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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Sylvia Vs. Pudzianowski Headlines “Moosin: God Of Martial Arts” PPV Event 1st Major MMA Show In Massachusetts May 21 At DCU Center In Worcester

Source - Full Court Press:

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 27, 2010) – The first 5-time World’s Strongest Man, Polish icon Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski, makes his United States debut May 21 against 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia (25-6-0) in the super heavyweight main event, headlining the first major mixed-martial-arts show in Massachusetts history, “God of Martial Arts” pay-per-view event, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

“God of Martial Arts” is being presented by Moosin, the South Korea-based promotional company, which has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States. Moosin, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.

The 6-1, 275-pound Pudzianowski (1-0), a national hero in Poland, won his cage debut last December, forcing Marcin Najman to tap-out to punches and kicks in only 43 seconds. In addition to his feats of strength as the World’s Strongest Man, Marius practices karate and finished second in Poland’s version of “Dancing With The Stars.”

During his sensational career, Ellsworth, Maine-native Sylvia (6-8, 280 lbs.) has defeated many of the top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.

“The owner of Moosin, Mr. Oh, is an affluent Korean businessman who owns a global Yaekwon-Do company in South Korea,” Moosin’s Corey Fischer explained. “This (Moosin) isn’t about money; it’s about prestige. He wants to leave his legacy as the man who brought MMA to the forefront of the world, bringing it back to being a traditional sport. We’re coming to Massachusetts to put on the first major, sanctioned MMA show there because of its reputation for having great fight fans. ‘Butterbean’ (Eric Esch), who works with our promotional company, has fought in Worcester a few times. He loves it there and has developed a lot of good contacts in that market, too. Sylvia’s experience against Pudzianowski’s brute strength makes for a classic contrast of fighting styles. We’re going to feature some other big names, mix in some of the best talent in New England, and produce an awesome pay-per-view show.”

In the co-main event, Korean heavyweight Mu Bae “The Heavy Tank of Busan” Choi (9-4-0) battles veteran Travis “Diesel” Wiuff (59-14-0). Brazilian middleweight Rafael “Sapo” Natal (11-2-0) takes on Travis “The Serial Killer” Lutter (10-5-0), while Bahamian lightweight Yves “The Texas Gunslinger” Edwards (37-15-1) faces New England’s rising-star Mike Campbell (7-2-0).

A special female attraction has been added featuring two of the premier women MMA fighters in the U.S., Tara LaRosa (18-1-0) and Roxy Modafferi (13-4-0), at a 130-pound catch-weight.

“God of Martial Arts” is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95 (also available in HD).

The show has worldwide appeal but also features several local favorites on the undercard: Korean light heavyweight Chang Seob Lee (2-4-0) vs. Lukasz “Juras” Jurkowski (5-6-0), Clinton’s Matt Lee (11-8-1) vs. Bridgewater’s Brett Oteri (5-0-0) in a match-up of Massachusetts lightweights, unbeaten Worcester (Mass.) welterweight Ralph Johnson vs. NAAFS champion Forrest “The Meat Clever” Petz (23-7-0 undefeated Rockland (Mass.) heavyweight Paul Barry (3-0-0) vs. Stipe Miocic (1-0-0), Stoughton (Mass.) middleweight Fred “French Foot Fighter” Belleton (6-2-0) vs. Anthony “The Recipe” Lapsley (14-5-0).

Also, fan favorite Eric “Butterbean” Esch (98-18-5, all-fighting) squares-off against former Boston Bruins enforcer and popular WAAF sports personality, Lyndon “LB” Byers, in a charity fundraiser. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $35.75, $55.75, $75.75, $150.75 and $250.75, are on sale at the DCU Center Box Office (50 Foster St., Worcester, MA), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

Doors open at 7:30 PM/ET, first bout 8:00 PM/ET, first PPV bout 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

Moosin: A global event promoter based out of Seoul, South Korea, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Moosin is known for bringing fans the finest in mixed martial arts competition. Moosin is revolutionizing the MMA industry by merging an international roster of talented fighters with recognizable stars from the world or music, sports and popular culture. Moosin pits warrior against warrior, featuring a hybrid of MMA and hard-hitting Moosin-style kickboxing, in hand-to-hand battles of skill, honor and art.

DCU Center: A multi-purpose arena and convention center uniquely designed to accommodate the needs of any size group from 15 to 15,000 DCU Center is owned by the City of Worcester and managed by SMG, the world’s leading private management and developing firm for public assembly facilities. Headquartered on Philadelphia, SMG provides management services to over 200 public assembly facilities internationally and also offers food and beverage operations through SAVOR...Catering by SMG. For more information, please visit www.dcucenter.com.

