Sweet Brown Koko

What if it’s Jey and they bring that full circle? That’s the only one that I can think of that they might be able to heat up to get to that level. He’s not there now but I believe he has that type of potential.

Where is this picture?

It’s crazy to me that he sold the family business. I mean, it makes TOTAL sense financially and gets him back to a position of prominence with the executive role. It’s still weird selling your Dad’s business, one that is known on a global scale, but I am sentimental about certain things. We’ll have to see where things go now, especially with even more eyes on the company. All that old school locker room stuff isn’t going to work (Or at least shouldn’t) within this framework.

https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/36053219/ufc-wwe-combine-create-214b-entertainment-company https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/03/business/wwe-sale/index.html UFC, WWE combine to create $21.4B entertainment company

I would agree. Memphis is good chaos. Poor Lance Russell tries to simply announce the card for the week and get through the matches and every week the wrestlers get out of control and tear his schedule to shreds! Memphis Wrestling has famously been compared to The Muppet Show with Lance as Kermit and everyone else as the Muppets who just can’t seem to get things right. They’ll get it together next week though…..right? HA!

Transcript of Friday’s WWE Employee Zoom Call via post wrestling.com Link: https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/01/07/full-transcript-of-fridays-wwe-all-employee-meeting-revealed/ Stephanie McMahon (WWE Co-CEO): Vince McMahon is coming back to the board of directors. He has made it clear upon his return what he’s really most excited about is the media rights opportunity in front of us that we’ve all been discussing and tying that to a strategic alternative process. And we wanted to make sure we got with everyone as soon as possible so you were aware of this message and also so we can explain a little bit more about it. And hopefully, we can answer questions moving forward. This format doesn’t allow for it. But, Frank, I kick it to you. I’m not going to attempt to explain strategic alternatives. I’d do a very basic level. Frank has the details, so go ahead, Frank. Frank Riddick (WWE President, Chief Financial Officer): Sure, so at a very high level, what Vince has proposed and the process that would be followed would be to engage with a banker and prepare some background information on the company and present that to various potential partners for the company to evaluate whether there are any strategic transactions that would enhance the value of the company to all constituencies, including shareholders. And the idea is, as Steph said, the timing of this is largely driven around the upcoming media rights renewal and to do something that could enhance, in addition, those renewal discussions. So that would include — when we say “strategic initiatives”, “strategic alternatives” for the company — could include a broad range of potential transactions, everything from a combination with another company, an acquisition of the company by someone, or a take-private transaction, taking the company private and/or just simply some sort of cooperation joint venture agreement. So it’s pretty broad and I just would add a couple of things to that. One is, of course, there’s no assurance that any transaction will actually happen or any transaction will be forthcoming that makes economic and strategic sense for the company. And, of course, Vince is the controlling shareholder and controls the vote of the stock of the company is the ultimate decider as to whether there’s a transaction that can happen. So just to close out, all this from Nick and Steph and my perspective is very positive for the company. It’s a great time to look at alternatives and make sure that the company is well-positioned for the future. I think as everybody is aware, there’s a lot of changes that have happened in the media landscape in the last couple of years, even in the last six months. And there’s probably from a value of content perspective never a better time in history for the company to look at something like this. So hopefully that gives you a better perception of what that means. Stephanie McMahon: Thanks, Frank. And then, Nick, how does that work as it’s tied to media rights and why is that a great strategic opportunity for us? Nick Khan (WWE Co-CEO): Thanks, Steph, so these things work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, since our U.S. media rights are up in October of ‘24, for any conglomerate — so think Disney, Comcast, Netflix, etcetera — any conglomerate that might be interested in WWE would be interested in purchasing the company outright. They very well may be interested in doing a media rights deal, but obviously, we couldn’t do a media rights deal, let’s say, with Comcast and then go sell to Disney. Those sort of companies would want to make some sort of acquisition prior to those media rights being up. So the timing is spot on for that. In terms of the day-to-day of the company, nothing is changing. Steph is in her role, I’m in my role, Frank’s in his role, Paul is in his role, Kevin Dunn is in his role. And we would ask everyone to stay focused on the business as hand [sic]. We’re going to engage in this process. We’re going to look at it with open eyes and open hearts. We’re going to ultimately see what’s out there. And Vince will make his decision, as Frank said, as the controlling shareholder, as to what he wants to do with the company. For now, let’s focus on business as hand, if we could. Stephanie McMahon: Great, thanks, Nick. This feels so formal since none of us are in the same room. And I just wanted to add also, rejoining the board is Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, who for those of you who were here remember them as co-presidents. They have so many years of experience here in WWE. And they’ve now been off on their own creating their own business and have a lot to offer from a media standpoint, certainly from an M&A standpoint. So they will be — and they’re very familiar with the company — so they will be joining the board, not management, as Nick was spelling out. So again the management structure stays the same, but Vince has joined the board, and obviously, as the controlling shareholder. And again, I just wanted to wrap up with reinforcing, a) there may have been a lag on this video, so just to let you know it has been recorded and will be shared if you missed anything; b) when Frank talks about how well-positioned WWE is and our performance, the reason why we’re doing so well is, again, because of all of you, because of our employees, who bring everything that they have to table every single day. And we’re just, we’re grateful, we’re appreciative, and we want you to know that our employees are incredibly important to us, and we recognize all of your contributions, and you will be well-informed throughout this process. We don’t want there to be — obviously there’s going to be some animosity — or not animosity, angst, natural emotions that you might feel, and we want to make sure that we’re on top of this and we’re communicating with you and everyone has all the information that they need. So again thank you to all of you. This is an exciting time. It shouldn’t be a scary time. It’s an exciting time for WWE. Our founder is back on the board and is going to help lead this process. And thank you to all of you. It’s an exciting way to kick-off 2023.

