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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Stratus Media Group Announces Upcoming ProElite MMA Event In Hawaii

ProElite Inc. to Begin New Era in the Cage

LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2011 -- ProElite, Inc (Pink Sheets: PELE), today announces its next step in mixed martial arts (MMA) with a fight in Oahu, Hawaii on Saturday, August 27th.

The chosen venue is the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Waikiki, the world-famous beach resort destination, marking the third time ProElite will bring its MMA event to the Arena.

The August event is ProElite’s first under the new ownership of Stratus Media Group Inc. (OTCBB: SMDI). Stratus Media Group recently closed the acquisition of 95% of ProElite.

“The timing could not be better!” said T.Jay Thompson, Vice President of ProElite Fight Operations. “MMA continues to see solid growth and has achieved mainstream acceptance across all visual media platforms in the last few years. It still has plenty of time to mature in the sporting arena.”

Fighter signings and match-ups for the August 27th Blaisdell Arena card will be released soon.

ABOUT PROELITE

Based in Los Angeles, California, ProElite is a major stakeholder in Spirit MC in South Korea and owns the U.K. based Cage Rage MMA Organization. Founded in 2006, ProElite still holds the record for highest ratings for a major network telecast of an MMA event and showcases live international MMA fight events where leading and promising up-and-coming MMA Fighters compete in the cage.

ABOUT STRATUS MEDIA GROUP

Headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with offices in Los Angeles, California; New York City, NY; Geneva, Switzerland; and Perugia, Italy, Stratus Media Group, Inc. (SMDI) is an owner, operator, producer, and marketer of live entertainment events. In addition, the company owns Stratus Rewards Visa White Card, an ultra-exclusive consumer rewards marketing and redemption program, providing premium redemption benefits to members in the form of VIP event access, luxury trips, private jet travel, luxury automobiles, high-end merchandise and other rewards.
www.stratusmediagroup.com www.stratusmotorsports.com www.stratusrewards.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, projections of results, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. Although the company's management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. The company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Source: Stratus Media Group, Inc.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

UFC Events Expected To Bring Significant Economic Boost To Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 22, 2011 -- The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission has landed two major Ultimate Fighting Championship events that are expected to generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the state and local economies.

The UFC events set for June 26 in Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center and Aug. 6 in Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center could generate between $6 million and $8 million in total economic activity, based on a study of similar events in New York.

Harrisburg native and Penn State All-American wrestler Phil Davis will headline the Philadelphia event, while Hollidaysburg native Charlie Brenneman will be showcased in Pittsburgh.

"With both events featuring Pennsylvania fighters, we project total ticket sales for the two days of about 19,000," said Greg Sirb, executive director of the State Athletic Commission, which oversees boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling in Pennsylvania. The commission is part of the Department of State.

Sirb has promoted Pennsylvania for UFC events since the sport was legalized here in 2009. He believes Pennsylvania is the first state other than Nevada to attract two UFC events in the same summer. If these dates are successful, Sirb said he hoped more UFC bouts and their overnight visitors will come to Pennsylvania in the future.

"Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other service businesses near the arenas will see large increases in business," Sirb said. Estimated ticket sales of 12,000 would be expected to generate between $4 million and $5 million for Philadelphia's economy; 7,000 attendees would mean between $2 million and $3 million for Pittsburgh.

The State Athletic Commission receives no state general fund tax money and is totally self-supportive through a 5 percent tax on gate receipts of sanctioned events and various license fees. Over the past 10 years, the commission has returned more than $1.5 million to the state's general fund. Money from the UFC events will help insure proper oversight for all sports the commission oversees, including amateur boxing, in which many young athletes compete.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Stratus Media Group Secures Ninety Five Percent Ownership Of ProElite, Inc.

Stratus Media Group to Relaunch ProElite Events in 2011 Third Quarter

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 15, 2011 -- Stratus Media Group, Inc. (OTCBB:SMDI), a live entertainment company, announced today that it has concluded its acquisition of ProElite, Inc. (PK:PELE), an entertainment and media company involved in the development, production, and promotion of mixed martial arts (MMA). Stratus now owns ninety five percent of ProElite.

