Media Man Watercooler

Sylvester Stallone: Hulk Hogan - He killed me: Rocky III Hollywood movie...

Profiles

Sylvester Stallone Hulk Hogan Movies Hollywood Boxing Wrestling Entertainment

Media Man and Wrestling News Media with yet another bodyslamming news report from the world of professional wrestling meets Hollywood. Fact or fiction? You be the judge, jury and executioner.

Sylvester Stallone recalls his memory of receiving a beat down from wrestling living legend Hulk Hogan in ROCKY III - because apparently his co-star didn't realise he had to fake his punches. That's the story doing the rounds as of late.

Stallone says no one has hit him harder than Hogan (Terry Bollea), did as they filmed the iconic 1982 boxing movie - and one scene left the actor a shattered mess cowering in the corner of a boxing ring.

Sly tells VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live TV show, "He killed me. He beat me up badly... He didn't get that he's supposed to pull his punches (back)... and we took four or five (guys) right into the ambulance right to the hospital with broken collarbones and this and that.

"The hardest I was ever hit was by him... I (still) have visions of it... I'm in the corner and Rocky's been stunned... I'm laying there... and I see this guy running... and he comes down and hits me and I'm laying on the ground saying, 'Don't shove me, don't roll me over... I know there's a bone sticking up here with a vein... and part of my heart.' Oh my God. I said, 'I know I'm shattered'."

Hogan recently apologised for hurting Stallone in the film when he appeared on the VH1 show, but the movie star insists that's not enough.

He joked, "How about my turn? I get a stepladder..."

News...

Sylvester Stallone news...

Stallone against assault weapons...

Sylvester Stallone says that despite his “Rambo” image and new shoot-em-up film 'Bullet to the Head,' he’s in favor of new U.S gun control legislation.

Stallone supported the 1994 “Brady bill” that included a now-expired ban on assault weapons, and hopes that ban can be reinstated.

“I know people get [upset] and go, ‘They’re going to take away the assault weapon.’ Who … needs an assault weapon? Like really, unless you’re carrying out an assault. … You can’t hunt with it. … Who’s going to attack your house, a [expletive] army?”

The 66-year-old actor, writer and director said he also hopes for an additional focus on mental health to prevent future mass shootings.

“It’s unbelievably horrible, what’s happened. I think the biggest problem, seriously, is not so much guns. It’s that every one of these people that have done these things in the past 30 years are friggin’ crazy. Really crazy! And that’s where we’ve dropped the ball: mental health,” he said. “That to me is our biggest problem in the future, is insanity coupled with isolation.”

Stallone is now in production on his next project, pairing up with the former “Raging Bull” Robert De Niro for “Grudge Match,” about two aging boxers.

“People think it’s going to be some geezer brawl. Really? OK, they’re in for a surprise. I’m telling you. I’ve been working on the fight, the choreography. He’s taking it deadly serious. Because no one wants to be shown up,” Stallone said of De Niro. “It’s going to be like a ‘Rocky’ fight. This will be ‘Rocky 7,’ with me fighting — with Rocky fighting the ‘Raging Bull.’”

Bullet To The Head: Profile...

Description

Sylvester Stallone stars as Jimmy Bobo, a New Orleans hitman who forms an alliance with Washington D.C. detective Taylor Kwon to bring down the killer of their respective partners. From director Walter Hill comes the action thriller “Bullet to the Head.”

Genre: Action Thriller Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures / Dark Castle Entertainment Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa, Sarah Shahi, Christian Slater Directed By: Walter Hill Screenplay By: Alessandro Camon; Based on the graphic novel "Bullet to the Head," written by Matz and illustrated by Colin Wilson Produced By: Joel Silver, Alexandra Milchan, Miles Millar, Alfred Gough, Kevin King-Templeton

Wrap-up: "If your a Sly or action film fan, you really just need to see this flick. Just reading about Stallone's movies never does them justice. Go see the living legend's latest most impressive effects.

Websites

Sylvester Stallone official website www.sylvesterstallone.com

Hulk Hogan official website www.hulkhogan.com

Bullet To The Head official website http://bullettothehead.warnerbros.com

Media Man Int www.mediamanint.com

Media Man www.mediaman.com.au

Wrestling News Media www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Superhero movie line-up for Australia in 2013

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming - 28th December 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming; BHE Sets Sights on New Media & $80 Billion/Year Sector...

