Trivia news of weak sources

[Guest Trivia247]

WWE Tones Down Pitch for '24/7'

 

BY R. THOMAS UMSTEAD -- Multichannel News, 7/26/2004

 

World Wrestling Entertainment is toning down its usual flashy, exuberant self-promotion in pitching cable operators on its new subscription video-on-demand service.

 

Instead of marching burly, mask-wearing wrestlers into system offices, the grappling group is taking a more traditional tack to selling "WWE 24/7," which features vintage programming and specials, said WWE Enterprises senior vice president Tom Barreca. As part of the toned-down approach, the network is running trade ads featuring caricatures of WWE wrestlers in business-like settings pitching the benefits of the service.

 

WWE has yet to officially sign any affiliates to a distribution deal, although Berreca said several deals are "imminent" while others could be announced "within the month."

 

Known for its often-outlandish but successful monthly pay-per-view events, Berreca said WWE is trying to position its SVOD service as more in line with offerings from Home Box Office and Showtime.

 

"A big part of this effort is extending a wider branch to the larger cable community and about us really building more credibility and putting a face on the WWE for operators," Berreca said. "Our notoriety has been of great self-promoters, but rather than take sort of the more bombastic approach, we thought the best way that we can craft a relationship was to call on people in person."

 

But unlike the typical Hollywood movie-based SVOD services, Berreca said the WWE fare is more event-driven, which will help operators draw more awareness to the platform. "We don't fit cleanly into a traditional model," he said. "I think there's a broad acceptance for us going here with an owned-and-operated product that's not distributed through a third party."

 

WWE 24/7's suggested rate of $6 to $10 per month - well above the $4.95 or less charged for premium SVOD services - is a clear differentiator, but one that Berreca said operators haven't totally rebuffed.

 

"Some operators believe that we could get that because they see we've priced it in a relative context to PPV, while others want us to come down because they want us to fit in their pricing structure regarding other [sVOD] services," he said. "We've been flexible as long as it meets our model."

 

Last week, WWE 24/7 hired Outdoor Life Network executive Georgi Rosenberg as director of affiliate sales. She will be working for vice president of affiliate sales Peter Clifford.

 

 

Credit: PWTorch.com

 

 

 

Eric Bischoff is producing a new pay-per view event called "Sturgis 2004 at Full Throttle". The InDemand website says, "Get ready to experience the hottest-loudest-sexiest motorcycle event on the planet, uncensored and untamed, as 500,000 riders soar into Sturgis, South Dakota for a full throttle celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of hog happiness! See what really goes on at this legendary rally when Full Throttle Mobile presents Sturgis 2004 at Full Throttle premiering on Events iN DEMAND pay-per-view Friday, August 20th!"

 

 

A Knight-Ridder wire story covered the WWE involvement in this week's DNC (Democratic National Convention), including some quotes from Mick Foley. Here is a piece of the article: "These could very well be the people who make up the swing vote in this election," said Foley, a three-time World Wrestling Champion who's known for being mangled and bloodied and spitting out teeth during matches. Foley and four other wrestlers are roaming the convention floor, where they're often stopped for autographs and interviews. Foley's a Democrat; other wrestlers here are Republicans. Their political segments, called "Smackdown Your Vote," aired Monday night as part of "Raw" on Spike TV, a cable channel devoted to programming for men. On Thursday, they'll do more for the UPN show Smackdown. About 18 million viewers, typically blue-collar men older than 18, watch UPN's Smackdown according to WWE, which also says it's one of the five most popular English-language shows for Hispanics. In conjunction with MTV's Rock the Vote, "Smackdown Your Vote" hopes to register 20 million voters."

 

 

Credit: PWInsider.com

 

Vince McMahon himself, as well as the entire WWE creative team showed up yesterday in Louisville, Kentucky to visit OVW for scouting purposes. They wanted to check on the progress of talent both in the ring and on the microphone.

 

Apparently the entire crew aside from Stephanie McMahon and Bruce Prichard were in attendance. New VP of Talent Relations (Jim Ross's old job) John Laurinaitis also showed up.

