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.

https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1611389686961815555
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

Dustin Rhodes Announces The Passing Of His Mother

AEW star Dustin Rhodes announced the passing of his mother, Sandra Runnels, in a post on social media yesterday. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion added an image holding his mother’s hand alongside the heartbreaking news. The announcement came after the 53-year-old tragically disclosed on December 27, 2022, that his mom didn’t have long to live following an undisclosed health battle. 

Rhodes wrote on Twitter: “I am very sad to say that I lost my Momma today. She was an incredibly strong mother who was loving and resilient to her dying day. She taught me everything, and I am the man I am today because of her. I am so saddened but so happy she is no longer in pain. Rest in Heaven.”

Rhodes revealed in an extended Instagram post that his mother had been in pain over the last month, which was tough on him and his sisters, Kristin and Mandy. He thanked everyone who had sent prayers and wanted everyone to continue praying for his family during this challenging period. 

Many personalities in the wrestling industry have since added their condolences to Rhodes’ social media post. Undefeated AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill commented, “I’m so sorry Dustin. I’m praying for you and your family,” “WWE NXT” star Cora Jade wrote, “So sorry for your loss,” while WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry said, “Brother I’m so sorry! I grieve with you. I’m praying for you.” 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Whether Mercedes Mone Is Really Going To AEW

Last night’s “AEW Dynamite” included a sit-down interview featuring Saraya, Toni Storm, and Hikaru Shida speaking with Renee Paquette. In the interview, Saraya stated that she had the best women’s wrestler in the world sitting next to her, and chose Storm as her partner for next week, much to the ire of Shida. For some, this put the question of whether or not Mercedes Moné will debut for the company next week to rest. That includes Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, who spoke on the “Wrestling Observer Radio” podcast about the issue.

“It was very clear on the show tonight, she is not in Los Angeles,” Meltzer said. “She’s not coming to AEW. I don’t think she wants to make that commitment, because if she goes to AEW it’s a long commitment.” Meltzer’s co-host, Bryan Alvarez, made it clear that he hasn’t been told anything, but he still believes Moné is a strong possibility for the January 11 show.

“I’ve heard denials from AEW people in the match,” Meltzer continued. “That’s why they had to announce somebody this week. Because they knew that it was really screwed, because everybody was thinking it was her, and it wasn’t her.”

Alvarez is not the only one who isn’t completely sold on things being exactly as they seem. Shida’s clear frustration at Saraya choosing Storm over her, along with the “Boss” reference from Dr. Britt Baker earlier in the show, has led some to believe Moné is still a possibility, or at the very least shenanigans will take place before next week’s match to change things up. Whatever the outcome, there’s no doubt plenty of eyes will be on AEW as the company heads to Los Angeles for the second time.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

MLW Fusion Preview 1/5/2023

MLW FUSION tonight at 8pm ET streaming worldwide on Pro Wrestling TV and Saturday 8pm ET nationwide on cable television on beIN SPORTS. 

This week’s card:

  • Willie Mack vs Jacob Fatu
  • Microman, Laredo Kid & Kommander vs. Gino, Taurus, Mini Abismo Negro 

The Mack goes Major League in the new year as Willie Mack makes his debut against Jacob Fatu!

Can Willie Mack knock off the unstoppable Samoan Werewolf and kick off 2023 by hotshotting himself into the title mix? Will Fatu bulldoze another top level veteran and send a definitive statement to Hammerstone as rumors swirl of an imminent Battle Riot cash in? 

EJ Nduka flexes for more cash and puts the Last Man Standing match in jeopardy.

Nearly a year in the making and the stakes have never been higher for Micromania as an enraged and vengeful Gino Medina challenges Microman to trios action. The catch? The loser leaves MLW!

Ol’ Mancer does unboxing and shows off his favorite Christmas gift.

Alex Kane fields offers from promoters around the world to bring the Opera Cup international while a Bulldog sets his sights on the Bomaye Fight Club captain. 

IMPACT Wrestling Preview 1/5/2023

Just eight nights away from Hard To Kill, don’t miss an all-new IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders!

  • Impact Wrestling Tag Team Champion Chris Sabin vs. Matt Cardona.
  • The debuting Anthony Greene vs. Black Taurus.
  • Masha Slamovich vs. Taylor Wilde.
  • Jonathan Gresham vs. Jack Price

NJPW & Pro Wrestling NOAH Announce Joint Show For This Month – Wrestle Kingdom 17 Part 2

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Pro Wrestling NOAH have announced a joint show for January 21. The show is being called Wrestle Kingdom 17 Part Two and will go down from the Yokohama Arena.