Profiles

Gaming Eric Bischoff Hulk Hogan Hulk-A-Mania Reality TV Social Media Entertainment Promotions Publicity Television

American television production firm Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has acquired a 50 percent stake in independent online games developer MX Gaming.

Established in 2008, Los Angeles-based MX Digital develops interactive casino and betting games distributed to partners in over 20 nations. Its management team includes interactive industry veterans Ike McFadden and Matias Montero in addition to Ted Lanes, who has 25 years of experience in the technology and consumer products sector.

“We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with MX Gaming,” said Eric Bischoff from Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television.

“We’re expanding into an entirely new sector of entertainment and content. Combining the skill sets of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television with those at MX Gaming puts us at a unique advantage in this explosive business sector.”

Bischoff established Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television in 2003 with Jason Hervey and the enterprise has since become a leading producer of reality programming for Discovery Channel, CMT, NBC, VH-1, TruTV, Spike TV and The CW Television Network. The company recently broke new ground by moving into the scripted comedy genre with the first season of See Dad Run, which airs on Nick At Nite starring Scott Baio. “With MX Gaming we’re excited to find ourselves at the forefront of an entirely new entertainment sector,” said Hervey.

“Combine the enormous growth in online gaming globally and the explosion in popularity of mobile and social games and you’ve got an emerging sector that’s already massive. Getting in on the ground floor of an entirely new medium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television cited a recent Morgan-Stanley report that found social network casino-style games may be worth as much as $7 billion by 2015 and stated that the interactive market is ‘an increasingly important revenue channel for networks and studios’.

“The partnership is the perfect strategic fit for us,” said McFadden.

“The relationships and experience Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has built in the entertainment and licensing world allows us to significantly broaden our content and access top entertainment brands quickly.”

Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

Bischoff Hervey Entertainment

MX Gaming

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Thursday, December 27, 2012

WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network

WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network ...

Profiles

WWE Wrestling John Cena Dwayne Johnson CM Punk The Miz Ric Flair Promotions Publicity Television

WWE is currently in negotiations with at least one investment company about partnering up for the WWE Network. The story is is that people will be amazed when they find out the current programming vision, which has reportedly changed greatly.

WWE rarely takes on partners in their business ventures because Vince McMahon doesn't like answering to other people and has a joke about how they don't play well with others.

In the negotiations, WWE is pitching that the Network would have extremely low programming costs compared to other networks since the majority of the programming would be their old wrestling tape library that they own and don't have to buy any licensing fees for.

You can believe that other sports entertainment companies are watching developments closely, as well as the potential deal getting the attention of the television and programming world as a whole.

WWE top dog Vince McMahon prepared for Connecticut violence backlash...

There was concern at this week's TV tapings that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut may affect the product in some way because of an anti-violence media backlash, particularly when it comes to shows that draw kids. Vince McMahon told people that he expects to be targeted for the effect wrestling has on children, and that they will fight back with charity work and pushing the idea that WWE is family entertainment.

WWE issues press release re THQ filing for bankruptcy...

WWE issued the following press release regarding THQ filing for bankruptcy:

"WWE (NYSE:WWE) is listed in THQ, Inc.'s recent bankruptcy filing as an unsecured creditor holding a claim of approximately $45 million reflecting the entirety of the existing multi-year agreement. Any impairment of a current THQ account receivable would be immaterial to WWE's financial statements. Even if the impact of THQ's bankruptcy were detrimental to WWE, the Company does not believe that the ultimate economic impact for financial statement purposes would materially and adversely affect the results of operations or financial position of WWE in light of the strength of the WWE brand and the historical performance of WWE's video game business."

Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

WWE

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Friday, December 21, 2012

Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia - 21st December 2012

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Les Miserables: Sydney, Australia media call Thursday

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia - 18th December 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Lord Of The Rings Australia

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere at George Street Event Cinemas tonight.

A crowd of hundreds of general public and dozens of media welcomed in the popular film franchise.

