– The Miz, R-Truth, Layla, Eve and WWE CEO Vince McMahon will not be on hand for tonight’s Raw in Lafayette, Louisiana, since they are overseas visiting U.S. troops as part of a handshake tour. The group visited military bases in Bahrain today.

– Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock no-showed his scheduled appearance for AAW Wrestling on Saturday in Merrionette Park, Illinois. He was advertised to face Sami Callihan. The promotion released the following message Sunday via Twitter regarding his absence: “Everyone was on edge all day yesterday regarding Shamrock. Here’s the story behind it. Ken canceled his plane ticket yesterday and didn’t inform his agent or AAW staff. Classic definition of a no show.”

– WWE will hold a live event at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on March 1, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Ticketmaster.ca will hold a pre-sale beginning December 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

– Jim Ross remarked via Twitter of Raw returning to his former stomping grounds tonight: “#WWE #RAW Lafayette, La Mon night. Memories of Ernie ‘Big Cat’ Ladd, weekly, Mid South live events, rowdy, villain hating fans, & gr8 food.” He added that he will not be on hand for the show.

(sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com)

WWE’s Vince McMahon, The Miz, R-Truth, Eve Torres and Layla are currently overseas visiting United States troops stationed abroad in the Middle East. Footage from the trip will air during WWE’s 10th annual Tribute To The Troops show. The two-hour show will premiere on the USA Network on Wednesday night, December 19th (9pm EST), with a one-hour version airing that weekend, Saturday, December 22nd (9pm EST).

Layla tweeted the following picture of the WWE crew on board a US Navy vessel –

– WWE.com has published a list of “15 Strange (But True) WWE Facts.

– The AMC television channel has published the following bonus footage from WWE Champion CM Punk’s appearance on Sunday night’s “Talking Dead” show.

– To correct a report from last week on WWE opening Raw broadcasts with a man narrating video packages after Vince McMahon was shown a tape of TNA Wrestling’s Impact Wrestling show, he was actually informed of the concept by an employee and upon being intrigued, immediately concluded that his company could do it better. It was noted that if he had actually watched an Impact Wrestling opening, he probably would have been embarrassed with WWE blatantly copying an idea from TNA.

Multiple members of WWE’s creative staff—more their assistants—are assigned to watch tapes of TNA, Ring of Honor and WWE’s NXT, and file a report on its contents. There are other employees who work in the same capacity as consultants for the company.

Though some creative writers joined WWE with no knowledge of professional wrestling whatsoever, there are some who were prior fans.

– The official WWE website is now promoting CM Punk’s scheduled appearance on Talking Dead this Sunday night at at 11 p.m. on AMC, a live talk show that discusses episodes of the popular The Walking Dead drama series.

Yesterday on Twitter, Punk vented on WWE not promoting his talk show appearance nor his return home to Chicago tomorrow as Official Grand Marshal of the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade. He wrote, “Yes, I will be on @AMCTalkingDead on Sunday. Shocking how WWE didn’t promote it or get AMC the proper materials in time to announce it. I will also be the Grand Marshall in the Chicago turkey day parade. Also not announced or promoted by “my” company. Shocking. This is what happens when you go over everyone’s head to hustle and acquire your own outside appearances. #disrespect.”

(source: F4WOnline.com)

– WWE having a man narrating video packages on Raw was, in fact, copied from TNA Wrestling. According to F4WOnline.com, a WWE employee showed Vince McMahon a tape of Impact Wrestling featuring the concept and the company chief reportedly said, “WWE could do it better.”

Eric Bischoff, who produces Impact Wrestling, acknowledged the production rip-off last week on Twitter by posting the following fan message: “Saw #WWE using your backstage camera angles along with the voiceover in the opening video. #EricWins.”

– Following the rousing success of WWE’s first CM Punk DVD and Blu-ray release, CM Punk – Best in the World, the company has plans to release a second title in 2014.

– WWE has released the latest edition of WWE en Espanol on YouTube, with Jerry Soto and Marcelo Rodríguez.

WWE issued the following press release concerning their annual Tribute to the Troops holiday special on USA Network and NBC. Among those announced to appear at the event are Disney’s The Muppets, Kid Rock and Flo Rida.

