Featured Post

Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy Something!

In all seriousness, folks, no matter how you choose to celebrate the arrival of 2019, I hope you have a blast, but, most of all, stay safe!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas!

The gang at Canvas Chronicle (you know ... me) hopes that everyone (no matter where you go or what you do) has a wonderful and safe Christmas.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

DAZN AND COMBATE AMERICAS (MMA) SIGN LANDMARK MULTIYEAR DISTRIBUTION DEAL IN U.S. AND CANADA

First Fight: Marroquin vs. Alday Bantamweight World Championship Bout on Friday, Sept. 14

Gilbert Melendez, Julianna Peña and Max Bretos to Call the Action on DAZN

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2018 – DAZN, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, today announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement with Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise. The deal will bring a minimum of 13 fight nights per year to DAZN.

Beginning with this weekend's card headlined by Levy Marroquin vs. Jose "Pochito" Alday, DAZN will be the exclusive home of Combate Americas' English-language broadcasts in the United States and Canada. The Marroquin vs. Alday bout will stream live from Phoenix on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 14.

Calling the action inside "La Jaula" – the Combate Americas cage – will be MMA superstars Gilbert "El Niño" Melendez and Julianna "The Venezuelan Vixen" Peña, alongside play-by-play announcer Max Bretos.

Combate Americas is a fast-rising MMA organization known for its action-packed fights and growing audience within the sport. This monumental deal will bring Combate Americas to English-language viewers for the first time.

"We are thrilled to be in partnership with an innovative and global entertainment leader like DAZN, and to be able to showcase the fast-paced, aggressive and in-your-face style of fighting that Combate Americas offers and that, 25 years after I launched the UFC, has re-defined MMA as ‘Mucha Mas Accion,'" said Campbell McLaren, Combate Americas CEO.

"We continue to break new ground in this sports industry, and this deal speaks directly to our pursuit of reaching new heights."

"Chapter one of DAZN's entrance into the U.S. market is focused on combat sports," said Joseph Markowski, DAZN SVP, North America. "And with 80 percent of Combate Americas' fights ending in a stoppage, we are excited to bring that type of action to fight fans."

Following the announcement of deals across Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, and the World Boxing Super Series, the Combate Americas deal puts the number of fight nights per year on DAZN at 80+.

The winner of the bantamweight (135 lbs.) matchup between Marroquin, who hails from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Alday of Tucson, Ariz. by way of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, will be crowned the first Mexican MMA world champion in history as well as the first world champion in Combate Americas' history.

Fans can sign up for DAZN for only $9.99 per month by registering at DAZN.com or by downloading the DAZN app on a wide range of connected devices, including smart TVs, PCs, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. For more information, fans can follow DAZN's U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

*Cards subject to change.


ABOUT DAZN
DAZN is a global live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all of the service’s sports on connected devices including Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Italy, and just launched for $9.99 a month in the U.S. – where it is set to become a must-have for fight fans, with 80+ fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for sports fans worldwide. 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.

Source: Combate Americas

Monday, August 13, 2018

SmackDown® 1000 Set For October 16

Tickets Available This Friday

STAMFORD, Conn.--Aug. 13, 2018-- The historic 1,000th episode of WWE® SmackDown Live will take place from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, and air live on USA Network at 8/7C. Tickets are available starting this Friday, August 17 at 10 am ET at the Capital One Arena box office, via www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

“1,000 episodes is a tremendous milestone reinforcing the longevity and popularity of WWE,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “But it’s only the beginning, and the best is yet to come for SmackDown.”

On air since 1999, SmackDown Live is the second-longest running weekly episodic cable television show in U.S. primetime history, only behind Monday Night Raw. SmackDown Live is currently among the most-watched, regularly scheduled programs on primetime cable and delivers more viewers in primetime than any cable network in the U.S. (2.9 million average viewers). SmackDown Live has aired more original episodes than some of the most popular television series of all time, including The Simpsons, Gunsmoke, Lassie and Monday Night Football.

SmackDown Live has also helped launch the careers of pop-culture icons including Dwayne “The Rock®” Johnson, John Cena®, Undertaker®, Triple H®, “Stone Cold®” Steve Austin and The Bella Twins™.

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 800 million homes worldwide in 24 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 180 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

Monday, July 16, 2018

Ronda Rousey And 'The Quickie' ...

