WWE has issued the following press release with regards to the launch of its new WWE Worldwide website section:
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., the global leader in sports entertainment, has announced a new global organization. Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President, Global Media, is expanding WWE’s operations into London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Toronto and Sydney in an effort to tap into WWE’s strong worldwide appeal.
The regional office in London will be led by Andrew Whitaker as the President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. Carl DeMarco will continue to focus on expansion through the Toronto office as the President of Canada, Latin America and China. Jonathan Sully will establish WWE’s headquarters in Sydney, Australia, as the President of Asia Pacific.
“Whitaker, DeMarco and Sully will oversee integrated sales, marketing and digital initiatives as well as focus on new and emerging markets. This new structure will allow us to more quickly exploit business opportunities and leverage the strength of the WWE brand,” said McMahon.
WWE showcases its unique cast of characters in more than 130 countries, putting smiles on faces worldwide.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE – News) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.
Contact:
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.
Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642
An interview with Nick Dinsmore, formerly Eugene of WWE and now U-Gene of the indie circuit, can be found on WrestlingObserver.com. He says his firing for Wellness violations was a “simple accident” and maintains that the Wellness policy is a good thing for WWE.
Lanny “The Genius” Poffo was interviewed by SLAM Wrestling. He discusses his continuing involvement in the wrestling business, his anti-smoking seminars and more. He also says his brother, Randy Savage, is “very happy and very retired”.
As reported by the Associated Press, the lawyer for Chris Benoit’s personal doctor, Phil Astin, who faces federal charges of overprescribing medication, asked a judge Wednesday for permission to withdraw from the case because his client can no longer pay his legal fees and expenses. More here. The lawyer, Manny Arora, has since been replaced by the court-appointed Natasha Silas.
TNA has a video preview of Kurt Angle vs Sting at Bound For Glory on their website, billing it as the biggest match in TNA history. That’s the spirit, Jeff. Never give up.
Bob Holly is interviewed by WWE.com about his surgery, his “Skeletor hand” and his recent comeback on Raw. They also have comments from the Smackdown guys about The Undertaker’s return, including these clever words from Matt Hardy: “Undertaker is the most dominating commodity in the history of WWE. He pushes back everybody’s chances at the World Heavyweight Title. He’s always going to be at the top of the food chain.”
The Charlotte Observer has an article about Ric Flair’s move into the world of financial consultancy. The first paragraph contains a wooooooo.
There is a crapload of interviews with The Rock as he promotes his new film, Game Plan. The considerably slimmer ex-wrestler is interviewed by Sports Illustrated, ESPN and USA Today among others.
Lance Storm’s latest commentary is up, discussing the benefits of an off-season for WWE. His articles are always worth a read so check it out.
You can hear Sean O’Haire’s requested interview with the Island Packet here.
There’s also an interview with Daniel Puder here, in which he yet again brings up his Kurt Angle encounter.
Finally, Jim Ross named Beth Phoenix and Shelton Benjamin co-Superstars of the Week at WWE.com, and there’s another update from JR at his blog. Some highlights…
– Krissy Vaine’s WWE future sounds promising…
– JR has no interest in being an on-screen authority figure…
– Chris Benoit matches will probably be shown again at some point in the future…
– He hopes to see more from DX when Shawn Michaels returns…
– He assumes that Ric Flair will return in a few weeks and has not yet retired…
– He thinks there are too many PPVs available nowadays…
– He doesn’t want anymore titles added to ECW just yet…
