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Updated throughout the day, the Torch News Ticker delivers a constant stream of news and information from WWE, TNA, ROH, Japan, the independents, and whatever else pops up. Keep it open in a new tab and bookmark it every Monday! Promoters and readers: Send in news, upcoming events, interview highlights, or wrestling-related information to the Torch News email address, Wade Keller, and James Caldwell for inclusion on the constantly-updated Ticker. Contact link.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Afternoon Update

- WWE Smackdown averaged a 2.4 rating in the Fast Nationals for last night. The show finished fourth on the night and fourth in both hours, beating FOX's offerings. First hour averaged a 2.3 rating, then increased to a 2.5 rating for the second hour. An improvement over last week, but below their yearly average.

- Nick Hogan is the number five most searched item on Yahoo today, behind the Jenna Bush wedding and Mother's Day.

- Mr. Kennedy keeps trying to explain himself for his Wellness Policy suspension last year. Now it's a case of wrong place, wrong time. Winnipeg Sun published an interview with Kennedy, who said he had been receiving medication from a doctor because he was injured. "I went to the doctor and my levels of testosterone were low, so he prescribed medication," Kennedy said. "At no point did I ever go out and buy drugs on an Internet pharmacy. My doctor went on the Internet. I had no idea where they were coming from." That leaves several unanswered questions. What was the medication? Was the doctor legitimate? If the doctor was legitimate, why would he/she prescribe drugs off the Internet? Article link.

- Daily Gleaner in Canada published an interview with Edge prior to last weekend's tour in Canada. Basic interview on road stories, dealing with injuries, and being a main eventer. Good read. Article link.

- For your daily dose of Khali stardom in India, CNN in India did a story on Khali meeting with kids in Mumbai. Video link.

Morning Update

- Nick Hogan's punishment for reckless driving last summer was announced in Clearwater, Fla. Nick was sentenced to eight months in jail, his license will be suspended for three years, and he'll be on probation for five years. USA Today story.

- To close the week, WWE stock took an even bigger hit than on Tuesday when WWE reported earnings. Stock closed on Friday at $16.09 per share after dipping below $16 on Thursday and Friday. This week was about shareholders selling stock left and right, with investors either not pleased with WWE's profit in the quarter or realizing they had a significant profit to make. After all, WWE's stock was trading at $15.25 in early February before investors snapped up shares to drive the price to $18.63 exactly one month later in early March.

Investors bought low in February ($15.25), then when they could see the writing on the wall (so-so profits), they dumped stock after Monday's close ($18.26) to realize a profit when WWE posted earnings on Tuesday.

- In other corporate news, WWE declared its quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share to Class A common stock shareholders. The McMahon family will continue with its 24 cents per share dividend with Class B common stock. Dividend is payable to shareholders on June 25 who own shares by June 13.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on jrsbarbq.com yesterday discussing several newsworthy topics. He said it was inevitable Torrie Wilson would be released from WWE with her chronic back problems. Ross talks fondly of interacting with Torrie from his days as VP of talent relations. ... On the "websites live on the back of WWE" comment made by WWE COO Michael Sileck in WWE's earnings conference call last Tuesday, Ross didn't reference Sileck as the source of the comment, but he said, "I don’t necessarily agree with that assessment, but everyone has a right to their opinion. Without the WWE there is lots of other wrestling to cover globally, not to mention the ever growing mixed martial arts biz."

Ross also comments on his work on the Legends of WrestleMania video game, which was an idea he pitched about ten years ago to match up wrestling legends against each other. He also comments on the TNA video game being pushed back to September. Ross said that raises an eyebrow or two that there might be issues. The issues probably relate more to Midway struggling financially at this point. Ross blog link.

***

Friday, May 9, 2008

Morning Update

- RESULTS WANTED: We're looking for house show reports from a very busy weekend of events. We're looking for a TNA house show report from last night's show in Barre, Vt. and tonight's show in Derby, Vt. WWE has a Raw house show tonight in Saginaw, Mich. and ROH takes it south to Manassas, Va.