KID ROCK, DISNEY’S THE MUPPETS AND FLO RIDA JOIN WWE®’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF “TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS” HOLIDAY SPECIAL

STAMFORD, Conn., November 12, 2012 – WWE (NYSE:WWE), USA Network and NBC will honor the United States Armed Forces with its 10th annual holiday special, WWE Tribute to the Troops presented by Slim Jim. The 10th anniversary holiday extravaganza will air as a two-hour television special on Wednesday, December 19 at 9/8C on USA Network and as a one-hour television special on Saturday, December 22 at 9/8C on NBC.

WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, the holiday special will feature performances by Grammy Award-nominated, international superstars Kid Rock and Flo Rida, and WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas for thousands of military personnel and their families at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA.

The show will also feature appearances by Disney’s The Muppets, Access Hollywood and NBC Sports’ Michelle Beadle and more. Kid Rock and Flo Rida join a renowned list of legendary performers who have entertained at WWE Tribute to the Troops including Mary J. Blige, Nickelback, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ group Diddy – Dirty Money and Trace Adkins.

WWE is proud to have worked jointly with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell in selecting Navy installations in the Norfolk, VA area for this annual celebration.

“We are excited to host WWE Tribute to the Troops in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “Virginia has long been committed to supporting our troops and this is another opportunity to thank them for their service. We are home to 125,000 active duty members, 830,000 veterans and so many military families. Naval Station Norfolk is the crown jewel of the United States Navy and it’s important to pay tribute to and salute the brave men and women of the military and their families who serve our country. It’s great to see that the WWE has chosen Virginia as the place to continue this holiday tradition.”

“This is a proud moment for WWE to once again recognize America’s servicemen and women as part of the 10th anniversary of WWE Tribute to the Troops,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO, WWE. “We are honored to bring our unique brand of family-friendly entertainment to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

This trip marks the 10th consecutive year that WWE will bring its one-of-a-kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. WWE Superstars and Divas will spend the weekend doing activities designed to give back to sailors and their families including a Be a STAR anti-bullying rally and hospital visits as well as spending time with our servicemen and women.

WWE Tribute to the Troops will also chronicle WWE’s goodwill visit to our troops overseas. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Superstars The Miz® and R-Truth and WWE Divas Eve and Layla will travel overseas to spread some much needed holiday cheer to the men and women serving our country far from home during the holiday season.

– Chris Mordetzky, who appeared as Chris Masters for WWE, feels the McMahon family needs to step away from competitive politics after former WWE CEO and President Linda McMahon spent upwards of $100 million on two failed U.S. Senate campaigns.

He tweeted Tuesday upon learning of McMahon’s loss to Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy for a Senate seat in Connecticut, “100million dollars later its time for the McMahons to quit politics.”

– WWE has posted the latest episode of WWE en Espanol, with Jerry Soto and Marcelo Rodríguez.

– Former WWE Superstar John Morrison is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

As seen Monday on Raw, WWE overhauled its plans for Survivor Series on November 18, 2012.

On the show, Vince McMahon mandated that CM Punk will defend his WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Ryback and John Cena at the pay-per-view event. With this turn of events, Team Punk is now known as Team Ziggler, while Team Foley has an empty fifth slot. Prior to the change, The Miz quit the group in protest of Punk’s leadership, and was replaced by Wade Barrett after Paul Heyman aggressively sought him.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE changed their plans for multiple reasons. Among them was the belief that the originally scheduled main event, Team Punk vs. Team Foley in Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match, would draw dismal pay-per-view buy numbers. With rare exceptions, tag team matches as main events are generally mediocre earners on pay-per-view. The entire Bragging Rights concept was dropped for that very reason.

What also swayed plans for Survivor Series were the pay-per-view buy figures for Hell in a Cell on DirecTV being “surprisingly strong.” Privately, McMahon credited Ryback for the result and felt placing him in a ten-man tag team match, even though he would likely be left standing, would not be beneficial to him. McMahon feels they need to capitalize on Ryback’s momentum, which would require the muscle-bound grappler to challenge for the WWE Championship in the main event.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– An account on Twitter spoofing Vince McMahon that also leaks confidential WWE information on occasion (located @CrankyVince) cryptically suggested in a message last Thursday that a wrestler had asked for his release from the sports-entertainment organization. In a follow-up, the account stated Sunday that Jack Swagger asked for his release: “WELL FUCK JACK SWAGGER AND HIS REQUEST. WHO THE FUCK IS JACK SWAGGER?”