“This acquisition provides the resources and abilities ProElite needs in order to focus on strengthening and repositioning its world class MMA fighting platform in addition to the brand itself,” stated Paul Feller, President and CEO of Stratus. “Under the new SMDI Action Sports Vertical, ProElite is launching a series of MMA events that will bring a new vitality to the business of MMA and reestablish ProElite as a leading international MMA organization.”

Founded in 2006, and running its first show in February 2007, ProElite quickly became one of the most visible brands in mixed martial arts globally. ProElite holds the record for highest ratings of an MMA event on a network telecast. The company maintains its ownership stakes in South Korean-based Spirit MC and British based Cage Rage. ProElite’s event strategy will continue its focus in both domestic and international markets, welcoming fighters across all weight classes to prove themselves in the cage. Details of ProElite’s upcoming events schedule, fight card, and management team will soon be announced.

About ProElite, Inc.

Based in Los Angeles, California, ProElite is a significant stake holder in Spirit MC in South Korea and U.K. based Cage Rage MMA Organization. Founded in 2006, ProElite holds the record for highest ratings for a major network telecast of an MMA event and showcases live international MMA fight events where leading and promising up-and-coming MMA Fighters compete in the ring.

STRATUS MEDIA GROUP, INC.

Headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with offices in Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Geneva, Switzerland; and Perugia, Italy, Stratus Media Group, Inc. (SMDI) is an owner, operator, producer, and marketer of live entertainment events. In addition, the company owns Stratus Rewards Visa White Card, an ultra-exclusive consumer rewards marketing and redemption program, providing premium redemption benefits to members in the form of VIP event access, luxury trips, private jet travel, luxury automobiles, high-end merchandise and other rewards.
www.stratusmediagroup.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, projections of results, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. Although the company's management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. The company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Source: Stratus Media Group, Inc.

Critically Acclaimed Autobiography Of Professional Wrestling Manager "Playboy" Gary Hart Re-Released

Known as "the Holy Grail" of wrestling books after the first two printings resulted in instant sellouts.

New York, NY, June 15, 2011 -- Due to consistent high demand for another printing, a third print run has been ordered and copies of "Playboy" Gary Hart's autobiography, My Life in Wrestling, are now ready for shipping.

Reviews of the book follow:

About.com - Eric Cohen

"One of the best books ever written about wrestling...The best book that details the rise and tragedy of the Von Erich family."

Post and Courier – Mike Mooneyham

"Gary Hart book a winner...one you won't want to put down. It's one of the best pro wrestling autobiographies out there, and that covers a lot of ground."

Scripps News – Alex Marvez

"Compelling...great read...a 472-page epic."

Jim Ross

"I strongly encourage that all wrestling fans read the late Gary Hart's autobiography...his book is awesome...fascinating read and gives one a vivid, visual picture of the inner workings of the biz from one of the greatest wrestling minds and mangers of all time...the Gary Hart book is superb...one of my all time favorite wrestling books."

SLAM! Sports – Matt Johnson

"One of the best ever...a blast to read...one of the most informative, in-depth wrestling books ever written...a virtual encyclopedia of wrestling information...so rich with content that the same information could have been spread over three books...If professional wrestling history was a class, this book would be required reading...All I can say is that wrestling fans should purchase the book. They will have a hard time finding a wrestling autobiography that competes...Simply put, wrestling fans who do not read this book are punishing themselves, as it is a treasure."

My Life in Wrestling...With a Little Help From My Friends—a ruthlessly honest autobiography from one of the greatest wrestling minds of all time—is available at www.playboygaryhart.net.

