2016 Is Almost Here! A Time To Reflect ... And To Look Ahead

Sure, I don't post as much as I used to, and I don't even follow pro wrestling and mixed-martial-arts the way that I once did, but they, and this website, will always be a big part of me.

No matter how few of you read this, it's my interest in those sports, and your interest in my interest, that have allowed me to live the extraordinary life that I've been privileged to lead, and I can't thank any of you enough.

Now, we all know that tonight's a party night, and no matter where you are or what you do, please, be safe and have fun.

It's a bit of a cliche, I know, but what I'm really trying to say is, Happy New Year! See you in 2016!

Review Of Owen: Heart Of Gold

May 23, 1999 was the worst day in the history of professional wrestling/sports entertainment. In what many media people called a “Monday Night Wars” tragedy, Owen James Hart fell 75 feet into a wrestling ring in a stunt gone horribly wrong and died soon after. The Hart family literally fell apart (read the books written by his widow Martha and his brother Bret for details) in the aftermath. One thing can be said, modern wrestling superstars were influenced by Owen’s in-ring style & many more will love this history trip called OWEN: HEART OF GOLD.

This DVD release nearly didn’t happen due to Martha Hart suing World Wrestling Entertainment over the use of Owen’s likeness & feeling it was only to make a profit. I am one person who will write here I am happy that WWE did this release as it’s a celebration of Owen Hart’s life and career with amazing stories from the people who knew him including:

Brothers Bret, Bruce, Keith, Ross & Smith, sisters Ellie, Diana, Georgia & Alison plus his niece Nattie, nephew Harry (archive footage) brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith (archived footage) & Jim Neidhart, current & former superstars Lex Luger, Mark Henry, Triple H, Mick Foley, Road Dogg, Ron Simmons, Big Van Vader, Chris Jericho, Jerry Lawler, Edge & Christian, Billy Gunn, Rob Van Dam, Paul Bearer (archive footage), Sami Zayn, Terry Taylor, Beth Phoenix, Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens, Scott Hall, Tyson Kidd, referee Mike Chioda, Steve Lombardi, Michael Cole, Tony Chimel, Ted DiBiase, Koko B Ware, Jim Ross & Vince McMahon.

The feature covers his growth in Stampede Wrestling to becoming the masked Blue Blazer and returning to partner with Neidhart & Ware. The legendary feud with Bret is outlined in amazing detail (every wrestling training class must watch their WrestleMania 10 battle) along with the Hart Foundation reformation in 1997. The hard part is to watch after the Montreal Screwjob how the “Attitude Era” evolved into what led to his tragic demise. “Owen Tales” are mixed in that will make you laugh yourself out of your chair plus the awe inspiring 2-time Slammy Awards. Martha and the children Athena and Oje are not mentioned by name in the presentation and it’s all for the best. My major problem is the length of the feature, one hour and seven minutes. The CM Punk DVD clocked in over 2 hours yet Owen barely gets one hour? Included in this multi-disc set are 26 additional “Owen Tales”, the individual testimonies from the May 24, 1999 Raw plus 21 wrestling matches.

SOURCE: Alan Wojcik

For information on Alan Wojcik’s wrestling coverage, check out www.Facebook.com/KayfabeWrestlingRadio & www.Twitter.com/MyNameIsWojcik

Mauro Ranallo Joins WWE® As The New Voice Of Smackdown®

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec 14, 2015 -- WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced that veteran announcer Mauro Ranallo will be the new voice of SmackDown beginning Thursday, January 7 when the show moves to its new home on USA Network at 8 pm ET. Ranallo brings nearly 30 years of broadcasting experience, and is currently the play-by-play announcer for Championship Boxing on Showtime and former lead announcer for the Strikeforce MMA promotion.

Earlier this year, Ranallo called the international feed for the historic Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. Ranallo is the only sports broadcaster to call every major combat sport on national television, including boxing, kickboxing and MMA, as well as helping to launch New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV.

“Joining WWE has always been a lifelong dream of mine,” said Ranallo. “I am thrilled to add my voice to the SmackDown broadcasts as the show moves to its new home on USA Network.”

With more than 800 original episodes, SmackDown is the second longest-running weekly episodic program in U.S. television history, only behind Monday Night Raw®. Over the past 15 years, SmackDown has been broadcast from 170 different venues, in 148 cities, in seven different countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Iraq, Japan, Italy and Mexico. Now the exclusive cable home to WWE’s flagship programs, USA Network will air SmackDown every Thursday night beginning January 7. USA also airs Monday Night Raw live 52 weeks a year.

Prior to joining Showtime, Ranallo was the voice of the Pride Fighting Championships, and spent six years in Toronto where he hosted Canada’s first TV show dedicated to MMA while also hosting a daily combat sports radio show.

Ranallo lives in Los Angeles where he is a social advocate for mental health, an avid hiker and voice artist for commercials, books and film.

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 reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 25 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 175 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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/

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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press 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, without limitation, risks relating to: WWE Network; major distribution agreements; our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; the possibility of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims relating to CTE; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our revolving credit facility; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the relatively small public “float” of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend 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 (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

SOURCE: WWE

REY MYSTERIO NAMED COMBATE AMERICAS AMBASSADOR; WILL DEBUT LIVE ON NBC UNIVERSO ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

Former WWE star Konnan to serve as color commentator for live telecast of Combate Americas “Road To The Championship Hollywood”

Live, four-fight NBC UNIVERSO telecast begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
on Wednesday, Dec. 16

Official fighter weigh-in takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 15 in Burbank, Calif.

NEW YORK – December 9, 2015 – Decorated, former three-time WWE world champion Rey Mysterio has been named ambassador of Combate Americas, the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history founded by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-creator Campbell McLaren, and will debut in his new role at the much-anticipated “Road To The Championship Hollywood,” nine-bout professional fight card live on NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

In addition, former WWF and WCW superstar Konnan, often referred to as the “Mexican Hulk Hogan,” will serve as color commentator alongside play-by-play announcer Ricardo Celis and Andrea Calle, the hostess of the Imagen Award-winning Combate Americas reality television series.

“I am excited to join Combate Americas on NBC UNIVERSO, and look forward to building this incredible MMA sports brand and supporting the extremely talented athletes on its growing roster,” said Mysterio, whose exciting, high-flying style of wrestling helped him earn a total of 21 championships between his stints in the WWE and WCW.

“Combate Americas embraces the great Mexican tradition of Lucha Libre, so we are honored to bring Rey Mysterio, a global icon and one of the premier Hispanic figures in sports entertainment, on board as our ambassador and are confident that he can inspire our fans and fighters,” said McLaren.