The account has drawn concern from WWE officials since last year, who believe it is being administered by an employee within proximity of McMahon or a former employee with close ties to organization due to the amount of sensitive information being released.

– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page has posted a video of himself and Jake “The Snake” Roberts distributing Halloween candy to trick or treaters. Roberts recently moved in with Page to lose weight and train for one last pro wrestling run. (Watch)

– Former WWE Superstar Batista is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

– People close to former WWE diva Beth Phoenix are saying that even though she left WWE on good terms, it’s unlikely that she’ll be back with the company in 2013.

– The official seating chart for WrestleMania 29 has been released, which you can view at Ticketmaster.com. The ticket prices start at $35 and go up to $2,000 (not including fees).

– Several weeks ago, there were online reports that a certain top WWE superstar read Vince McMahon the riot act backstage, explaining that the current WWE product is not up to par and Vince is out of touch with what fans want these days. It appears that the locker room leader who confronted Vince is none other than John Cena.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

An account on Twitter spoofing Vince McMahon that also leaks confidential WWE information on occasion (located @CrankyVince) cryptically suggested in a message Thursday that a male wrestler has asked for his release from the sports-entertainment organization.

“GODDAMN. ANOTHER PUSSY BOY WANTS HIS RELEASE. THESE UNGRATEFUL FUCKS. I’LL RUIN THEM. ALL OF THEM. FUCK YOU,” the message states.

Back in June, the “Cranky Vince” account cryptically remarked that Alberto Del Rio had threatened to quit the sports-entertainment organization, with the story being confirmed as legitimate days later by F4WOnline.com. More recently, on October 15, the account tweeted on an idea broached by WWE’s creative team days earlier for Vince McMahon to face CM Punk at Hell in a Cell.

“A GUY LIKE ME COULD BE IN A HELL IN A CELL. WHY NOT ME?” the account stated. “SURE! WHY NOT DO HELL IN A CELL? ENOUGH GAGA IN A CAGE WITH PUNK TO GET A MATCH OUT OF ME. ALL THE OTHER OPTIONS CAN CRAWL UP MY ASS & DIE.”

A WWE source confirmed the idea as legitimate to F4WOnline.com two days later, but noted that “it was killed within 30 minutes.”

The account has drawn alarming concern from WWE officials since last year, who believe it is being administered by an employee within proximity of McMahon or a former employee with close ties to organization due to the amount of sensitive information being released. It was coincidentally shut down on the day it was revealed that Del Rio had threatened to quit WWE, but reinstated after it was labeled as a parody account and having no affiliation to the sports-entertainment organization.

It would appear that the account is being administered by Andrew Goldstein, a former creative writer who extensively worked alongside McMahon in 2006 and 2007 (he has recounted the WWE chief’s numerous quirks and unwritten rules in interviews over the past two years, such as don’t sneeze or yawn in front of him, and to pour peanuts from the peanut jar rather that place your hands inside of it). After news broke on the night of October 8 that Brian Gewirtz had been removed as the head writer of Raw, a barrage of messages touting the decision were posted on the “Cranky Vince” account. While this was going on, Goldstein posted a “Cranky Vince” style message on his Twitter account (located @AngeGold) while commenting on Raw events reading, “I HAVEN’T HAD THIS MUCH FUN FIRING A JEWISH WRITER SINCE THE FIRST 6 TIMES I FIRED @HEYMANHUSTLE. KOSHER WOOD.” The message was immediately deleted, and was not posted on the “Cranky Vince” account.

Here is a link to Twitter user catching the mishap and questioning whether the identity of “Cranky Vince” had been revealed. Furthermore, Goldstein plugged the account two times that night.

The following press release was sent out to the Business Wire on Thursday morning. It includes quotes from WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

To read the full press release including many more details on WWE’s third quarter financial results, visit Finance.Yahoo.com.

WWE today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

* Revenues totaled $104.2 million as compared to $108.5 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $5.0 million as compared to $15.9 million in the prior year quarter.

