WWE Promotes New VP Of Affiliate Marketing - Press Release - 25th June 2008
STAMFORD, Conn., June 25, 2008 -- World Wrestling Entertainment® has promoted Lisa Richards to Vice President, Affiliate Marketing. In her new role, Richards will be responsible for the marketing and promotion of WWE’s slate of annual pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania®, and the subscription video-on-demand service, WWE 24/7™ On Demand®. The announcement was made today by Peter Clifford, WWE’s Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing.
“For four years, Lisa has been a primary force behind the affiliate tools and award winning promotions that drive sales of our pay-per-view and VOD products,” said Clifford.
Richards joined WWE in 2004 as Affiliate Sales Director, Western Region. Prior to WWE, she was a manager of sales and marketing at Starz Encore Group.
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
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
WrestleMania
Affiliate Programs
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wests Tigers face more injury woes - The Sydney Morning Herald - 16th June 2008
He weighs in at 130kg and stands 198cm tall, but unfortunately for Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, Batista won't provide any relief to the NRL club's front row crisis.
The three time WWE world heavyweight champion cut an imposing figure as he joined fellow pro wrestler MVP at Tigers training on Monday, the duo in town for the recently completed `Smackdown Tour'.
With the Tigers down to bare bones in the engine room, Batista would be a welcome addition up front, particularly if he was able to unleash a couple of his trademark `Batista Bombs' on a few unsuspecting Brisbane forwards on Friday night.
"I don't think they'd last too long on a footy field (given) the size of them," Tigers hooker Robbie Farah said.
"We wouldn't mind some big guys at the moment obviously we're a bit down on troops ... with the guys we've got out at the moment we're really struggling."
Makeshift prop Danny Galea joined the injured brigade when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Sunday's 44-6 loss to Parramatta.
Ryan O'Hara, who hasn't played since the trials due to a broken jaw, is still another couple of weeks away, as is Keith Galloway (foot).
Todd Payten (hamstring) is rated some chance of making the trip north to take on the Broncos, while Bryce Gibbs (knee) is touch and go.
Gibbs has been sidelined since suffering a deep laceration to his right knee which became infected following the round 12 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
"The doc said no, don't play (against Brisbane) but I said I wanted to play anyway," Gibbs said.
"I'm not allowed to run until Thursday. It'd be great to be playing, we haven't got many players left, especially up front.
"If I can run, I can play. All that can happen is that it (the wound) can open back up again.
"We'll have Hodgo (lightweight fullback Brett Hodgson) playing in the front row if I don't come back soon."
Batista and MVP showed off a few of their favourite moves at training on Monday, though not many are likely to see their way onto a football field given the NRL judiciary's crackdown on wrestling manoeuvres.
"He'd get a few weeks for that one," O'Hara said shortly after being swung to the ground in what could only be described as a chicken wing tackle gone mad.
Despite the fact he dwarfed Tigers big men O'Hara and Gibbs, Batista said he had great admiration for NRL players - going as far as to call American football "sissyish" by comparison.
"I think it's insane," Batista said.
"It impresses the hell out of me to seeing big guys run up and down the field all day long for hours.
"It's hard to run around and carry all that weight and all that muscle; that these guys have that agility and endurance is amazing."
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
He weighs in at 130kg and stands 198cm tall, but unfortunately for Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, Batista won't provide any relief to the NRL club's front row crisis.
The three time WWE world heavyweight champion cut an imposing figure as he joined fellow pro wrestler MVP at Tigers training on Monday, the duo in town for the recently completed `Smackdown Tour'.
With the Tigers down to bare bones in the engine room, Batista would be a welcome addition up front, particularly if he was able to unleash a couple of his trademark `Batista Bombs' on a few unsuspecting Brisbane forwards on Friday night.
"I don't think they'd last too long on a footy field (given) the size of them," Tigers hooker Robbie Farah said.
"We wouldn't mind some big guys at the moment obviously we're a bit down on troops ... with the guys we've got out at the moment we're really struggling."
Makeshift prop Danny Galea joined the injured brigade when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Sunday's 44-6 loss to Parramatta.
Ryan O'Hara, who hasn't played since the trials due to a broken jaw, is still another couple of weeks away, as is Keith Galloway (foot).
Todd Payten (hamstring) is rated some chance of making the trip north to take on the Broncos, while Bryce Gibbs (knee) is touch and go.
Gibbs has been sidelined since suffering a deep laceration to his right knee which became infected following the round 12 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
"The doc said no, don't play (against Brisbane) but I said I wanted to play anyway," Gibbs said.
"I'm not allowed to run until Thursday. It'd be great to be playing, we haven't got many players left, especially up front.
"If I can run, I can play. All that can happen is that it (the wound) can open back up again.
