WWE: 9.4% Yield
STAMFORD, Conn., Sep 29, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The 9.4 % dividend yield on WWE stock is 300% higher than the S&P average. Given its strong balance sheet and cash generative businesses, WWE feels confident it can fund the dividend for the long term. The WWE considers itself a safe harbor in the current volatile marketplace. The popularity of WWE brands continue to accelerate while consistently providing the best value in entertainment.
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.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 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.
SOURCE: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Media:
Jenny McIntosh, 203-359-5131
or
Investor:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Thursday, September 25, 2008
WWE Signs New Home Entertainment Distribution Deal For South America
September 22, 2008
Synergex Corporation is the new distributor of WWE home entertainment products in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Argentina, under a new three-year exclusive agreement.
Synergex will provide packaging localization, sales, marketing, and logistics services for WWE documentaries, career profiles and match compilations focusing on top WWE stars of the past and present, as well as WWE’s complete pay-per-view event line-up, highlighted by its annual WrestleMania pop culture extravaganza. “This agreement supports WWE’s international expansion push into Latin America, and gives us local expertise to distribute our home entertainment productions and increase our retail presence,” said Joel Satin, WWE Vice President, Home Entertainment & Books.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
September 22, 2008
Synergex Corporation is the new distributor of WWE home entertainment products in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Argentina, under a new three-year exclusive agreement.
Synergex will provide packaging localization, sales, marketing, and logistics services for WWE documentaries, career profiles and match compilations focusing on top WWE stars of the past and present, as well as WWE’s complete pay-per-view event line-up, highlighted by its annual WrestleMania pop culture extravaganza. “This agreement supports WWE’s international expansion push into Latin America, and gives us local expertise to distribute our home entertainment productions and increase our retail presence,” said Joel Satin, WWE Vice President, Home Entertainment & Books.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WWE(R) And Televisa Team Up in Mexico
Press Release
MEXICO CITY, Sep 09, 2008 -- At a press conference in Mexico City today, World Wrestling Entertainment(R) (WWE) and Televisa announced a new agreement which will see WWE RAW available on Galavision Canal 9 in Mexico.
Beginning Sunday, October 5, WWE RAW will be broadcast on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to the more than 21 million TV households who watch Galavision Canal 9.
One of WWE's most successful programs, RAW is broadcast in over 130 countries in 23 languages. Millions tune-in every week to view a star-studded roster of WWE's globally renowned Superstars, including John Cena(R), Mexico's own Rey Mysterio(R), Shawn Michaels(R), Batista(R), CM Punk(TM), Randy Orton(R), and Chris Jericho(R). RAW is consistently one of the highest rated shows on cable in the United States showcasing all of the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made WWE one of the most popular and successful properties in the world.
"WWE delivers ratings success to our network partners around the world and we intend to continue to build the same level of success with Televisa in Mexico," says Shane McMahon, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Media. "WWE is very excited to be bringing RAW to Mexican viewers who have a rich lucha libre heritage and who consistently show great enthusiasm for the WWE brand and its Superstars."
"Televisa Deportes, leader in sports-related information and content, keeps its constant commitment to finding new tendencies, shows and ideas to fulfill the demand of its audience," stated Alberto Sosa, Sports Director for Televisa. "Televisa Deportes and WWE RAW are joining efforts starting in October to broadcast RAW, which has had great success in TV markets all around the world including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Spain and Chile, among others. We foresee similar success in audience impact for Televisa Deportes."
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc
(WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 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.
SOURCE: World Wrestling Entertainment
Media:
Edelman
Julio Gil, 55 5350 1523
or
WWE
Cynthea Galbraith, 416-847-8348
or
Investors:
WWE
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642
Press Release
MEXICO CITY, Sep 09, 2008 -- At a press conference in Mexico City today, World Wrestling Entertainment(R) (WWE) and Televisa announced a new agreement which will see WWE RAW available on Galavision Canal 9 in Mexico.
Beginning Sunday, October 5, WWE RAW will be broadcast on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to the more than 21 million TV households who watch Galavision Canal 9.
