WWE Network

Godder

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/'>http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/</a>
 
Basically, US $9.99/mo for new shows, current shows (Raw, Smackdown etc), all PPVs including Wrestlemania and every WWF, WWE, WCW and ECW PPV since 1985 (basically WM 1 onwards) and streaming access to all of the above according to the FAQ:
 
WWE Network will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. On February 24, WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazonâ€™s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStationÂ® 3 and Sony PlayStationÂ® 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow this summer. More info at <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.wwe.com/devices'>http://www.wwe.com/devices</a>.
 
Starts Monday, February 24 after Raw finishes. Most importantly, from the FAQ:
 
25. Will WWE Network be available internationally? 
Beginning Monday, February 24, WWE Network will only be available in the United States. WWE Network is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordics by the end of 2014/early 2015.
 
About time NZ got some love! It's about time a major entertainment company got serious about online and international availability without hoop-jumping because of BS old models and rights issues. I will be very interested to see if other players follow suit.

red terror

Sounds like an excellent deal.
 
Jake the Snake (and a new yellow Damian) made his first live appearance on WWE in over a decade last Monday. That was worth a month's subscription fee all by itself!

JK

That's awesome but a while off for nz 
Some cool previews on there

scruffy-lookin

I don't follow WWE but it's pretty interesting from a sports business perspective. I wonder how they were able to get around their existing TV and PPV contracts and offer the product straight to customers.
 
I imagine that the UFC will be watching this with great interest in light of their recently launched Fight Pass which offers a fight library and some live content but no PPVs.

