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Pro wrestling legend Randy 'Macho Man' Savage dies in car accident, by Greg Tingle - 20th May 2011

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Wrestling News Media: Snooki, 'The Rock' and 'Mania: When Headlocks and Hollywood Collide - 1st April 2011

One is the queen of MTV's Jersey Shore; the other is WWE's resident Mexican aristocrat. One is famous for being perhaps the worst of the tanned, bouffant-wearing, gum-chomping Italian stereotype. The other invites fans' wrath with a wink and a smile as he drives the world's most expensive cars to the ring and insists on being introduced by his own personal ring announcer - in Spanish.

Only one entity - and one extravaganza - could bring these two very different stars together: World Wrestling Entertainment's 27th annual WrestleMania on Sunday. Snooki will participate in a six-person, inter-gender grudge match while Alberto Del Rio will vie for the World Heavyweight Championship in his WrestleMania debut. Both promise to thrill 70,000-plus screaming fans in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

"It's going to be the peak of my career," said Del Rio, a native of Mexico. "My family, my entire country, is going to be proud of me because I'm going to go out there and become the new World Heavyweight Champion. I'm going to die out there trying to become the World Heavyweight Champion."

So what's behind the infatuation with WrestleMania? Why do fans come from around the world and dole out hard-earned money to watch this spectacle on pay-per-view? What is it about WrestleMania that makes fathers and sons and daughters jump out of their seats and grown, muscle-bound men in tights speak in hushed reverence?

Simply put, it is pro wrestling's greatest annual event. All wrestlers who grew up as fans dream of performing in it and look forward to watching it. Even in the choreographed world of professional wrestling, there is nothing staged about the emotion and excitement from anyone who performs at WrestleMania.

"As a kid, all I wanted to do was be a wrestler," said Del Rio. "Now that I'm here in WWE - WrestleMania is our NBA, our Super Bowl, our World Series of professional wrestling. As a wrestler, as a performer, I always dreamed of being in something like that."

For the fan, WrestleMania's appeal is as nuanced as wrestling's longtime popularity. Wrestling's magnetism goes hand-in-hand with the dawn of the television age in the 1950s, but WrestleMania took it to another level. It is a marriage of headlocks and Hollywood that began in 1985, when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon teamed up the charisma of Hulk Hogan and the diabolical lunacy of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper with the star power of Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper. (Credit: News Corporation).

Wrestling News Media: Shawn Michaels' Speech At WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: 'Thank You' - 2nd April 2011

Thank you. ["HBK!" chant. "Thank you Shawn!" chant. Whoa! Some other chant.] The damnedest thing on my way to my Hall of Fame speech, a damn roast broke out. Thanks. I knew there was no way you was gonna say anything nice about me. For the 15 years we've known each other he never has, and he never will. He's like the Fonz trying to say he's sorry. [Muttering.]

I know how tough it was for you to say . That was a huge deal for him to even recognize that I worked in this line of work for 36 years. You're not aware of this, but we shared a big moment there. There's some psychiatrists going, "They're starting to heal."

I'm nervous, so don't give me cat calls. [Cat calls.] I've been going over what I'm gonna say. ["One more match!" chant.] You're killing me with the one more match thing. Seriously, I know it's good TV, he'll have a nervous breakdown. We sold out the building! He had a heart attack!

["We love you Shawn!"] I'm serious. For the love of God, help me out here. I don't even know where to start. You know there are things that go between ... I can't say, I'm not supposed to say. That's one of the reasons I was OK to retire. Coincidentally, this is the first year where we're not doing it live. They'll chop it up in post to make sure it's ok to air.

When I was 19 years old, I didn't want to be a sports entertainer. I didn't know at the time. I told my mom and dad, I want to do what those guys do it on TV. Making it was going to be going out in San Antonio and wresting in front of 25 people. Fast forward, and I'm a 45-year-old man, and I get to stand here and say thank you.

Along the way, I wasn't really aware of it. I was raised by a loving family, sitting right down here, who loved me every step of the way and supported me. But for whatever reason when I started doing this line of work at 19 I spent the next 26 years searching for validation. I don't even know why. But what my peers thought of me and what you thought of me was the most important thing in my life. And I worked myself into the ground. It was so important to me that you thought I did a good job. I know that sounds patronizing, but I want to thank you so much for giving me that.

I'm very thankful to all the other inductees and especially Triple H for making this fun and amusing. Because as much as I've tried to not make it a deep and heavy cry fest, I can't do it. There are no words to express how much I lived and breathed to do this every night for so many years. And it begs the question, how am I gonna be OK away from this?

Last Monday the Undertaker had mentioned Shawn Michaels will walk into the Hall of Fame with a ton of regrets. If this had happened in 1998, that might've been true. At that time, I was good at my job, but there's no way I could've stood here with no regrets. And although my family would've been proud of me, I know there would've been a little disappointment for them and a certain guy backstage whose name I'm not allowed to mention. [Crowd WOOs. Guy next to me says "RIC FLAIR!" I believe him!]