No, not that "quickie," you pervs. I'm talking about Ronda Rousey's short interview in the August edition of 'Cosmopolitan' magazine, where she promotes the release of 'Mile 22' (premiering on August 17, in case you didn't know), and her WWE career. What I found most interesting (although, considering the source, not most-surprising) is Rousey's "By this time next year" goal - Wanna know what it is? - Pick up the August edition of Cosmo and read it for yourself.

World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Officially Up & Running

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Inaugural event set for October on worldwide PPV

CHICAGO (July 16, 2018) -- Combat sports' newest organization, World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), officially announced today that it is fully operational and targeting this October to promote its inaugural professional event, to air worldwide on independent pay per view.

WBKFF principals include CEO Tom Stankiewicz, COO & Director of Operations JC and matchmaker Paul Tyler.

The exact date of this historical event, venue, complete PPV details, and bouts will be announced during this summer.

"WBKFF will soon become the biggest, most popular in combat sports," JC predicted. "This all started from our passion for hand-to-hand combat and to give fans what they deserve. WBKFF and fan-friendly will be synonymous. We're going to give combat sports fans what they want and deserve: integrity, passion and fairness."

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men's and women's matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

WBKFF has actively scouted and recruited battle-tested veterans and promising prospects alike from boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and other combat sports disciplines.

Members of the WBKFF stable of fighters range from legendary MMA veteran and undefeated kickboxer Phil "New York Bad Ass" Baroni to Street Beats Internet and YouTube MMA sensation Chris "Mighty Mouse" Yarborough, pro-debuting Team USA national boxing champion Tika "Ice Cold" Hemingway and former University of South Alabama football star Desmond LaVelle, former UFC fighters Seth "Polish Pistola" Baczynski, Tom "Da Tank" Gallicchio and Christina Marks, former Bellator fighters Virgil "Rezdog" Zwicker and Dakota Cochrane, and former world boxing title challenger Jasmine Clarkson, among the more notables to date.

Additional signings, including some with major names in MMA and boxing, are in negotiation stages.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.WBKFF.com

Facebook: /WBKFF

Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF

ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF's mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.

SOURCE: Full Court PRESS

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson Headlines EA SPORTS UFC 3 Icon Edition

Game Now Includes UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz and 2018 UFC Hall of Fame inductee Matt Serra, along with UFC / PRIDE legends Mirko Cro Cop and Wanderlei Silva and fan favorite Kimbo Slice for All Players

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--Tue., Jul. 3, 2018--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) today provided the best reason yet to step inside UFC’s world-famous Octagon® with the launch of EA SPORTS UFC 3 Icon Edition, headlined by UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, whose record 11 successful title defenses are the most in UFC history. In addition to delivering standout features like the new G.O.A.T. Career mode and Real Player Motion Tech that revolutionizes character movement, the Icon Edition adds legendary and fan-requested fighters such as UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra, former PRIDE FC middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva, former PRIDE FC world open-weight grand prix champion Mirko Cro Cop and fan favorite Kimbo Slice. Current EA SPORTS UFC 3 owners will also receive all five of the new legendary athletes that were added and more key gameplay updates for free in today’s content release.

“This one is for all the hard working gamers out there. Games are a big part of my life, so to be on a cover of an EA SPORTS game for the first time ever, that’s incredibly special,” said UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson. “I worked hard to get here, and it’s a great feeling to be immortalized as an Icon.”

The Icon Edition also includes one permanent champion fighter and move in UFC Ultimate Team for players to choose from, including Demetrious Johnson, former UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor, former UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, former two-time UFC welterweight and former UFC middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre or former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, as well as additional UFC Ultimate Team content.

EA SPORTS UFC 3 Icon Edition is available now through July 17 for Xbox One and PlayStation®4 for $39.99. To learn more about EA SPORTS UFC 3 visit https://www.ea.com/games/ufc/ufc-3.

EA Access members receive a 10 percent discount when they purchase a digital version of EA SPORTS UFC 3 on Xbox Live.*

For more information about EA SPORTS games, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit https://www.ea.com/games/ufc/ufc-3 to connect, share and compete.

About Electronic Arts

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

In fiscal year 2018, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $5.2 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, Battlefield, The Sims, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, NBA, UFC, NHL, and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

Xbox and Xbox One are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About UFC ®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 400 events in 21 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

*CONDITIONS, LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS APPLY. SEE EA.COM/EAACCESS/TERMS AND EA.COM/EAACCESS FOR DETAILS.