red terror

This was the live report from the Torch:
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">WWE Network Announcement 
January 8, 2014 
Las Vegas, Nev. at the CES Conference 
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor WWE's announcement started with a live shot of the theater where WWE is making the announcement. Michael Cole was introduced on-stage to welcome everyone to Las Vegas. Cole called it one of the most important days in WWE history. - Cole welcomed out WWE CEO Vince McMahon, who walked out on-stage looking grandfatherly. McMahon called himself a WWE fan and said today is a great day to be a WWE fan. McMahon then introduced a video package - the corporate video that airs at WWE live events hyping WWE's mainstream reach and stats. Back to McMahon, who said today is a great day to be a WWE fan because ... drumroll ... they are announcing the launch of the WWE Network. McMahon then welcomed out executive Michelle Wilson to provide more details. - Wilson said today is all about the "transformation and re-imagination" of how they deliver content around the world. Wilson went back to March 31, 1985 for WrestleMania I, then said they are proud to formally announce the launch of WWE Network. She said what makes the Network "groundbreaking" is they will be over-the-top distribution. It will be a 24/7 streaming service with live programming, scheduled programming, and an on-demand library from any device. She called it unlike any other Network in history. Why over-the-top and why now? Wilson said their research shows the audience wants content on any device and they are willing to pay for it. Wilson said the Network is the first to offer best of both worlds - 24/7 streaming service and WWE's video on-demand library. Included: all 12 live WWE PPV events, including WrestleMania. Plus, new shows WWE Countdown, Legends House, Monday Night War, and WrestleMania Rewind. Plus, NXT, Superstars, Raw and Smackdown pre and post-shows, and a live Daily Studio Show. Wilson said the tape library will initially include every WWE, WCW, and ECW PPV. Plus, past years of Raw and Smackdown. Wilson said they have another announcement. Wilson said the Network will be priced at $9.99 per month. Wilson said the Network will be available on their website, mobile App, other mobile devices, including Roku. Beyond the U.S., Wilson said they expect to announce over-the-top in various countries across the world. Wilson introduced a video titled "It's way over the top." - Stephanie McMahon walked out on-stage next to talk about what will be on the Network. Stephanie referenced the Hulk Hogan Era and Attitude Era, then said she will talk about what the Network will look like. Stephanie hyped the Raw and Smackdown pre and post-shows with a behind-the-scenes look before they go "on the traditional air." Stephanie hyped NXT, then introduced a video package on Full Sail University, the Performance Center, and roster of future main roster stars. Back to Stephanie, who said in-ring content is not the only type of programming available on the Network. She announced the premiere of Legends House. Steph name-dropped Roddy Piper, Tony Atlas, and Hacksaw Duggan as three of the cast members, then rolled footage from the series taped two years ago. Back to Stephanie, who hyped WWE's rich history. Stephanie said one of her best memories was sitting in the crowd at WrestleMania watching her friend, Andre the Giant, then listen to Andre tell stories about his career. Stephanie said WrestleMania Rewind will capture that. Steph then introduced a video package on the Rewind show highlighting past Mania matches with soundbytes from wrestlers talking about those matches. Back to Stephanie, who said the Network isn't just about action and drama, but fun. She said no one knows more about that two of the most outlandish and funny wrestlers in WWE history, Shawn Michaels and her husband, Triple H. - DX music played to bring out Hunter and Michaels on-stage doing their glowstick shtick. Michaels then spoke first about getting anxious, lost, and nervous when they used to do this routine. He said what he used to do was just start taking off his clothes to get a reaction to cover for his nervousness. Hunter said this is probably not the right forum. Stephanie interrupted and said she loves them. But, they need to get to WWE Countdown. Stephanie said it puts the power in their viewers's hands to vote on various things. Hunter said that's the best build-up she can do? Hunter said they can do better. DX positioned themselves, then brought over Steph for the "Thousands in Attendance" routine. A video package followed with basic poll questions like Best Catchphrase, Best Managers, Best Matches, etc. Back to DX and Stephanie. Hunter said one of his favorite things about this is the catchphrases. He asked Michaels what his favorite catchphrase is, but cut him off with The Rock's "It doesn't matter." Michaels answered anyways: "You're fired." Stephanie said this is actually a great segue to Vince McMahon, who became a character on TV portraying an evil boss in the 1990s. "That was a character?" Hunter joked. Stephanie said it's the Monday Night War, which led to Hunter saying "Monday Night Wars." Stephanie said it's "War," not "Wars." Hunter said it says "Wars" on the teleprompter, prompting WWE to show the "s" added to the script. Hunter then added "s" to his next sentences before introducing a video package on WWE vs. WCW. - Back to Stephanie, who introduced the man who helped tip the scales in WWE's favor, six-time WWE champion and box office record-setter, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin came out on-stage asking the crowd for a hell yeah. Stone Cold went back to 10-15 years ago when they upgraded their vehicles selling out houses everywhere they went. He said he never envisioned WWE Network happening back then. Austin said he got a phone call from McMahon to be here tonight while he was doing at the Broken Skull Ranch in Texas. So, he came. Austin said he was sitting backstage watching this unfold and thought about past generations of stars laying body parts on the line leading to tonight. Austin then shared some stories about seeing everyone backstage tonight. Austin said the best thing about the Network is to re-live the Attitude Era, where he showed up every Monday night to open up a can of Whoop Ass. Austin thanked everyone for showing up, then said he is looking forward to checking out the Network himself. - Back to Stephanie, who fed to a wrap-up video package. The video said television is about to change forever. The narrator called it a 24/7 streaming service with original content accessible anywhere, anytime on computers, tables, and mobile devices. On the bottom of the screen was confirmation that the $9.99 price requires a six-month commitment. So, if you want to order WrestleMania, you either pay $60+ for the PPV or you're locked in to pay $59.94. - WWE executive Perkins Miller was introduced next on-stage. Miller said he is excited to walk everyone through the "Network experience." Perkins said the first step is creating a Network account. Perkins then went to a video clip from John Cena vs. The Rock from WrestleMania. Perkins said once you buy the Network, you can watch it on any device. Perkins said the Network is different than a traditional linear service, which is captured by a programming guide. The guide allows you to watch a live show from the beginning of the show or pick up where it's currently airing. Perkins then flashed a clip from NXT featuring Bo Dallas. Next was a look at the "Second Screen experience" that goes with a live TV broadcast. Perkins then broke down the Video On-Demand content that goes with the 24/7 linear programming. He went through more than 300 PPVs available on-demand from WWE, WCW, and ECW, then navigated the archived footage. Perkins suddenly pretended to have a "Michael Bay" moment losing the teleprompter. Michaels and Hunter walked out for the gag, offering a comforting shoulder. Hunter said he thinks Perkins was about to pitch to another favorite moment in time. Michaels said he would rather demonstrate how this works. HBK then clicked on a clip showing DX on an army tank. Perkins remained in a Bay trance, then Hunter gave an "announcer voice" reading from the teleprompter. DX then posed with Perkins, who exited his pretend trance. - Next up was Bob Bowman from MLB Advanced Media. Bowman said WWE called them six months ago to help with this project. Bowman said great content needs great distribution. Bowman said today's distribution is different than even two years ago. Today, what they're looking at is a first-of-a-kind 24/7 Network distributed online. Bowman hyped Vince McMahon, then said he looks forward to the launch of the Network. - Next out was John Cena. Cena entered corporate-speak mode about this being historic. Cena said the question is when will the Network launch. Cena said right after Raw on February 24. A graphic flashed for a 47-day countdown. Cena said the clock will be on WWE TV to remind people. Cena said the first PPV to air live on Network is WrestleMania 30. Cena said they do not exist without the fans, who may or may not like him. But, every week, they create an atmosphere like no other. And in 47 days, they will create a new Network. - Michael Cole returned to the podium to thank everyone for joining them on this day. Cole signed off to conclude the one-hour announcement. 
 