I came back in 2002 after being told I'd never wrestle again, for one more match. That was nine years ago. I'm thankful I can stand before you with absolutely no regrets. [Missed a part about God and his family. Sorry.] Since they came into my life, I've had not a regret. Not a second goes by that I'm not thankful. The most precious gift of all is my little family. I love you all so much, and I want to thank you for being so selfless and letting daddy finish what he started.

It was very important to me to come back and go away on my own terms. I love my two children more than anything in the world. Thank you so much for letting daddy go wrestle. [I have a daughter. Totally about to tear up.]

There are countless WWE superstars that I've had to create with. I'd love to mention everybody, but I don't want to make this too long. I don't wanna be that guy. [Crowd WOOs.] You guys are implying that. I'm not saying that. Every year there's somebody, and we're like, dude there's WrestleMania tomorrow. I'm gonna assume you know who you are.

Because I did my best to make sure before I left to tell you how awesome it was for me, and how much I appreciate you guys [makes crazy hand gestures] putting up with me when I wanna do something you don't do all that much. I appreciate your time and patience. I appreciate you being a part of my life. A lot of times all we've got is each other. We're like guys in a fox hole together. But when we're with each other, we're all we got. We can stab each other in the back, but can't nobody else do it.

I wanna thank you for allowing me to be a part of that fraternity. We're always gonna look at everybody else and say you're not gonna understand it. And that's OK. It's something we're gonna take to our graves.

And lastly there's all of you. The WWE universe, the fans. I love every one of you, even when you bother me at 5 in the morning, even when I cuss you, you still come back and forgive me. You have been a part of my life and family for so many years, it begs the question, why would a 19-year-old kid from a wonderful upbringing seek validation from strangers?

One thing people used to always say that separated me is that I could make a connection with you. I don't know if I did a good job, but for the last 26 years whether you were connected to me I have no idea, but I was connected to you. I have never won Most Popular, I wasn't the prom king, I wasn't the homecoming king, so I guess in my adult life the most important thing to me was that you believed in me and thought I was good. On this night, 2011 Hall of Fame, I feel it, I thank you, I love my ring. And I love each and every one of you.

I know this has been sappy. I can't help it. And if you're not down with that, I got two words for you. ("Suck it!" from the crowd.)

News

WWE Australian Tour 2011

Tickets are on sale Friday 28th January, opening at 9am via Ticketek. WWE has thus far named for the "World Tour" - John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, The Miz and Wade Barrett.

Dates and venues:

Friday 1st July - Sydney (Acer Arena)
Saturday 2nd July - Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
Sunday 3rd July - Perth (Burswood Dome)
Monday 4th July - Adelaide (Entertainment Centre)
Tuesday 5th July - Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)

Awesome Kong signs with WWE

WWE is believed to have offered former TNA Women's Knockouts Champion Awesome Kong a contract.

She wrote the following earlier today on her Twitter account: "My dreams just came true today. I got my dream job. Yes, THAT one."

WWE sources indicate there's been discussion of Kong joining the organization in recent weeks. One source claims she paid a visit to WWE's headquarters Stamford, Connecticut a month ago.

While the signing has not been confirmed, sources believe it was finalized last week.

WWE News: Jim Ross new blog on WWE Hall of Fame & announcing future, Daniel Bryan interview on Miz, Cena, cattle mutilation
(Credit: Pro Wrestling Torch)

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing this year's WWE Hall of Fame class, Paul Orndorff's cancer revelation, historical Royal Rumble events, his announcing future, and other topics in the news.

On the Hall of Fame: "I hope that the class does have a WCW/Atlanta feel but the class will likely be 6-8 inductions tops. Plus, WWE will want to not over do posthumous inductions if at all possible."

On his announcing future: "Have I called my last event in any thing? I hope not and that's not my plan but my broadcasting work may not include regular WWE work but something outside the genre." Ross said he feels he's a "long shot" for the Univ. of Oklahoma announcing job, but he's "not retreating" on pursuing his dream job.

-- WWE U.S. champion Daniel Bryan has an interview with Jon Waldman of Slam Wrestling covering a variety of different subjects from his first year in WWE.

Bryan said he would have liked to have learned more from The Miz on Season 1 of NXT, he hasn't seen his infamous 2003 Velocity match against yellow-pants-wearing John Cena "in years," and he won't use the Cattle Mutilation submission on TV.

On possibly wrestling Cena again: "I thought it was a good match and it gets me excited because I know we both progressed in our careers and if we ever got to wrestle again it would be really good."

On not using Cattle Mutilation on TV: "I didn't really believe the Cattle Mutilation would get over with the WWE Universe, and the reason why is because it's such a TV-oriented product. There are a lot of downfalls to it. You can't see the other guy's face, and on top of that, it's very difficult to do it to big guys; I don't have long arms."

Tough Enough Returns, by Greg Tingle - 7th January 2011

WWE officially announced on Monday that USA Network has ordered ten episodes of the "Tough Enough" series beginning Monday, April 4, the night after WrestleMania 27.