"We'll have Hodgo (lightweight fullback Brett Hodgson) playing in the front row if I don't come back soon."
Batista and MVP showed off a few of their favourite moves at training on Monday, though not many are likely to see their way onto a football field given the NRL judiciary's crackdown on wrestling manoeuvres.
"He'd get a few weeks for that one," O'Hara said shortly after being swung to the ground in what could only be described as a chicken wing tackle gone mad.
Despite the fact he dwarfed Tigers big men O'Hara and Gibbs, Batista said he had great admiration for NRL players - going as far as to call American football "sissyish" by comparison.
"I think it's insane," Batista said.
"It impresses the hell out of me to seeing big guys run up and down the field all day long for hours.
"It's hard to run around and carry all that weight and all that muscle; that these guys have that agility and endurance is amazing."
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Rough road to the top for wrestler, by Scott Casey - Brisbane Times - 18th June 2008
Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) lives a glamorous life of global jetsetting, fine clothes, exquisite jewellery and beautiful women - so it's difficult to imagine that his long journey to the top actually began at the very bottom.
MVP, born Alvin Burke, had to grow up fast when at age 16, after running with gangs and getting in scrapes with the law, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping.
During the nine years MVP spent on the inside, he decided to take his life down another path.
"It was at work release where I became a gym rat ... I was what they call 'permanent party' so I couldn't leave the work release facility, I worked in the kitchen, so all I did was eat and work out," he told brisbanetimes.com.au.
"When I got to work release I was 207 pounds (93 kilograms) and by the time I got transferred ... I was 245 pounds (111kg)."
During the work release program, MVP was approached by wrestler "Primetime" Darryl D, who, upon MVP's release, gave him the opportunity to train with another wrestler, "Soul man" Alex G.
While building up his skills and his reputation as an independent wrestler, MVP worked a variety of jobs to support himself.
"I worked primarily in nightclubs ... bodyguard work, things of that sort. I did that work for two reasons: one, because I'm a convicted felon it was hard to find work; and two, because it gave me the flexibility to go to the independent shows."
He managed to turn his difficulty finding work into a positive, and now helps former prisoners to get their lives back on track.
"You send a guy to prison, you put that black mark on him and he gets out he can't live anywhere, can't work anywhere, his options are extremely limited," he said.
"I'd like to show people your options are limited but you need to have the resolve within to overcome."
Now that MVP is at the top of his profession, he looks forward to the expansion of WWE into new markets across the world.
"People that can't even speak English can say, 'MVP you suck!'... I'm excited about the fact we opened up an office in China," he said.
"They talk about WWE being a slice of Americana - well, now it's becoming a slice of Australia and a slice of Brazil and a slice of all these other places where people are just overwhelmed by WWE and this mania."
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) lives a glamorous life of global jetsetting, fine clothes, exquisite jewellery and beautiful women - so it's difficult to imagine that his long journey to the top actually began at the very bottom.
MVP, born Alvin Burke, had to grow up fast when at age 16, after running with gangs and getting in scrapes with the law, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping.
During the nine years MVP spent on the inside, he decided to take his life down another path.
"It was at work release where I became a gym rat ... I was what they call 'permanent party' so I couldn't leave the work release facility, I worked in the kitchen, so all I did was eat and work out," he told brisbanetimes.com.au.
"When I got to work release I was 207 pounds (93 kilograms) and by the time I got transferred ... I was 245 pounds (111kg)."
During the work release program, MVP was approached by wrestler "Primetime" Darryl D, who, upon MVP's release, gave him the opportunity to train with another wrestler, "Soul man" Alex G.
While building up his skills and his reputation as an independent wrestler, MVP worked a variety of jobs to support himself.
"I worked primarily in nightclubs ... bodyguard work, things of that sort. I did that work for two reasons: one, because I'm a convicted felon it was hard to find work; and two, because it gave me the flexibility to go to the independent shows."
He managed to turn his difficulty finding work into a positive, and now helps former prisoners to get their lives back on track.
"You send a guy to prison, you put that black mark on him and he gets out he can't live anywhere, can't work anywhere, his options are extremely limited," he said.
"I'd like to show people your options are limited but you need to have the resolve within to overcome."
Now that MVP is at the top of his profession, he looks forward to the expansion of WWE into new markets across the world.
"People that can't even speak English can say, 'MVP you suck!'... I'm excited about the fact we opened up an office in China," he said.
"They talk about WWE being a slice of Americana - well, now it's becoming a slice of Australia and a slice of Brazil and a slice of all these other places where people are just overwhelmed by WWE and this mania."
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Dwayne drops The Rock for Get Smart - NineMSN - 16th June 2008
Here's a tip.
Memorise it or write it down and store it away in a safe place because it could save you from a severe, physical beating.
If you happen to bump into former professional wrestling star-turned Hollywood leading man, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, do not raise the issue that he may not be as buff as what he once was.