SOURCE: EA Studios

Monday, June 4, 2018

COMBATE AMERICAS NAMES MEDIA INDUSTRY VETERAN JACQUELINE HERNANDEZ PRESIDENT

Hernandez Previously Served as Chief Marketing Officer, NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises; Chief Operating Officer, Telemundo Enterprises and Publisher of People En Español

NEW YORK- June 4, 2018 – Combate Americas, the world’s premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports and multimedia entertainment company targeting Hispanics, announced today the appointment of media industry veteran and former NBCUniversal executive, Jacqueline Hernandez, as Combate Americas President. She will be based in New York and will report to Campbell McLaren, CEO and Founder of Combate Americas.

“Jackie is well-positioned to take Combate Americas into a rapidly changing media landscape,” said McLaren. “She is the undisputed champion of Hispanic millennials and Gen- Z marketing. Her leadership skills are world-class. It is a true honor to welcome her into La Jaula.”

Hernandez, working in tandem with McLaren, will oversee the entire business apparatus and P&L of Combate Americas. She will be responsible for driving the company’s continued global expansion, expanding multiplatform distribution channels and geographic regions for the company’s growth plan, negotiating media rights and developing a world-class MMA Sports & Entertainment enterprise and brand name.

“The intersection of cultures and new identities around the world - including the US - has propelled today's young generations to be rule breakers, culture benders and trendsetters," said Hernandez. "I'm excited and honored to join Campbell and the Combate Americas team because we are committed to ensuring new generations see themselves reflected in its fandom. Our audiences and the heroes who bring our franchise to life are the spirit of Combate."

Hernandez has played integral roles at major worldwide corporations, including Chief Marketing Officer of NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises; Chief Operating Officer of Telemundo Enterprises and Publisher of People en Español and Teen People. Most recently Hernandez was President and Founder of the strategic consulting firm, The M²Z Group where she took on Combate Americas as her first client.

Throughout her career, Hernandez has earned various industry awards, including FORTUNE’s Most Powerful Latinas (2017), The Top CableFAX 100 Players (2016), the PromaxBDA Brand Builder of the Year (2013), The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 Women in Entertainment (2013 & 2012), Broadcast & Cable’s Wonder Women (2013) award, and was named one of Advertising Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising.

Hernandez earned an MBA from Baruch College, New York and a BA from Tufts University.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS

Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for Spanish speaking sports fans worldwide. Currently it is distributed globally on various leading broadcast and cable networks. In the US it can be seen on Univision and Univision Deportes; in Mexico on Azteca7; in LATAM on ESPN and on GOL in Spain.

The Combate Americas content franchise includes live events, reality TV programming 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.

SOURCE: Combate Americas

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Review Of Vince Russo's Attitude With Terri Runnels

Bro “the man” is back with another edition of his Kayfabe Commentaries series where he spews about how great he was as the sole writer of the Attitude Era in World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment. It is Vince Russo and his Attitude talking with the former Marlena AKA Terri Runnels who managed her now ex-husband Goldust AKA Dustin Runnels in the promotion. Since the first release in the series with Ken Shamrock, Russo has been fired by his podcasting network for being a douchebag, been featured on Something Else to Wrestle with former KC.com guest Bruce Prichard on WWE Network and I re-read both of his books, most likely sold on his website and Amazon. So this is interesting to watch indeed especially when Runnels brings out her dog Mozart.

Surprisingly Russo admits Vince McMahon had the idea for Goldust but nothing more than a “Hollywood Golden Era” persona. McMahon also had the idea for Marlena but didn’t have someone to play it. Runnels shares how she created the overall look including fighting with cigar/cigarette phobic McMahon about taking one to ringside. They bring up how Marlena was involved in the debut of Chyna in WWE, an unannounced visit to the Academy Awards, being on the road with Dustin and Dakota (their daughter), issues from WWE TV sponsors in reaction to the slight homophobic tendencies of the character plus issues with Sable (Rena Mero/Lesnar) and Sunny (Tammy Sytch). She also discusses Dustin’s battle with substance abuse (thankfully he has somewhat conquered them), working with Ultimate Warrior, Roddy Piper (Goldust’ WrestleMania 12 opponent), Val Venis, the PMS angle with Jacqueline and the late Brian Pillman (who dated Terri before she married Dustin). Runnels does give great detail into her relationship with Pillman and the angle where she was under his control.