Press Release

WrestleMania Makes $45 Million For Host City

November 4, 2010

STAMFORD, Conn., November 4, 2010 - World Wrestling Entertainment® announced today that WrestleMania XXVI generated $45.1 million in economic impact for the greater Glendale/Phoenix area, according to a study conducted by the Enigma Research Corporation. WrestleMania also generated close to $5 million in local, state and county taxes.

Over the past three years, WrestleMania has generated nearly $150 million in cumulative economic impact for its host cities and states, this despite the country experiencing one of the worst economic periods in decades.

“WWE®'s premiere event was an important addition to Glendale's tourism industry and position as a leading sports and entertainment destination,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs. “The $45 million boost to our region created by WWE's fantastic fans makes WrestleMania a valuable economic attraction for every community host. We look forward to WWE returning to Glendale soon."

A capacity crowd of 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries attended WWE’s pop culture extravaganza this past March. Key highlights from the study included:

- $45.1 million of direct, indirect and induced impact derived from spending by non-locals visiting specifically for WrestleMania XXVI.
- The economic impact derived from WrestleMania Week equated to the creation of 510 full-time jobs for the area.
- 63% of fans that attended WrestleMania were from outside the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, with 53% staying three nights or more.
- 60% of fans that came from out of state were from California and Nevada.
- 58% of fans that attended WrestleMania were between the ages of 20 and 40, and 23% were between the ages of 5 and 19.

“We are very pleased that WrestleMania has once again produced a significant economic windfall for its host city. This is an incredible result in the face of a challenging economy, and one that illustrates the size and scope of WrestleMania Week,” said John P. Saboor, Senior Vice President of Special Events for World Wrestling Entertainment. “Our public and private sector partners within the Glendale/Phoenix area were exceptional hosts for the WWE Universe.”

Next year, WrestleMania XXVII will take place Sunday, April 3 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 13 at 10 AM EST through the Georgia Dome box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling
1-800-745-3000. The event will be broadcast on pay-per-view, and viewed in more than 100 countries.
Enigma Research Corporation is an international consulting firm which specializes in measuring the economic impact of special events. Enigma’s economists developed a customized model which converted expenditures into economic impact, employment created and taxes generated as a result of the event.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Toronto and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Media Contacts:
Robert Zimmerman
203-359-5131
Robert.Zimmerman@wwecorp.com

Adam Hopkins
203-352-8675
Adam.Hopkins@wwecorp.com

Investor Contact:
Michael Weitz
203 352 8642
Michael.Weitz@wwecorp.com

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

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A tight new hold on our TV?

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Wrestling News

Bret Hart Returns to WWE Raw - January 2010, Stu Hart May Be Inducted in WWE Hall Of Fame

Chris Jericho On Fire

WWE new talent progresses to upper ranks. Read JR's blog and WWE News

Paul Heyman pushs forward Tommy Dreamer and ECW

Mickey Rourke May Appear at WrestleMania 2010

WWE Legends Of WrestleMania Game Released

Roddy Piper Did Some Of The Best Promos Ever In Lead To WrestleMania

Ric Flair No Longer Associated With WWE - January 2010

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Promo

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Legend Features: Andre The Giant Hulk Hogan Jimmy Snuka Roddy Piper

Don Muraco Jake "The Snake" Roberts Terry Funk Jerry Lawler Ric Flair

Get WWE on Foxtel and Main Event

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Public Congratulations WWE For Supporting the US Troops At War

ECW

Background

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is engaged in the development, production and marketing of television programming and live events and the licensing and sale of branded consumer products featuring the World Wrestling Entertainment brand.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the development, production and marketing of television programming, pay-per-view programming and live events, and the licensing and sale of branded consumer products featuring our highly successful World Wrestling Entertainment brand. WWE is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in London, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WWE. (Credit: WWE).

Television programs

WWE runs three major television programs each week. Each show has their own cast of wrestlers. WWE calls these casts brands. RAW is WWE's main show and has ran on Monday nights since 1993. SmackDown! has been running since 1999. It used to be on Thursday nights but moved to Friday in 2005. ECW is a program that started in 2006. ECW is based on the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) company that ran from 1993 until its bankruptcy in 2001.

Once or twice every month, WWE produces a pay-per-view event. These events have more important matches. The biggest pay-per-view of the year for WWE is called WrestleMania. WrestleMania has run since 1985. (Credit: Wikipedia).

Websites

WWE.com

World Wrestling Entertainment Corporate website

Profiles

WWE Wellness Programe

Articles

US wrestling girds loins for Asia

Rowdy Roddy Piper wrestles with a new foe: cancer

Wrestling star rescues Queensland film

News

Press Release 2008

WWE(R) Smackdown (R) / ECW™ Live! Superstars Confirmed To Tour In June

WWE official website

Google News search for WWE

Profile

WWE Hall of Fame

Media Man Australia does not represent World Wrestling Entertainment in an official capacity, however, they have assisted in promoting the brand via Electric Artists, online advertising, provided media commentary, promotion of books and other merchandise, and are in contact with a number of former WWE personalities.

Australian Views

WWE (and ECW) is broadcast on Foxtel subscriber television - Fox 8, Main Event and Sci Fi Channel

and selected shows on Network Nine Australia

Media Man does not represent World Wrestling Entertainment