Johnson, standing 1.92m tall, is obviously a big man, but he is also an actor undergoing great change.
Last month his 11-year marriage to wife, Dany, ended and career-wise, Johnson is moving away from the action roles that marked his Hollywood debut, such as 2001's The Mummy Returns and a year later, The Scorpion King.
The 36-year-old has been vocal about pursuing different genres.
He has also decided to drop his old nickname, The Rock, and will now only be billed in his films simply as Dwayne Johnson.
So, 2008 is a year of change for Johnson.
It would make sense if he did decide to lose some muscle as being slimmer would open the possibility for directors to cast him in a wider variety of roles.
Right?
Whether it was the light or maybe the long-sleeved dress shirt Johnson was wearing for this interview on a recent Saturday in Beverly Hills, it did appear he was not as buff as what he was.
So the question was asked.
He did not appreciate it.
"Since when?" Johnson, a former gridiron star for the University of Miami, replied.
Ummm, about a year ago?
"I actually work out more," Johnson said, making it clear he has not slimmed down.
Training, he added, remained an essential part of his life, although he said he can ramp it up or tone it down depending on the type of role he played.
"I enjoy training," he explained.
"Training is usually an anchor for me, for the day.
"That's how I begin my day, whether it's 4am or 8am."
Johnson's latest performance required him to be buff, but is a twist on his big screen action persona.
He plays the invincible Agent 23 in Get Smart, a Hollywood comedy based on the 1960s-70s TV sitcom of the same name.
Comedian Steve Carell stars as Agent 86, the role that Don Adams played in the original TV series.
The film allows Johnson to show off some of his comedy chops, something he proved he had in last year's Disney hit, The Game Plan, which earned almost $US150 million at the worldwide box office, although there's one scene that may leave his former pro-wrestling fans gagging.
It involved Johnson and Carell, as the good guy CONTROL agents fighting to save the world, locking lips in a passionate kiss.
"It was everything you imagined and dreamed about," Carell quipped.
Carell has had fun in numerous interviews to promote Get Smart recalling the kiss.
What did Johnson smell and taste like?
"Soft skin," Carell said.
"Dwayne smells like soft baked cookies."
Johnson lets out a nervous laugh when told of his co-star's memory of the kiss.
He had his own memory.
"Did you ever have warm chocolate cake mixed with ice cream?" Johnson asks.
"It's a fine balance.
"It makes you shiver?
"The kiss was like that."
And, apparently, the kiss was not a quick scene to shoot, with Carell and Johnson making sure the end result drew plenty of laughs.
"We did a lot of takes for that," Johnson adds.
"There was different types of kissing.
"Whatever the funniest way was to elicit great laughs, we'd go for it.
"But, it was a little awkward, though when I felt - just between us - I felt a little tongue.
"That was weird."
Johnson is looking to shake his career up in another way.
He says he was approached eight months ago to work in a theatre production, but it did not fit his schedule.
"In a way, for me, the world that I came from, sports entertainment, that was my theatre," he explained.
"I had 20,000 to 30,000 people to entertain.
"It forced you to have an acumen and be on your feet and that type of theatre really benefits me now.
"It was four hours of live television a week and there was nothing you couldn't throw at me.
"So, hopefully, one day maybe I will do theatre."
In the meantime, Johnson, who once was billed as the actor most likely to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger as Hollywood's number one action hero, will continue accepting roles that he finds challenging and a little different.
"I admire actors with a broad range of work - Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Will Smith, for example.
"I aspire to be that.
"Those guys put out great movies, they're not always box office smashes, but they're still really good movies and they have a broad range of work and they're good people.
"They're inherently good people and I like that."
* Get Smart opens in Australia on June 26.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
WWE
Here's a tip.
Memorise it or write it down and store it away in a safe place because it could save you from a severe, physical beating.
If you happen to bump into former professional wrestling star-turned Hollywood leading man, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, do not raise the issue that he may not be as buff as what he once was.
Johnson, standing 1.92m tall, is obviously a big man, but he is also an actor undergoing great change.
Last month his 11-year marriage to wife, Dany, ended and career-wise, Johnson is moving away from the action roles that marked his Hollywood debut, such as 2001's The Mummy Returns and a year later, The Scorpion King.
The 36-year-old has been vocal about pursuing different genres.
He has also decided to drop his old nickname, The Rock, and will now only be billed in his films simply as Dwayne Johnson.
So, 2008 is a year of change for Johnson.
It would make sense if he did decide to lose some muscle as being slimmer would open the possibility for directors to cast him in a wider variety of roles.
Right?
Whether it was the light or maybe the long-sleeved dress shirt Johnson was wearing for this interview on a recent Saturday in Beverly Hills, it did appear he was not as buff as what he was.