Among the collection of rival superstars that Mysterio has defeated during his career are C.M. Punk, Shawn Michaels, and Kurt Angle. During an epic 2006 Royal Rumble Match, he battled for more than one hour, a WWE record for longest time spent in the ring, and dumped the likes of Randy Orton, Rob Van Dam and Triple H on his way to victory of the 30-man elimination contest.

Priced from $40, tickets for “Premier Insurance Services and Aspira Mas Present Combate Americas: Road To The Championship Hollywood,” are on sale at www.HollywoodFightNight.com.

All fighters will weigh-in for the event on Tuesday, Dec. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. PT at The Marriott, located at 2500 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank, Calif. All 18 fighters competing on the nine-bout card will weigh in for their respective bouts.

In the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event of the live, four-fight telecast on NBC Universo, 23-year-old sensation John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (8-2) of Mankato, Minn., fresh off his victory at the inaugural “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship” event in Las Vegas, Nev. on September 17, will square off with fellow striking sensation Federico “Kiko” Lopez (10-5) of Murrieta, Calif.

Castaneda is looking for his fourth consecutive win while Lopez is seeking his sixth straight win.

In the bantamweight co-main event, Combate Americas reality television series star and power puncher Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (5-1), of Mission, Texas will square off with dangerous scrapper Anthony Paredes (3-2) of Murrieta, Calif.

In a featured women’s atomweight (105 pounds) attraction on the live telecast, 21-year-old Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (3-3) will collide with fellow Las Vegas resident “Lightning Liz McCarthy (2-3).

The live NBC UNIVERSO telecast will kick off with a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup between Urijah Faber protégé and prolific finisher Erick Sanchez (5-2) of Sacramento, Calif. and fellow rising star “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (3-3) of Las Vegas.

Doors at Florentine Gardens open at 5 p.m. PT for the event, and the first of five preliminary bouts will begin at 6 p.m.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS

Combate Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world's most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company's CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as "the marketing genius behind the UFC" and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he "knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today." With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

About NBC UNIVERSO

NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, Liga MX, Premier League, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com). To find the NBC UNIVERSO channel number in your area, please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentralo.

SOURCE: Witz End Communications

"Golden Boy" Ric Flair?

If you've ever wanted to save 74% on a (toy) WWE belt signed by Ric Flair, you've got your (limited) chance.

Insider Sports Deals has exactly one left.

I'll admit, I don't understand why anyone would want a Ric Flair autograph on a title he never held, but, that aside, this does seem like a pretty good deal. Oh, and despite their description, it does read, "Nature Boy," and not, "Golden Boy."

Press Release: Everything You Didn't Know About New UFC Champ Holly Holm And Her Crushing Defeat Of Ronda Rousey On A Special Edition Of AXS TV'S 'INSIDE MMA' This Friday, Nov. 20 At 11:30pE/8:30pP

'INSIDE MMA' Reports from Holm's Hometown to Explore the New Champ's Rise to Fame, Showcases Exclusive Fight Footage and Welcomes Guests Who Know Her Best to Discuss Holm's Historic Upset of Ronda Rousey

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2015 -- New UFC champion Holly Holm stunned the sports world Saturday night when she knocked out undefeated six-time defending bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in the second round at UFC 193. Holm's amazing performance has launched her to international stardom, and AXS TV—the network where Holm rose to prominence in the MMA world as Legacy Fighting Championship's first ever women's titlist—will dedicate this Friday's episode of INSIDE MMA to introducing the world to the newly crowned UFC champion through exclusive interviews with Holm and those who know her best, expert analysis of her fight plan, and devastating knockouts from Legacy that were remarkably similar to the result this past Saturday night.

"INSIDE MMA SPECIAL EDITION: HOLLY HOLM" airs live this Friday, Nov. 20 an hour early at 11:30pE/8:30pP, with series hosts Kenny Rice and UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten. The show will look back at some of Holm's greatest interviews from her numerous appearances on INSIDE MMA and expects to welcome Legacy President Mick Maynard, who had the vision to sign Holm in 2013, and more guests to be announced.

Rutten, a former UFC title holder himself, will provide expert analysis on how Holm pulled off one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history. Then, AXS TV FIGHTS commentators UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich and "The Voice" Michael Schiavello, will join the show to share their unique insight of the champion, after having called all of Holm's fights with Legacy, such as her thrilling head kick KO of Allana Jones at Legacy 21 and her dominant fifth round TKO victory over Juliana Werner to win her first MMA title at Legacy 30 in 2014.

INSIDE MMA correspondent Ron Kruck will report from Holm's home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to capture the city's response to the victory, including reactions from her teammates and training partners at Jackson-Wink MMA Academy.

INSIDE MMA will also talk to "Vegas" Dave Oancea on what prompted his $20,000 bet on Holm that was reportedly cashed for $240,000.

INSIDE MMA, the longest running and only independent MMA news show on television, first featured Holm on the series as she rose through Legacy Fighting Championship's ranks to win the promotion's inaugural women's bantamweight title before signing with the UFC and has closely followed her career ever since. Through numerous features and interviews, as well as her highlight-reel knockouts from AXS TV FIGHTS' coverage of her fights, Holm has been a long-time friend of INSIDE MMA, even exclusively sharing her first response after hearing the news she would fight Rousey. AXS TV is also planning a special edition of AXS TV FIGHTS replaying all of Holm's fights on the network that led to her meteoric rise.

INSIDE MMA kicks off live Friday night immediately following AXS TV FIGHTS: LION FIGHT 26 at 9pE/6pP, where champion Tetsuya Yamato defends his world title against British phenom Greg Wooton in the main event live from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

ABOUT AXS TV FIGHTS

AXS TV Fights presents more LIVE mixed martial arts and kickboxing events than any other television network with 40+ LIVE world-class fight cards each year. "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich call all the action as champions, challengers, and top prospects take center stage every Friday night at 10pE/7pP. AXS TV Fights can be found online, on Facebook and on Twitter. AXS TV is widely distributed in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers. The network is also carried in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

SOURCE: AXS TV

Press Release: JOSH KOSCHECK MAKES BELLATOR MMA DEBUT AGAINST MATT SECOR IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 148 ON JANUARY 29

PAUL DALEY LOOKS TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AGAINST ANDY UHRICH IN CO-HEADLINER

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (November 16, 2015) – The highly anticipated Bellator MMA debut of Josh Koscheck (17-10) will take place in his home town of Fresno, Calif. on January 29 at “Bellator 148: Koscheck vs. Secor.” The popular welterweight will look to make a splash of an entrance against a streaking Matt Secor (7-2).