* Net income was $3.5 million, or $0.05 per share, as compared to $10.6 million, or $0.14 per share, in the prior year quarter. Excluding items that impacted comparability on a year-over-year basis.

* Adjusted Operating income was $7.1 million as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year quarter, and Adjusted Net income was $5.0 million, or $0.07 per share, as compared to $14.1 million, or $0.19 per share, in the prior year quarter.

The decline in earnings, on both an “As Reported” and “Adjusted” basis, was driven by $6.6 million in incremental expenses from the return to a more normalized level of management incentive compensation in the current year quarter compared to a reduced level of management incentive compensation in the prior year quarter, a reduction in net home video revenue, and lower video game sales primarily from one fewer video game release in the current year quarter.

“In the third quarter, we continued to make important progress on our key strategic initiatives, expanding our content and distribution and enhancing our brand strength,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The production and licensing of new programs, including a third hour of Raw, the WWE Main Event™ and WWE Saturday Morning Slam™, as well as the development of online distribution on Hulu Plus exemplify our achievement of these goals. The performance of our new programs, which have attracted an average audience 14% to 50% higher than the viewership of the programs they replaced, demonstrate our ability to build consumer interest, which forms the foundation of our proposed WWE Network.”

“Our fundamental operating metrics showed continued strength. Average attendance increased 6% at our live events in North America and Pay-Per-View buys increased 13% for the three comparable events in the quarter,” added George Barrios, Chief Financial Officer. “While the quarter had an anticipated decline in earnings, based on our results to-date, we are raising our financial forecast for the full year. We expect that our 2012 earnings will be 15% to 25% above our 2011 net income and 10% to 15% above our 2011 EBITDA results, both on an ‘as reported’ basis.”

Comparability of Results

Our current year quarter results included $2.1 million in network-related operating expenses. The prior year quarter results included a film impairment charge of $5.1 million. In order to facilitate an analysis of our financial results on a more comparable basis, where noted, we have adjusted our results to exclude these items from our results. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information).

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 – Results by Region and Business Segment

Revenues declined 4% reflecting a $4.7 million reduction from outside North America. Revenues from North America were essentially flat to the prior year quarter as increases from our Live and Televised Entertainment segment were offset by declines in our Consumer Products and WWE Studios businesses. Revenues from outside North America declined 16% primarily due to a reduction in the EMEA region from changes in the number of live events and weekly telecasts, which impacted our Live and Televised Entertainment segment (as described in the business segment discussion below).

* JOHN CENA’s Next Feud, 2 Former WWE Champions Returning Soon & More

Mike Bucci, who appeared in WWE as Simon Dean and ECW as Hollywood Nova, joined the VOC Wrestling Nation to discuss the career of Ryback, and how he ascended from a failed WWE Developmental project to being at the top of the card at WWE Hell in a Cell. Bucci was one of the head trainers when WWE Developmental was in Ohio Valley.

The VOC Wrestling Nation is the flagship program of the VOC Nation Radio Network, and can be heard every Wednesday at 5PM ET WORLDWIDE at VocNation.com.

Bucci discussed a variety of topics, and the entire interview can be heard at VocNation.com. Here are some highlights:

On being on the trainers in OVW that worked with Ryback: “I love the guy. People are looking at the guy like he’s an overnight success, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Ryback was originally discovered by Ty Bailey (former head of WWE developmental) to be a contestant for the first season of Tough Enough and he didn’t make it through. I guess they just didn’t think he had “it” at that time.

On Ryback being a wrestling fan: “He got signed to OVW and they used to call him the Silverback. This dude trained so hard inside the ring and out of it. He is a true wrestling fan; in this business, if you’re not a wrestling fan, you will not last. You’ll make money and get over, but there is a difference between making money and drawing money. The guys in this business who draw money are usually the guys who are fans of the business. He is a true fan and a great guy.”

On Ryback being compared to Goldberg: “Bill Goldberg came in and made wrestling cool. He was a butt kicker, and everyone knew who he was. There are three types of fans: 1)People who will always watch wrestling; 2) People who will never watch wrestilng; and 3) People who will watch wrestling when they think it’s cool to watch it, and Bill Goldberg brought out those types of fans. People are still talking about Bill Goldberg 10 years after his last match. (Ryback has the potential to be that.)”

