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Archive for September 9th, 2007

Well, sounds like you can put a tablecloth over the WWE as we know it. With so many wrestlers falling by the wayside, it’s inevitable that there will be a lot of new talents brought in.

Here’s a decent recipe for better success: stop hiring superhuman-sized body-builders and start focusing on things like talent, personality, charisma, and the ability to entertain in the wring.

Folks like Mick Foley weren’t fan favorites because he was the largest, most cut body builder around; he was was a fan favorite for his humor, his personality, his passion and his talent. The wrestling skills were passable in the ring, but it was his sense of entertainment that made a Mick Foley match a “wow” match.

One of the best moments in Raw history had nothing to do with big biceps and Hogan-style 26-inch pythons. It was Foley interacting with The Rock in the “This is your life” segment.

Or when Chris Jericho debuted on Raw by out-talking The Rock with his mic skills.

Let’s forget about who as the sharpest, most defined abs and get back to putting the entertainment in sports entertainment.

The WWE is attempting to crack down on wrestlers violating the company’s wellness policy, but the attrition rate is getting a bit startling.

Since 11 wrestlers were suspended in one fell swoop recently, more names have been added to the list of wrestlers being confirmed as cut by WWE, some of whom have shown up, allegedly, as customers of the shady online pharmacy that started this whole scandal.

Here’s a rundown:

* Although not confirmed to have done anything illegal, wrestler Paul Wight, better known as The Big Show, was named as an online pharmacy customer. Wight left the WWE in late 2006/early 2007 after losing the ECW title at the ECW December to Dismember PPV event and has not been on the company’s active roster since.

* Although not confirmed to have done anything illegal, wrestler Ric Flair was announced to have been on this pharmacy’s list of customers as well. In possibly-related news, Flair has tentatively filed papers to step down from the WWE, allegedly because he’s upset over the lack of useful storylines the company is placing him in; however, Flair and WWE are said to be working on terms of a possible return. However, all of this could be a smokescreen to cover for alleged online pharmacy connections for Flair.

* Wrestler Nick Dinsmore, known in WWE as Eugene, has been released from the WWE. He was allegedly suspended by the company for a time on the basis of substance abuse, about a year ago.

* Sylvan Grenier, a former WWE tag-team champion, came out and admitted he was one of the wrestlers suspended by WWE for allegedly being a customer of the online pharmacy at the heart of the company’s HGH/steriods scandal, but of course insisted it was false, he was a customer, but had done nothing wrong.

Of course, it’s interesting to note that none of the WWE divas have been part of the HGH/steroid scandal. Now, if there’s ever a WWE scandal over boob jobs and wearing expensive jewelry, then watch out, diva fans! Heads and other body parts will be sure to roll… or at least bounce!

Here’s a press release from WWE about a rare offer of free service of their WWE 24/7 On Demand product. It’s pretty interesting, so here goes:

STAMFORD, Conn., July 23, 2007 – World Wrestling Entertainment® is giving away a free month of its subscription video-on-demand service, WWE 24/7™ On Demand, to celebrate the crowning of WWE’s Biggest Fan. The “Are You WWE’s Biggest Fan?” contest is being held this summer by WWE, Ziddio.com and cable affiliates across the country. The contest has exceeded all expectations — receiving 642 individual submissions and more than 342,000 video views to date.

The free offer will take place during the month of September, and will be available to new subscribers of WWE 24/7 On Demand. WWE will be showing the Biggest Fan finalist videos, as well as special footage from a red carpet event taking place in New York City during SummerSlam® weekend in August, at which WWE’s Biggest Fan will be declared. The new content comes in addition to an already extensive library found on the SVOD service, now available to more than 75 percent of VOD enabled subscribers nationwide.

“September’s month of WWE 24/7 On Demand to new subscribers celebrates WWE’s biggest fans by providing our biggest offering yet to entice them to subscribe to WWE 24/7,” said Lisa Richards, Director, Affiliate Marketing. “We’re focused on creating innovative promotions with our affiliates to drive more subscribers to the On Demand platform and to WWE 24/7.”

WWE 24/7 On Demand delivers the best of professional wrestling – all day, every day – from the world’s largest professional wrestling video library. With WWE 24/7, fans can relive legendary matches and moments with wrestling superstars past and present, as well as access exclusive new programming. In addition, each month features an overriding theme that is reflected throughout the programming. WWE 24/7 On Demand connects viewers to timeless action and the intense drama that fans expect from WWE.

The “Are You WWE’s Biggest Fan?” contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 16 years old. No purchase necessary to enter. Detailed information on the “Are You WWE’s Biggest Fan?” contest, including the Official Rules, can be found at www.Ziddio.com/wwe when the contest opens on May 18.

Ziddio, a site developed by Comcast Interactive Media, hosts user-generated videos on its website, Ziddio.com, and also showcases top-rated videos on Comcast’s Video ON DEMAND service. The “Are You WWE’s Biggest Fan?” contest is sponsored by Comcast Interactive Media. More information on Ziddio can be found at http://www.ziddio.com

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/.

I’m thinking anyone who’s a WWE fan would have a hard choice to make between that and a pearl necklace as a gift for their sweetie!