So the question was asked.
He did not appreciate it.
"Since when?" Johnson, a former gridiron star for the University of Miami, replied.
Ummm, about a year ago?
"I actually work out more," Johnson said, making it clear he has not slimmed down.
Training, he added, remained an essential part of his life, although he said he can ramp it up or tone it down depending on the type of role he played.
"I enjoy training," he explained.
"Training is usually an anchor for me, for the day.
"That's how I begin my day, whether it's 4am or 8am."
Johnson's latest performance required him to be buff, but is a twist on his big screen action persona.
He plays the invincible Agent 23 in Get Smart, a Hollywood comedy based on the 1960s-70s TV sitcom of the same name.
Comedian Steve Carell stars as Agent 86, the role that Don Adams played in the original TV series.
The film allows Johnson to show off some of his comedy chops, something he proved he had in last year's Disney hit, The Game Plan, which earned almost $US150 million at the worldwide box office, although there's one scene that may leave his former pro-wrestling fans gagging.
It involved Johnson and Carell, as the good guy CONTROL agents fighting to save the world, locking lips in a passionate kiss.
"It was everything you imagined and dreamed about," Carell quipped.
Carell has had fun in numerous interviews to promote Get Smart recalling the kiss.
What did Johnson smell and taste like?
"Soft skin," Carell said.
"Dwayne smells like soft baked cookies."
Johnson lets out a nervous laugh when told of his co-star's memory of the kiss.
He had his own memory.
"Did you ever have warm chocolate cake mixed with ice cream?" Johnson asks.
"It's a fine balance.
"It makes you shiver?
"The kiss was like that."
And, apparently, the kiss was not a quick scene to shoot, with Carell and Johnson making sure the end result drew plenty of laughs.
"We did a lot of takes for that," Johnson adds.
"There was different types of kissing.
"Whatever the funniest way was to elicit great laughs, we'd go for it.
"But, it was a little awkward, though when I felt - just between us - I felt a little tongue.
"That was weird."
Johnson is looking to shake his career up in another way.
He says he was approached eight months ago to work in a theatre production, but it did not fit his schedule.
"In a way, for me, the world that I came from, sports entertainment, that was my theatre," he explained.
"I had 20,000 to 30,000 people to entertain.
"It forced you to have an acumen and be on your feet and that type of theatre really benefits me now.
"It was four hours of live television a week and there was nothing you couldn't throw at me.
"So, hopefully, one day maybe I will do theatre."
In the meantime, Johnson, who once was billed as the actor most likely to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger as Hollywood's number one action hero, will continue accepting roles that he finds challenging and a little different.
"I admire actors with a broad range of work - Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Will Smith, for example.
"I aspire to be that.
"Those guys put out great movies, they're not always box office smashes, but they're still really good movies and they have a broad range of work and they're good people.
"They're inherently good people and I like that."
* Get Smart opens in Australia on June 26.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
WWE
Monday, June 16, 2008
WWE wrestlers take on NRL's Tigers - Live News - Macquarie Radio Network
WWE wrestlers Dave Batista and MVP trained with Wests Tigers today, learning some rugby league moves and teaching some of their own wrestling moves.
The stars of American professional wrestling were naturals when it came to picking up passing and tackling - although their goal-kicking skills left a little to be desired - while a few lucky Tigers got the chance to mix it in the ring with the pros.
Website Video
Live News
Profiles
Dave Batista
WWE
WWE wrestlers Dave Batista and MVP trained with Wests Tigers today, learning some rugby league moves and teaching some of their own wrestling moves.
The stars of American professional wrestling were naturals when it came to picking up passing and tackling - although their goal-kicking skills left a little to be desired - while a few lucky Tigers got the chance to mix it in the ring with the pros.
Website Video
Live News
Profiles
Dave Batista
WWE
Hey, hey, we're the monks, by Andrew Webster - The Sydney Morning Herald - 16th June 2008
The Swans faithful started cheering wildly when they thought they saw the Dalai Lama walking across the SCG after the victory against St Kilda on Saturday night. It was actually one of six Gyuto monks from Tibet who had attended the game after watching the spiritual leader preaching at Homebush earlier that night. Decked in Swans scarves, they performed a chant in the rooms and presented resident Swans Buddhists Brett Kirk and coach Paul Roos with white scarves. And in a sign that sport really does bring people together, also sighted was Underbelly star Les Hill and Shane McMahon, the son of WWE promoter Vince, who was distributing tickets to yesterday's "Smackdown" in Sydney.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Vince McMahon
WWE
The Swans faithful started cheering wildly when they thought they saw the Dalai Lama walking across the SCG after the victory against St Kilda on Saturday night. It was actually one of six Gyuto monks from Tibet who had attended the game after watching the spiritual leader preaching at Homebush earlier that night. Decked in Swans scarves, they performed a chant in the rooms and presented resident Swans Buddhists Brett Kirk and coach Paul Roos with white scarves. And in a sign that sport really does bring people together, also sighted was Underbelly star Les Hill and Shane McMahon, the son of WWE promoter Vince, who was distributing tickets to yesterday's "Smackdown" in Sydney.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Vince McMahon
WWE
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Indian origin wrestler in Oz Olympic squad - SIFI - 5th June 2008
Sydney: Sandeep Kumar failed to make it to the Indian wrestling squad despite boasting of an outstanding record. Disillusioned by the state of sports administration in the country, Sandeep chose a foreign land to prove his potential and will proudly walk under an Australian flag in the opening ceremony in Beijing Olympics this August.