- Torrie Wilson is done with WWE effective yesterday. WWE posted a notice on their website that the two sides came to terms on her release from the company. It was inevitable with Torrie's back injuries preventing her from possibly ever wrestling again, and Torrie dedicated to her clothing store outside of Houston.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on the revamped jrsbarbq.com discussing this week's news topics. Ross has many nice things to say about Owen Hart after he would have turned 43 years old earlier this week. He doubts Owen will ever be in the WWE Hall of Fame, however. "Owen Hart deserves to go into the WWE Hall of Fame but unfortunately I feel that his widow Martha would never cooperate with such a thing," he says, "which is unfortunate especially for Owen’s children who would see so many people demonstrate their love of their dad."

Ross said he's helping promote Raw in Oklahoma City on June 30, and he hopes to be simply left alone to call the show. Ross quipped that hopefully he won't be replaced by Mike Adamle by then. ... Ross will be in Tampa next week after the Raw in Detroit to scout talent and offer his assessment of WWE's developmental program. Blog link.

- Kevin Nash was interviewed by the U.K. Sun in a story published yesterday. Nash is asked right off the bat about Samoa Joe's title reign a few weeks after the Lockdown PPV. "Being in that position myself, it takes a while for the fans to build that love affair with you as champion," he said about Joe as champion. "They’re in love with you as the underdog, but once you take that next step and become the champion all of a sudden the perspective is different. A lot of times you’ll get an initial pop but then there’ll be a bit of a lull. But it just takes fans time to adjust. And as a company, if you make that decision you have to stick with it." That sums it up perfectly.

Nash commented on the dichotomy between Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter at the top of TNA, which he describes as WCW when he first jumped ship with Scott Hall. Nash said Jarrett is the person to decide creative issues, while Dixie is the person to decide business issues. "Jeff’s not going to do me wrong. He’s not going to purposely do something that’s gonna upset me," Nash said. "There are a lot of times we disagree. We had a disagreement a couple of weeks ago about something on TV." Article link.

- In Khali news, Great Khali met with underprivileged kids in Mumbai to tell them he hopes to build a school for them. He also wants WWE to build a training facility for future wrestlers in India to give the kids something to aim for. He denied that violence in the WWE product can have an adverse affect on kids. "It is a sport like other sports," he said, "but children should not fight at home." Article link.

- More from Khali, as IBNlive.com published an article posing the question of whether WWE is fake or real. They start by saying WWE has the longest-running show in the history of television. Moving along, the article claims only about 30 percent of the TV product contains actual wrestling. That's a fair estimation. The article adds: "Matches are scripted and winners pre-decided but with each wrestler doing 300 shows a year and getting thrown on tables and hit by chairs almost every other day, it's a often a pretty hard day at work." Article link.

***

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Morning Update

- TNA Impact preview: TNA's final show before the Sacrifice PPV will feature a main event of Samoa Joe & Kevin Nash vs. Kurt Angle & Scott Steiner. ... The knockouts will be in action ahead of their PPV gimmick match with a title shot and a head-shaving on the line. ... The members of the Egoistical Eight random draw Lethal Lottery teams will be paired up in tag matches. ... X Division comes out of the shadows prior to their Terrordome match with a giant match of X Champion Petey Williams vs. Consequences Creed vs. Johnny Devine vs. Jimmy Rave vs. Shark Boy vs. Curry Man. ...

- Booker T's PWA promotion issued a press release yesterday announcing that Bobby Lashley will make his wrestling return on Friday, May 23 at PWA's "Critical Condition" show in Pasadena, Tex. Lashley will be doing an autograph session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. prior to the 7:30 bell time. The next night, PWA has an afternoon show in Brazoria at the Armadillo Ballroom, with Booker T. lined up for an autograph session from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. PWA website link.

- TNA Notes: The Sacrifice PPV on Sunday will open with Team 3D vs. Sting & James Storm in the Deuces Wild Lethal Lottery tag team deal. ... Kurt Angle will be hosting a new show on Spike TV called "Caught in Action". The show has been greenlight by Spike to begin production, so they don't have a premiere date yet. Article link.