 

As we've been reporting, WWE is in the process of expanding its' developmental program. OVW has been the highlight of their system thus far producing such talents as John Cena, Randy Orton, Eugene, and Batista, just to name a few.

 

OVW is led by Jim Cornette and Danny David.

 

Credit: PWInsider.com

 

Although Steve Austin and WWE remained in close contact after Austin's leave, to the point where some still believed Austin would star in "The Marine," the two have generally not been in touch recently. Austin, who is currently filming "The Longest Yard" has pretty much withdrawn himself for the wrestling scene for the time being.

 

There are some rumors that Austin is currently living with DDP, as the two show interest in Hollywood gigs.

 

Credit: PWInsider.com

 

As reported yesterday, talks between Bret Hart and Shane McMahon have recently gone from talks concerning the upcoming Bret Hart DVD to talks between the two parties about a possible return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

 

Reliable sources close to WWE are telling us that the company actually wants to bring Hart in for things such as autograph signings and special appearances.

 

The company feels that if Hart agrees to return on a limited basis, he'll want to do even more, which could possibly be the way that WWE is going about attempting to get Bret back in the company and in front of the camera.

 

With all of the on-screen things that have been going on between Bret Hart and Ric Flair, and you'd have to be completely oblivious not to notice it (such as Lawler reading out quotes from Flair's book on RAW), there is feeling that it is being done in a way to get Bret to want to come back on camera and possibly even turn the current backstage feud between he and Flair into an on-air feud.

 

Basically, the feeling is that Ric Flair is doing what he is doing in order to attempt to get Hart back in somewhat of a role with WWE, even if it is nothing prominent.

 

There is sure to be more information regarding this story later this week.

 

Despite reports that many of the divas are upset about the diva search, both Torrie and Molly gave supportive comments for the contestants on Thursday's Byte This. Again, remember that the divas were speaking as WWE employees and a WWE program, and for the most part, did not reflect the backstage diva opinion of the competition.

 

PWInsider reports that there was backstage sympathy for RVD's status since re-signing with WWE. He is locked with WWE for three more years, but if his extreme lack of a push in recent weeks is a sign of his WWE future, he will not be the happiest person. However, the feeling backstage is that guys like Booker T and RVD, who are clearly underutilized, feel much more secure and comfortable in WWE, where they can invest their checks into their side pockets, as opposed to spending time looking for work on the indy circuit.

 

Credit: PWInsider.com

 

Chris Benoit will defend his World Title against Randy Orton in a No DQ match tonight for a house show in Albuquerque, NM. Also on the card is Eugene vs. Triple H, a three way for the IC Title with Chris Jericho, Batista and Edge, La Resistance vs. Rhyno & Tajiri for the tag titles, The Hurricane vs. Kane, William Regal vs. Tyson Tomko, Victoria vs. Molly, Val Venis vs. Chuck Palumbo and Steven Richards vs. Rodney Mack (with Jazz).

 

Eddie Guerrero is once again ruled out of action this weekend due to his sore hamstring. WWE is taking it easy with him to ensure he will be at full fitness for SummerSlam for his match with Kurt Angle.

 

Last night’s edition of Smackdown did a 3.7 overnight broadcast rating, with a 6 share.

[Guest ArchoanJB]

! sounds like the VOD service is coming soon. Thats excellent, I already got Starz on Demand, I'm sure I'll pick that up once its out.

[algrim 0]

Flair calling Bret overrated is nothing more than a work? *GASP*

[BHK 0]

Basically, the feeling is that Ric Flair is doing what he is doing in order to attempt to get Hart back in somewhat of a role with WWE, even if it is nothing prominent.

 

So from Flair and Vince's side of things, the entire thing is a WORK just to get Bret back into WWE?

 

....

[Art Sandusky 0]

Worth it, sez I.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Yeah, Flair is intentionally doing this. It's not that he's totally nuts.

[Guest JMA]

Yeah, Flair is intentionally doing this. It's not that he's totally nuts.

Can it be both?

[TheFranchise 0]

Yeah, Flair is intentionally doing this. It's not that he's totally nuts.

Nor was he in a mental hospital a few years ago..

 

it was still gold Scott Hall showing up.