Only because of my loyalty to the Kayfabe Commentaries product and Sean Oliver did I review this DVD. This is a car crash from the moment you push play. There is hardly any format kept to by Russo especially when we are subjected to a story of Runnels getting a piercing in a place I really didn’t want to know about. Some of this was brand new to me because during the Attitude Era I watched more of WCW than WWE.

The www.KayfabeCommentaries.com site lists upcoming releases as YouShoot with “Wildfire” Tommy Rich May 29) and Supercard with “Hacksaw” Butch Reed (June.) There will also be YouShoot episodes with Justin Credible and Mikey Whipwreck released in the summer. For information on Alan Wojcik’s wrestling coverage, check out
www.Facebook.com/KayfabeWrestlingRadio
& www.Twitter.com/MyNameIsWojcik

SOURCE: Alan Wojcik

Monday, May 21, 2018

LFA JOINS LONDON TRUST MEDIA HOLDINGS GROUP

Las Vegas, NV -- May 21, 2018. Las Vegas, NV - LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion has joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies. London Trust Media Holding is a diversified corporation with a primary focus on the Internet, entertainment and media industries.

London Trust Media acquired a majority ownership stake in LFA which is expected to stimulate the growth of LFA through revitalized branding and an expanded reach across all Internet and social platforms. Additionally, the LFA team will gain access to a diverse network of LTM owned companies building an international presence for a stronger position in the market place.

"This is a great day for LFA and MMA," said Ed Soares, CEO of LFA. "We now host thirty MMA events across the United States which makes LFA the fastest growing MMA promotion in the world. Our strategic partnership with London Trust Media ensures that LFA will continue to grow as we develop the top prospects in the sport." Soares noted that when the RFA and Legacy FC 2016 merger formed in 2016-2017, they became the premier developmental organization in MMA. Since then, RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 130 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.

"London Trust Media has high hopes for the MMA industry and LFA specifically. We anticipate tremendous growth in viewers, sponsors and attracting new generations of athletes and fans through our strategic alliance." stated Ted Kim, CEO of London Trust Media.

LFA will continue to produce as many as 30 live MMA events per year in multiple markets across the USA, all broadcast live on AXS TV. The new partnership with London Trust Media will allow LFA to expand its footprint by creating special interest content focused on its many athletes and their lifestyles and history.

The LFA leadership will continue with Ed Soares as CEO and Sven Bean, former LFA COO, has been named as President. Mark Bieri, a founding partner in the organization, will assume the role of Vice President of Talent Relations.

"I cannot be more pleased and excited with this new partnership," stated Bean, "When we originally formed the LFA our single most important goal was to create the premier developmental organization in the sport of MMA. We were able to do that in less than a year. Now with the expertise, experience and assets through London Trust Media, our growth as a brand will be unstoppable!"

Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

About LFA:

LFA 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. LFA was formed by the powerhouse merger between RFA and Legacy FC. LFA presents live Mixed Martial Arts events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Houston. LFA can be seen live in over 53 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Houston, TX, LFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).

About London Trust Media:

London Trust Media is a diversified business focused on the Internet and media industries - bringing the Internet back to its original state and bringing power back to the people. London Trust Media runs the leading no-log VPN service provider in the world Private Internet Access (PIA) as well as Kore Asian Media, Linux Journal, freenode, Snoonet, JOG, BlockExplorer, and Provocateur. Please visit their website at www.londontrustmedia.com for more information.

SOURCE: LEGACY FIGHTING ALLIANCE

Monday, April 30, 2018

SHOWTIME® ANNOUNCES RAW AND REVEALING DOCUMENTARY CHRONICLING SPORTSCASTER MAURO RANALLO AND HIS LIFELONG BATTLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER Premieres During Mental Health Awareness Month

On Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

NEW YORK – April 30, 2018 – Prolific combat sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness are the subject of a new documentary film from SHOWTIME Sports®. BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER – named for the moniker Ranallo gave himself as a broadcast personality and DJ in the early 90’s – will premiere on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

First look video: https://s.sho.com/2Ft4Mig

Ranallo has Bipolar Affective Disorder, a condition afflicting nearly five percent of the U.S. population according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org). As a national sportscaster for preeminent boxing, mixed martial arts and WWE events, Ranallo has long been an advocate for ending the stigma of mental illness. Now, for the first time, he exposes the true extent of his daily struggle. Through extensive behind-the-scenes video footage, candid personal interviews and detailed accounts from his loved ones and doctors, BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER takes an unflinching look at mental illness and its effects.