</blockquote>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75563.shtml#.Us9LZtK3jho'>http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75563.shtml#.Us9LZtK3jho</a>

red terror

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://gizmodo.com/wwe-figured-out-the-future-of-tv-last-night-1498110969/@tcraggs22'>Tommy Craig at Deadspin</a>:
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
WWE Figured Out the Future of TV Last Night
 
It's tempting, if you're not a fan of grown men grappling, to dismiss last night's announcement of <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://gizmodo.com/wwe-has-its-own-network-now-1497590938'>WWE's new digital streaming network</a>. Don't. Because it's our best glimpse yet at what the future of television should look like.
 
To try to get across just how bigâ€”and how goodâ€”a deal the WWE Network is, here's a brief description of it denuded of the word "wrestling." In its place, swap in anything you love; sports, genres, individual channels, animals that think they're people. Your niche.
 
Here's a streaming network that offers a 30 year back catalog of [THING YOU LOVE]. Add in free access to live [THING YOU LOVE] events that normally cost in the neighborhood of $45 a pop and happen roughly once a month. On top of that, toss in some goofy original content about [THING YOU LOVE], every reality show format you can think of, reframed to specifically target [THING YOU LOVE] in a way that feels like a fever dream of access and delight. You can access this network on nearly any device that you own, perpetually just a few clicks away from [THING YOU LOVE] streaming in 720p.
 
And it costs ten bucks a month.
 
For the right personâ€”the person the WWE network is targetingâ€”that's insane. For the rest of us, it's a clear-eyed look at what an a la carte television utopia could be.
 
Paying for only the content you actually want to watch is the platonic ideal of television's future, but it ain't happening any time soon. The <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://gizmodo.com/5972517/the-future-of-tv-may-not-be-worth-it'>cable companies are too entrenched, the content deals too lucrative</a>. Somehow, thoughâ€”<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_wrestling_holds#Figure-four_leglock'>figure-four leglock</a>?â€”WWE has bucked the system.
 
And it's not just that WWE has done it, it's how. One of the biggest a la carte television concerns is pricing; even if Disney were to spin off ESPN (they won't, but hypotheticals are fun!) it would cost you, conservatively, at least $20 a month. HBO Go (also not happening any time soon) would be even more. And WWE, frankly, would have been justified in offering its network at similarly sky-high pricing given its inclusion of pay per view streaming.
 
But it didn't. It went cheap, just slightly more than Netflix and Hulu Plus, for content whose MSRP is arguably significantly higherâ€”though with much narrower focusâ€”than what's offered on those.
 