On why Ryback will succeed: “(Ryback) busted his ass so hard to make it. This guy will not be a drug addict, he will not be a goof; he will not embarrass the company. If I were a kid right now, I would love this guy; he looks like a real life superhero. He’s a larger than life figure. When he comes out, you know things are going to happen, and people are going to get hurt. When you look at the roster, there is nobody else like that right now.”

On Ryback being able to survive as a character: “Vince always goes to the muscle guy. They had it with Cena for a long time. (Ryback) has a ton of personality. He can talk, he can do all of that; but people are going to pay to see him kick ass. They’re trying to build a star, so for me (on Sunday at WWE Hell in a Cell), he HAS to win. He’s gotta hit the finish 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring, no screwjobs. Wrestling titles are fake, nobody wins the title, it’s given to you. They have the opportunity to do something special here, and I hope they don’t screw it up.”

On the days of a slow build-up of a star being gone: “The slow build is done. There are so many channels on TV, and we live in an ADD society. People don’t have as much commitment anymore to sit there and salivate over a guy that they hope is being created over 6 months. “

On building the company around one particular guy: “Fans see the WWE as a show, and the guys on the show just happen to be part of that show…there is only one group of people that can’t be replaced on that roster and that’s the McMahon family. That’s why Vince made himself into the top heel in the late 90s. He knew that he was the only guy he could count on that would not leave for WCW. When you’re a WWE fan, you’re a fan of the brand. There’s never going to be another Rock, or another Stone Cold.”

On who are the top guys of the future: “Damien Sandow is a STAR, and they dropped the ball on him for 10 years. I told everyone who would listen that he was a star. When he failed the first time, he went to Puerto Rico and reinvented himself. What you see now is what he is in real life. This guy was at my house and had a conversation with my wife’s dog; that’s how nuts he is. (Damien) is in the top 5 of the workers in that company right now. I’m talking about the ability to work a gimmick, control the crowd, talk on the mic, and have a believable character. And he’s 6’4 260lbs.

On Dolph Ziggler and why he stays in the mid card: “He’s a great dude; he busted his ass. (Dolph) is successful because he’s a true wrestling fan. The people want him so bad, and if they don’t (push him) soon, they run the risk of having him always look like that guy who will never get over the hump.”

On CM Punk: “I have never seen anybody defy the odds of what he’s done. It doesn’t make any sense on how he got to where he is. So many people bashed him along the way, and only one guy believed in him: Vince McMahon. He doesn’t even look like a wrestler, but he hung in there and he made it.

– Following a meeting with the WWE Board of Directors at the company’s headquarters, AJ Lee announced on Raw Monday that she had decided it was best to resign as brand General Manager following accusations she’d been “fraternizing” with an undisclosed Superstar (she denied the accusations).

After rejected Paul Heyman’s plea to become the new General Manager of Raw, Vince McMahon introduced Vickie Guerrero as “Managing Supervisor” of the program. Guerrero then alleged that Lee had an affair with a Superstar, and following more taunts, the two came to blows.

Later in the show, Cena was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Lee, which led to her resigning as Raw General Manager.

– Two matches were taped Monday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:

* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

* Tyson Kidd vs. Jinder Mahal

No pre-taping dark match match was held.

The WWE Championship Match at Hell in a Cell was made official tonight on Raw as Vince McMahon decided that CM Punk will defend his belt against Ryback. After both competitors signed their Hell in a Cell contract, Ryback delivered the Shell Shock to the WWE Champion.

As a result of the growing animosity between Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio, it was also announced that the two competitors will face off at the pay-per-view event. The Viper gave a surprise attack to Del Rio on SmackDown last week before RKO’ing Ricardo Rodriguez onto the announce table.

The announced card for Hell in a Cell, which takes place Oct. 28 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, is as follows:

* WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Ryback

* World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Big Show

* WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No vs. Tag Team Tournament Winners

* Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio

WWE will distribute a Rolling Stones concert this year as a live pay-per-view event entitled “One More Shot.” The event will take place Dec. 15 in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center. WWE released the following today:

IS EVERYBODY READY? LADIES & GENTLEMEN…THE ROLLING STONES RETURN TO LIVE ACTION WITH SPECTACULAR ARENA SHOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC

THE O2 ARENA, LONDON UK – TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY OCTOBER 19
PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK USA – TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY OCTOBER 26

Monday October 15 2012 -LONDON/NEW YORK

Ladies and Gentlemen they are back! The most eagerly anticipated concerts of 2012 are announced today as the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, The Rolling Stones, confirm their long awaited return to the stage with four spectacular arena shows in London and New York. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood at last revealed their return to live work via a video message today at www.youtube.com/user/therollingstones.

