Category: WWE

Some People In WWE ‘Want Out’ If Vince McMahon Is Back

The news about Vince McMahon’s return is a huge story for the wrestling business and it’s anyone’s guess what this means for WWE’s future. What is known for sure is that there’s a lot of people in the company who are shocked at the recent events.

PWInsider reported today that his return “pretty much shocked everyone we have spoken with.” The feeling is that other than people in his inner circle, this took most people in the company by surprise and there are a lot of people wondering what is next.

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The morale in the company is said to have been much better since McMahon stepped down last July. PWInsider added that they heard from some who said that “they want out” if McMahon returns. Well, he is back so we’ll see what happens but one has to wonder if some people will be let go as Triple H has brought back a lot of names that were let go when Vince was in charge.

Mike Johnson at PWInsider wrote, “Vince is exercising ultimate control. Everyone in WWE is still processing that he did.”

An “all hands on deck” company meeting is scheduled for 3 pm eastern today so we may know more about Vince’s plans by then.

Source: WrestlingNews.co

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/6/2023

WWE SmackDown will air live tonight on FOX, and emanate from the FedEX Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.

WWE Holding Important Employee Meeting Later This Afternoon

As previously reported, Vince McMahon has officially returned to the WWE board of directors, adding George Barrios and Michelle Wilson as well. He announced that he was coming back to oversee media rights negotiations and any potential sale of the company.

PWInsider reports that there will be an employee meeting this afternoon which is being described as ‘all hands on deck’. The meeting happens at 3:30 PM ET.

Source: 411Mania

Read Stephanie McMahon’s Email That She Sent To WWE Employees About Vince McMahon’s Return

WWE has told their employees that there will be an “all hands on deck” meeting at 3:30 pm. This appears to be about Vince McMahon‘s return to the WWE Board of Directors. 

WWE co-CEO Stephanie McMahon sent an email to all employees, attaching the latest WWE press release, and noted: 

“Today, WWE announced the return of our founder Vince McMahon to our Board of Directors and a review of the company’s strategic alternatives. Please see attached. Nick, Frank, and I will discuss this exciting opportunity at today’s All Employee meeting. See you at 3:30.”

As controlling shareholder of WWE, McMahon removed JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, and Alan M. Wexler from the Board. Vince, George Barrios, and Michelle Wilson have been added to the Board.

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https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1611389689365430276

Source: ewrestlingnews

WWE Confirms Vince McMahon Is Rejoining The Board, Stock Spikes

McMahon initially stepped down as CEO after an investigation found that he had paid nearly $15 million to four women over 16 years to quiet claims of sexual misconduct.

World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed on Friday that former CEO and majority shareholder Vince McMahon will be reinstated to the company’s board.

The company’s stock spiked 20% on the news of McMahon’s comeback.

“Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board,” WWE executives said in a Friday press release.

The Board’s confirmation follows McMahon’s own announcement on Thursday that he intended to reinstate himself as executive chairman and launch an effort to sell the company. He also said he would bring back former co-presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios as board directors.

Three current board members, JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey Speed and Alan M. Wexler, were removed from their positions. Two additional directors, Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh, resigned from the board, effective Friday.

McMahon initially stepped down as CEO after an investigation found that he had paid nearly $15 million to four women over 16 years to quiet claims of sexual misconduct.

Even during his leave, McMahon maintained control over the company as a majority shareholder. In a November regulatory filing, WWE said, “Mr. McMahon can effectively exercise control over our affairs.”

McMahon saw a need to return to his board position as the company faces negotiations over media rights and strategic initiatives moving forward, according to The Wall Street Journal. WWE has been spotted as a target for acquisition recently.

Analysts at MKM Partners, which has a buy rating on the stock, said in a note Friday that “an immediate exploration of a sale for WWE makes a lot of sense.”

WWE confirmed Friday it would review “strategic alternatives,” but said, “There is no assurance that this process will result in a transaction.”

Shares of the company are up 75% in the last 12 months. The stock trades with a market capitalization of more than $6 billion.

Source: NBC News

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Demands Soured Warner Bros. Relationship

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson may be the People’s Champion, but those at Warner Bros. aren’t sharing the love.

Last year, Black Adam, a project Johnson had been tied to for over a decade, underperformed at the box office, earning $391 million from its $260 million budget.

Following the film’s release, Johnson unfollowed both the social media accounts for Black Adam and Warner Bros, and there were reports of conflict.

Variety reports that The Rock, along with Black Adam producers Hiram Garcia and Beau Flynn, “ruffled feathers” after they “went around everyone” to pitch their plans for Black Adam and Henry Cavill’s Superman.

Things got worse between Johnson and Warner Bros as expenses on Black Adam’s production grew, including Johnson demanding a tequila bar featuring his brand, Teremana, be set up for the film’s premiere.

One source who spoke to Variety explained that “his demands increased and the returns just weren’t there.”

While a post-credits scene sets up a Black Adam sequel, many believe that Black Adam will not receive a follow-up.

Source: ewrestlingnews

William Regal Is Officially Back With WWE

William Regal is back with WWE following his departure from All Elite Wrestling.

Regal had an opt-out clause in his AEW contract, but AEW President Tony Khan had an option earlier than that, allowing Regal to leave the company early as requested. Regal wanted to return to WWE to be with his son in NXT and work with Triple H again.

Pwinsider.com reported that Regal made his return to WWE this morning. Regal has taken on a Vice President role in the company.

Source: ewrestlingnews

WWE NXT Preview 1/3/2023

WWE NXT is back tonight for the first show of 2023. Tonight’s show will be live once again onUSA Network at 8:00 pm EST. after the last two episodes aired on tape delay. Tonight also serves as the go-home show before next week’s New Year’s Evil special.

* Extreme Resolution Match: Alba Fyre vs. Isla Dawn
* The Grayson Waller Effect: Grayson Waller & Bron Breakker contract signing for New Year’s Evil
* Carmelo Hayes vs. Apollo Crews
* Trick Williams vs. Axiom
* Charlie Dempsey vs. Hank Walker

Trinity Fatu (Naomi) Is In Japan

In anticipation of Wednesday’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 event from the Tokyo Dome, Naomi, real name Trinity Fatu, has confirmed through her Instagram Stories that she is in Tokyo, Japan.

As Mercedes Varnado, formerly known as Sasha Banks, is believed to be appearing at the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event, Naomi was expected to be in Japan, as reported by PWinsider.com.

It’s still unknown whether Naomi will appear at the event or is merely there to support her friend. After Banks negotiated her WWE release, Naomi’s WWE status is uncertain.

Source: ewrestlingnews

AJ Styles Confirms He Suffered A Broken Ankle

AJ Styles has issued a statement on his injury status. 

The former WWE Champion teamed with Karl Anderson, & Mia Yim vs. Finn Balor, Damian Priest, & Rhea Ripley at Thursday’s house show in Hershey, PA. 

It ended shortly after Styles suffered an ankle injury, and he had to be helped to the backstage area. 

Styles issued the following statement today, noting that he has a broken ankle but won’t need surgery: 

“Just want you guys to know that I’m ok. Broken ankle is what I’m dealing with. No surgery, this just takes some time to recover. This will be the longest I’ve ever been out of the ring. Thanks for the prayers and get well wishes.”

Source: ewrestlingnews