- 30 years ago, if the following story came out, the wrestler would be kicked out of the territory in a second. Gregory Helms, who is recovering from neck surgery, took a blow to the face from a bar patron after a dispute over a pool game. The Charlotte News & Observer reported on the story with the headline: "Pro wrestler takes his licks in bar fight." Police said Dustin Narron balled up his fist and punched Helms in the face, and Helms reportedly did not strike back. Police took Narron to jail for the "disturbance" where he was released on $500 bail. Article link.

- It's always entertaining reading about Great Khali during his epic vacation in India. MSN in India published a story on Khali trying to get a new group of youngsters to train hard to become wrestlers. He gave some advice, though: "Tell your children at home not to try to wrestle like the way I do on screen," he said. "They should not emulate me because it might harm them. Wrestling is a tough sport." And as for the stellar list of opponents he's faced in WWE? The article lists his best opponents: Funaki, Rey Mysterio, Tommy Dreamer, John Cena, and Shawn Michaels. Yes, Funaki is his most epic opponent. Article link.

- Lita's band is opening for Skid Row in the band's upcoming show in Duluth, Ga. No other details available right now.

***

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Evening Update

- Jim Cramer of Mad Money is still confident in WWE stock. During the lightning round of his show tonight, Cramer said about WWE, "I was concerned with the quarter, but the number was fine and I say its two thumbs up. WWE rocks."

- Bloggingstocks.com published their review of WWE's quarterly earnings, focusing on free cash flow as their chief concern. The financial website said WWE's free cash flow dropped 77 percent, which has then concerned about management's use of cash available. They like WWE investing in the WWE Films division to expand their entertainment offerings to be more like Disney, Time Warner, and Viacom, but the concern remains about using cash more effectively. Article link.

- Khali continues to be everywhere in India. He even met with president Pratibha Patil, who called him "the pride of the nation". More meetings with top dignitaries are lined up for Khali over the next week. U.K. Times Online article.

- Doghouseboxing.com published an article calling Floyd Mayweather a liar for the $20 million WM payoff figure that WWE COO Michael Sileck denied in yesterday's conference call with investors. Article link.

- Phanatic Magazine in Philadelphia published a good summary article of the latest from the Rolling Stone story of Ashley Massaro being linked to an L.A. escort service. The article states the FBI has emails between Ashley and the escort service on arranging meetings with clients. Article link.

Morning Update

- Soleil Securities, one of the firms that evaluates stock, issued a downgrade notice for WWE stock this morning. They were recommending Buy, then downgraded to Hold today. Streetinsider.com says Soleil made the change because "they don't anticipate another near-term catalyst (like WrestleMania) and are concerned about average attendance and declining website traffic."

- Seekingalpha.com published a transcript of WWE's conference call with investors yesterday morning. You can find COO Michael Sileck's quote on WWE's belief that wrestling news websites exist on WWE's back. And then you can check out WWE.com's Industy News section for the latest news pulled from the websites that exist off WWE's back. Call transcript.

- Great Khali claimed to the media that his epic WWE bouts are legit fights, and not staged as some media reports would have people believe. Context is important, as Khali has to protect his image in his home country, and he has to protect the wrestling business when WWE is trying to get a foothold in the Indian market for TV, live events, and merchandising. "Everything, whatever you see out there is real," Khali said. "Sometimes wrestlers receive serious injuries, and even die on the ring." Article link.

- WWE is looking to hire on a new P.R. agency to handle international business in Italy and the U.K. as it expands the WWE brand internationally. They're looking for a 12-month contract worth £100,000. Press release.

- TNA sent a text message to mobile subscribers yesterday that the World X Cup is tentatively in the works for July. TNA is hoping to bring in wrestlers from CMLL in Mexico, and New Japan and Dragon Gate from Japan.