As the crowning glory of their on-going 50th anniversary celebrations, the rock icons will play to thousands of fans at London’s O2 Arena on November 25 and 29, and then across the ocean to perform at the Prudential Center, Newark, near New York, on December 13 and 15.

All ticketing information is available at www.rollingstones.com.

These sensational live shows will be the first opportunity for audiences to see the Rolling Stones perform on stage for more than five years. They will treat their generations of fans in a must-see, heart-pumping celebration of era-defining tracks such as Gimme Shelter, Paint It Black, Jumping Jack Flash, Tumbling Dice, It’s Only Rock and Roll, plus a few surprises and countless other classics from GRRR!, the multi-format compilation RS50 album coming out in November marking the Stones’ astonishing five decades at the top.

Mick Jagger commented, “Everybody loves a celebration, and London and New York are two good places to do it in!”

Keith Richards said, ”Sorry to keep you all hanging around but the waiting is over. I’ve always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones. I’m here with Mick, Charlie and Ronnie and everything is rocking. See you very soon!”

The Rolling Stones have always been at the forefront of technical innovation in their live appearances, and these dates will reaffirm their place on the cutting edge of concert technology. These 50th anniversary performances will see the band working once again with their acclaimed, long time collaborators, set designer Mark Fisher and lighting director Patrick Woodroffe.

The new shows will be another groundbreaking visual landmark in Stones history. Fans can look forward to an all-new, custom-built set design, with a stage based on the band’s ubiquitous and celebrated tongue and lips logo, which will reach out into the crowd and become a truly must see and hear experience, with integral video screens and effects enhancing the sort of high-octane adventure for which the band’s concerts have been famous for decades. The 2012 concerts will mark the first time that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood have performed together as a band since three acclaimed nights at London’s O2 Arena, in 2007.

The Rolling Stones live shows will also mark the launch of a new venture in global touring – Virgin Live. Virgin Live sees the coming together of two globally respected brands – Dainty Group and Virgin Group – and promises to shake up live touring by putting the fan’s experience right at the heart of every show they promote. Richard Branson and Paul Dainty’s history with the Rolling Stones spans five decades – so it is apt that these shows, which celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary – marks them joining forces for the first time as Virgin Live to promote the greatest band there has ever been.

Paul Dainty said “I’ve worked with the Rolling Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones…”

Richard Branson added: “Today marks the beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning! In the future Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events – Virgin Live gigs will be truly people driven. It’s great to join forces with Dainty Group to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary shows. Who would have believed, that a relationship with the band that started in the Sixties, would still be going strong five decades later with us working together again on these amazing shows.”

In celebration of five decades, The Rolling Stones will release the GRRR! album on 12 / 13 November, a Greatest Hits collection which includes two new songs ‘Doom and Gloom’ and ‘One More Shot’, recorded recently in Paris, marking the first new recordings from the band since their 2005 album A Bigger Bang. A new film, ‘Crossfire Hurricane’, directed by Brett Morgen, chronicling the key periods of the Stones’ career, will receive its worldwide premiere on 18 October at the London Film Festival and will be simultaneously screened in 250 cinemas across UK and Ireland. Crossfire Hurricane will premiere in the U.S. at the HBO Premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York on 13 November. Crossfire Hurricane will air on HBO in the U.S on 15 November, and broadcast on BBC Two in the UK the same month. Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City will host “The Rolling Stones: 50 Years on Film,” a comprehensive film retrospective that chronicles the band from the mid-1960s until today. This exhibition will be open 15 November through 2 December.

Also partnering with Dainty Group is global production company Endemol who will co-manage the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones “50 and Counting” shows.

Tim Hincks, President of Endemol Group said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band and with the Dainty Group. “50 and Counting” is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other.”