One of WWE's most successful programs, RAW is broadcast in over 130 countries in 23 languages. Millions tune-in every week to view a star-studded roster of WWE's globally renowned Superstars, including John Cena(R), Mexico's own Rey Mysterio(R), Shawn Michaels(R), Batista(R), CM Punk(TM), Randy Orton(R), and Chris Jericho(R). RAW is consistently one of the highest rated shows on cable in the United States showcasing all of the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made WWE one of the most popular and successful properties in the world.
"WWE delivers ratings success to our network partners around the world and we intend to continue to build the same level of success with Televisa in Mexico," says Shane McMahon, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Media. "WWE is very excited to be bringing RAW to Mexican viewers who have a rich lucha libre heritage and who consistently show great enthusiasm for the WWE brand and its Superstars."
"Televisa Deportes, leader in sports-related information and content, keeps its constant commitment to finding new tendencies, shows and ideas to fulfill the demand of its audience," stated Alberto Sosa, Sports Director for Televisa. "Televisa Deportes and WWE RAW are joining efforts starting in October to broadcast RAW, which has had great success in TV markets all around the world including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Spain and Chile, among others. We foresee similar success in audience impact for Televisa Deportes."
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc
(WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 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.
SOURCE: World Wrestling Entertainment
Media:
Edelman
Julio Gil, 55 5350 1523
or
WWE
Cynthea Galbraith, 416-847-8348
or
Investors:
WWE
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
WWE SmackDown, WrestleMania on MyNetwork - The Miami Herald - 9th September 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment on MyNetworkTV will kick off a night early with a first ever broadcast presentation of WrestleMania at 8 p.m. EST/PST Thursday, Oct. 2, said the network's president, Greg Meidel, in a release.
This special presentation featuring the best moments of WrestleMania XXIV in March from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando including boxer Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show will be followed by the premiere of WWE SmackDown! at 8 p.m. EST/PST Friday, Oct. 3.
WWE SmackDown! moved to MyNetworkTV from the CW Network, formerly UPN which housed WWE SmackDown! from 1999-2006, after CW and WWE opted not to renew their contract. MyNetworkTV, an offshoot of stations dropped when CW took some of UPN's affiliates, quickly snatched the television ratings' grabber.
WWE SmackDown!'s prime-time wrestling show boasts 474 episodes and counting. It has been one of the highest-rated shows on the networks, even drawing millions of viewers when it moved from Thursday to Friday nights, television's death wish.
Meidel said, ``We're thrilled to bring fans even more of their favorite WWE action on MyNetworkTV. These side-by-side primetime events are sure to deliver two nights of edge-of-your-seat, action-packed entertainment.''
WWE SmackDown! will be presented on MyNetworkTV weekly on Fridays and showcase a star-studded cast of WWE stars including Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Shelton Benjamin, Big Show, Carlito, Mr. Kennedy, Great Khali, Umaga, Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Victoria, Natalya, Thee Brian Kendrick, Vladimir Kozlov and Miami's own MVP.
It will feature the action, excitement, drama and athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television and one of the Top 10 English language prime-time programs among Hispanic households.
• WrestleMania is one of the biggest annual sports entertainment events. In addition to the Mayweather/Big Show match, this year's lineup featured the retirement of the legendary Ric Flair following an emotional loss to Shawn Michaels, as well as the crowning of the Undertaker as the new World champ and Kane as the new WWE/ECW champ.
Celebrity appearances included a performance of America the Beautiful by John Legend along with special guest hostess Kim Kardashian and BunnyMania Lumberjack Match Master of Ceremonies Snoop Dogg. Raven-Symon helped entertain 50 children honored by WWE in its largest ever Make-A-Wish event.
WrestleMania XXIV was the highest grossing live event for WWE and the Citrus Bowl.
• About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching more than 97 percent of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday. Visit mynetworktv.com.
• About World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week.
Its domestic cable and broadcast programs include Monday Night RAW and A.M. RAW on USA Network and WWE's ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE's television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Visit wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com and wwe.com/worldwide.
• Wrestlers Rescue, a very worthy cause, is Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Radisson in Piscataway, N.J.
