backstage News On Eva Marie Being Hated By WWE Superstars + Total Divas *SPOILERS*

– WWE Superstar Kane had his “first day on the job” as the “Director of Operations” for WWE during Friday’s live event in Brussels, Belgium. Kane came out in a suit and tie and interfered in the Randy Orton vs. Big Show match. Kane helped Orton get the win over Big Show and then called out The Shield to give Big Show a beatdown. Show ended up clearing house of all the heels and challenged Kane to come in the ring and face him one-on-one. Kane backed down and ended up leaving. After the show, Kane tweeted “First day on the job. #WWEBrussels.”

– For those keeping track of the Sheamus facial hair story, the former World Heavyweight Champion appears to be growing his beard back out.

Photo Of Sheamus Clean Shaven (No Beard)

Below is a photo of a recent personal appearance that shows Sheamus’ beard growing back in:

• Backstage News On WWE Attempting To Sign Hulk Hogan, Sting & Bill Goldberg

– SportsRadio 610 announced a celebrity roast of WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T for charity on Wednesday, December 11th. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the “Booker T Fights For Kids Foundation.” For more information, visit CBSLocal.com.

– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly released the cover photo of her new 2014 calendar, which is now available. Kelly Kelly tweeted the following today:

Here is the cover of My 2014 calendar and it is now available for sale at this website! http://t.co/vEBznogANH pic.twitter.com/EEy29p4Rwa

— Barbie Blank (@TheBarbieBlank) November 8, 2013

• SPOILERS & New Matches For WWE Survivor Series REVEALED! **CLICK HERE**