Again, think about what you'd rather pay for: Netflix and its vast but unpredictable movie library and unproven original series? Or the entirety of [THING YOU LOVE]?
 
Here's an even better idea. Cobble together Netflix, Hulu Plus, and couple of [THINGS YOU LOVE]. Throw in an <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://amzn.to/1ajF5OM'>antenna</a> for HD broadcast networks, and amortize the cost over its lifetime. Congrats! You've got more content, highly targeted to your interests, for less than $40 a month.
 
Andâ€”not that this is something that you should worry aboutâ€”it's going to work for WWE, too. By requiring six-month commitments from its customers, it prevents hit-and-run subscriptions targeted at ultra-cheap pay per view access. By producing a bunch of cheap reality shows, it gets to squeeze every last ounce of brand equity out of its stars aging, present, and future. And if even a million people sign upâ€”WrestleMania brought in that many on its own last Aprilâ€”that's an extra $10 million of revenue every single month in Vince McMahon's pocket. That's more than a 20 percent lift. This is going to work.
 
Yes, we're a long, long way off from other [THINGS YOU LOVE] following suit. But how long before we see a Crunchyroll competitor do this for anime? How long before the UFC starts including its pay per view events in its own streaming service? How long before there are enough options at the TV buffet that you can finally cut the cord in good conscience?
 
The WWE might not be your cup of tea. That's fine. But what it's done with the WWE Network is light the path for other digital networks, other streaming solutions that aren't tethered to a bulky plan, that don't come laden with dozens of channels you couldn't care less about. And what comes next could very well be just the [THING YOU LOVE] you were waiting for.
 
</blockquote>

Baxymoron

Saw this on Reddit the other day. Behind the scenes footage of some wrestlers coked outta their eyeballs in the 80s:
 
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='

'>

</a>
 
 
p.s. I haven't been able to watch wrestling since NWO White teamed up with those NWO Red filth. This isn't the New World Order I was promised!

red terror

It does make you wonder how much "Rabid Wolverine" content will be made available. (My guess: Zero.)

Godder

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="red terror" data-cid="410236" data-time="1389323621">
It does make you wonder how much "Rabid Wolverine" content will be made available. (My guess: Zero.)</blockquote>
 
My understanding is that they won't cut him out of anything because it's viewer choice, but they won't focus on him either, and will play viewer advisories where appropriate. It will be interesting to see if they provide Over The Edge 1999 or whichever one Owen Hart died at. 
Talk is also that Jake Roberts is up for the Hall of Fame this year which would be awesome.

Stockcar86

Seth Mates has some interesting things to say about it on twitter: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://twitter.com/SethMates'>https://twitter.com/SethMates</a>
 
A funny take on is here: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.kayfabenews.com/millions-of-wrestling-fans-bid-farewell-to-families-friends-jobs/'>http://www.kayfabenews.com/millions-of-wrestling-fans-bid-farewell-to-families-friends-jobs/</a>
 
On a sadder wrestling related note, Mae Young has died after being taken off life support

Stockcar86

Damn got sucked into reading online wrestling news for the last hour.
 
Best bit so far was a tweet about the evolution of Daniel Bryan:
 
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdVyZ45IMAApCOB.jpg" alt="BdVyZ45IMAApCOB.jpg">

JK

Wow how old was Mae Young when she passed away?

Watching last weeks "old school RAW" at the moment. Good to see a few of the old timers on there

Stockcar86

Oops, 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">On December 30, 2013, Young was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and placed on life support. On January 9, 2014, she was taken off life support and placed under hospice care at home. <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Young#cite_note-9'>[9]</a> Later that day, <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Post_and_Courier' title="The Post and Courier">The Post and Courier</a> erroneously reported Young's death, which was retracted citing incorrect information
 
</blockquote>
 
She was born March 1923, so is 90

red terror

Holyshit! The first inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014 . . .
 
The Ultimate Warrior.
 
Just announced on Raw (UPDATE: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='

video of the announcement</a>). I marked-out and popped when I heard that classic theme music -- possibly the best WWF/WWE intro theme ever. (Btw -- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='

the 16-minute version of that theme song</a>.)
 