The celebrity list was large and included: Paula Arundell, Zoe Balbi, Emily Barclay, Matt Boesenberg, Scott Cam, Salvatore Coco, Harry Cook, Zoe Crammond, Matt Day, Matt Doran, Issy Durant, Bella Ferraro, Rhiannon Fish, Fourtunate, Maude Garrett, Lisa Gormley, Daniel Henshall, Les Hill, George Houvardes, John Jarratt, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Jay Lag’aia, Todd Lasance, Sophie Lowe, Sophie Luck, Emma Lung, Andrew Maciver, Reece Mastin, Jessica McNamee, Sam Moran, Matt Nable, Indira Naidoo, Valentina Novakovic, Alice Parkinson, Peter Phelps, Rupert Reid, Stephanie Rice, Kat Risteska, Jordan Rodrigues, Zac Russell (The Collective), Guy Sebastian, Jeremy Sims, Barry Southgate, Marco Storm, Miranda Tapsell, Erik Thomsen, Maria Venuti, David Whitehill, Felix Williamson, Dan Wyllie and Lincoln Younes.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first of a three-part film adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, to be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, due for theatrical release in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Promo:

Set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, the adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.

Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.

The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

Storyline:

Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities

A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.

Summary: Many entertainment commentators including the Media Man agency think that 'The Hobbit' may be one of the best and most popular movies in Australia for 2012, despite the late release in the year. One for the whole family, and both casual and die hard fans should love it.

Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay) Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitrage, Andy Serkis (Voice), Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving

Websites

The Hobbit official website

Village Roadshow Australia

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Music News Australia

Media Man Int

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Thursday, December 13, 2012

James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz

James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood James Packer Crown Limited Entertainment

Casino and gambling tsar James Packer is heading for Hollywood, establishing up a production company with blockbuster director Brett Ratner.

The billionaire is joining forces with Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, which will make independent films.

A spokesman for Mr Packer confirmed the partnership with the 43-year-old director and producer, describing it as "a small private investment".

Mr Ratner, who directed Rush Hour, Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, told the Hollywood Reporter Ratpac will develop, produce and finance films on its own and in partnership with Hollywood studios.

‘‘We intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers,’’ Mr Ratner said in a statement.

Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen advised Mr Packer’s move into the film world was unexpected but not overly surprising considering that his family, particularly his father Kerry Packer, had previously been involved in the industry.

‘‘The Packers do have a long history, his father more than he, of getting into the film, mini series and television production business because it was, at least, very attractive from an investment and tax point of view,’’ he said.

The Packers have also invested in Hollywood studios, such as Lionsgate, in the past but that may have been to align supply contracts with the Nine Network when they owned it, Mr Allen said.

He said it was highly likely that Mr Packer had received some recommendation from one of his Hollywood friends, such as Tom Cruise, about Mr Ratner before deciding to go into business with him.

‘‘There would have had to be some connection,’’ Mr Allen said. ‘‘He would have known the people or liked them or Tom Cruise, his supposed mate, would have said these are good people to get into business with.

‘‘There has to be a reason. He doesn’t do things on whims. He’s not like his father.’’

While the film industry would appear an odd fit with Mr Packer’s main business interest, Crown Casino, Mr Allen said they were both essentially in the entertainment industry.

‘‘It’s an odd fit but I guess drawing a long string to the bow it’s all entertainment,’’ he said.

But he said the film industry was always risky as bankable stars and high profile directors do not guarantee hits.‘‘It’s a high risk, but can be a high profit, business,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s nothing certain in show business.’’

Oh, don't be surprised to see Packer push forward with Hollywood themed slot games - both landline and online. A Media Man spokesman said "Rest assured Packer will find a ways to tie in gambling with movies and you can bet it will make sense financially as well as have artistic merits. Make no mistake - money still talks in Hollywood, and with Brett Ratner being his partner, this new venture is tipped for mega success, even in a volatile industry such as movie making."

Stay tuned for more Packer action in Hollywood right here with Media Man.

News Update...

GAMBLING and media tycoon James Packer has turned his sights to the film industry, throwing his dollars behind Hollywood mover n shaker director Brett Ratner...

The Crown chairman has teamed up with Rush Hour director Brett Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, a company that will produce and finance blockbuster films. The pair reportedly have already two films in production.

A spokesman for Mr Packer, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, confirmed the partnership, noting it was a "small private investment". It is understood Ratner and Mr Packer have struck up a friendship in recent times.

The move comes just months after Mr Packer sold his remaining stake in his family business Consolidated Media Holdings and amid Crown's campaign to build a hotel and casino development at Sydney's Barangaroo.