Source: Jason & Chad Williams

Sunday, June 12, 2011

World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Sued For $5 Million

Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. recently accepted a settlement offer of $5 million after 4 weeks of trial on behalf of a client who was injured in a low impact motor vehicle accident in downtown Manhattan. The client suffered a knee injury which resulted in surgical procedures and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

New York, NY, June 12, 2011 -- Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., a leader among personal injury and medical malpractice firms in the New York area, recently settled a case (Index No 13451/08 - Kimberly Benson v. World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. and Matthew T. Yackeren) for $5 million involving a knee injury caused by a low-speed, low-impact motor vehicle accident.

According to court documents, On November 2, 2007, Kimberly Benson’s car was struck in a sideswipe collision by a vehicle operated by Matthew Yackeren, an employee of World Wrestling Federation Entertainment. As a result of the low impact motor vehicle accident that occurred at a low rate of speed, Ms. Benson suffered a knee injury.

According to the case, Yackeren was driving a commercial van in the financial district of downtown Manhattan. While attempting to pass traffic, he backed up and then struck Ms. Benson’s jeep in the back driver side bumper with the side of his van. Damage to both vehicles was minimal.

Court documents show that Ms. Benson, a 41 year old mother and phlebotomy manager with a pre-existing knee injury, suffered a fracture of the cartilage in her knee and underwent several surgical procedures. In addition to the pain, degeneration of soft tissue and difficulty ambulating, Benson also developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) aka Reflex Symptomatic Dystrophy (RSD), a debilitating chronic pain condition which rendered her disabled and incapable of working.

Benson sued World Wrestling Federation Entertainment and their driver, Matthew Yackeren, for past and future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The case (Index No 13451/08) went to trial, and the defense argued causation - the low impact accident that occurred at such a low rate of speed could not have caused an
injury.

After four weeks of trial, both parties settled the case. Benson recovered $5 million from World Wrestling Federation Entertainment and Matthew Yackeren. Andrew L. Libo, the attorney for Benson from Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., was satisfied with the result. “Kimberly’s life and the life of her daughter will never be the same, due to this accident. We refused to settle this case before trial because we knew Kimberly deserved justice, and we were willing to fight as long as needed to ensure she was justly compensated.” The trial was conducted by Jeff S. Korek and Nicolas Bagley.

Source: Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C.

Notes from Ric: WTF is "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc."? Maybe it's just me, but if I just received five-million-dollars from someone, I'd sure as fuck remember who it was ... Oh, and I call "bullshit." Even if this happened, and this team of "professionals" somehow managed to mistakenly get WWE's name wrong, what would possess them to issue a press release basically admitting their suit was a scam but the defendants decided it was easier to settle out of court (and, better yet, for how much)?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

FilmOn To Broadcast Live Hitman Fighting MMA Pay-Per-View Event From The Soboba Casino In San Jacinto, California

Event Marks First Collaboration Between FilmOn and the Hitman Fighting Organization

LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2011 -- Media Mogul Alki David in collaboration with the Hitman Fighting Organization will present "Round 5 on the Road to the Hitman Amateur World Championships," live on Pay-Per-View (PPV) at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California, Sunday, June 12th.

Tickets for the event are available at www.mmafighttickets.com. The event will be available for $7.95 at http://www.Filmon.com/Hitman or free to FilmOn subscribers. Purchase of the event includes a free month of Filmon.com.

There will be more than 30 amateur fights with fighters competing from all over the world to be the first ever Hitman World Champion. Gates for this event will open at 9 AM. The co-main event will showcase a Gladiator Challenge Featherweight Championship between Greg Guzman and Paul Webb. In addition, returning Gladiator Challenge favorites Keith "KO Kid" Berry, Deutsch Pu'u, and Robbie Peralta will put their skills on display.

After the Hitman portion of the day will be a special performance by Long Beach Rehab, a superband consisting of members from Sublime (Q-ball), White Zombie (Ivan De Prume), Fishbone (Angelo Moore) and Bad Brains (Israel Joseph).

The Gladiator Challenge professional MMA event will follow the concert with an additional 18 fights. "Full Force" will open at 4:30 PM, with the first fight hitting at 6 PM. UFC veteran Gabe "Godzilla" Ruediger will battle Aaron Neveu for the Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship. The event marks the inaugural Pay-Per-View event for The Gladiators.