[Promoter 0]

Yeah, mocking the legacy of Bret Hart is a way to get him back into the wwe. Yeah, attacking him about his sincerity and feelings towards his brother's death is also a work. Whichever, writer came up with this idea from all that has gone down is being a little too "smart" for his own good.

 

Unless, Vince knows Bret so well that by doing this Bret would want to return and clear his name as the best ever and about his brother's death. My question is...why even go there and cause the chance of alienating the man even more. This is after Vince and Hart were on talking terms at least. Doesn't make any sense and probably a Flair fanboy trying to downplay this whole silly situation.

[Guest Trivia247]

Whats said in the book is obviously shoot

But what the WWE is doing with it on air is Work definately...

 

Keep in mind while all this is going on the McMahons are in contact with Bret Hart. SO its not like Hart is hearing this and being offended by this. He probably saw this coming. Laying the ground work for a possible return (No matter how extremely pathetically doubtful that is) and feud with Flair....the same with Foley.

[David Blazenwing 0]

There are some rumors that Austin is currently living with DDP, as the two show interest in Hollywood gigs.

 

Am I the only person who thinks this would make a really good sitcom?

[algrim 0]

They should throw Foley into the mix to make things really interesting.

[Twisted Intestine 0]

There are some rumors that Austin is currently living with DDP, as the two show interest in Hollywood gigs.

 

Am I the only person who thinks this would make a really good sitcom?

Wow! That would be an awesome show! Austin and DDP living together looking for work.. I'd watch it.

 

And as for Flair's comments being a work.. the only way I see that, is if Hart is in on it all along, and agreed to go through this whole fake drama as an angle for his return.. which I highly highly doubt, seeing as he said if he returns he just wants it to be to say goodbye to the fans and not in an angle.. although, if this was all a work on both sides, it would be the greatest angle ever. It would be pure genious.

[Guest JoeyStyles]

PWInsider reports that there was backstage sympathy for RVD's status since re-signing with WWE. He is locked with WWE for three more years, but if his extreme lack of a push in recent weeks is a sign of his WWE future, he will not be the happiest person. However, the feeling backstage is that guys like Booker T and RVD, who are clearly underutilized, feel much more secure and comfortable in WWE, where they can invest their checks into their side pockets, as opposed to spending time looking for work on the indy circuit.

 

Credit: PWInsider.com

I doubt that RVD is dumb enough to re-sign a 3 year contract without getting something out of it besides money, he's either getting a world title reign down the road or a real push. I don't think RVD would've had a tough time looking for work in the indies just look at Jeff Hardy at TNA.

[Corey_Lazarus 0]

RVD would have probably been able to pull in just a little less than what he's making now on the indies and touring Japan. He'd have a more relaxed schedule (working 2 days a week as opposed to 4 or 5), and would be able to go back to doing his 20-minute plus matches that he's always loved (although he'd undoubtedly do his stalling routine for the first 10 minutes, which would suck). It's not like he doesn't have a business to fall back on, either, since he owns Five Star Comics.

[Quit Calling My Mama 0]

There are some rumors that Austin is currently living with DDP, as the two show interest in Hollywood gigs.

 

Am I the only person who thinks this would make a really good sitcom?

Fuuny you should say that

 

http://www.theddt.com/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1090798255

[Guest Loss]

Bret had a stroke. He can't wrestle, so working an angle would be pointless. Everyone seems to have forgotten this.

[geniusMoment 0]

How about this for an angle. Bret comes back cuts a promo on Flair, Flair comes to the ring. Bret just kicks the ever loving shit out of the old man, taking no bumps and giving Flair no offense so he does not hurt himself, puts him in the sharpshooter, sits back for real, and makes that old piece of shit tap.

[Guest Loss]

Bret has had a stroke. Performing moves could hurt him just as much as taking bumps.

 

Let's let go of the past and push the wrestlers who are on TV every week.

[geniusMoment 0]

I was not talking about performing moves, just a couple of punches and the sharpshooter would do. Not every segment has to involve new wrestlers, sometimes great moments can be focused on veterans. I hate this philosphy now where everything most involve an old guard guy putting over someone younger. Quite frankly, I think most of the young guys wwe would push suck and would just drag a feud down.