Sandeep became the first Indian origin sportsperson to make it to an Australian Olympic squad after his selection was announced earlier this month, according to a report in the Indian Link newspaper here.
"I feel very proud and honoured to represent Australia at the Olympics," says Kumar, who only migrated here four years ago and will be competing in the 84-kg freestyle wrestling division in Olympics.
Back home, the 25-year-old Kumar, then a constable with Punjab Police had a room partner in Daleep Singh, today famously known as Khali. And unlike millions others who dream of scoring those winning runs in a one-day cricket match for India, both of them trained hard to make a name for themselves in the wrestling world.
Kumar and Daleep tasted success in national and international circuit. Daleep today is better known as the fearsome Khali on the American WWE circuit.
Also Read: Khali seeks more Indians for WWE
The youngest of four children, Kumar's older brother Anil who was also a wrestler, introduced him to the ancient sport at an early age.
Kumar showed potential early in his career, winning numerous wrestling championships. In 1997, as a teenager, he won a gold medal at the Russian championships and is a three-time winner of the Australian Asian Championships. He has also won the Australia Cup, a wrestling competition hosted by the United Wrestling Club.
"In India, we were getting good money for wrestling - we got government jobs as well. That's why I decided to do wrestling," Kumar, who turned professional at the age of 15, told the paper.
But favouritism amongst Indian selectors meant that despite his achievements, he was not selected to represent India. Kumar's dreams of making a name at the international level went crashing down. He took a bold decision and moved out of the country to prove himself.
"I was a good wrestler in India," he says. "But I didn't get the chance to go to other countries and represent India."
An encounter with Kuldip Bassi, changed Kumar's career - and life - forever.
Whilst training in a Punjab wrestling club four years ago, Bassi, founder and president of the United Wrestling Club (UWC) in Melbourne, handpicked Kumar amongst the hundreds of young Indians in training.
"Technically he was the most talented, and a smart wrestler too," says Bassi.
"I saw he could do better and I thought that if he came to Australia he would have a good future and would make a good name for himself, the club and the standard of Australian wrestling," he adds.
Bassi sponsored Kumar to train with the UWC. Alongside his training, Kumar works as a taxi driver, which he will cease as the Olympics draw closer.
Kumar's achievements are now being recognised and last month he was honoured by Victoria's Ramgarhia Sikh Association.
Earlier this month, the Punjabi Council of Australia honoured him for his contribution to wrestling, at a Baisakhi celebration at NSW Parliament.
So is Kumar going for gold?
"I am trying hard, I think I can win a gold medal. For this I am taking my training very seriously," says Kumar.
Kumar hopes that more youngsters from India will follow his steps in the next Olympics. "I will be (the only Australian of Indian origin) at the Beijing Olympics, but in the next Olympics, some more boys from our community should participate."
Kumar has certainly advanced a long way since his days as a Punjab Police constable. Like Khali, Kumar is making his mark in the sporting arena.
"I watch him on television sometimes!" says Kumar about his former mate.
Perhaps when the Olympics roll around in August this year, Khali will be watching Kumar as he battles, or should we say - wrestles - for gold.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Olympics
WWE
Sydney: Sandeep Kumar failed to make it to the Indian wrestling squad despite boasting of an outstanding record. Disillusioned by the state of sports administration in the country, Sandeep chose a foreign land to prove his potential and will proudly walk under an Australian flag in the opening ceremony in Beijing Olympics this August.
Sandeep became the first Indian origin sportsperson to make it to an Australian Olympic squad after his selection was announced earlier this month, according to a report in the Indian Link newspaper here.
"I feel very proud and honoured to represent Australia at the Olympics," says Kumar, who only migrated here four years ago and will be competing in the 84-kg freestyle wrestling division in Olympics.
Back home, the 25-year-old Kumar, then a constable with Punjab Police had a room partner in Daleep Singh, today famously known as Khali. And unlike millions others who dream of scoring those winning runs in a one-day cricket match for India, both of them trained hard to make a name for themselves in the wrestling world.