The film explores Ranallo’s career, including his work on the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history, and his relentless pursuit of a childhood dream despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Through this deeply personal portrait, Ranallo hopes that the film might inspire others to persevere in pursuing their dreams despite the challenges of a mental health condition.

“I have always tried to do my part to bring awareness to mental health issues,” said Ranallo. “Over the last several years, I allowed my best friend, Haris (Usanovic), to film me at my lowest points as well as at my highest. The idea is simply to show others who suffer that they are not alone and that, even when the outlook is bleak, you can overcome and achieve success. Mental illness is a life sentence—there is no cure—but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.”

“Through BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER, Mauro Ranallo has chosen to share not only his life’s dreams, but his nightmares as well,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc. “Having reached the pinnacle of his profession, Mauro bravely turns his keen observational skills inward to examine his own life-long battle. The result is a raw, poignant and ultimately inspirational film that personifies Mauro’s courage and selflessness.”

Ranallo is a popular fixture on today’s combat sports scenes. In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, he has called everything from “All-Star Wrestling,” a Canadian professional wrestling outfit, to historic MMA events for PRIDE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS out of Japan, to WWE SmackDown Live on USA Network, to many of the biggest boxing events in the world for SHOWTIME Sports. Ranallo was the first broadcaster to call play-by-play on boxing, kickboxing, MMA and professional wrestling events on national television.

Today, Ranallo is the voice of three prominent nationally televised series: SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, WWE’s weekly show NXT on WWE Network, and BELLATOR MMA on Paramount Network. Perhaps best known for his dramatic, excitable style, Ranallo is a student of the English language. He has already made a lasting mark on the industry having called the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history: Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (May 2015, international telecast); and Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (Aug. 2017, SHOWTIME PPV®).

BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER is produced by Brian Dailey, the network’s Vice President, Sports Digital Content and Strategy, and MALKA MEDIA GROUP. Directed by first-time filmmaker Haris Usanovic, the film is executive produced by Stephen Espinoza and SHOWTIME Sports.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network's authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One, Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, Amazon Channels and FuboTV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Source: Showtime Sports

Friday, April 20, 2018

MMA Fighter Bryce Logan Joins Soba Recovery in Fighting Addiction Movement

TUNE IN TONIGHT ON AXS TV

April 20, 2018 - Soba Recovery Center is happy to announce its partnership with MMA fighter Bryce Logan (8-2), who battles Dakota Bush (4-0) tonight on Legacy Fighting Alliance on AXS TV. Logan joins Roy "Big Country" Nelson as they join Soba Recover Centers in their movement to fighting addiction.

"Today, we as a society, need to be aware of the dangers that drug, and alcohol addiction has on our families. It brings me great pleasure to join Soba Recovery Centers and their quest to help fight addiction. Addiction does not discriminate, it hits home to every race, religion and culture. Tonight, I'll be wearing a Soba patch on my trunks in honor of fighting addiction."

For a TV listing on AXS TV please click HERE.

About Soba Recovery Centers:

The emphasis at SOBA is "WHEN YOU ARE READY." When you finally realize your life has become unmanageable due to drug and/or alcohol addiction, and you sincerely desire to turn that around for yourself (rather than trying to please someone else)- you have an excellent chance of success. Ready? Pick up the phone and call us at (866) 948-9014. You will be speaking with someone who has similar experiences with the same feelings and emotions you may be going through right now.

Source: Soba Recovery

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Roy "Big Country" Nelson Joins Soba Recovery In Fighting Addiction Movement

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 11, 2018) - During his fight with Matt Mitrione at Bellator 194, MMA fighter Roy "Big Country" Nelson was wearing a Soba Recover Center patch on his trunks. The support for Soba was more than a sponsorship partnership for Nelson, it was union that hits close to his heart. In this in-depth interview, Soba Recovery Center founder and recovering addict, Greg Hannley, goes one on one with Nelson, as they both give their testimony on how addiction has affected their lives. This is a very inspiring video with vital information on how the insurance companies should change their policies when it comes to the opioid crisis that is killing the middle class. Please click on the video link below and get informed.