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company, co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 30. Prices $60, $45, $35, $25 and $20.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
MyNetworkTV
WWE
WrestleMania
World Wrestling Entertainment on MyNetworkTV will kick off a night early with a first ever broadcast presentation of WrestleMania at 8 p.m. EST/PST Thursday, Oct. 2, said the network's president, Greg Meidel, in a release.
This special presentation featuring the best moments of WrestleMania XXIV in March from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando including boxer Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show will be followed by the premiere of WWE SmackDown! at 8 p.m. EST/PST Friday, Oct. 3.
WWE SmackDown! moved to MyNetworkTV from the CW Network, formerly UPN which housed WWE SmackDown! from 1999-2006, after CW and WWE opted not to renew their contract. MyNetworkTV, an offshoot of stations dropped when CW took some of UPN's affiliates, quickly snatched the television ratings' grabber.
WWE SmackDown!'s prime-time wrestling show boasts 474 episodes and counting. It has been one of the highest-rated shows on the networks, even drawing millions of viewers when it moved from Thursday to Friday nights, television's death wish.
Meidel said, ``We're thrilled to bring fans even more of their favorite WWE action on MyNetworkTV. These side-by-side primetime events are sure to deliver two nights of edge-of-your-seat, action-packed entertainment.''
WWE SmackDown! will be presented on MyNetworkTV weekly on Fridays and showcase a star-studded cast of WWE stars including Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Shelton Benjamin, Big Show, Carlito, Mr. Kennedy, Great Khali, Umaga, Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Victoria, Natalya, Thee Brian Kendrick, Vladimir Kozlov and Miami's own MVP.
It will feature the action, excitement, drama and athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television and one of the Top 10 English language prime-time programs among Hispanic households.
• WrestleMania is one of the biggest annual sports entertainment events. In addition to the Mayweather/Big Show match, this year's lineup featured the retirement of the legendary Ric Flair following an emotional loss to Shawn Michaels, as well as the crowning of the Undertaker as the new World champ and Kane as the new WWE/ECW champ.
Celebrity appearances included a performance of America the Beautiful by John Legend along with special guest hostess Kim Kardashian and BunnyMania Lumberjack Match Master of Ceremonies Snoop Dogg. Raven-Symon helped entertain 50 children honored by WWE in its largest ever Make-A-Wish event.
WrestleMania XXIV was the highest grossing live event for WWE and the Citrus Bowl.
• About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching more than 97 percent of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday. Visit mynetworktv.com.
• About World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week.
Its domestic cable and broadcast programs include Monday Night RAW and A.M. RAW on USA Network and WWE's ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE's television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Visit wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com and wwe.com/worldwide.
• Wrestlers Rescue, a very worthy cause, is Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Radisson in Piscataway, N.J.
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company, co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 30. Prices $60, $45, $35, $25 and $20.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
MyNetworkTV
WWE
WrestleMania
Sunday, September 07, 2008
WWE diva visits Yokota, By Vince Little, Stars and Stripes - 7th September 2008
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — World Wrestling Entertainment diva Victoria visited airmen and families here Friday evening, and it was a homecoming — of sorts.
Her father, Angel E. Sole, a Vietnam veteran, was stationed at Yokota in the late 1960s. He met her mother in Japan and ultimately spent 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant.
Two of Victoria’s older brothers were born on Yokota, she said.
"With my dad being in the Air Force, I feel a connection," she told a large crowd at the Yokota Enlisted Club. "Every time I’m on an Air Force base, I feel at home."
Victoria is in Tokyo to attend a "SummerSlam" viewing party on Sunday with another diva, Maria, who also had been scheduled to visit Yokota but couldn’t make it due to a late arrival in Japan.
At the Enlisted Club, Victoria signed autographs and posed for photos with fans who lined up to meet the 37-year-old star. Earlier, the two-time WWE Women’s Champion made an appearance at the Samurai Cafe dining facility to hang out with airmen.
She even showed off a couple of wrestling moves.
"I love WWE," said Airman 1st Class Mike Cottingham, 23, of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "I watch ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown.’ I love it here ’cause you get it all for free, even the pay-per-views.