"We are very excited to partner with Hitman Fighting Productions in bringing premier MMA content to the FilmOn arsenal of programming," said Alki David. "We are creating a robust sports platform alongside other genres like Hip Hop and Comedy that provide online entertainment options for subscribers who want to take their cable channels with them on any mobile device or computer."

The proprietary FilmOn technology will allow paid PPV subscribers to stream live chat to the online event.

FilmOn has additional content deals, partnering with Hip Hop Weekly and Worldstarhiphop brands recently to present the Hip Hop Weekly Awards from the Hard Rock 12 in Miami. Worldstarhiphop and Hip Hop Weekly have become among the most recognized and trusted brands in hip hop media, serving a market now estimated to consist of more than 50 million members of the Millennial Generation who identify with hip hop culture. Worldstarhiphop will also be carrying the PPV event bringing a whole new audience to the MMA arena.

FilmOn subscriptions start at $7.95 ($19.95 with adult added) or $79.50 yearly ($195.00 yearly with adult added). The FilmOn Web cable television service is delivered through the freely downloadable multi-platform HDi player or in Flash or app free to mobile devices. Filmon.com streams videos in high definition and utilizes proprietary video compression technology to achieve high quality even over basic broadband connections.

In addition FilmOn will provide subscribers with the ability to stream up to six movies from FilmOn's nearly 40,000 title film library per month.

FilmOn currently carries more than 60 channels of live content. FilmOn also carries a number of their own exclusive content channels including FilmOn Movies, Sports, Docu (Documentary), Drama, Horror, and adult content.

ABOUT FilmOn Inc.

FilmOn Inc. was founded in March 2009 by Filmon.com Plc, a Berlin-listed company (2F0A-BER) and is operated independently by a dedicated U.S. management team with offices in Los Angeles and London. Battlecam.com (http://www.Battlecam.com), is the 24 x 7 live reality community TV channel of Filmon.com

Source: FilmOn Inc.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Recap Of Jeremiah Riggs Appearance On Wrestle Talk Radio, Must Read!!!!

On Sunday Night, WWE Tough Enough Star, Jeremiah Riggs joined Wrestle Talk Radio(www.wildtalkradio.com) to talk about his elimination from the show and the cast, along with a wide range of topics which included:

His thoughts on his "defining moment" on Tough Enough when losing his teeth during the first week of his show: "There are people out there who forget that I could do that. My little boy gets a kick out of it, like its a magic trick. I wasn't embarrassed by it, in the back of my mind, I wanted to fall out laughing, as they are fixing to hype my ass up on this one, I just thought it was as funny as anyone else."

His thoughts on "Uncle Bill": "He wanted to give everyone else a nickname, so I gave him the nickname "Uncle Bill". He's like a drill Sergeant, he's old school, but he understand how the new age of how things are down and understands the new level of athletes, but he sticks to the old school mentality and it worked for us, as it weeds the boys out from the men."

His thoughts on coming in shape: "There was nothing I felt uncomfortable doing, there is was nothing I didn't come in shape to do, it just spoils the moment when people come there and didn't come in shape to do it and couldn't finish anything."

His thoughts on whether he he had the respect of the trainers coming in: "At first I believe there might have been a lack of respect seeing as came from mixed martial arts, I believe at the beginning there was a lack of respect and I get it. After showing my confidence, it turned them around, it showed that I meant business and was for real."

Other topics include the differences between MMA & Pro Wrestling, the history of MMA Stars in Pro Wrestling, being trained by Dutch Mantel, his appearances on other reality shows, what he would tell Vince McMahon in a One on One Meeting and much more! Catch the archive of Jeremiah Rigg's Interview by logging on to the home of Wrestle Talk Radio, www.wildtalkradio.com and tune in to Wrestle Talk Radio every Sunday Night at 10pm Et or following every WWE or Impact Wrestling Pay Per View on www.wildtalkradio.com

Source: Wrestle Talk Radio
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