About Soba Recovery Centers:

The emphasis at SOBA is "WHEN YOU ARE READY." When you finally realize your life has become unmanageable due to drug and/or alcohol addiction, and you sincerely desire to turn that around for yourself (rather than trying to please someone else)- you have an excellent chance of success. Ready? Pick up the phone and call us at (866) 948-9014. You will be speaking with someone who has similar experiences with the same feelings and emotions you may be going through right now.

SOURCE: Soba Recovery

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Alan Wojcik's Review Of HBO Sports’ Andre The Giant Documentary

Andre the Giant was not like anyone you nor will I ever see in professional wrestling. In a business that labels people legends and icons, Andre Roussimoff was all of the above and more. He transcended the business and became a uber pop culture icon, especially to children who grew up in the 1980’s. Sadly he passed away in January 1993 visiting family in France. HBO Sports, producer Bill Simmons and director Hehir bring Andre’s story to life airing April 10th at 10pm and on demand.

We find out through the film Andre’s original ring name was Jean Ferre’, a French lumberjack and it was in the United States he was called the name we all know him under. We follow Andre from his debut in the late 1960’s to his arrival in North America in Montreal through the United States in the mid 1970’s. Thanks to regional promotions having TV and the wrestling magazines like Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Andre became the legend we know today. As heartwarming the stories told in the film are, it is heartbreaking to think the everyday life of someone with giantism (AKA acromegaly). To be oversized for even normal things like flying in an airplane or riding in a car must be extremely difficult. Andre appeared to find solace when he bought a ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina. People always say either Andre liked you or hated you; there was no middle ground as we find out about superstars like Randy Savage, Big John Studd and the Iron Sheik. The phrase BOSS also was used by the Giant and it is used to describe him with affection. The amazing stories also come out from his legendary consumption of alcohol and those who tried to keep up with Andre’s lifestyle. Andre had to endure the death of the territories at the hands of the WWF (now called WWE) who went national making Hulk Hogan its number one star. The filmmakers wonderfully cover Andre’s transition to the bad guy side; being managed by Bobby “the Brain” Heenan which led to the iconic WrestleMania 3 match with Hogan.

In addition to archived interviews with Andre, many wrestling personalities are featured like Andre’s travel partner Tim White, Hulk Hogan, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Pat Patterson, WWE chairman Vince McMahon and his son Shane, writer Pat Laprade, Canadian wrestler Gino Brito, writer David Shoemaker, Jerry “the King” Lawler, Gene Okerlund, journalist Dr. Terry Todd and journalist David Meltzer. The filmmakers also got time with Andre’s brothers Antione & Jacques and his daughter Robin Chirstensen plus actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, family friend Jack McAuley, and his co-stars in the Princess Bride Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal and director Rob Reiner.

Even the non-wrestling person will love this film. The only flaw in the film is the focus on WWE’s 1980’s expansion; the film briefly turns into an infommercial for World Wrestling Entertainment and nearly kills the film’s momentum. This segment eats ten minutes of the one hour twenty-four minutes dedicated to the Giant.

I must offer tremendous thanks to HBO Sports; specifically to Gregory Domino, for allowing me to screen this before the general public. For information on Alan Wojcik’s wrestling coverage, check out www.Facebook.com/KayfabeWrestlingRadio & www.Twitter.com/MyNameIsWojcik

Thursday, March 1, 2018

SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES FIRST INSTALLMENT OF NEW DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT

Debut of BELOW THE BELT with Brendan Schaub features Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® analyst Paulie Malignaggi and Former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar

Available NOW On YouTube And Facebook

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports released the debut installment of the first-of-its-kind sports talk show BELOW THE BELT, hosted by Brendan Schaub, available now on the Below the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page. The premiere of the twice-monthly, 30-minute program features a preview of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING analyst Paulie Malignaggi, as well as an interview with America’s only heavyweight world champion himself, Deontay Wilder. Schaub also interviews former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar ahead of his co-main event bout with Brian Ortega at UFC 222 on Saturday night.

BELOW THE BELT explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. The multi-platform program, which also includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME, features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. The next installment of BELOW THE BELT launches March 14, followed by new shows on March 28, April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 16.

SOURCE: Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.