Vince has made changes to WWE's bylaws so media rights deals and any company sales can't be made without his approval. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-officially-back-wwe-board-directors

https://aiptcomics.com/2022/12/14/scout-comics-codename-ric-flair-apirl-2023/ Yeah, I will be getting this one.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/22/politics/political-tensions-wrestling/index.html

https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/16/disney-is-to-air-wrestling-as-aaa-announces-marvel-themed-lucha-show/

https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/12/warner-bros-discovery-attempting-to-develop-new-aew-content/

Sammy and Andrade got into it: https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/05/report-andrade-el-idolo-sent-home-following-backstage-incident-with-sammy-guevara/ https://www.tmz.com/2022/10/05/aew-dynamite-stars-sammy-guevara-andrade-backstage-fight-altercation-sent-home/

When issuing punishments Tony Khan also needs to take a hard look in the mirror. There have been multiple communication issues in AEW and he either seems aloof or extremely reluctant to do anything. He needs to factor in his missteps when evaluating all of this.

The Bucks and Kenny should be demoted, IMO. Punk should either be fired or fined and suspended. This is all without knowing who did what. I think that REALLY needs to be understood before punishments are handed out. Backstage also needs to be beefed up from a management standpoint.

One of the ONLY good things about this situation, IMO, is that MJF should be up to bat to cut a promo and he has the ability to get things back on track while also speaking to the issue. We’ll just have to see how things play out.

I just finished rewatching one of my sneakily favorite matches. This is the first shot in the All Japan/New Japan feud. From what I remember All Japan and New Japan did a handshake in the ring agreeing to have matches with each other and Chono didn’t think All Japan had anything to offer after the split with Misawa that caused NOAH to form. Fuchi is clearly outgunned against Chono but has to defend the honor of All Japan against the outsider. Fuchi will do ANYTHING to win and Chono shows his distain for both Fuchi and All Japan. Just an excellent match that didn’t overstay its welcome.

Linda McMahon comments on Vince McMahon’s exit from WWE https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/07/29/linda-mcmahon-comments-on-vince-mcmahon-exit-from-wwe/ Quote: Well, you know what? He’ll just be deciding on how he’s going to spend his free time. I think that’s a good thing. Thanks.

https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/07/26/vince-mcmahon-forfeits-unvested-stock-units-in-connection-with-his-exit-from-wwe/ Vince McMahon forfeits unvested stock.

Vince internal retirement memo: To all WWE Superstars: as I approach 77 years old (OMG am I really that old?), I feel it’s time for me to retire. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my passion, wisdom, and love of the business with you. No longer will you see the smiling, docile, level-headed, calm presence at Gorilla every week. Your dedication to WWE will ensure that our company will continue to grow and prosper. Our organization is nothing without you. You are WWE’s only natural resource, chosen to perform in front of a global audience. You are all WWE Global Ambassadors. Carry the WWE flag wherever you go. Wave it high and proud. And bust your ass to be all you can be as a persn and as a performer. One other thing — I won’t be with you, but I’ll be watching. Remember to keep your hands up, grab hold, and sell. Btw, SmackDown airs live tonight at 8pm Eastern/7pm Central on FOX. Vince Per Pwtorch: https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-internal-memo-on-retirement-revealed/

That’s how I took it. Pathetic.

Just a heads up that All Time Wrestling has launched on Kickstarter. It’s a wrestling board game that has 4 created wrestlers and 4 licensed wrestlers. The licensed wrestlers are The British Bulldog, The Macho Man Randy Savage, Kurt Angle, and Andre the Giant! 3 different tiers, solo mode, campaign mode, cage matches…..I backed the game. Here’s the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alltimewrestling/all-time-wrestling-the-wrestling-card-and-dice-game?ref=6dslso&token=2c7401f1

Here is some of what HHH said: "I had viral pneumonia. My lungs were inflamed, and as the next couple of days went on and I got home, it got increasingly worse. My wife [WWE executive Stephanie McMahon] saw some blood and stuff that I was coughing up, and I went and got checked, and it was coming from the viral pneumonia, but I had fluid in my lungs. I had some fluid around my heart so they followed up on it and did an EKG and Echo and everything. Basically, the way your heart pumps out 55-60 percent of your ejection fraction is a good number. I was at 30 percent. I got a quick text message saying don't take time, pack a bag real quick and head to the emergency room and I'll fill you in on the way. So, by the time I got to the emergency room, my ejection fraction had gone down to 22 percent, which, ya know, I was in heart failure."

Wait a minute: If they are in the bed then who took the photo? WHO’S THE THIRD MAN???

I haven’t had a chance to watch this at all. I let a portion of Part 2 play with no sound. Someone will have to let me know what’s going on or I might have to circle back to see how off the rails this stuff is. **EDIT: They made the videos private now.**