It will be the first time he's appeared at a WWE event in 18 years. 
 
Rumours are Hogan will be back in some capacity some time soon, too.

Virgil

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' data-author="red terror" data-cid="410478" data-time="1389667225">Holyshit! The first inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014 . . . 
 
The Ultimate Warrior. 
 
Just announced on Raw (UPDATE: <a class='bbc_url' href='

video of the announcement</a>). I marked-out and popped when I heard that classic theme music -- possibly the best WWF/WWE intro theme ever. (Btw -- <a class='bbc_url' href='

the 16-minute version of that theme song</a>.) 
 
It will be the first time he's appeared at a WWE event in 18 years. 
 
Rumours are Hogan will be back in some capacity some time soon, too.</blockquote>
 
I thought he was dead! 
Easily my fav wrestler back in the day

red terror

Vince McMahon has always claimed he's done what he's done "because of The Business," and he's played up his heel persona as a character, but I believe he genuinely admires these wrestlers as a lifelong fan and is sincere about making peace and burying the hatchet, even if it's motivated by business. It's great to see Bret Hart back in the fold, it was awesome to see Jake the Snake last week, and now this Helwig announcement. It's a shame Macho died before he could have reconciled, but then he was a pretty stubborn guy too. Just a great surprise I didn't see coming (although in the past hour I've since discovered there are several sites predicting/announcing this months ago, secret must have leaked, but I missed all that.)

red terror

Tonight's Raw was heavily pimping the new WWE Network launch. They really want this to be a game-changer, and I'm sold. 
 
VKM couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the show as well. A cage match between the Usos vs. Daniel Wyatt (Bryan) & Bray Wyatt. The crowd at the end popped like a cork from a champagne bottle.

red terror

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="410264" data-time="1389347925">
<div>
She was born March 1923, so is 90
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Good lord. Mind you, she'd seems like she's been 85 for the past twenty years, but still, good lord. She certainly seems game for anything.

Stockcar86

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="red terror" data-cid="410482" data-time="1389672762">
<div>
Tonight's Raw was heavily pimping the new WWE Network launch. They really want this to be a game-changer, and I'm sold. 
 
VKM couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the show as well. A cage match between the Usos vs. Daniel Wyatt (Bryan) & Bray Wyatt. The crowd at the end popped like a cork from a champagne bottle. 
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I thought it was in pretty poor taste talking about Cena's fathers (probably) fake heart condition in front of Jerry Lawler though. 
 
Watched 1989 Royal Rumble last night - I forgot how much Sean Michaels has changed from his Rocker tag team days

Godder

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="410596" data-time="1389770999">
<div>
I thought it was in pretty poor taste talking about Cena's fathers (probably) fake heart condition in front of Jerry Lawler though. 
 
Watched 1989 Royal Rumble last night - I forgot how much Sean Michaels has changed from his Rocker tag team days
</div>
</blockquote>
 
You want to watch his match at WM V (Twin Towers vs Rockers), bumps like a pinball and takes the best clothesline bump ever!

red terror

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="410596" data-time="1389770999">
<div>
I thought it was in pretty poor taste talking about Cena's fathers (probably) fake heart condition in front of Jerry Lawler though. 
</div>
</blockquote>
 
It's the WWE - Vince could care less about taste. He's trying to bump the buy-rate. Nine months ago Paul Bearer died (for real) and the following Monday VKM had "him" in the urn selling an Undertaker v. CM Punk pay-per-view. Lawler knows the business -- And Cole was stressing that it wasn't a heart condition -- it was a "fractured eye socket." Vince has to sell his Super-Cena v. Viper Legend Killer Face of the WWE ppv. But like yourself, Cole mentioning it did raise a few eyebrows, including mine.