- ROH Notes: ROH's show at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday is officially the company's biggest advance in terms of tickets sold. They released the match order: (1) Roderick Strong vs. Go Shiozaki vs. Erick Stevens for the FIP Title, (2) Richards & Romero vs. Steen & Generico, (3) Delirious & Pelle vs. Albright & Hero (w/Sweeney and Fairplay) vs. Evans & Jigsaw in a tag team scramble, (4) Bryan Danielson vs. Marufuji, Intermission, (5) Morishima vs. Necro Butcher, (6) Jay Briscoe & Austin Aries vs. Jacobs & Black for the ROH Tag Titles, (7) Nigel vs. Claudio for the ROH Title in the main event.

***

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Evening Update

- WWE stock took a beating today. The stock opened at $18.26 per share and dipped all the way to $16.92 for a near 8 percent drop. Although WWE reported monster revenue numbers, the expected earnings was simply in line with analyst predictions, which led to a sell-off from shareholders.

- Market Intelligence Center published a morning story on WWE financials when the stock was trading in the mid-$17 range. They recommended a short-term buy in October when the stock is expected to rise about 14.6 percent over the summer. Article link.

- WWE announced a new video game to debut in March 2009, just in time for WrestleMania in Houston. "WWE Legends of WrestleMania" will be released on Xbox and PS3 systems. WWE press release.

- IGN.com wasn't enthusiastic about the new video game with a headline: "Another THQ wrestling game? Whaaaa?!" Article link.

- THQ, which is partnering with Jakks on the new video game, also reported earnings today, and the picture wasn't pretty. WWE's SD vs. Raw video game exceeded sales expectations and 6 million units of the game were shipped, but that was a lone bright spot with THQ reporting a net loss of $35.3 million for fiscal year 2008 that was greater than expected. Press release.

- For last week's cable ratings, WWE Raw took the top spot for ad-supported cable and third overall behind to episodes of Zoey on Nickelodeon. Raw's second hour averaged 4.85 million viewers, TNT's Suns vs. Spurs game from Tuesday averages 4.7 million viewers, and the first hour of Raw picked up 4.4 million viewers to round out the Top Five. Top 20 cable ratings.

- CNBC.com published a story on public companies that are basically family-owned and operated, such as Ford, WWE, and Comcast. Based on three qualifications, CNBC recommends Ford and WWE as stock buying opportunities if your criteria is a strong family structure. Article link.

- Great Khali picked up a promotion in the Punjab police force, as he was promoted to sub-inspector. An article on his promotion lists Khali as "World Wrestling Entertainment’s top performer". Yes... And also, there is a new explanation for his medical leave from the police force that he was trying to "manage the hormonal imbalances in his body," according to the police chief. Howrah.org article link.

Morning Update

- WWE reported monster revenue for the first quarter of 2008, based on approximately $31 million in revenue generated by WrestleMania 24. We'll have much more on this later today. WWE press release with financial break down.

- Tradingmarkets.com quickly published their analysis of WWE's earnings report. Prior to today's earnings report, analysts predicted WWE at earnings of 27 cents per share, which is right in line with what WWE reported. Analysts were also predicting quarterly revenue of $131 million, and WWE surpassed that with $162 million in revenue reported. (Makes you wonder if analysts didn't include WrestleMania revenue in their predictions, or if WWE simply blew away even those expectations.) Article link.

- BBC News published a story on Great Khali's life and journey to WWE upon his return to India. He's becoming quite the international superstar. "I have no fancy villa or cars. I live in a simple home and do not have the money to order a customised car that would fit my size," he said. Khali said he will be filming a documentary during his three-week vacation back home, and then plans to spend a few more years in WWE. Article link.

- During Midway's first quarter earnings report yesterday, interim CEO Matt Booty commented on the upcoming TNA video game release. Booty said many video game critics praised the game during Midway's Gamers Day in Las Vegas last month. "The buzz is very strong for this game and we are already building up an impressive number of presales as we head up to a late summer launch," he said.

- The appearances of Clinton, Obama, and McCain on Raw two weeks ago is still generating some publicity. San Jose Mercury News published a story on the candidates seeking votes any way possible, with the WWE appearances being one example of this being a made-for-TV election. Article link.