In a statement, Ratner said he and Mr Packer "intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films, but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers".

It's not the first time the Packer name -- synonymous with TV and media ownership -- has been linked to the film industry. Kerry Packer, James's father, bought a stake in film studio New Regency Productions in the mid-1990s. In 2008, three years after his father's death, James is reported to have sold the 25 per cent share for $348 million.

Don't know about you, but wouldn't it be something to see a gambling themed movie put together by Packer and Ratner. Can you imagine the merchandise spin offs like movie themed slot games. Who wouldn't pay for that.

Plus, with Packer involved any Hollywood projects are going to get news media coverage, and at this stage of the game it's likely going to be positive.

Watch out Hollywood - there's a few new kings in town... gives new meaning to the term "Gumleaf Mafia", which the Media Man agency has been pitching around for a few years now.

Might be time for Media Man and friends to start being more pro active in Hollywood again. Watch this space.

*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited

Websites

Media Man Int www.mediamanint.com

Media Man www.mediaman.com.au

Crown Limited www.crownlimited.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Media Man entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news

Entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news; WWE, boxing, UFC..

Profiles

WWE Wrestling WWE Studios Movies Hollywood John Cena Dwayne Johnson Steve Austin The Miz Advertising Promotions Publicity Brands Television DVD Sports Entertainment

Rock's 2013 schedule...

Pro wrestling and movie fans - add yet another production shoot to The Rock's commitments in First Quarter 2013. Rock noted Sunday during a "Rock Talk" Twitter Q&A that filming begins in February on his new TNT show, "The Hero."

"I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!" Rock tweeted. "My schedule is hellacious & my goals I've chosen to achieve are HARD. So, my daily focus on training is my anchor."

As for the first month of 2013, Rock reinforced that he's anticipating facing C.M. Punk, who is currently injured, for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

"I can't wait to face @CMPunk for the @WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. Been training for months for this moment," Rock tweeted.

His favorite artist: “Sam Cooke is my fav artist. #Soul I love ALL genres of music – from hip hop to orchestral to traditional country..”

If he would post for Playgirl: “I’d pose for Playgirl, but there just ain’t enough pages to showcase me baby! << TONS of cheese on that answer.;).”

His upcoming movies: “Im excited for all my 2013 movies: SNITCH, GI JOE, PAIN & GAIN & FAST 6. Tons of hard work & eager for you to see… FAST 6 is gonna be killer. Stakes are higher, cars are cooler and Im tougher than a 2 dollar steak well done. Michael Bay’s PAIN & GAIN is a very unique & cool movie. The most challenging role I’ve ever played. April 2013.”

His new show on TNT, The Hero: “I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!”

His favorite co-star: “In Hollywood, I’ve been lucky to work w/ so many talented & beautiful leading ladies, but #JulieAndrewsIsQueen”

Future plans: “As an actor, producer or even in @WWE – the goal is to be a positive force & entertain the world. And keep growin!”

In addition to filming new movies and squeezing in WWE appearances to hype the Rumble and WrestleMania 29, Rock will also be promoting movies scheduled for theatrical release.

The Rock comments on heat with CM Punk...

When quizzed on Twitter if he has heat with Punk - Rock replied, "Of course not my friend. I love Phillip & he loves me."

WWE announcer Jim Ross blogs on The Rock and CM Punk...

What will close the Royal Rumble: "Already getting questions about what attraction will close the show at WWE Royal Rumble, @CMPunk vs. @TheRock or the Rumble match? I haven't a clue nor do I care as either choice would be fine with me but if I had to guess I'd guess it would be the WWE Title bout. Again, don't know and don't care as I will be watching one of my favorite PPV events of the year.

"My guess is that Punk will push Rock inside the ring from bell to bell unlike Rock has been pushed since, arguably, the @steveaustinBSR days. That's not taking any thing away from @JohnCena who wrestles at a different pace that Austin did or Punk likes to. How does even an athlete as gifted as @TheRock prepare for what awaits inside the 20 foot ring? Cardio is great but nothing replicates wrestling long matches better than wrestling long matches."

Mark Wahlberg and The Rock pump iron for Michael Bay's 'Pain & Gain'...