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

RIP: "Gorgeous" George Grant

I know very little about him or his career, but earlier today, "Gorgeous" George Grant passed away, in Columbia, South Carolina.

As best I can decipher, Grant, 85, began wrestling in the 1940s or 50s and wasn't "Gorgeous," until wrestling for Jack Pfeffer (who just loved to copy or even outright steal gimmicks of the era's top performers).

Legend has it, Grant and the original "Gorgeous George" (Wagner) had a match, and although I've never seen the result, Wagner probably convincingly won (perhaps helping Grant avoid the legal trouble other imitators faced).

Grant retired in around 1965, and often tried to pass himself off as the real deal, claiming to have later cleaned up his life and found religion.

Funeral services are scheduled for sometime next week.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Michael Rapaport, Parker Posey, Julie White And Bruce Dern Join WWE® Superstar Triple H® In WWE Studios’ “Killing Karma”

Source - World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., Apr 19, 2010 -- WWE Studios announced today that actors Michael Rapaport (“Prison Break”), Parker Posey (“Highland Park”), Julie White (“Transformers 2”), Michael Cudlitz (“Southland”) and Bruce Dern (“The Big Valley”) have joined WWE Superstar Triple H (“Blade: Trinity”) in the cast of the studios’ upcoming suspense drama, “Killing Karma.” Principal photography has begun in and around New Orleans, Louisiana.

Artie Mandelberg (“Saving Grace”) is directing from a screenplay by novelist Dylan Schaffer (Misdemeanor Man). “Killing Karma” is produced by WWE Studios Executive Vice President Michael Pavone and executive produced by Lori Lewis.

For the last 13 years, AJ (TRIPLE H) has been behind bars, convicted of murdering his stepfather, who was abusing his mother. Now released, AJ wants to start a small business and live a crime-free life. Unfortunately, within hours of leaving prison, his oldest and best friend, Jack (MICHAEL RAPAPORT) involves AJ in an accidental shooting in which a man is killed, forcing Jack to skip town. When Jack’s father and local mob boss Vic Small (BRUCE DERN) comes looking for retribution, AJ is compelled to protect Jack’s family and himself even if it means returning to prison.

WWE Superstar Triple H is AJ (Arlo Jayne), a parolee determined to go straight after serving 13 years for the murder of his abusive step-father. Triple H is a thirteen-time World Champion. He debuted with the WWE in 1995 as Hunter Hearst-Helmsley™ and has become one of WWE’s most popular and successful Superstars of all time. Triple H has appeared in the film, “Blade: Trinity,” as a vampire enforcer. He has also guest starred in several television series including “The Drew Carey Show,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “MADtv,” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Michael Rapaport plays Jack Small, a high-strung, low-level mobster and longtime friend to AJ (Triple H). Rapaport, whose feature film credits include the Tony Scott blockbuster, “True Romance,” “The 6th Day,” “Deep Blue Sea,” “Cop Land” and “Mighty Aphrodite,” has appeared in more than 50 films and dozens of television shows since his debut in the acclaimed indie, “Zebrahead,” in 1992. He has also starred in several television series including “Prison Break,” “The War at Home” and “Boston Legal.”

Parker Posey portrays Claire Small, Jack’s wife, who has never stopped loving her former beau, AJ. Posey has appeared in more than 50 films including “Happy Tears,” “Superman Returns,” “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” “The Sweetest Thing,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Scream 3,” “Party Girl,” “Clockwatchers” and “Henry Fool.” She has received two Spirit Award nominations for her performances in “Broken English” and “Personal Velocity,” as well as a Golden Globe® nomination for “Hell on Wheels: The Battle of Mary Kay.”

Tony Award-winning actress Julie White is Louisiana Tax Board agent Martha Twiss, who stumbles upon the accidental shooting, while investigating a smuggling ring. Well known for her roles as Judy Witwicky in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Transformers” and as Nadine Swoboda on “Grace Under Fire,” White is also the voice of Wendy Murphy in the blockbuster “Monsters vs. Aliens.” Her other film credits include “Michael Clayton,” “The Nanny Diaries” and “The Astronaut Farmer.” White has also enjoyed recurring roles on the television shows “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Six Feet Under.”

Michael Cudlitz portrays Detective Calgrove, a local policeman looking to solve the shooting. Cudlitz currently stars as Officer John Cooper on the television series, “Southland.” He is well known for playing Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “Band of Brothers.” His film credits include “Surrogates,” “Stolen Lives,” “Crossing Over” and “Grosse Pointe Blank.” On television, he starred in the series, “Standoff,” and has also guest starred on “Lost,” “Saving Grace,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Criminal Minds,” “Prison Break,” “CSI: Miami,” “24,” “The Practice” and “Live From Baghdad.”

Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Bruce Dern plays Dr. Vic Small, a mob boss/veterinarian who runs a lucrative smuggling operation. Dern has appeared in more than 80 feature films and dozens of television series in his nearly 50 years on screen. Since debuting in the 1960 film “Wild River,” Dern has worked in movies and television shows as a leading character actor. His films include “Marnie,” “Hang ‘em High,” “They Shoot Horses Don’t They?” “The King of Marvin Gardens,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Black Sunday,” “Coming Home,” “That Championship Season,” “Mulholland Falls,” “All the Pretty Horses,” “Monster” and the sci-fi classic, “Silent Running.”

Director Artie Mandelberg is an executive producer and director on the award-winning TNT series, “Saving Grace.” His other credits include “Wilder Napalm,” “Medium,” “CSI Miami” and “Moonlighting.”

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., 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, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. 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 risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; 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, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

HDNet To Broadcast 'HDNet Fights: Mark Burnett Presents King Of The Cage - Bad Boys Too'

Source - HDNet:

Horn vs. Rosholt Headline an Event Filled with New MMA Prospects - Friday, April 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, Apr 15, 2010 -- HDNet will broadcast "HDNet Fights: Mark Burnett Presents King of the Cage - Bad Boys Too" LIVE from Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan this Friday, April 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

The main event of the evening features three-time NCAA wrestling champion Jake Rosholt (7-2) facing veteran Jeremy Horn (84-19-5) in a 195-pound catch-weight bout. Rosholt is looking to get back on track after a 1-2 run in the UFC. Horn is one of the toughest and most experienced fighters in the sport and promises to offer a stiff test to one of MMA's most heralded prospects.

"Jeremy Horn has found a way to win 84 times - it will be an interesting test for Jake Rosholt at this point in his career," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Also, the rest of the card offers fans a chance to see the next generation of MMA stars." In the co-main event of the evening, Rosholt's "Team Takedown" teammate David Shepherd (4-0 with 4 submissions) defends his KOTC Lightweight title against Detroit's own Dom O'Grady (8-2).

In other action, submission expert Joe Doerksen (43-12) looks to expand his four fight win streak as he takes on Chad Herrick (6-4), and Daron Cruickshank (3-0) meets Jason Holmes (6-1). Plus Ben Lagman (5-1) takes on Angelo Popofski (13-7) and Waylon Lowe (7-2) meets Steve Berger (21-19-2).

A previously announced bout between former boxing heavyweight champion Ray Mercer and Ron Sparks was a late scratch from the card due to an injury suffered by Mercer.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom and Verizon FiOS.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. To Report 2010 First Quarter Results

Source - World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., Apr 14, 2010 -- World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) announced that it will report its 2010 first quarter results on May 6, 2010, before the opening of the market. The Company’s Chairman and CEO, Vincent K. McMahon, and senior management will host a conference call beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results.

All interested parties are welcome to listen to a live web cast that will be hosted through the Company’s web site at corporate.wwe.com. Participants can also access the conference call by dialing 888-647-2706 (conference ID: WWE). Please reserve a line 15 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call.

The earnings release and presentation to be referenced during the call will be found at corporate.wwe.com.

A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conference call concludes, and can be accessed on the Company’s web site.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., 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, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. can be found at corporate.wwe.com. If you have additional questions, please contact WWE Investor Relations via e-mail at investor.relations@wwecorp.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 risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; 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, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

SmackDown® Goes Syfy

Source - World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., Apr 13, 2010 -- World Wrestling Entertainment® (NYSE: WWE) and Syfy announced today a multi-year agreement that brings Friday Night SmackDown® to the “Imagine Greater” network beginning in October 2010. Friday Night SmackDown will premiere on its new home October 1st at 8:00 PM ET. The program, which debuted more than 10 years ago, is one of the longest-running, weekly episodic shows on television.

Syfy’s original Friday night drama series will move to Tuesday night, where hit series such as Warehouse 13 and Eureka have yielded unprecedented ratings success. WWE NXT™ will leave Syfy in October as Friday Night SmackDown joins the schedule.

“WWE® is the ultimate in imagination-based sports entertainment. The fantastical thrills of Friday Night SmackDown provide an ideal addition to the Syfy slate, as it targets the younger male and female demographics, which are the fastest growing categories for WWE,” said Dave Howe, President, Syfy. “With Tuesday night, a proven winner for our original drama series including Warehouse 13, there is bigger opportunity for series such as Stargate Universe, Sanctuary and Caprica to thrive on a night with a significantly larger number of viewers available to watch live.”

“Syfy is a terrific partner and we look forward to bringing our proven ratings winner and ten year television institution, Friday Night SmackDown, to the network,” said WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. “With this move, WWE is thrilled to be expanding its long-standing relationship with the NBC Universal family.”