red terror

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="red terror" data-cid="410236" data-time="1389323621">
<div>
It does make you wonder how much "Rabid Wolverine" content will be made available. (My guess: Zero.)
</div>
</blockquote>
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Godder" data-cid="410246" data-time="1389334386">
<div>
My understanding is that they won't cut him out of anything because it's viewer choice, but they won't focus on him either, and will play viewer advisories where appropriate. It will be interesting to see if they provide Over The Edge 1999 or whichever one Owen Hart died at.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Saw this <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Ask_the_Editor_18/article_75864.shtml#.UuKzpNIo4sY'>today</a>:
 
PWTorch reader Brian A. of Long Island, N.Y. asks: With the WWE putting all their old PPVs on the Network, I was wondering if they will include Chris Benoit matches? PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers: All Chris Benoit matches will be included on the WWE Network with an advisory warning aired prior to the content that he's on starting.

red terror

Huge crowd backlash at the Royal Rumble last night. Vince is really going to have to work hard to adjust for 'Mania. The crowd has turned on Batista (he may have to immediately turn heel), and they're bored with Cena and Orton. The "WWE Universe" believes Daniel Bryan has been royallyfucked and they're not staying quiet about it. It's a beautiful thing to see -- like the Coliseum with the Romans letting Caesar know which way the thumb goes.
 
It's bewildering why Vince wants to infuriate his customers. Has old age and dementia taken over?? One wonders if this was his Machiavellian strategy all along and he's playing the fan-base and setting-up a big payoff for Bryan, or whether it's beyond his control and he's playing stubborn billionaire who no longer listens to them because he thinks he knows better.
 
Mick Foley took to twitter last night screaming foul, calling it the worst PPV booking he'd ever seen, then elaborated on Facebook this morning saying he wanted to throw a brick through his TV -- and this is a guy on a WWE Ambassador contract!!
 
Raw should be interesting tonight . . .

red terror

Some of Foley's rant --
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
As I mentioned on Twitter, I've never felt so disgusted at the conclusion of a WWE (or any) PPV. Like many of you out there, I just don't get it. This Daniel Bryan thing is a phenomenon. You get it. I get it. The fans in Pittsburgh (yes, I was thinking of writing "RIGHT TH...but I'm just not in a cheap pop mood) got it. But tonight, for the first time, I had to admit to myself that the powers that be are just not going to get it. And that makes me sad. I'm just honestly sad, just flat out fucking sad (yes, I dropped an F-bomb there to emphasize how F'ing sad I am for the guys who bust their butts night in and night out - Ziggler, Punk, Bryan, etc - with no hope of getting their shot at this year's Mania.
 
You know who else I'm sad for? Me. In my two years as an official WWE Ambassador, I never once had to lie about my enthusiasm for the company or the product. Now, although I am no longer officially an Ambassador for WWE (believe it or not, my only official role in WWE is as GM for Saturday Morning Slam, a contract that ends in one month) I was till looking forward to being part of the biggest event of the year. I'll probably end up going anyway. But I'm about 1/6th as excited about it as I was just a few hours ago. I wanted so badly to hear 75,000 WWE fans chanting "YES" - and seeing fans walk away absolutely ecstatic about the outcome of a PPV for the first time in a while...a long while. But when given the chance to make it happen (unless they've got something MAJOR up their sleeve) WWE's answer tonight was a resounding "NO, NO, NO".
 
</blockquote>

JK

Surely this is all a massive play by Vince? He's pretty dam good at this stuff.
 
If its not then I'm sure he will react quick enough to make the most of all the hype.

Godder

Jake "the Snake" Roberts next inductee to the WWE HoF. Raw was very good apparently.

red terror

Dude Love not the only fan incensed... for a second I thought it was Star Wars Kid...
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://deadspin.com/dude-is-so-pissed-batista-won-the-royal-rumble-1510306413'>Deadspin reports</a>:
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">Batista returned a week ago, after nearly four years away, announced he was going to win the Royal Rumble and then won the Royal Rumble. It seemed...creatively weak. So he was booed. He apparently did not take kindly to this, either.</blockquote>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">Good times, but let's get back to the main event: this shrieking dude. He throws a straight-up temper tantrum, screams at the girl (his...girlfriend?) filming and heads to his near-hoarder-level room full of wrestling merchandise and starts destroying his own property as a sign of his displeasure with the WWE.</blockquote>