Kumar and Daleep tasted success in national and international circuit. Daleep today is better known as the fearsome Khali on the American WWE circuit.
Also Read: Khali seeks more Indians for WWE
The youngest of four children, Kumar's older brother Anil who was also a wrestler, introduced him to the ancient sport at an early age.
Kumar showed potential early in his career, winning numerous wrestling championships. In 1997, as a teenager, he won a gold medal at the Russian championships and is a three-time winner of the Australian Asian Championships. He has also won the Australia Cup, a wrestling competition hosted by the United Wrestling Club.
"In India, we were getting good money for wrestling - we got government jobs as well. That's why I decided to do wrestling," Kumar, who turned professional at the age of 15, told the paper.
But favouritism amongst Indian selectors meant that despite his achievements, he was not selected to represent India. Kumar's dreams of making a name at the international level went crashing down. He took a bold decision and moved out of the country to prove himself.
"I was a good wrestler in India," he says. "But I didn't get the chance to go to other countries and represent India."
An encounter with Kuldip Bassi, changed Kumar's career - and life - forever.
Whilst training in a Punjab wrestling club four years ago, Bassi, founder and president of the United Wrestling Club (UWC) in Melbourne, handpicked Kumar amongst the hundreds of young Indians in training.
"Technically he was the most talented, and a smart wrestler too," says Bassi.
"I saw he could do better and I thought that if he came to Australia he would have a good future and would make a good name for himself, the club and the standard of Australian wrestling," he adds.
Bassi sponsored Kumar to train with the UWC. Alongside his training, Kumar works as a taxi driver, which he will cease as the Olympics draw closer.
Kumar's achievements are now being recognised and last month he was honoured by Victoria's Ramgarhia Sikh Association.
Earlier this month, the Punjabi Council of Australia honoured him for his contribution to wrestling, at a Baisakhi celebration at NSW Parliament.
So is Kumar going for gold?
"I am trying hard, I think I can win a gold medal. For this I am taking my training very seriously," says Kumar.
Kumar hopes that more youngsters from India will follow his steps in the next Olympics. "I will be (the only Australian of Indian origin) at the Beijing Olympics, but in the next Olympics, some more boys from our community should participate."
Kumar has certainly advanced a long way since his days as a Punjab Police constable. Like Khali, Kumar is making his mark in the sporting arena.
"I watch him on television sometimes!" says Kumar about his former mate.
Perhaps when the Olympics roll around in August this year, Khali will be watching Kumar as he battles, or should we say - wrestles - for gold.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Olympics
WWE
WWE Smackdown/ECW tour, by Katherine Feeney - Brisbane Times - 14th June 2008
Genre Event
Location Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Address Melaleuca Drive, Boondall
Date June 17
Tickets From $65
Phone Bookings 132 849
Online Bookings http://www.ticketek.com.au
The strange and hugely popular phenomenon of American wrestling is bringing some of its biggest names to Australia this month for the 'Smackdown/ECW' tour.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is a big business in America and, increasingly, all around the world.
The WWE RAW Survivor Series and various other WWE franchises have toured around the globe everywhere from Portugal to South Africa and Australia to Thailand.
You wouldn't necessarily think that a combination of professional wrestling and scripted, vaudeville dramatisation would be so universally appealing but there you go.
WWE is majority owned and run by the McMahon family, headed by the imposing Vince McMahon, a former wrestler himself, with an annual turnover of around US$400 million, according to Wikipedia.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE Smackdown ECW Live!
WWE
ECW
Genre Event
Location Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Address Melaleuca Drive, Boondall
Date June 17
Tickets From $65
Phone Bookings 132 849
Online Bookings http://www.ticketek.com.au
The strange and hugely popular phenomenon of American wrestling is bringing some of its biggest names to Australia this month for the 'Smackdown/ECW' tour.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is a big business in America and, increasingly, all around the world.
The WWE RAW Survivor Series and various other WWE franchises have toured around the globe everywhere from Portugal to South Africa and Australia to Thailand.
You wouldn't necessarily think that a combination of professional wrestling and scripted, vaudeville dramatisation would be so universally appealing but there you go.
WWE is majority owned and run by the McMahon family, headed by the imposing Vince McMahon, a former wrestler himself, with an annual turnover of around US$400 million, according to Wikipedia.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE Smackdown ECW Live!
WWE
ECW
Miz fit mania, by Adrian Proszenko - The Sun-Herald - 15th June 2008
Lock up your daughters, Sydney, "The Miz" is in town.
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, the self-proclaimed chick magnet of World Wrestling Entertainment, reckons he'll have become very familiar with the ladies by the time his tour of Australia ends.
"Chicks dig me and men fear me," Mizanin told The Sun-Herald. "I can't help that, when I walk into a place, women flock to me.