Friday Night SmackDown averages more than 3.4 million viewers a week and is currently the most watched TV program on Friday nights among Males under 55 and beats all Friday primetime programming on ABC, NBC, FOX and CW among Men 18-34*. The two hour television program will be presented weekly on Syfy and features a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas including Undertaker®, Edge®, Rey Mysterio®, Chris Jericho®, CM Punk®, Michelle McCool®, Beth Phoenix™ and Layla™.

*(Nielsen Media Research Q4 2009)

About WWE, Inc.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., 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, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

About Syfy

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

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 risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; 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, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Collective Licensing International Secures Global Brand Partnership With MMA Powerhouse STRIKEFORCE

Source - Collective Licensing International & Strikeforce:

Combining forces with top licensing and brand management company CLI ensures continued growth in the fastest growing sports market in the world, Mixed Martial Arts

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Apr 12, 2010 -- Collective Licensing International (CLI) today announced their brand partnership and master license agreement with world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE. The long-term brand partnership agreement provides CLI the rights to license and produce all facets of STRIKEFORCE brand merchandise including, but not limited to, footwear, apparel, accessories and equipment.

CLI plans to elevate the STRIKEFORCE brand though its years of successful action sports and performance athletic brand expertise, innovative marketing initiatives, and extensive retail partnerships. CLI will bridge the gap between core MMA athletes and worldwide consumers for the first time by bringing the STRIKEFORCE-specific product line further into the youth consumer market with an entirely new product offering.

The collaboration with CLI will build the STRIKEFORCE organization into a complete lifestyle and culture brand, securing a commanding role in the fastest growing sport in the world.

Bruce Pettet, CEO of Collective Licensing International, said, “We’re looking forward to building STRIKEFORCE into a great consumer brand at retail. We are excited to partner with STRIKEFORCE where CEO Scott Coker has successfully established relationships with world-class partners like CBS, SHOWTIME®, EA Sports, Rockstar Energy Drink, and Full Tilt Poker among others.”

“We are confident that CLI’s excellence in brand building will be a catalyst behind the continued growth of the STRIKEFORCE brand and will enhance our connection with consumers worldwide,” said STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO, Scott Coker.

STRIKEFORCE is leading the MMA community with new and innovative events and is revitalizing the sport with its focus on elevating the star power of athletes and bringing unexpected and exciting opportunities to MMA fans. In addition to its roster that includes a host of the world’s top male competitors, STRIKEFORCE is recognized as the leading platform for women’s MMA competition.

About Collective Licensing International, LLC

Collective Licensing International, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE:PSS), was formed in January 2004 and is the owner and/or license operator of the Airwalk®, Above The Rim®, Vision Street Wear®, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®, World Snowboarding Championships™, genetic®, Dukes™, Rage®, Ultra-Wheels®, and Hind®. Collective Licensing International is based in Englewood, Colorado. www.collectiveintl.com

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.STRIKEFORCE.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its "Shamrock vs. Gracie" event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose's HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with "Shamrock vs. Gracie." In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Josh Barnett Tells HDNet's 'Inside MMA' That His Fight With Fedor 'Is Going To Happen'

Source - HDNet:

Note from Ric: For the sake of Josh Barnett's career advancement, he'd better hope so.

Barnett, Sean Sherk and John 'Doomsday' Howard guest on 'Inside MMA' this Friday, April 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, April 1 -- WHAT: Tonight on HDNet's "Inside MMA," Josh Barnett speaks candidly about his three failed drug tests in a no-holds-barred interview with Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten. One of the sport's most controversial fighters, Barnett, "The Baby Faced Assassin," joins Sean Sherk and John Howard on the "Inside MMA" panel.

Barnett has tested positive for anabolic steroids in the past - which was why he was pulled from his highly anticipated match-up against Fedor Emelianenko at last summer's "Affliction: Trilogy."

On Friday's program, Barnett also responds to Tom Atencio's claim that Josh Barnett was the reason that Atencio's "Affliction" promotion folded.

Sean Sherk has also had issues with steroids. After defeating Kenny Florian to become the first UFC Lightweight champion in over four years, he was stripped of the title following his first successful defense after testing positive for steroids. Sherk tells the panel how the steroid allegations have forever affected his career.

Also joining the panel is UFC Welterweight John "Doomsday" Howard.

In Kruck's Korner this week, Ron talks with Bellator Fighting Championships CEO Bjorn Rebney, who previews their 2010 season. Rebney also gives Ron his take on why their tournament format separates them from all the other MMA promotions and he shares details about their new TV deal with Fox Sports Net / NBC / Telemundo - and the fighters in the promotion to keep an eye on!

WHEN: "Inside MMA" airs on HDNet, Friday, April 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon FiOS and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.