JK

haha there was a very similar video to the above posted for one of the PPVs last year. Potentially same kid, looks as fat but may have grown his beard.

red terror

My first impression was that it seemed awfully familiar and was probably a work... and then at 1:03 he looks like Star Wars Kid, so it has to be real, right?

red terror

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://deadspin.com/grand-jury-to-investigate-1983-death-of-jimmy-snukas-g-1511023624'>Uh-oh</a>:
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"> <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://deadspin.com/grand-jury-to-investigate-1983-death-of-jimmy-snukas-g-1511023624'>Grand Jury To Investigate 1983 Death Of Jimmy Snuka's Girlfriend</a>
 
(The) case remains open 31 years later, with Snuka the only named "person of interest."
 
</blockquote>

Stockcar86

C M Punk quits WWE
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
As of this writing, all the media <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-cm-punk-wwe-20140130,0,4280588.story?track=rss#axzz2ruVbGskF'>knows for certain</a> about CM Punkâ€™s departure from WWE prior to the Jan. 27 Raw is that he met with <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://bleacherreport.com/vince-mcmahon'>Vince McMahon</a> and left thereafter.
Neither the Straight Edge Superstar nor the promotion have issued a formal comment, leaving fans and editors to speculate as to why.
Without formal comment, reports of Punk â€œleavingâ€ WWE are also speculative. Punkâ€™s contract is set to expire in July, but there is no confirmation from either party that this departure concludes the business of that contract or if both sides will try to come to terms.
It would not be the first time negations between WWE and Punk went down to the 11th hour. Punkâ€™s initial contract with the promotion was set to expire on the night of the 2011 Money in the Bank pay-per-view, where Punk was headlining against John Cena for the WWE Championship. As he related in the documentary portion of the WWE Home Video release CM Punk: Best in the World, the delay was due to Punk being genuinely conflicted about re-signing, and he did not put his name on a new contract until sometime during the actual broadcast.
The prevailing notion regarding the Jan. 27 departure, based on Punkâ€™s despondence about the WWE product during a <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10035553.shtml'>comic book convention panel</a> prior to the Royal Rumble, is that he was frustrated with the creative direction, specifically in WWEâ€™s baffling decision to keep fan-favorite Daniel Bryan from headlining WrestleMania.
 
â€œSo you hate me
That's the way it goes
What the f***?
I guess I'll never knowâ€
 - Minor Threat, â€œNo Reasonâ€
 
No Superstar since Punk has whipped WWE audiences into a frenzy as much as Daniel Bryan, in spite of byzantine, incoherent and frustrating storytelling on the part of WWE Creative that has <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1850430-wwe-news-creative-builds-the-authority-at-expense-of-daniel-bryan-randy-orton'>done all it can to derail Bryanâ€™s momentum</a>. By all accounts, Bryan is a gifted ring general and a reliable backstage presence, making WWEâ€™s failure to capitalize on his fandomâ€”from a company that had no issue capitalizing on the fandom of <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://bleacherreport.com/hulk-hogan'>Hulk Hogan</a>, Steve Austin and John Cenaâ€”one of the greatest train wrecks in wrestling history.
Instead, just as they have for the two previous WrestleManias, WWE is hedging their bets on a former champion and current Hollywood star. After an abrupt retirement and four-year absence, Batista, soon to appear in the Marvel Comics adaptation Guardians of the Galaxy, returned to the WWE, declared his intentions of winning the undisputed championship and was subsequently entered in and won the Royal Rumble. This distinction, for the past decade, entitles him to be in the main event at WrestleMania.
Batista coming back is a huge deal, and WWE wanting to capitalize on the eventual movie buzz is understandable. But why Batista had to come back and be part of the title pictureâ€”again, from a storyline perspective, usurping Daniel Bryanâ€™s momentumâ€”only demonstrates how little faith WWE producers have in their current product.
In turn, the WWE Universe is vocalizing how little faith they have in WWE producers, as demonstrated by drowning out the end of the Royal Rumble with jeers when Bryan failed to be revealed as an entrant. Batistaâ€™s victory celebration was greeted with the same overwhelmingly negative reaction, causing the newly crowned Rumble winner to verbally lash out at fans in attendance.
The overshadowing of Bryan has not gone unnoticed by professionals such as Punk and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley who, in his â€œdisgustedâ€ reaction to the Rumble telecast, wondered aloud on Twitter, â€œDoes WWE actually hate their own audience?â€
The feel-good moment of Daniel Bryan winning the Rumble and then the unified championships at WrestleMania would have been a fan-friendly conclusion to the end of the wrestling year and could have set up an intriguing matchup with the newly minted champion facing his biggest threat in the former champion Batista. Instead of stoking fans with the positive anticipation of WrestleMania, fans felt Bryan had been screwed again and let WWE know. WWE can only take the rug out from under fans so many times before fans make their feelings known not by arena jeers, but by changing the channels and spending their entertainment budget elsewhere.
</blockquote>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1942568-wwe-news-cm-punk-leaves-wwe-just-like-stone-cold-steve-austin-did-before'>http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1942568-wwe-news-cm-punk-leaves-wwe-just-like-stone-cold-steve-austin-did-before</a>