Based on a 1999 Miami New Times story, Pain & Gain is an action comedy that follows a pair of bodybuilders who turn to extortion, kidnapping, and murder. The film has long been the Transformers director’s passion project. In 2007, Bay told media that he became attached to the movie because he loved the characters, promising there wouldn’t be too many explosions. “It’s like a mixture of Fargo and Pulp Fiction and it’s all true,” he said. “And they’re all knuckleheads. It’s a fun character piece. No action. One car crash.” The movie tag-line - "Their American Dream is Bigger than yours".

50 Cent says boxing should be more like WWE...

World famous music rapper 50 Cent has an idea to make professional boxing regain some of its past popularity. That suggestion is to become more like WWE. In a news article with USA today, the rapper turned boxing promoter suggested the sport entwine some WWE like theatrics to spice up the struggling sport. 50 Cent went on to state that the mainstream public doesn't question the validity of boxing like they do professional wrestling. The statements made by 50 Cent are somewhat valid.

It's true that boxing may need to step up their overall game if they want to compete with the combative, circus like World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Vince McMahon transformed pro wrestling in the mid eighties and revolutionized the sport that was formerly held in smoky bingo halls across the country. The Ultimate Fighting Championship league followed suite several years later. The flashier more pronounced representation led to a lucrative television series, engrossing merchandise deals and high pay per view buy rates. Professional boxing has been dragging its feet and hasn't hoped onto the sports entertainment bandwagon. If history is any indication, what worked for WWE and UFC, could also work for boxing.

50 Cent also mentions that pro boxing will not suffer from a more sports entertainment atmosphere because the public does not question the validity of professional boxing. This statement is untrue. For too many decades to list there has been reports of pro boxers taking a dive and mysterious phantom punches. If boxing does add more entertainment to their pay-per-views and programming, they do run a risk of being lumped into the predetermined world of pro wrestling.

If you need proof of this possibility, one needs to look no further than Vince McMahon's foray into football. His XFL league took a more sports entertainment approach to pro ball. Despite being legitimate, the American public found the XFL to be somewhat tainted because of its new approach. The XFL didn't last more than one season and is widely considered a flop. WWE's Vince McMahon cut his losses and run - returning focus to pro wrestling WWE style.

50 Cent is on the money when he says boxing needs to add some entertainment to make it more hip and relevant. But they have to be cautious - it could make or break the already damaged sport which continues to take a weekly and monthly but kicking from the WWE and UFC in ratings, advertising rates, viewership, and just about any other sector you want to take a jab at.

Garry Cook to Expand UFC in the UK...

Global Director of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Marshall Zelaznik, advised that the hand over to the UK under former Man City CEO Garry Cook will break new boundaries.

Cook has recently spent some time in Las Vegas, USA, to plan his strategy.

The UFC has already announced an event that will take place at Wembley Area on Feb 16th.

Cook said that “While we are working on finalising the fight card, UFC and fight fans can rest assured that we will bring another compelling card. You can bet that with us returning to London we will bring top fighters from the UK and around the world”.

Cook elaborated saying that there is a high demand for UFC events in London, the last event was wold-out (Bisping vs. Akiyama) and Cook believes they’ll have no problem selling tickets for future events.

Zelaznik recently said that the UFC has “a very good foothold in England” but he thinks that due to Cook’s insights into the England’s sporting culture he will take the UFC to “even greater heights.” Zelaznik went on to say that he believes under Cook the popularity of UFC will continue to grow in England and that more events will take place in the future.

2012 WWE Slammy Awards Taking Place On Next Week's RAW...

WWE has announced that the 2012 Slammy Awards will take place during next week's show from the the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

WWE will be using their RAWactive features and the WWE App for fan interaction during the Awards.

Sting Potentially Negotiating With WWE...

Is there anything happening?

- There has been speculation that WWE has been pursuing Sting for the WWE Hall of Fame and even a possible match at WrestleMania XXIX. This was due to Triple H recently mentioning him in interviews, WWE.com mentioning Sting more often than usual, and the fact that Sting's yearly TNA deal ends at the end of 2012. According to a source in the writing team, there is no truth to the rumors that he is coming in. A source stated the following…

"The current TNA lawsuit has everything frozen for the moment. WWE will not even internally discuss Sting. That just won't happen. Until this lawsuit settles, finishes or is dismissed, there's no way any discussion about Sting is going to happen. His name has never come up, and I can practically guarantee you that it won't."