This partnership between Endemol and Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, staged at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on December 15, telecast live via pay-per-view at 9pm ET. The pay-per-view entitled “One More Shot” will be distributed by WWE, the world’s pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Further details of the partnership will be revealed shortly.

WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: “WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones into your living room, live on Pay-Per-View for “One More Shot,” the last date of their 50th anniversary shows.”

– F4Wonline.com reports that Punk’s Hell In a Cell announcement is scheduled for the 9pm timeslot for tonight’s RAW.

– Vince McMahon is also scheduled to appear on RAW tonight.

– WWE Champion CM Punk says he’s decided on who to face at Hell in a Cell and will reveal his pick tonight on RAW. He tweeted on Monday morning:

I've made my choice.Was easier than ya think.If you've been paying attention you know too.Tune in tonight to find out! pic.twitter.com/cm02tUue

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 15, 2012

– Punk also tweeted this yesterday about John Cena being the honorary team captain of the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium (home of WrestleMania 29):

Here's what I know: I'm not a football guy. If I was, I wouldn't allow myself to be honorary anything of a team I didn't even like.

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 14, 2012

That being said, Tebow thinks there's a god, and believes he will help him win his insignificant game of football. I'll be in Knoxville…

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 14, 2012

Picture of John Cena with Tim Tebow from Sunday’s NY Jets Game

– When WWE’s creative department decided to split-up Kofi Kingston and R-Truth so the two can compete as singles wrestlers, an idea was brought for R-Truth to turn heel. The idea was squashed since Vince McMahon is high on R-Truth’s animated persona as well as the Little Jimmy gimmick.

– Former WWE performer Tamara Sytch, famously known as Sunny, remains jailed in Connecticut after being arrested for the fifth time in one month Tuesday and her second time in less than 24-hours, for allegedly violating a protective order stemming from an original September arrest.

The official website of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch features a database of pending case details and it notes that she has not been released from custody. The WWE Hall of Famer is being held on $100,000 cash bond.

– Tensai is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

– Zack Ryder appears at the Long Island Auto Show taking place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York today from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

The meeting that Vince McMahon called backstage at RAW on Monday afternoon and the major creative team shake-up that took place were reportedly a result of McMahon finally putting his foot down over RAW’s bad ratings and creative direction.

According to f4wonline.com, Vince McMahon had been stressed out for weeks and something happened on his flight to the west coast over the weekend that led him to finally take action. As previously reported, a top WWE superstar also had a major blow-up with Vince regarding the real “State of WWE” and what needs to be done to get WWE back on track.

Brian Gewirtz, previously WWE’s Senior Vice President of Creative, has been demoted to a consultant role and his days in WWE could be numbered. Even before Monday’s demotion, he was recently assigned to WWE’s “home team” of writers, which works on television scripts from WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT. Gewirtz was only showing up to WWE HQ 3-4 days a week, which got him a lot of heat from co-workers.

It’s worth noting that Brian Gewirtz is the person who writes The Rock’s material, so that’s one of the reasons he’s been kept on board as a consultant.

Dave Kapoor, formerly known as Ranjin Singh on WWE TV, will be taking over al ot of Gewirtz’s duties. Ed Koskey still handles a lot of the writing on SmackDown (as does Michael Hayes) and writer Eric Pankowski also has a lot of influence over WWE’s creative direction.

With all the finger pointing going on, a lot of the blame is being directed at Stephanie McMahon. A source told F4wonline.com:

“The reality is Brian isn’t the real issue or even a band-aid. Stephanie has run this dysfunctionally toxic division for the entire duration of its ratings decline. Her horrendous structure from the committee dynamic to who she fast-tracks and how rigidly the shows are structured are why this product isn’t gangbusters. Plus, three hours is a [disaster].”

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

CM Punk vs. Vince McMahon: “Closing moments of Raw felt like some of the great moments during the Attitude Era. Table destroyed, monitors out, bodies hitting the floor, stiff shots, and a crazed crowd. Great nite at the office .. Mr McMahon was amazing especially at his age and lack of recent ring time. I’m not kissing butt but just stating a fact. @cmpunk is special. Controversial? Yes…but damn special.”

Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett: “Sheamus and Wade a arrest literally beat the hell out of each other much like I’ll see in Dallas Saturday when OU battles Texas .. Second week in a row that Wold Champ Sheamus rose to the occasion, last week it was against Damien Sandow .. Barrett has returned from injury a different man as it relates to aggression & physicality. That mindset will get one places.”