Bellator officials also announced an additional welterweight attraction between British slugger Paul “Semtex” Daley (37-13-2) and Andy Uhrich (11-5) will serve as the co-main event.

The “Bellator 148: Koscheck vs. Secor” event takes place January 29 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. and airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 5 p.m. PT. Tickets for the event start at only $25 and go on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com this Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT.

One of the most recognizable faces in all of mixed martial arts, “Kos” feels re-invigorated since signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion and has plans for an active 2016. With bouts against some of the most prominent names in the sport already on his resume, the 37-year-old hopes to be involved in big fights under the bright lights that only Bellator MMA and Spike can bring to the table.

Koscheck’s first test in his new promotion will come in the way of Secor, a competitor who has rallied off three-straight victories, most recently an impressive Achilles lock against Jeremie Holloway at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho” in October. Submissions are a specialty of the New York native, with six of seven wins coming by way of tapout.

Since returning to the Bellator MMA fray, Daley has been on an absolute tear, winning two fights in as many tries. Now, the prominent British fighter has his eyes set on a welterweight title run, and would definitely enjoy a future opportunity to avenge a controversial loss against a familiar foe in Koscheck.

Standing opposite of Daley will be Uhrich, a Strikeforce veteran who has seen mixed success under the Bellator MMA banner. Most recently, “Stunner” has put together three consecutive victories and returns to the California-based promotion with the hope of derailing Daley’s championship hopes.

About Bellator MMA:

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE: BZA PR

Press Release: Ronda Rousey Featured On The Cover Of EA SPORTS UFC 2 Out Spring 2016

EA SPORTS Reveals Full Set of Innovative Features, All-New Game Modes, and Game-Changing Visuals So Fans Can Finish the Fight

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-- Nov 13, 2015 --Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) today announced EA SPORTS™ UFC® 2 will launch this Spring, featuring UFC® bantamweight champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey as the game’s global lead cover athlete. Rousey, the undefeated UFC champion (12-0), is the most dominant and recognized fighter in the world. Hear what Rousey thinks about the cover and get a first look of the champ in the virtual Octagon® here.

“EA Sports is a cultural barometer to know what’s going on in sports at the moment,” said Rousey. “As a gamer myself, it’s pretty surreal to be on the cover of the game and to have a woman on the cover of a UFC game shows a lot of progress. I’m really happy to be involved with it.”

EA SPORTS UFC 2 takes the franchise’s stunning character likeness and animation to another level, adds an all-new Knockout Physics System and authentic gameplay features, and introduces the biggest ever roster of real-world fighters in a MMA game who will step back into the Octagon on Xbox One and PlayStation®4.

“Like any champion fighter going into their next fight, we listened to our corner – in our case, the fans – and took a detailed look at everything we can do to take the fight game to a whole new level,” said Creative Director Brian Hayes. “We’re doing that by introducing innovative gameplay features, delivering a game mode for every fighter regardless of their style of play, and adding helpful tools so fans can master MMA, all while producing the jaw-dropping visuals that fans expect.”

EA SPORTS UFC 2 is headlined by five brand new game modes including KO Mode and UFC Ultimate Team, a revamped Career Mode that lets fans create female fighters for the first time ever in a UFC game, and Grapple Assist, an integrated visual tool to help players learn and perfect takedowns, ground game transitions, and submissions. Full feature and mode details can be found at http://easports.com/ufc/features.

Rousey will defend her title tomorrow in the Octagon at UFC® 193: ROUSEY vs. HOLM at Etihad Stadium, to mark the first UFC event in Melbourne, Australia. This event will also make UFC history as the first time two women’s world title bouts will headline a PPV event.

For pre-order information, visit http://easports.com/UFC/buy

EA SPORTS UFC 2 is developed in Burnaby, British Columbia by EA Canada. More information is available on the EA SPORTS UFC website, and in-depth feature details will be announced in the months leading up to launch. Fans should keep an eye on the website, as well as the EA SPORTS UFC Facebook and Twitter pages to make sure they’re always up-to-date on the latest and greatest news.

EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC®.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2015, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Octagon Girls®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®,The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and affiliated entities in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners. Any use of the preceding copyrighted program, trademarks, trade dress, or other intellectual property owned by Zuffa, LLC is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Zuffa. All rights are hereby expressly reserved. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox is a trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About UFC®

UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over 1 billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

SOURCE: EA Studios

Cheap-Plug Alert! An Update On Daniel Puder

The following comes courtesy of My Life My Power Entertainment:

FIGHTING FOR OUR FUTURE, LIVE PRO WRESTLING EVENT

Professional Wrestlers Compete at Event to Fund Anti-Bullying Efforts

Miami, FL (November 4th, 2015) – On November 14th 2015 at 5:00 P.M., My Life My Power Entertainment is hosting a Live Pro Wrestling Event in Miami, Florida at Miami Jackson Senior High School! An exciting collaboration for the event involves the support from another non-profit, Step into my Sole, who will be donating over $200,000 worth of Saucony shoes in which every student and teacher who attends the event will receive a pair! Partners for the event include Ronin Pro Wrestling, United Teachers of Dade (UTD), The Florida Education Association (FEA), and PTA/PTSA with Miami-Dade County Council. The event will benefit Puder’s 501(c)3 non-profit organization, My Life My Power World, Inc., whose mission is to enhance the well being of at-risk youth by addressing the bullying crisis and providing mentorship-based programs to schools around the nation.

The event is family friendly and provides attendees with an up-close and personal experience with pro-wrestlers that will have you saying “WOW!” Fans attending the event are not only treated to high-flying maneuvers and body-slams from nationally known wrestling stars, but fans get to personally shake the hands with the wrestlers and get a photo and autograph at the pre-show and red-carpet! These world class athletes have competed in football stadiums and on pay-per-view but love the up close and personal atmosphere of what My Life My Power Entertainment’s events provide to the community! The highlight of the event will be a "Super 3 on 3 Match", in which UTD President, Fed Ingram, Undefeated Mixed Martial Arts Fighter and WWE’s Tough Enough Champion, Daniel Puder, and LtCol USMC, Major Mark will be taking on anyone who is up for the challenge!