Stockcar86

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="red terror" data-cid="411987" data-time="1390849967">
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Some of Foley's rant --
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I'm agree with Mick, and am glad I didn't give Vince any money to watch it. 3 things were a slap in the face to the fans...
 
[spoiler]1) Punk making it to the final four and being eliminated that cheap way by Kane 
2) Batista the walking wellness violation starting so late, and beating the obviously more talented and popular Roman Reigns 
3) Rey Mysterio coming out at 30 instead of Daniel Bryan 
How cool would it have been if Ray came out, starting wrestling, then pulled off his mask to reveal it was Bryan![/spoiler]
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Stockcar86

red terror

The product and direction is a mess right now. The crowds are out of control. Batista has been a backfire. (And poor Albert del Rio - given a thankless task and the weight of the world on his shoulders to quickly sell Batista as a babyface in a couple months for a Wrestlemania main event.) Triple H is now a Daniel Bryan guy...?!? If so, then he really is trying to bury Bryan. I'm guessing Roman Reigns will be their next big thing, but that will probably have to wait until after 'Mania. I thought CM Punk walking might be a work, but the only mention of his name on Raw was the crowd chanting, so I'm guessing their failing to mention him (or Lesnar, also conspicuously absent on Monday) means his AWOL is real.

red terror

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="412706" data-time="1391155477">
<div>
How cool would it have been if Ray came out, starting wrestling, then pulled off his mask to reveal it was Bryan!
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</blockquote>
 
That would have been hilarious. I felt bad for Rey -- it wasn't his fault he came out at No. 30.
 
Speaking of... yesterday I watched Rey vs. Eddie from 1997 Halloween Havoc for the first time since it happened. (It was on a short-list of the best wrestling matches of all-time.) If you've never seen, it's fantastic.

Godder

That match is on the WWE Youtube channel as well - a real treasure trove of full-length matches there. The top 10s are a lot of fun, too.
 
I really miss Eddie :(.

Cactus Jack

The Latino Heat rocked . One of my all time favourites

Stockcar86

Wow, Cody Rhodes moonsalt from the top of the cage in last weeks Raw. And Road Dogg did not even get under him properly, so a big bump. Hope he is OK - loving the team up with him and big brother.
 
They finally had Bryan beating Orton in the same nights wrestling too. Fear The Beard!

red terror

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="414141" data-time="1391992287">
<div>
Wow, Cody Rhodes moonsalt from the top of the cage in last weeks Raw. And Road Dogg did not even get under him properly, so a big bump. Hope he is OK - loving the team up with him and big brother.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I didn't actually see that live until the replay when Cole did a re-set, I was out of the room, but watching the replay I was gobsmacked. I'll have to go watch it again. His tag partnership has completely revitalized his career. And forget Batista, Goldust is the comeback wrestler of the year.

Godder

Lita announced for the HoF.

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