- Rick Bassman's Ultimate University returns on May 7 at the R1 Center in El Segundo, Calif., which is just a few miles from LAX airport. The schedule consists of three classes per week on Monday and Wednesday nights, then a Saturday afternoon class. There will be an additional "promo" class TBA that will focus on the psychology of wrestling. Full details.

***

Monday, May 5, 2008

Evening Update

- Raw Preview: Tonight's show will start with the return of Vince McMahon to address William Regal's power trip. Low ratings after Mania usually means the return of McMahon. ... Top match on the show is WWE champion Randy Orton vs. C.M. Punk in a non-title match. ... WWE will be digging deep into storage for the return of Carlito's Cabana, with special guest Roddy Piper. ... In other action, Women's champion Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix in a lumberjill match. You know, because Mickie and Beth apparently aren't good enough to hold a segment on their own. ...

- More details on the story this morning with Vince McMahon receiving a Lifetime Achievement award. McMahon will engage in a special Q&A session, and WWE's VP of marketing Geof Rochester will participate in a case study on the marketing strategy and achievements of WWE’s WrestleMania. Multichannel Mews report.

- THQ, which holds the WWE video game license, is reporting its fiscal year 2008 earnings, while WWE is reporting first quarter 2008 earnings tomorrow morning. WWE is expected to have a knockout quarter, while analysts are expecting THQ to have a "miserable" earnings report. Gamastura article link.

- Slam Wrestling published an interview with Mr. Kennedy on WWE drug testing and a possible babyface turn. Kennedy admitted to previous mistakes regarding his violation of the Wellness policy, but said he doesn't live in the past. "The Wellness Policy is in place, in effect, and we continue to get drug tested," he said. "I think WWE is doing everything that they can and their power to make sure that we're being safe and we're taking care of our bodies."

He said about the possible babyface turn that he won't change his approach in the ring or with his attitude in the program against William Regal, so he'll let the fans decide whom to cheer. "It'll be interesting to make that transition to have the fans cheering for a change," he said. "I'm excited about it. It's something new and fresh and I think that's something we need right now in the WWE, new and fresh." Well, at least someone has come to the realization something new and fresh is required in WWE. Interview link.

- WWE issued a press release touting the 100th episode of ECW TV to air tomorrow night. WWE is promising the next 100 episodes will be "even more compelling, more exciting, and more action-packed.” Press release.

Morning Update

- We're looking for reports from WWE's weekend tour of Canada that just wrapped up. We're also looking for an on-site report from the Raw taping in Toronto tonight.

- Vince McMahon will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement award at the 53rd annual Promax/BDA conference in Manhattan. The conference takes place June 17-19 at Manhattan's Hilton New York hotel. The Promax/BDA CEO said WWE, under Vince's leadership, has incorporated every revenue stream opportunity in today's marketplace. Article link.

- Jim Ross posted a blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing several subjects, including travel issues for WWE wrestlers who were unable to arrive in Montreal on Friday for the Raw house show. He also commented on Santino's DUI arrest last week. "No one is exempt from making a mistake as we are all human," he said. "I know, I have made my fair share, but this misstep should be a great lesson for the young talents just getting their careers started in the biz." Blog link.

- Miami Herald published an interview with Fit Finlay this morning. Finlay told Herald's Jim Varsallone that he's proud to be in the business this long, as there aren't too many people his age still wrestling. Finlay discusses his roots in the business, and he also comments on working with the divas prior to making his in-ring return. "For six years, I trained all the girls," he said. "I got into their heads, found out who they were, and I improved them." Article link.

- Daily Gleaner published a recap of Sunday's matinee house show in Fredericton, N.B., which featured a main event of Edge & MVP vs. Batista & Matt Hardy. Ted DiBiase, Jr. continued his weekend tour debut on the main roster, as he lost an opening match to Kenny Dykstra. Article link.

- Kevin Eck in the Baltimore Sun published a recap of the Maryland Championship Wrestling this weekend in Dundalk, which featured James Storm, ODB, Joey Matthews, and recently-released-from-WWE Balls Mahoney. Article link.

- More Khali coverage in India, with a story on his family and wife. Article link.

***

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