"This is amazing. I like Victoria. I like all the divas. Whenever I get an opportunity, I’ve got to come meet them."
Victor Madaris, 13, an eighth-grader at Yokota Middle School, wore his WrestleMania XXIV T-shirt to meet Victoria. He said he wanted to meet her "because she’s famous."
"It was cool," he said afterward. "I like seeing all the people wrestle in WWE. I’ve been a big fan."
While storylines are fictitious, the bumps and bruises wrestlers endure are real. Over a nine-year career, Victoria said, she’s broken her nose twice, had a few teeth knocked out and suffered a torn ACL — one of four major ligaments in the knee.
"You feel every move in the ring," she told the audience.
Since 2003, WWE has entertained U.S. servicemembers in either Iraq or Afghanistan during the holidays with its "Tribute to the Troops" shows.
"We have a big fan base in the military," Victoria said. "We try to show our appreciation for their hard work. Our military is the real superheroes, not us.
"We love you, we appreciate you. We just want you to be home and safe someday."
(Credit: Stars and Stripes)
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — World Wrestling Entertainment diva Victoria visited airmen and families here Friday evening, and it was a homecoming — of sorts.
Her father, Angel E. Sole, a Vietnam veteran, was stationed at Yokota in the late 1960s. He met her mother in Japan and ultimately spent 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant.
Two of Victoria’s older brothers were born on Yokota, she said.
"With my dad being in the Air Force, I feel a connection," she told a large crowd at the Yokota Enlisted Club. "Every time I’m on an Air Force base, I feel at home."
Victoria is in Tokyo to attend a "SummerSlam" viewing party on Sunday with another diva, Maria, who also had been scheduled to visit Yokota but couldn’t make it due to a late arrival in Japan.
At the Enlisted Club, Victoria signed autographs and posed for photos with fans who lined up to meet the 37-year-old star. Earlier, the two-time WWE Women’s Champion made an appearance at the Samurai Cafe dining facility to hang out with airmen.
She even showed off a couple of wrestling moves.
"I love WWE," said Airman 1st Class Mike Cottingham, 23, of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "I watch ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown.’ I love it here ’cause you get it all for free, even the pay-per-views.
"This is amazing. I like Victoria. I like all the divas. Whenever I get an opportunity, I’ve got to come meet them."
Victor Madaris, 13, an eighth-grader at Yokota Middle School, wore his WrestleMania XXIV T-shirt to meet Victoria. He said he wanted to meet her "because she’s famous."
"It was cool," he said afterward. "I like seeing all the people wrestle in WWE. I’ve been a big fan."
While storylines are fictitious, the bumps and bruises wrestlers endure are real. Over a nine-year career, Victoria said, she’s broken her nose twice, had a few teeth knocked out and suffered a torn ACL — one of four major ligaments in the knee.
"You feel every move in the ring," she told the audience.
Since 2003, WWE has entertained U.S. servicemembers in either Iraq or Afghanistan during the holidays with its "Tribute to the Troops" shows.
"We have a big fan base in the military," Victoria said. "We try to show our appreciation for their hard work. Our military is the real superheroes, not us.
"We love you, we appreciate you. We just want you to be home and safe someday."
(Credit: Stars and Stripes)
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
"Killer" Kowalski Dies at Age 81 - Press Release
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug 30, 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE is saddened by the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski.
Kowalski, who was an in-demand performer in the 1950's and '60's, was a former WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) Tag Team Champion in the late-1970's.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. He was instrumental in the training of many WWE Superstars, including current WWE Champion Triple H. WWE extends its condolences to the Kowalski family.
SOURCE: World Wrestling Entertainment
Media Man Australia Profile
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Website
WWE official website - Hall Of Fame
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug 30, 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE is saddened by the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski.
Kowalski, who was an in-demand performer in the 1950's and '60's, was a former WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) Tag Team Champion in the late-1970's.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. He was instrumental in the training of many WWE Superstars, including current WWE Champion Triple H. WWE extends its condolences to the Kowalski family.
SOURCE: World Wrestling Entertainment
Media Man Australia Profile
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Website
WWE official website - Hall Of Fame
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