WWE Tag Team Division Picking Up: “WWE tag team biz is becoming viably relevant. Opportunity awaits several duos. Will they realize such and seize the fleeting moment?”

As we reported on Monday night just before RAW went on the air, Vince McMahon held a meeting backstage at RAW and removed Brian Gewirtz as the head writer of the show (“Senior Vice President of Creative Writing”). He had held the role for more than a decade.

The new Senior VP of Creative Writing will be Eric Pankowski, who was hired back in February and has been working closely with Stephanie McMahon in recent months.

RAW’s head writer is now David Kapoor, formerly known as Ranjin Singh on WWE television.

SmackDown’s head writer is Ed Koskey. Koskey will be taken off the road to work more from WWE headquarters in Stamford. There has been some negative feedback about Koskey being taken off the road, because he worked very closely with WWE talent and was viewed as “very approachable” for wrestlers looking to share their ideas.

(Source: PWinsider.com)

Even before tonight’s RAW went on the air, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has taken major steps to shake up WWE RAW.

Brian Gewirtz has been removed as the head writer of RAW after holding that position for over 10 years. He will stay on board as a consultant.

Vince McMahon has been on the war path all day. Dave Meltzer reports that “everyone is scared” backstage at RAW and Vince McMahon told WWE’s producers today, “I want results or I want resignations.”

* MORE DETAILS On The MAJOR Changes Coming To WWE

– At the conclusion of Raw Monday, Vince McMahon presented WWE Champion CM Punk with an ultimatum: at Hell in a Cell, he would either face John Cena or Ryback. And if Punk hadn’t made up his mind in seven days, The Chairman said he would make it for him.

– The finals of the WWE Tag Team Championship No. 1 Contenders’ Tournament will be determined next week on Raw as Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara take on Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. On Monday’s show, Mysterio and Cara defeated The Prime Time Players while Team Rhodes Scholars beat Santino Marella and Zack Ryder.

– WWE has released a promotional video hyping a match between Randy Orton and Big Show this Wednesday on WWE Main Event on ION Television. (Watch)

– Following his in-ring confrontation with CM Punk on Raw tonight, Vince McMahon yelled at a stage manager, according to a live fan account. The WWE CEO’s anger may have stemmed from a fan sign, which was immediately confiscated. The stage manager appeared very flustered following the ordeal.

– WWE developmental wrestler Xavier Woods defeated Michael McGillicutty in a dark match prior to Monday’s Raw broadcast. The former Consequences Creed worked this weekend’s Raw live event tour.

– The following matches aired on the latest episode of WWE Vintage Collection: Judy Bagwell On A Pole Match – Buff Bagwell vs. Kanyon (WCW New Blood Rising – 2000), Loser Wears A Dress Match – Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (WCW Souled Out – 1999), Blindfold Match, Rick Martel vs. Koko B. Ware (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – March 17, 1991, Hair vs. Hair Match – Edge vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Judgment Day – 2002).

– WWE Champion CM Punk and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, which touts a “dream match” scenario. To view the cover, click here.

(source: PWInsider.com)

– John Cena will indeed be live at Monday’s RAW from Sacramento, California. Cena has announced a Monday morning appearance on syndicated talk show “Live with Kelly & Michael.” Cena posted a Tout video that indicated his interview for Kelly & Michael was pre-taped this weekend. No word yet if that’s the case but if not, he will have to fly from New York to California on Monday.

F4Wonline.com reports that Cena originally was going to miss RAW this week but that changed when the low RAW rating came out last week. As noted, Vince McMahon’s return is another direct response to the low rating.

– Hornswoggle revealed on Twitter that he has been off the road for a few weeks after having his gallbladder removed.

Who needs a gall bladder anyway? As much as I miss home at times when on the road, these 4 weeks home have gotten me anxious! #brutal

— Dylan Postl (@DylanPostl) October 5, 2012

– Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs. Titus O’Neil and Darren Young in a tag team tournament match will take place on this Monday’s RAW from Sacramento. The other semi-finals match will likely take place on next Friday’s SmackDown – Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow vs. Zack Ryder and Santino Marella.