“United Teachers of Dade is excited to be a partner of an event where entertainers and athletes can inspire the youth within our District! This event aligns with UTD’s mission to educate students, empower members, and unite families! I personally have seen the difference that Daniel Puder’s My Life My Power Program has in the lives of our youth with my own son as a testimony of its continuing success!” - Fed Ingram, UTD President

“PTA has worked closely with Daniel Puder and My Life My Power to create an event that can cater to our parents, teachers and students. Through this family friendly event, we look forward to helping raise funds so that we can bring Puder’s life changing My Life My Power Curriculum to the schools in South Florida.” - Joseph Gebara, PTA President

Tickets are available online at: www.MLMPENT.eventbee.com

Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2015

Time: 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Location: Miami Jackson Senior High School (Free Parking)

Address: 1751 NW 36th Street, Miami, Florida 33142

Recent news article about the upcoming event: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article41614245.html

About My Life My Power World, Inc. and Founder, Daniel Puder:

My Life My Power World, Inc. is a national anti-bullying and youth development non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 by undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter and WWE’s Tough Enough Champion, Daniel Puder. As a young adult, Puder struggled with being overweight and suffered from severe learning disabilities, which led to bullying by his peers throughout the majority of his schooling. After learning of kids who had committed suicide as a result of similar bullying, he felt a personal connection to the issue and created MLMP to encourage positive change in the mindset of today’s youth. For more information, please visit: www.MyLifeMyPower.org

Zuffa Shows It Knows EXACTLY Where Its Bread Is Buttered

In a move that came completely out of left field, those wacky and unpredictable folks in the UFC have officially announced the reinstatement of Jon Jones (formally putting to an end persistent rumors that Jones was willing to masquerade as The Midnight Rider or The Yellow Dog just to get a title shot).

According to the promotion, Jones will have "significant expectations" placed on his future conduct, which one can only assume will be stricter than those placed on his previous conduct (although one can never really tell).

Daniel Who?

Programming Alert: Wednesday, September 30

Former NFL'er and sort-of-current MMA'er, Herschel Walker, will be a guest on tomorrow's edition of 'The Dum Ass Club,' a live, one-hour podcast (1 PM - 2PM ET), hosted by Rick Fairless.

If you want to catch it, you'll need to sign up, but membership is free, and if you have a comment or question, here's where you can leave them.

Carsforsale.com Enters 'The Octagon' With RFA 29 Sponsorship

Carsforsale.com will serve as the center ring sponsor of the Resurrection Fighting Alliance - USA vs. Brazil event in Sioux Falls, SD

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Aug. 18, 2015 -- Carsforsale.com, one of the Internet's largest online automotive inventory websites, announced their latest sponsorship today as the center ring sponsor of the Resurrection Fighting Alliance – USA vs. Brazil event at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD on Friday, August 21, 2015.

"We are thrilled to have the Carsforsale.com brand in the Octagon at the RFA 29 – USA vs. Brazil fights this weekend," said Sean Coffman of Carsforsale.com. "This event gives Carsforsale.com the opportunity to reach a new market and support a great organization."

This premier event will feature Ricky Musgrave and Raoni Barcelos competing for the vacant RFA Featherweight Title and other top MMA prospects from both the US and Brazil. Honorary coaches at the event will be the current UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler for Team USA and former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida for Team Brazil.

As one of the largest automotive inventory websites, this sponsorship allows Carsforsale.com to increase brand awareness and inventory exposure to the millions of vehicles listed from over 20,000 dealerships nationwide. While supporting a full product suite of auto dealership marketing solutions, Carsforsale.com offers consumers an easy and feature-rich shopping experience when searching for new and used vehicles online.

The RFA 29 – USA vs. Brazil main card will air on AXS TV the evening of Friday, August 21, 2015.

About Resurrection Fighting Alliance:

RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised nationwide via AXS TV, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA promotions in the country.

About Carsforsale.com:

Carsforsale.com® offers a fast and efficient solution to connect buyers with sellers of automotive vehicles. Founded in 1999, privately-owned, and headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, Carsforsale.com continually develops tools and website features that give millions of unique monthly visitors the insight needed when searching for the perfect vehicle. For more information or to become a Carsforsale.com dealer, please visit Carsforsale.com or call (866) 401-9778.

SOURCE: Carsforsale.com

Jon Stewart Has Retired…What’s Next?

STAMFORD, Conn., August 17, 2015 – After 16 epic years as host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Jon Stewart has announced his retirement plans. What will Stewart do next? A trip to Disney? A run for President? A one-way trip to Mars? No, Stewart is set to host WWE’s SummerSlam® on Sunday, August 23 at 7pm ET live on WWE Network.

Stewart, a longtime WWE fan, appeared earlier this year in WWE storylines in an on-going feud with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins®. After Stewart taunted Rollins in an online video, Rollins appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart where he challenged Stewart to appear on Monday Night Raw to settle their score. Click here to see a clip of Stewart and Rollins facing-off on March 2, 2015 at Monday Night Raw. Most recently, Rollins appeared in a look-back segment during Stewart’s final few days on The Daily Show.

Stewart stepped down from his post as host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Thursday, August 6. During his tenure, Stewart welcomed a wide array of high profile guests including, President Barack Obama, former President Jimmy Carter, Clint Eastwood, Halle Berry, Ben Affleck, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Gates and many more.

This year SummerSlam has been extended to a four-hour broadcast plus a one-hour pre-show beginning at 6pm ET on WWE Network. Emanating live from a sold-out Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, SummerSlam will feature WWE Superstars Undertaker® and Brock Lesnar® in a rematch of their historic WrestleMania 30 bout where Lesnar ended Undertaker’s undefeated streak.

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 reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 175 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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/.

SOURCE: WWE

BELLATOR MMA INKS JOSH THOMSON TO AN EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

SANTA MONICA (August 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of Josh “The Punk” Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract. At 36-years-young, the former Strikeforce Lightweight World Champion remains one of the top 155-pounders in the sport, having competed in top organizations including UFC and Pride.

Residing in San Jose, Calif. and training at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the sports very best, Thomson earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Dave Camarillo. In addition to his formidable ground game, Thomson’s striking pedigree is on-point as well, earning a “Knockout of the Night” award for his output in his fight against Nate Diaz in 2013. It’s also worth being said that “The Punk” holds a record of 3-0 in professional kickboxing.

“I had the pleasure of working with Josh in Strikeforce and I look forward to continuing this relationship in Bellator MMA. Josh is a world-class mixed martial artist and we are very happy to be adding him to our roster of some of the best lightweights in the world,” said the promotion’s president, Scott Coker. “Bellator remains fully committed to building its roster by signing top free agents like Thomson, as well as grooming up-and-coming blue-chip stars. We have some amazing matchups in mind for “The Punk” that we hope to be announcing in the weeks to come.”

“I’m over here reading this UFC reporter saying that they’ve declined to re-sign me when the truth of the matter is that they’ve been trying to re-sign me for my last two fights. I declined and instead chose to fight out my contract and test the free agency market with Bellator. At that point, Bellator made me an offer that the UFC was unable to match given their relationships with FOX and Reebok. It’s a done deal, I’m back working with Coker, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to an organization that is trending upwards with fighter-friendly contracts. Any intelligent fighter is going to go where the money is, and for me the money was at Bellator.”