This was hinted at when NOAH’s KONGO faction confronted Los Ingobernables de Japon backstage at Wrestle Kingdom 17. No matches have been announced as of this writing.

Source: ewrestlingnews

XFL Announces 2023 Schedule Ahead Of Next Month’s Kickoff

The Rock’s XFL football league will relaunch next month, with its games airing across various ESPN networks as well as ABC. The following presser was issued:

Season kicks off on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 3 pm ET on ABC with
the Vegas Vipers facing the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium

Opening weekend matchups include:
Feb. 18: Orlando Guardians vs. Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium
(8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & FX);
Feb. 19: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. San Antonio Brahmas at The Alamodome
(3 p.m. ET, ABC);
Feb. 19: Seattle Sea Dragons vs. D.C. Defenders at Audi Field
(8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Season tickets now available and single game tickets on sale starting January 12, 2023.
For more information, please visit: www.xfl.com/tickets.

Arlington, TX and Bristol, CT – January 5, 2023 – The XFL today announced its 2023 schedule in partnership with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, the exclusive broadcast partner of the XFL.

Key details:

  • All 43 XFL games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on a combination of ABC (7 games), ESPN and ESPN2 (22 games), and FX (15 games).
  • All XFL games will be streamed on ESPN+ and simulcasted in 142 countries around the world.

“Through the global scale and support of Disney and ESPN, our fans will have multiple options to access and experience the XFL across broadcast, cable, and streaming,” said Russ Brandon, XFL President, “With six weeks until kickoff, we are excited about our partnership and the immersive game day viewing experience that our collaboration will provide viewers.”

Tim Reed, ESPN Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, added, “Throughout the 2023 XFL season, each platform will have unique opportunities to showcase key moments, from the Championship on ABC, Playoffs on ESPN and ESPN2 and a big opening weekend with games on ESPN, ABC and FX. We are also excited to provide another innovative offering for ESPN+ subscribers, with every game available live.”

The eight XFL teams are split into two divisions: XFL North (D.C. Defenders, Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis Battlehawks, Vegas Vipers) and XFL South (Arlington Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas).

“The alignment of our divisions creates instant rivalries and an added level of excitement,” added Brandon. “Fans at every XFL game will experience the energy and passion these players bring to the game while being immersed in a stadium experience designed to bring them closer to the action on the field.”

Opening weekend will kick off on Saturday, February 18, with the Arlington Renegades hosting the Vegas Vipers at Choctaw Stadium on ABC starting at 3 pm ET. Additional opening weekend matchups include:

  • Saturday, February 18: Orlando Guardians vs. Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN/FX and ESPN+
  • Sunday, February 19: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. San Antonio Brahmas at The Alamodome; at 3 pm ET on ABC and ESPN+
  • Sunday. February 19: Seattle Sea Dragons vs. D.C. Defenders at Audi Field in primetime at 8 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+

ESPN will also televise the 2023 XFL Playoffs, which will take place on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, on ESPN and ESPN2, respectively, and streamed on ESPN+. The XFL Championship game is set for Saturday, May 13, at 3 pm ET on ABC and streamed on ESPN+.

The Vegas Vipers will play their home games at Cashman Field, a 10,000-seat venue in downtown Las Vegas. Fans will have access to parking, concessions, and tailgating areas before Vipers games during the season. For more details about the venue and season ticket deposits, please visit www.xfl.com/teams/las-vegas. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a future date.

Season tickets are now available for purchase at XFL.com/tickets, and single-game tickets for all teams other than Vegas will go on sale on January 12, 2023. Season tickets have two membership levels, gold and silver, which include exclusive benefits such as priority access to fan events, game day access to on-field experiences, merchandise discounts, and much more.

For more information on the 2023 schedules and broadcast details, please visit www.xfl.com/schedule.

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

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/4/2023

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight on TBS, and emanate from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. Tonight’s show is the start of a new look and feel, as a new era begins.

  • Ricky Starks vs. Chris Jericho
  • TNT Championship Match: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Darby Allin
  • AEW Tag Team Championship Match: The Acclaimed (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Tony Nese
  • Jade Cargill & Red Velvet vs. Kiera Hogan & Skye Blue
  • Swerve Strickland vs. AR Fox
  • MJF to appear
  • Jon Moxley promo
  • Medical update on Hangman Page