"I can't help that women want to talk to me. What really gets annoying is when they just start throwing themselves on me. Give me some sort of challenge.
"Ladies, expect to get really blushy-faced and really turned on when you see me [in Australia] because I'm much better looking in person than I am on TV."
The Miz and WWE stars including The Undertaker and Big Show square off at Acer Arena tonight.
Mizanin's journey from frat boy to wrestling star began when he dropped out of college, where he was studying business, to appear on reality TV show The Real World.
It was here that he created his trash-talking alter ego, The Miz, which became his wrestling persona through the pro ranks.
"One person you don't want to mess with is The Miz," he warned.
Mizanin holds the WWE's Tag Team championship, dominating the division alongside partner John Morrison.
"We are going to be known and recognised as one of the greatest [partnerships]," he said.
The 27-year-old promised to unleash his seldom-used wrestling move, The Mizard of Oz, while in Australia. However, his usual finishing manoeuvre is the Reality Check, an apt title considering he has appeared in nine reality TV programs.
Although he had to crawl into a pit full of tarantulas en route to winning reality TV show Fear Factor, he said it was nothing compared to his exploits in the ring.
Once he was thrown off a six-metre ladder, he reports. "But screw that!" he adds. "If you get into the ring with The Undertaker, Big Show - people who are seven foot tall and 500 pounds - that's pretty crazy in my mind."
Translated, he's referring to opponents who are more than 2.1 metres and 220 kilograms.
There is little rest for a WWE star.
When he's not pummelling opponents, going to endless red carpet events in Los Angeles or working out until he's "huge and jacked", The Miz loves to sleep in until midday.
"The Miz does not wake up in the morning, that's for losers," he said.
Pity us poor fools.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE Smackdown ECW Live!
WWE
Lock up your daughters, Sydney, "The Miz" is in town.
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, the self-proclaimed chick magnet of World Wrestling Entertainment, reckons he'll have become very familiar with the ladies by the time his tour of Australia ends.
"Chicks dig me and men fear me," Mizanin told The Sun-Herald. "I can't help that, when I walk into a place, women flock to me.
"I can't help that women want to talk to me. What really gets annoying is when they just start throwing themselves on me. Give me some sort of challenge.
"Ladies, expect to get really blushy-faced and really turned on when you see me [in Australia] because I'm much better looking in person than I am on TV."
The Miz and WWE stars including The Undertaker and Big Show square off at Acer Arena tonight.
Mizanin's journey from frat boy to wrestling star began when he dropped out of college, where he was studying business, to appear on reality TV show The Real World.
It was here that he created his trash-talking alter ego, The Miz, which became his wrestling persona through the pro ranks.
"One person you don't want to mess with is The Miz," he warned.
Mizanin holds the WWE's Tag Team championship, dominating the division alongside partner John Morrison.
"We are going to be known and recognised as one of the greatest [partnerships]," he said.
The 27-year-old promised to unleash his seldom-used wrestling move, The Mizard of Oz, while in Australia. However, his usual finishing manoeuvre is the Reality Check, an apt title considering he has appeared in nine reality TV programs.
Although he had to crawl into a pit full of tarantulas en route to winning reality TV show Fear Factor, he said it was nothing compared to his exploits in the ring.
Once he was thrown off a six-metre ladder, he reports. "But screw that!" he adds. "If you get into the ring with The Undertaker, Big Show - people who are seven foot tall and 500 pounds - that's pretty crazy in my mind."
Translated, he's referring to opponents who are more than 2.1 metres and 220 kilograms.
There is little rest for a WWE star.
When he's not pummelling opponents, going to endless red carpet events in Los Angeles or working out until he's "huge and jacked", The Miz loves to sleep in until midday.
"The Miz does not wake up in the morning, that's for losers," he said.
Pity us poor fools.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE Smackdown ECW Live!
WWE
Saturday, June 07, 2008
McMahon Economic Package - 6th June 2008
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to Begin $1 Million Giveaway to Viewers Live on USA Network's 'WWE Monday Night RAW'
WHAT: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will begin his unprecedented giveaway
of $1 Million to viewers every week on USA Network's "WWE Monday
Night RAW" live broadcast as "McMahon's Million Dollar Mania"
begins
WHEN: Monday, June 9th at 9/8 C
WHERE: USA Network's "WWE Monday Night RAW"
WHY: World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon has once
again shown his passionate bond with WWE fans by taking the
already #1 weekly year-round show on cable, WWE Monday Night RAW
on USA Network to a new level at the start of this 2008 summer
with a ground breaking on-air promotion.
Never before has such a prominent television executive given away
such a large amount of his personal wealth to the viewing
audience. The giveaway will be the largest ever undertaken on
television.
To participate, viewers must register on wwe.com each week and
then watch Monday Night RAW(R) on USA Network to acquire the code
necessary to win. Winners will be contacted live throughout each
Monday Night RAW broadcast.