“The Punk” joins a prominent list of athletes that have recently signed with Bellator over the past year including: Phil Davis, Josh Koscheck, Melvin Guillard, Ed Ruth, Aaron Pico, Lorenzo Hood, Ewerton Teixeira, Gleristone Santos, amongst others.

He will continue to fight in the lightweight division which is deep starting with: kingpin Will Brooks, down to other fighters like Michael Chandler, Marcin Held, Dave Rickels, Patricky “Pitbull” Freire and Dave Jansen.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE: Bellator MMA

THE MASKED SAINT Sets January 8, 2016 For North American Theatrical Debut

MOVIE STARS LATE WWE LEGEND "ROWDY" RODDY PIPER IN HIS LAST CONFIRMED THEATRICAL RELEASE

RIDGEROCK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, P23 ENTERTAINMENT AND FREESTYLE RELEASING COLLABORATE ON FAMILY-FRIENDLY WRESTLING FILM INSPIRED BY TRUE LIFE STORY

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 10, 2015 -- Ridgerock Entertainment Group and P23 Entertainment Inc. announce the January 8, 2016 theatrical release of THE MASKED SAINT through Freestyle Releasing. A family-friendly action film inspired by true events, THE MASKED SAINT is the first of many faith-based films that will be produced by Ridgerock Entertainment Group's newly formed "Ridgerock Faith" division.

"We are extremely excited to be releasing THE MASKED SAINT through Ridgerock Faith," said Gary Granstaff, vice president at Ridgerock Entertainment Group and an executive producer on the film. "This film has something everyone can enjoy. It's an action-packed movie, but it also has a very heartfelt and compelling storyline with some incredible performances. We think audiences are going to love it!"

Starring Brett Granstaff (Vice) as Christopher 'The Saint' Samuels, THE MASKED SAINT follows the journey of former professional wrestler, Chris Samuels (Granstaff) who retires from the ring to settle down as a small town pastor. When Samuels witnesses rampant problems in the community, he decides to moonlight as a masked vigilante fighting the injustice. While facing crises at home and at the church, Samuels must evade the police and somehow reconcile his secret, violent identity with his calling as a pastor. Inspired by the life of Pastor Chris Whaley, THE MASKED SAINT is based on the book of the same name by Whaley.

"We are excited about working with the filmmakers of THE MASKED SAINT and the marketing team they have put together," said Mark Borde, co-president of Freestyle Releasing. "A true story fueled by courage and perseverance, we hope moviegoers will be inspired and encouraged."

Winner for Best Picture at the 2015 International Christian Film Festival, THE MASKED SAINT is written by Scott Crowell and Brett Granstaff, directed by Warren P. Sonoda, produced by Cliff McDowell, co-produced by David Anselmo and executive produced by Gary Granstaff and Joe Sisto. The movie also stars Lara Jean Chorostecki (Hannibal), Oscar and Emmy nominee Diahann Carroll ("Grey's Anatomy," White Collar) who won a Golden Globe for her performance in "Julia," Patrick McKenna ("The Red Green Show"), James Preston Rogers (Pixels) and the late WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper in his last confirmed theatrical release.

"Everyone at Ridgerock Entertainment Group is devastated by the news of the recent passing of wrestling legend and THE MASKED SAINT actor Roddy Piper," said Gary Granstaff. "We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans. He will truly be missed."

Upcoming opening major market cities include New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington D.C., among others. For more information about THE MASKED SAINT, please visit:

Website: www.themaskedsaint.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheMaskedSaint
Instagram: instagram.com/TheMaskedSaint
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/themaskedsaint

About Ridgerock Entertainment Group

Ridgerock Entertainment Group is an independent production company founded in 2005 with a passion to create and develop major independent films with great commercial success. Projects are developed as co-productions with co-financing partners. For more information, please visit www.ridgerockentertainment.com.

About P23 Entertainment, Inc.

P23 Entertainment Inc. is a family and faith-based film production company, located in Toronto Canada, which aims to communicate family values through productions of the highest cinematic quality. Founded by award winning producer, Cliff McDowell, P23 produces and distributes both animation and live action feature films that are family friendly and entertaining. For more information, please visit www.p23ent.com.

About Freestyle Releasing

Founded in 2004, Freestyle is one of the top service theatrical distributors with unique capabilities in distribution, sales service, marketing, and varied national and international output deals. Freestyle handles both wide and limited release patterns that range from 2500 screens to exclusive engagements. They have offices in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Jacksonville. For more information, please visit www.freestylereleasing.com.

SOURCE: Ridgerock Entertainment Group

WORLD BOXING CHAMPION AMIR KHAN ENTERS THE MMA BUSINESS AS NEW CO-OWNER OF SUPER FIGHT LEAGUE

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (August 10, 2015) – Decorated world boxing champion Amir Khan has stepped into the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) business as a new owner and promoter of world championship MMA sports franchise Super Fight League.

Khan, a former, two-time world champion, will join a new, blue-chip ownership and management team dedicated to expanding the former India-based Super Fight League’s footprint in The U.S., beginning with a television distribution agreement that the company expects to announce soon.

“I am extremely excited about this new venture and chapter in my career that will allow me to utilize my experience and relationships in the fight world to further the mission of, what I believe, is a company that has tremendous growth potential in the MMA and sports entertainment space,” said Khan, who will also continue his career in boxing where he has won his last five bouts, and holds an outstanding career record of 31-3, with 19 of his victories having come by way of (T)KO.

“Under the management of our new team of veterans from both the MMA and media industries,” continued Khan, “Super Fight League will unveil a new platform as well as an unprecedented new format for MMA competition in 2016 and, in doing so, will provide a potentially career-changing opportunity to hundreds of professional athletes in this great sport.”

Joining Khan at the helm of the franchise is new Super Fight League CEO and business tycoon Bill Dosanjh; digital media executive George Chung, whose expertise lies in international (Europe, Asia, Latin America, India and The Middle East) content aggregation and monetization; and Brian Halquist a Seattle, Wash.-based veteran promoter of over 140 live combat sports events who, among other feats, was a partner in the “STRIKEFORCE at the Dome” fight card that set a new record for live gate receipts for a combat sports event in the state of Washington on Feb. 23, 2008.

Super Fight League was founded in 2012 and has since produced 41 live events, including 5 in the U.S., and generated dozens of millions of views of its video content through a strategic, digital partnership with YouTube.

The promotion has been a home to a number of MMA champions and other superstars, including Olympic Judo medalist Satoshi Ishii, Trevor Prangley, Todd Duffee, Jeff Monson and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. The next Super Fight League live event in the U.S. will be announced soon.

