Signs with WWE
Ring of Honor wrestling announces former champion, Daniel Bryan’s signing to WWE.
We congratulate Bryan on the beginning of this next journey in his brilliant career, and wish him all the best as he progresses. Many Ring of Honor fans refer to Bryan as the “best in the world” and we look forward to looking on in earnest as he shows everyone watching the wrestling world’s biggest stage just why that is.
Leprechaun: Origins announced
Lionsgate and WWE announce a two film deal will start with Leprechaun film reboot titled Leprechaun: Origins. The companies will share producing costs as well as team on marketing strategies. Lionsgate will handle distribution. WWE Studios head, Michael Luisi:
We have been looking for ways to continue our relationship with Lionsgate and we saw Leprechaun as the perfect opportunity to take a well-known franchise and put a modern-day spin on it. This is a property that we believe our audience will respond to and we continue to look for ways to surprise and engage them.
TNA Hall of Fame
Sting is announced as an inaugural inductee to TNA Hall of Fame. Video chronicling Sting’s TNA career is shown.
Last year when I was inducted I had no idea that it was going to be me. I was an active wrestler. (I wondered why) they didn’t go with the Jeff Jarretts of the world. If they’re going to use an active guy, why not AJ? He’s been with the company since the beginning. I took it as an indication that they thought I was done. But it was a night that I will never forget, and it was awesome.
Leprechaun: Origins trailer
WWE Studios releases the theatrical trailer for Leprechaun: Origins. The film, a reboot of the Leprechaun series, stars Hornswoggle, Andrew Dunbar, Brendan Fletcher and Teach Grant.
See No Evil 2 announcement
WWE Studios announces See No Evil 2 release date. The film will be available on Digital HD and Video On Demand Friday, October 17, and on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD (plus Digital) on Tuesday, October 2. The film will star WWE star, Kane as well as Chelan Simmons, Greyston Holt and Danielle Harris. This film will center around Jacob Goodnight (Kane) as he rises from the dead in the city morgue after his killing spree at the Blackwell Hotel
Major cuts
To make up for the nearly $20 million loss in revenue, WWE is cutting costs. The company will eliminate 7% of their staff. This loss is attributed to the poor performance of the WWE Network which is still 300,000 subscribers away from breaking even. The company still plans to introduce the Network internationally by August.
Discontinues WWE Magazine
WWE announces that October issue will be final WWE Magazine published by the company. The magazine was established in 1984. This announcement coincides with WWE’s latest budget cuts.
Canadian TV Deal
WWE announces new Canadian television deal with Rogers Communications. The deal makes Rogers exclusive distributor of pay-per-view events in Canada. The WWE Network will now be available to Canadian residents through this deal on Rogers channel 512 for a $11.99 monthly fee.
We are excited to expand our partnership with Rogers as we look for innovative ways to grow our brand and further the reach of our programming in Canada through their vast distribution channels and marketing platforms
Reports major loss
WWE posts $14.5 million loss in second quarter largely due to the failing WWE Network. The loss is less than the expected $15-$18 million.
WWE’s core business metrics remain strong, and WWE Network continues to be the single greatest opportunity to transform WWE’s business model. During the quarter, we developed plans to make WWE Network available globally starting August 12.
Network goes international
As part of a new business plan for the third quarter, WWE announces international expansion of WWE Network. Agreements are being made in India, China, Germany, Thailand, Malaysia and areas of the Middle East
Just as pay cablers like HBO see subscriptions rise and fall depending on when content is available, WWE has seen a similar effect around its live PPVs, considered the biggest draw on the to the network so far among the mostly 18-34-year old men who make up most of its demo, a sweet spot for advertisers.
Stocks rise
The company’s stocks rise nearly 8% since the announcement of a new financial plan which includes a new pricing on the WWE Network. Stocks have risen to $13.05.
WWE execs did their homework and found people don’t want to pay $120 [a year] but they don’t mind paying $40 to $60
Added to Summerslam panels
Sting is added to WWE Summerslam fan panels on Augst 16th and 17th. The events include revealing the WWE 2k15 playable character roster and Q&A sessions with the performers. Sting will be joined by Hulk Hogan, D-Generation-X and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Summerslam match announced
Reigns will face Randy Orton at Summerslam on August 17th. The pair has been feuding over WWE title shots the past few weeks, now the two will meet in the ring.
Appearance announced
The Undertaker is announced to make first public appearance since Wrestlemania 30 at Wizard World’s Austin, Texas Comic-Con event on October 3rd.
For more than two decades, The Deadman has loomed over the WWE landscape like a menacing shadow, spelling out doom for those who dare cross him. Imbued with seemingly mystical abilities and preternatural in-ring ability, The Undertaker is a WWE great in a class by himself, and no list of legends would be complete without him
Summerslam title match added
WWE announces Diva’s Championship match for Summerslam pay-per-view on August 17th. The bout will feature A.J. Lee putting her championship on the line against challenger, Paige.
She’s going to be full of anger and she’s going to be better than ever. The girls so far have given me a great fight. Alicia Fox on Raw the other day really, really stuck it to me! But I still came out victorious. Tamina’s always been very dominating so I’ve really had a good run so far – so I look forward to AJ
2K15 Special Edition
WWE and 2K Sports announce Special Hulkamania edition of WWE 2K15. The release will feature a signed Hulk Hogan collectible card, a Hogan vinyl figure, a piece of the ring canvas from Hogan’s 2014 WWE return and two exclusive playable Hulk Hogan characters.
Release dates announced
Lionsgate and WWE Studios announce limited theatrical release for Leprechaun: Origins. The film will debut on August 22nd, will be released on Digital HD and Video on Demand on August 26th, and will be released on Blu-Ray and DVD format on September 30th.
Major 2K15 update
2K Sports announces a major update for WWE 2K15 video game. the game will now feature a “2K Showcase” mode that will closely follow two specific WWE rivalries including documentary footage of the feuds. The announcement also includes a new MyCareer mode which will follow the method of 2K Sport’s NBA series.
Signs with WWE
Steen officially announces signing with WWE.
I went to the tryout camp and I got through it, and what made me stand out were the promos, where we basically had to sell ourselves verbally. That’s always been one of my strong suits — the way I talk and what I say. I make it count, and I think that went pretty far in getting me to where I am now.
Lockdown film announced
WWE Films announce new film project, Lockdown. The film will be co-produced by Lionsgate and will star WWE superstar, Dean Ambrose. The film will follow a police officer who finds himself trapped inside his own precinct and hunted after crooked cops stop at nothing to recover incriminating evidence of illegal activities against those closest to him.