Given the difficult economic situation many Americans now face,
"McMahon's Million Dollar Mania" offers an exciting economic
stimulus for loyal RAW viewers. McMahon and WWE are renowned for
creating compelling narratives that tie into current events,
drawing viewers and generating water cooler buzz across the
country.
CONTACT: Brad Bernstein 212.664.4401
Nathan Nazario 407.880.5993
Media Man Australia Profiles
Vince McMahon
WWE
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to Begin $1 Million Giveaway to Viewers Live on USA Network's 'WWE Monday Night RAW'
WHAT: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will begin his unprecedented giveaway
of $1 Million to viewers every week on USA Network's "WWE Monday
Night RAW" live broadcast as "McMahon's Million Dollar Mania"
begins
WHEN: Monday, June 9th at 9/8 C
WHERE: USA Network's "WWE Monday Night RAW"
WHY: World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon has once
again shown his passionate bond with WWE fans by taking the
already #1 weekly year-round show on cable, WWE Monday Night RAW
on USA Network to a new level at the start of this 2008 summer
with a ground breaking on-air promotion.
Never before has such a prominent television executive given away
such a large amount of his personal wealth to the viewing
audience. The giveaway will be the largest ever undertaken on
television.
To participate, viewers must register on wwe.com each week and
then watch Monday Night RAW(R) on USA Network to acquire the code
necessary to win. Winners will be contacted live throughout each
Monday Night RAW broadcast.
Given the difficult economic situation many Americans now face,
"McMahon's Million Dollar Mania" offers an exciting economic
stimulus for loyal RAW viewers. McMahon and WWE are renowned for
creating compelling narratives that tie into current events,
drawing viewers and generating water cooler buzz across the
country.
CONTACT: Brad Bernstein 212.664.4401
Nathan Nazario 407.880.5993
Media Man Australia Profiles
Vince McMahon
WWE
Friday, June 06, 2008
WWE Afterburn Premieres On Channel Nine - Press Release - 5th June 2008
Channel Nine today announced an exclusive free-to-air-television deal with World Wrestling Entertainment®, giving the network the rights to show WWE Afterburn, one of the most popular international programs of the sports entertainment genre.
WWE Afterburn will screen on Sunday afternoons at 1:30pm starting Sunday, June 15.
WWE Afterburn, features the best matches and interviews of the week from WWE SmackDown®, in an action-packed one-hour show guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hosted by Josh Mathews, WWE Afterburn provides all the best from the week’s matches and features the greatest moments from favourite WWE Superstars including Batista™, Big Show™, Edge™, Finlay™, The Great Khali™, Hornswoggle™, Michelle McCool™, Rey Mysterio® and Undertaker®.
“This exclusive deal with WWE is a great acquisition for Nine which sits well with our audience. It will attract a large number of young males and WWE fans to the network,” said Les Sampson, Nine’s Director of Acquisitions. “We are excited to bring this phenomenally popular international entertainment brand to Australian viewers.”
Jonathan Sully, President WWE Asia Pacific, said; "Our partnership with Nine will allow WWE to reach an extended television audience to the benefit of our fans and business partners. We appreciate Nine’s support, and view it as confirmation of the growing strength of the WWE brand in Australia.”
WWE Afterburn premieres on Channel Nine on Sunday June 15, at 1:30pm.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Network Nine Australia
WWE
Channel Nine today announced an exclusive free-to-air-television deal with World Wrestling Entertainment®, giving the network the rights to show WWE Afterburn, one of the most popular international programs of the sports entertainment genre.
WWE Afterburn will screen on Sunday afternoons at 1:30pm starting Sunday, June 15.
WWE Afterburn, features the best matches and interviews of the week from WWE SmackDown®, in an action-packed one-hour show guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hosted by Josh Mathews, WWE Afterburn provides all the best from the week’s matches and features the greatest moments from favourite WWE Superstars including Batista™, Big Show™, Edge™, Finlay™, The Great Khali™, Hornswoggle™, Michelle McCool™, Rey Mysterio® and Undertaker®.
“This exclusive deal with WWE is a great acquisition for Nine which sits well with our audience. It will attract a large number of young males and WWE fans to the network,” said Les Sampson, Nine’s Director of Acquisitions. “We are excited to bring this phenomenally popular international entertainment brand to Australian viewers.”
Jonathan Sully, President WWE Asia Pacific, said; "Our partnership with Nine will allow WWE to reach an extended television audience to the benefit of our fans and business partners. We appreciate Nine’s support, and view it as confirmation of the growing strength of the WWE brand in Australia.”
WWE Afterburn premieres on Channel Nine on Sunday June 15, at 1:30pm.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Network Nine Australia
WWE
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