About Super Fight League

Super Fight League (www.superfightleague) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise that was founded in 2012, and has since produced 41 live events in India, Dubai and the U.S., and showcased its product to tens of millions of fans through content partnerships with YouTube and STAR Sports Network in Asia. The company is dedicated to placing competitors from around the world in fiercely competitive matchups held inside its circular cage.

About Amir Khan

Amir Khan is an athlete, businessman and humanitarian. A former two-time world champion, having won the WBA and WBC and IBF Light Welterweight titles. He currently holds the WBC Silver Welterweight title and has fought at three weight classes lightweight, light welterweight and welterweight.

Khan is the youngest British Olympic boxing medalist winner silver at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games at the age of 17. He is also one of the youngest British World champions of all time winning the WBA Light Welterweight title at age 22. His professional record stands at 31-3 with 19 wins coming by way of knock out.

His charity worked has been noted by press and royalty with his contributions both monetary and personal time. Noted groups include NSPCC, Pakistan Earthquake Relief, BGC Charity Day, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Unicef and OxFam Aide. The Amir Khan Foundation has built orphanages around the world, beginning with Gambia Africa.

SOURCE: Witz End Communications, Inc.

Programming Alert: Wednesday, July 1

For what must be, like, the thousandth time, Ronda Rousey will be a guest on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' which airs at 11:35 PM ET.

Free tickets are still available, just by clicking here, so don't ever say I haven't done anything for ya.

Bellator MMA Is Giving Away Prizes, Including A Trip To See Kimbo-Shamrock!

What could be better than free? Just click below to enter.

Interesting Tidbit: 2016 Grammys Set To Air Against Raw

CBS has announced that next year's Grammy Awards will air on Monday, February 15, a first in its nearly sixty-year history. The move, which (for now) is only temporary, is simply an effort to better position the program during a three-day weekend, which will include Valentine's Day and President's Day. This year's show pulled in roughly twenty-five-million viewers, and if that's any indication of what to expect in 2016, I expect WWE to take quite a significant hit.

Cheap-Plug Alert!

Shane Helms recently chatted with Journey Of A Frontman's Alex Obert, as part of Obert's 'Sit-Down Series.'

Topics discussed include Omega Championship Wrestling's 'Chaos In Cameron 2' card, which takes place on May 2, and features Matt & Jeff Hardy, and Ricky Steamboat. Click the flyer for more details.

I Don't Know What It Is, And I Probably Won't Watch It, But ...

If you wanna watch Chris Jericho's appearances on all six episodes (an entire season) of Comedy Central's 'Nothing To Report,' you may now do so.

Two New Fights Featuring St. Louis Scrappers Added To "Bellator: Unfinished Business" At The Scottrade Center On June 19

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 13, 2015) – On the heels of this morning’s announcement of the Bobby Lashley vs. James Thompson rematch, “Bellator: Unfinished Business” adds a pinch of local flavor with the addition of welterweights Steve Mann (10-1) vs. Justin Guthrie (17-8) and strawweights Dan O’Connor (5-4) vs. Miles McDonald (0-1). The two fights will are the first announced fights of the preliminary card, which can be viewed on Spike.com starting at 4 p.m. PT.

The main card is headlined by a long overdue matchup between street-fighting legend and YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and "The World's Most Dangerous Man," Ken Shamrock, which kicks off Live and Free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT.

Tickets for "Bellator: Unfinished Business" start at $30 and go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.com and the Scottrade Center Box Office. Online presales begin on Wednesday, March 25.

Iowa's Mann is an intriguing welterweight prospect who has never fought past the opening round in 11 career contests. Eight of his 10 career wins have come by way of submission, including five by rear-naked choke. Mann makes his Bellator MMA debut on this major stage.

"The Pain Train" Guthrie, a Colorado Fight Factory product, also fights under the Bellator MMA banner for the first time. Fighting professionally since 2007, Guthrie boasts past clashes with MMA notables Jesse Forbes, Jorge Santiago, Lumumba Sayers, Gilbert Smith and Bobby Voelker. Guthrie has shown a well-rounded approach in previous contest, earning five victories by knockout, six by submission and six by decision, including two 25-minute contests.

In strawweight action, both "Johnny Irish" O'Connor and McDonald make their Bellator MMA debuts. Interestingly, St. Louis' O'Connor owns four of his five career victories by submission but has also been tapped out in three of his four defeats to date. Meanwhile, McDonald suffered an armbar loss in his May 2014 professional debut and now looks to rebound in his return to the cage.

"Bellator: Unfinished Business" – Friday, June 19, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Mo.

Main Card on Spike (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15)
Bellator Featherweight Championship: Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-4)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

Preliminary Card on Spike.com (7 p.m. ET)
Bellator welterweight prelim fight: Steve Mann (10-1) vs. Justin Guthrie (17-8)
Bellator strawweight prelim fight: Dan O’Connor (5-4) vs. Miles McDonald (0-1)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About Scottrade Center:

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.

SOURCE: Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.

RIP: Steve Rickard

Some sad news, as according to this report from The New Zealand Herald, Steve Rickard has died. Rickard, who wore many hats in and around professional wrestling, was perhaps best known for his stint as a promoter. He will be missed, and I offer my deepest condolences to his friends and family.

WWE Network® Post-WrestleMania Conference Call

STAMFORD, Conn., Mar. 18, 2015 -- WWE® (NYSE:WWE) announced that it will host a conference call on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 12:00 noon ET to discuss the progress of WWE Network, including WWE Network’s level of subscribers following WrestleMania and the network’s 2015 programming schedule. The Company’s Chairman & CEO, Vincent K. McMahon, and the Company’s Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, George Barrios, will host the conference call.

All interested parties are welcome to listen to a live web cast that will be hosted through the Company’s web site at ir.corporate.wwe.com. Participants can access the conference call by dialing 1-855-200-4993 (toll free) or 1-913-489-5104 from outside the U.S. (conference ID for both lines: 7011866). Please reserve a line 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call.

The WWE Network presentation referenced during the call will be made available on March 30, 2015 at ir.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.

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 reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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/.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press 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, without limitation, risks relating to: WWE Network; major distribution agreements; our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims relating to CTE; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our revolving credit facility; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercising control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares which are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the relatively small public “float” of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made, are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them, and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements.

SOURCE: WWE

Attention: Backyard Wrestlers (Among Others)! ... Looking For Some Exposure?

If so, this could be your ticket.

Variety Reveals Ronda Rousey's Next Film Project

'Mile 22,' whatever that is, also starring Iko Uwais and directed by Peter Berg, whomever they are.