The source also added the following…

"The idea of Sting vs. Undertaker, Sting vs. Punk, or Sting vs. Cena was something a lot of the young writers were dreaming about until a senior member reminded them there's not a chance of it happening this year."

2013 WWE Studios movie releases; Wrestling and movie connection; Dwayne Johnson thoughts...

WWE Studios has released the full line-up of their 2013 movie releases, some of which will be theatrical releases and others will be straight-to-DVD.

If the last few years of WWE Studios flicks are anything to go by, it will be a mixed bag, but the good news is that there should be one or two gems and pleasant surprises in there... not just B and C grade stuff. Wrestling fans... you got to wonder what it would take for 'The Rock' to sign up to Vince McMahon's WWE Studios - even for 1 or 2 films. Maybe the answer is more money than McMahon is currently willing to offer 'The Great One'. Speaking of The Rock, be sure to check out 'The Hero' when it finally hits television. Time will tell if it finally makes it to Rupert Murdoch influenced Foxtel, but it stands to reason if the public let Foxtel know they want more of 'The Rock', it may help achieve the positive result that fans are looking for.

The following is the 2013 WWE Studios movie schedule:

- "No One Lives" (Jan. 2013): WWE star in supporting role is Brodus Clay. - "Dead Man Down": WWE star in supporting role is Wade Barrett. - "Marine 3: Homefront": WWE star in the leading role is The Miz. - "12 Rounds 2: Reloaded": WWE star in the leading role is Randy Orton. - "The Hive": WWE star in a supporting role is David Otunga, plus Halle Berry in a leading role. - "Leprechaun: Origins": WWE star in the leading role is Hornswoggle. - 2014: Scooby-Doo themed movie when "Scooby Do and the Gang go to WrestleMania."

Keep checking the WWE Studios Facebook and Media Man network www.mediamanint.com for updates.

WWE World RAW Tour: Tours Australia in July 2013...

Presented by: WWE & Dainty Group

WWE’s unique brand of action packed entertainment is returning to Australia with WWE RAW.

Fans will be able to see all their favorite WWE Superstars and Divas including John Cena®, CM Punk™, Ryback™, Rey Mysterio®, The Miz™, Dolph Ziggler™, Kofi Kingston™, Zack Ryder™, Eve™, R-Truth™, AJ™ and many more*. * Line-up subject to change

TOUR DATES*: Friday 26 July - Rod Laver Arena Melbourne Saturday 27 July - Allphones Arena Sydney Sunday 28 July - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Monday 29 July - Adelaide Entertainment Centre Tuesday 30 July - Perth Arena

Foxtel to launch a new movie service...

Foxtel will launch a simplified movie service for its subscribers from next year.

The new Movies & Premium Drama package will replace the Showtime and Movie Network services, Foxtel announced on Sunday.

It will offer high definition ad-break free movies as well an increased On Demand offering.

Those who subscribe for the package will have access to seven Foxtel movie channels and the dedicated premium drama channel, showcase, which will screen award-winning drama series, many of which will be broadcast express from the US.

Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein says this will change the way Australians will be able to experience movies.

"Our research told us customers want one destination for their movies, as well as simple navigation to find the movie they feel like watching. The seven dedicated and intuitively themed movie channels will ensure we make it as easy as possible for people to find and watch the movie they feel like watching," Freudenstein said in a statement.

Current subscribers to both movie packages will automatically receive all seven new Foxtel movie channels as well as showcase, World Movies and the two +2 channels (Premiere and showcase).

The new package will be available from January 1.

Richard Branson's £1 Million Wager on Virgin...

Billionaire Richard Branson is willing to bet that his flagship airline has a future—at least until 2018.

In a web blog post Monday, Branson proposed a £1 million ($1.6 million) wager with the chief executive of British Airways’ parent company (IAG), Willie Walsh, after Walsh said that Delta Air Lines (DAL) would likely acquire control of Branson’s Virgin Atlantic “and suggested the deal could ultimately see the end of the Virgin Atlantic brand,” the Guardian reported Dec. 9.