Bellator MMA Statement On Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Today, Bellator MMA was compelled to go to court to stop Quinton "Rampage" Jackson from fighting in an April 25th bout promoted by Bellator's competitor, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Jackson, who has completed only three fights of his exclusive six-fight contract with Bellator, is barred by contract from fighting for any promoter other than Bellator. Our lawsuit for an injunction and related relief - filed in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court in Burlington County, New Jersey - will compel Jackson to honor his contractual agreement. We look forward to having one of our MMA stars fighting for Bellator again.

My Two-Cents - Ronda Rousey and Arianny Celeste

(Hat-tip: Marissa Payne's 'Early Lead' and The Washington Post)

It's amazing how Ronda Rousey is considered to be so "brash" and "outspoken," yet her words tend only to be directed at the sport's bit players, never at those who sign her paychecks.

Rousey believes that fighters are underpaid and ring-card girls are overpaid, which is her right.

Speaking of ring-card girls, Arianny Celeste (who also has a right to her opinion) thinks that Rousey is something of a bully.

Rousey clearly has little respect for Celeste (who seems to be a favorite target of Rousey's) or her work, but I can't help but wonder, when it comes to those who employ Celeste and Rousey, where is that same venom?

After all, if Celeste weren't working for the UFC, she wouldn't even have a job for Rousey to be unimpressed by.

Last week, Rousey was praised for taking a "momma's basement blogger" to task for what she perceived to be their slight on women's mixed-martial-arts.

His comments were nothing when compared to what Dana White has publicly said about female mixed-martial-artists and their abilities, but that was before Rousey was signed by the UFC and made the face of their distaff division, so all appears to be forgiven.

Funny how that works, isn't it?

MILLER LITE NAMED THE OFFICIAL TITLE SPONSOR FOR BELLATOR MMA

New York, NY, February 10, 2015 - Miller Lite has been named the official title sponsor for Bellator MMA events in 2015, marking the first-ever title sponsorship for the emerging MMA brand.

The partnership will debut with Bellator 134: The British Invasion on Friday, February 27 from the Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, CT.

"We are thrilled to partner with Miller Lite as we embark on our biggest year ever at Bellator," said Scott Coker, Bellator president. "We share a similar philosophy with Miller Lite where we put quality above all else."

"We've enjoyed being a part of the Bellator family for the past two years and are excited to become the first premier sponsor," said Adam Dettman, MillerCoors director of sports, entertainment and licensing. "We know MMA resonates with Miller Lite fans and look forward to another great year."

"Bellator MMA Presented by Miller Lite" will feature many of the most exciting athletes in the world in hard-hitting events from all around the country. The Miller Lite sponsorship will be across all of Spike and Bellator's platforms and on-site at venues. The partnership includes an on-air branded fight clock graphic, mat signage, custom tune-in spots, and signage at all press conferences. Miller Lite will also support local market activations.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Miller Brewing Company

Miller Brewing Company was founded in 1855 by Frederick J. Miller when he purchased the Plank Road Brewery in Milwaukee, a city he chose as the best place for a brewery given its access to great water. Miller Lite, the original great-tasting light pilsner beer, (MillerLite.com, Facebook.com/MillerLite, @MillerLite on Twitter) was introduced nationally in 1975 and is among the top-five selling beers in the United States. Miller Fortune (MillerFortune.com, Facebook.com/MillerFortune, @MillerFortune on Twitter) is brewed with caramel malt and cascade hops for a balanced taste and smooth finish. The brewery's oldest enduring beer is Miller High Life (MillerHighLife.com, Facebook.com/MillerHighLife, @MillerHighLife on Twitter). Known as the Champagne of Beers, it was introduced in 1903 and is still brewed with the same yeast strain that Miller carried in his pocket from Germany. Miller Genuine Draft (MGD.com, Facebook.com/MillerGenuineDraft, @Miller_Global on Twitter), introduced in 1986, is the original cold-filtered, packaged draft beer. Miller Brewing Company operates in the United States and Puerto Rico as part of MillerCoors, a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Learn more at MillerCoors.com, at Facebook.com/MillerCoors or on Twitter through @MillerCoors.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE: Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.

Note from Ric: Impressive, but, as far as revenue and exposure, Bellator is still a long way from the UFC.

Press Release - Hollywood Marketing Expert Rolfe Auerbach To Help Grow Sponsorship Sales For World Series Of Fighting

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 27, 2015 -- Renowned Hollywood brand builder Rolfe Auerbach has joined World Series of Fighting (www.wsof.com), the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion and NBCUniversal television property announced today.

A 20-year marketing veteran responsible for launching FOX Television Studios' Product Integration Organization and for ushering product integration practices into the music industry, Auerbach, the President and CEO of Los Angeles-based Brand in Entertainment, will be charged with spearheading all sponsorship sales and product integration strategies on behalf of World Series of Fighting.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with World Series of Fighting which, in its relatively short lifespan of just over 2 years, has grown exponentially into a powerful sports entertainment vehicle," said Auerbach.

"With its presence on the NBCUniversal platform, its tremendous reach on television platforms throughout the planet and some of the best and most exciting athletes in the sport of MMA, the World Series of Fighting product presents an incredible opportunity for consumer brands to engage the 18-34 year old male demographic."

"We are excited to bring a marketing mastermind and innovator like Rolfe Auerbach on board to our incredible team," said World Series of Fighting President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo.

"With Rolfe's wealth of experience and blue-chip level relationships in the consumer products space," continued Sefo, "he will no doubt be able to catapult our brand into the next stratosphere."

Under Auerbach's leadership, Brand in Entertainment, since its inception in 2000, has incorporated products and brands into a host of the world's most popular studio films, television programs, music videos and video games.

In 2006, Auerbach's company famously incorporated a key marketing initiative of upscale hotel chain Embassy Suites, into one of the most-watched episodes of Donald Trump's smash-hit NBC-televised reality series The Apprentice.

Auerbach has executed similar integrations into the television productions of FOX, MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount, as well as into the works of major record labels Universal, Sony, Atlantic, Elektra, RCA, Arista and Jive.

World Series of Fighting programming is available in over 100 countries worldwide as a result of a partnership with IMG, the global leader in sports content distribution.

SOURCE: World Series of Fighting

Zuffa Decides To "Punish" Jon Jones

The UFC wants you to know that, in testing positive for cocaine, Jon Jones has violated their "Athlete Code of Conduct," and as a result, he'll have to part with $25,000.

I'd call it a slap on the wrist, but that choice of words would be far too harsh.

Jones, of course, is the same guy who, while driving under the influence in 2012, totaled a Bentley, which was worth probably ten-times that amount.