“This is wishful thinking and totally misguided,” Branson wrote on his company’s website, referring to the airline as “my baby.” “Will BA never learn? Let’s see how much they believe this. Let them put their money where their mouth is.” The Virgin Group founder is offering to pay the money to British Airways if the Virgin Atlantic name disappears within five years. If not, Branson proposed that BA pay Virgin employees the same amount. A British Airways’ representative in New York did not immediately return a call or e-mail seeking comment.

Delta is negotiating with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to acquire that carrier’s stake in Virgin Atlantic, according to media reports. On Monday, Bloomberg News reported that Delta is close to a deal and would pay $300 million to $500 million for Singapore’s 49 percent stake. Such a move would help Atlanta-based Delta bolster its presence at London Heathrow, one of the world’s most congested airports. In his comments to the newspaper, Walsh said, “I can’t see Delta operating the Virgin brand—Delta believe they are the No. 1 airline in the world.”

Walsh’s comments came as Virgin Atlantic announced plans to begin offering its first domestic service next spring, with as many as two dozen daily flights among Manchester, London Heathrow, and Scotland. The new flights, operated by Aer Lingus (AERL), would help to feed domestic traffic to Virgin’s long-haul service from London, which suffered a blow when British Airways’ parent, International Consolidated Airlines Group, acquired British Midland International.

*Special thank you to WWE, Pro Wrestling Torch, Wrestling Inc, Jim Ross and Google News for assistance and references in compiling this news report.

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Based on a 1999 Miami New Times story, Pain & Gain is an action comedy that follows a pair of bodybuilders who turn to extortion, kidnapping, and murder. The film has long been the Transformers director’s passion project. In 2007, Bay told media that he became attached to the movie because he loved the characters, promising there wouldn’t be too many explosions. “It’s like a mixture of Fargo and Pulp Fiction and it’s all true,” he said. “And they’re all knuckleheads. It’s a fun character piece. No action. One car crash.” The movie tag-line - "Their American Dream is Bigger than yours".

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. : Yahoo! Brings Fans the Exclusive Global Online Live Stream of the Rolling Stones 50TH Anniversary Concert on December 15...

Yahoo! Inc. and WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced the exclusive global online live stream of the Rolling Stones 50th anniversary concert, an historic pay-per-view special that will take place on Saturday, December 15 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT on Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com).

Rolling Stones at London's O2 arena. Opening night of the Stones '50 and Counting' tour on November 25, 2012. Credit: Brian Rasic

Rolling Stones fans can come to Yahoo! for historic footage including past concerts, band interviews and backstage access. Beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT on December 15, fans can watch an exclusive special entitled Countdown to the Rolling Stones, featuring pre-show activities and a countdown of the 10 greatest Rolling Stones moments of all-time.

The Rolling Stones concert is the latest in a series of exclusive special music events accessible to millions of viewers on Yahoo! From concerts such as the Clinton Foundation 10th Anniversary and iHeart Radio festival, to red carpet premieres for "Twilight: Breaking Dawn" and "The Hunger Games," Yahoo! brings our users their latest entertainment obsessions and their time-honored favorites, across computers and mobile devices.

"The Rolling Stones' music has crossed generations and the world and Yahoo! is excited to bring this very special music event to our global audience," said Erin McPherson, Vice President and Head of Yahoo!'s video and originals. "The Rolling Stones are living legends, and we are honored that the band and WWE chose us to be a part of their 50th anniversary celebration."

"We are pleased to partner with Yahoo!, a global leader in digital media, to bring the Rolling Stones pay-per-view online to millions across the world," said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO, WWE. "Our partnership will create unprecedented reach for this historic event."

WWE, the world's pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming, in partnership with Dainty Group and Endemol, will distribute the pay-per-view event globally. For additional information on how to watch the pay-per-view event in your market, please visit www.rollingstones.com/watch. And the Official Rolling Stones app is now available on the App Store http://bit.ly/UaJTNQ.

WHAT: Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com) to host the exclusive pay-per-view live stream of the Rolling Stones' 50th Anniversary concert from The Prudential Center.

WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

WHERE: Concert to be streamed globally on Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com).

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (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/.

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! is focused on making the world's daily habits more inspiring and entertaining. By creating highly personalized experiences for our users, we keep people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the world. In turn, we create value for advertisers by connecting them with the audiences that build their businesses. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has offices located throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the company's blog (yodel.yahoo.com).

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

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