The "fine," it is said, will be donated to a rehab facility, meaning that Jones or Zuffa (or both) will probably be able claim it on their taxes. I'm no tax expert, but maybe Zuffa will issue another statement, this one containing the particulars of how that might work. In the meantime, I won't hold my breath.

This Must Make The Zuffa Brass REALLY Happy

As if Jon Jones, Nevada's Athletic Commission, and the UFC haven't taken enough flack for how "Cokegate" (I just made that up) was (not) handled, Jones' mother revealed to Binghamton, New York's WBNG that her son only spent a single night in rehab.

Perhaps Dana White should make his fighters sign contracts which only allow their families to accept interview requests from pre-approved media. Sure, it sounds completely ridiculous, but all that means is that it will fit right in with the rest of how this story has been playing out.

COMBAT SPORTS HALL OF FAME SIMULTANEOUSLY LAUNCHES FIRST ONLINE EXHIBITION AND A SOCIAL NETWORK

Exhibition: Muay Thai for MMA | Social Network: Rounds

Cambridge, MA, January 10, 2015 – The Combat Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the launch the online exhibition Muay Thai for MMA, and a new combat sports themed social network called Rounds. The exhibition features text, images, video, and an interactive timeline. The Combat Sports Hall of Fame plans to organize pop-up exhibition events in an effort to link the online exhibition to the physical world. Rounds will serve as social space for members to discuss and share content related to Combat Sports Hall of Fame exhibitions, combat sports topics, and related areas of interest.

“I am excited to announce the launch of the Muay Thai for MMA exhibition and Rounds! The exhibit and the social space are designed to educate and entertain all who visit. This has been a long time coming. The Combat Sports Hall of Fame started as my Master’s thesis project at Harvard University Extension School, and now it is a nonprofit growing its online presence with a goal of establishing a physical space,” said Combat Sports Hall of Fame Founder and President Alvin Benjamin Carter III.

The Combat Sports Hall of Fame started as a graduate thesis, Collecting Excellence: The Creation of a Combat Sports Hall of Fame, written by the Founder and President Alvin Benjamin Carter III while he was in Harvard University Extension School’s Museum Studies Program. The hall of fame grew with support from his advisors, industry professionals, family, and friends. It also has benefited from his years of martial arts training at Redline Fight Sports in Cambridge, MA and his years of writing for MMA Torch. His training and ringside fight coverage have helped him cultivate his combat sports expertise.

The exhibition will have periodic updates keeping it interesting for returning visitors. Visitors are also encouraged to use Rounds to discuss the exhibition and connect with each other. Rounds provides a space where fans of the hall of fame, novice to expert fight fans, museum professionals, and combat sports professionals can learn from each other and have fun sharing content and ideas. Users can create an account and login with their current Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn accounts. The exhibition and the social space are just the first offerings from the Combat Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Stay tuned!

Visit

Muay Thai for MMA - http://exhibits.combatsportshalloffame.com/
Rounds (A CSHF Social Network) - http://rounds.combatsportshalloffame.com/

Main Website – http://combatsportshalloffame.com

Twitter.com/combatsportshf (#CSHF)
Facebook.com/combatsportshf
Linkedin.com/company/combat-sports-hall-of-fame

About The Combat Sports Hall of Fame

The Combat Sports Hall of Fame is a member of the New England Museum Association (NEMA).

The mission of the Combat Sports Hall of Fame is to celebrate the achievements of elite practitioners, training camps, and organizations in mixed martial arts and all other combat sports; document the history and progression of all martial art forms; and to educate visitors, researchers, and combat sports enthusiast.

The activities of the Combat Sports Hall of fame will include induction ceremonies, exhibitions, archiving records and statistics of various combat sport and its fighters, and producing educational events and programs. Individual martial arts systems will be featured as well.

Combat Sports Hall of Fame. Honoring Excellence in Martial Arts.

SOURCE: Combat Sports Hall of Fame

Programming Alert - Saturday, January 10, 1 PM ET

Cung Le will be featured on the premier of the AXS TV series, 'Celebrity Sweat.'

If you're hoping to learn more about the Le-UFC lawsuit, though, don't bother watching, because this was taped back in August (about one-week before Le's fight against Michael Bisping).

Pop-Quiz Time! Jon Jones Or Justin Bieber?

1.) Which one is the UFC Light-Heavyweight champion?

2.) Which one is a world-famous singer/songwriter?

(I know what you're thinking ... This is too easy.)

3.) Which one of these role models, despite being a self-avowed Christian and only in his twenties, has a recent past scattered with such moral behavior as a public skirmish (or two), a DUI arrest (which included a vehicle crash), and drug use?

(Now, all Jones needs is to buy himself a plane.)

You Always Wanted Hulk Hogan To Autograph Your Pinball Machine (Just Admit It), And, Now, It Can Finally Happen!

That's right, brother!

Break Out The Party Hats, Wandering Euan! (I'd Have Told Him To Break Out The Booze, Too, If I Didn't Think He Already Has)

Why? This press release, courtesy of WWE, is why:

WWE Network Comes to the UK and Ireland

STAMFORD, Conn., January 4, 2015 – Beginning Monday, January 19, WWE Network will be available in the UK for £9.99 per month and Ireland for €12.99 per month on a direct-to-consumer basis, with no commitment and the ability to cancel any time. Fans will be able to sign up in time to watch Royal Rumble® LIVE on Sunday, January 25 and see which WWE Superstar competes for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania® 31.

WWE Network subscribers in the UK and Ireland will have access to the U.S. English language version of WWE Network with all 12 annual pay-per-view events LIVE at no additional cost, 24/7 scheduled programming and the most comprehensive video-on-demand library with more than 2,700 hours of content, including every WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view.

“We are thrilled to start the new year by offering WWE Network directly to our fans in the UK and Ireland,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “I want to thank our fans in the UK and Ireland for their patience, and I’m confident it will be well worth the wait.”

Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to sign up online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TV through connected devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku streaming devices, Sony Playstation 3, Sony Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung.

WWE Network programming includes groundbreaking original series, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more. The U.S. English language version of WWE Network is available direct to consumer in more than 170 countries and territories.

For a complete listing of WWE Network availability by country and device, please click here.

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 reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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/.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press 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, without limitation, risks relating to entering into, maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming and our new network distribution agreements; risks relating to the launch and maintenance of our new network; 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 and acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive and fragmented nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to new businesses and strategic investments; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to general economic conditions and our exposure to bad debt risk; risks relating to litigation; risks relating to market expectations for our financial performance; risks relating to our revolving credit facility specifically and capital markets more generally; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; 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 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.