Press Release: WWE & Warner Bros. Announce New Video Game

WWE sent out the following press release Thursday morning: 

WWE and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Team up for WWEImmortals

Free-to-Play Mobile Game Developed by NetherRealm Studios Scheduled for Worldwide Launch Next Year Burbank, Calif. and Stamford, Conn. – December 11, 2014 – WWE and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are creating WWE Immortals, a free-to-play mobile game that will feature epic Superstar battles in a fantastically re-imagined WWE world. 

WWE Immortals is being developed by NetherRealm Studios, the creators of the best-selling Mortal Kombat franchise and Injustice: Gods Among Us, in conjunction with Phosphor Game Studios, and will be available worldwide on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices in 2015. "It's amazing to be working with WWE to offer a new way for fans to experience the brand on mobile platforms," said Greg Ballard, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Social and Emerging Platforms, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "NetherRealm Studios are experts in creating award-winning games and the team is working hard to deliver the same quality of engaging gameplay with WWE Immortals."

"We are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios to create WWE Immortals and bring a new action-packed mobile experience to our passionate fan base," said Casey Collins, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, WWE. "By tapping into NetherRealm's legendary game development studio along with the unparalleled reach of Warner Bros. 

Interactive Entertainment, we are creating a new way for fans to engage with the larger-than-life WWE characters." Additional details, including gameplay features, will be announced leading up to the game's launch next year.

Press Release - The USA Network Touts WWE RAW Ratings Success

The USA Network has issued a new press release touting their ninth straight year as the #1 ad-supported (aka non-premium) cable network in total viewers. The announcement, which you can see below, pushed the network’s 2.14 million total viewer average and its ranking at #1 among women 18 – 49. The release also gives the usual appreciation to WWE Raw, calling it the most watched regularly scheduled program on cable, 52 weeks a year with 4.68 million average total viewers and 2.08 million in the 18 – 49 demo.

 The full release is below:

 USA NETWORK CONTINUES UNPRECEDENTED RATINGS STREAK WITH 9TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS #1 IN CABLE IN TOTAL VIEWERS  USA Ranks #1 Among Women in 18-49 And 25-54  WWE Powers USA To #1 In Cable Entertainment On Monday Nights for 2014 In All Key Demos  CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST Is A Top 20 New Cable Reality Series In Key Demos

 NEW YORK – December 18, 2014 – USA Network will finish the year as the most watched ad-supported cable entertainment network for an unprecedented 9th consecutive year. Fueled by a strong stable of original series, the powerhouse WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW, and top-rated acquired series, USA’s winning streak continued with 2.14MM total viewers P2+, 7% higher than the closest competitive cable entertainment network.

 USA is also cable’s top-performer with women, ranking #1 for the year in F18-49 (486,000, +8% over its closest competitor) and F25-54 (500,000, +8%). USA has been #1 in F18-49 since 2005 and in F25-54 since 2006—both unprecedented streaks among ad-supported networks.

“In an increasingly competitive landscape, maintaining our leadership position is a true feat and a testament to our quality programming,” said Chris McCumber, president of USA Network. “2014 was also a financial success for the network, as we once again achieved our most profitable year ever. I am excited to build on this momentum in 2015, as we roll out more new dramas than ever before, starting with the much-anticipated event series DIG.”

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW – the most-watched, regularly scheduled program on cable, 52 weeks a year, delivered 4.68MM total viewers P2+, 2.15MM P25-54, and 2.08MM P18-49, making USA #1 Monday nights in 2014 for all three categories among cable entertainment networks. RAW made USA the #1 entertainment network in all of television Monday nights for M18-34.

 Suits was among the year’s top 20 scripted series on cable, delivering 1.79MM P18-49, 1.95MM P25-54, and 4.37MM total viewers P2+. SIRENS was cable’s #1 new ad-supported comedy in 2014 in P25-54 (870,000). SIRENS returns for its second season premiere with a double dose of half-hour episodes on Tuesday, January 27 at 10/9c, followed by the continuation of the fourth season of Suits with all new episodes on Wednesday, January 28 at 10/9c.

 The network’s buzzy, breakout reality series CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST ranks as a top 20 new cable reality series in 2014 in P18-49 and P25-54. The series debuted with a strong first season in April and was swiftly renewed for a second season, which aired its finale last night. In L7 measurements, season 2 to-date is averaging 1.17MM P18-49 (+24% over Season 1), 1.14MM P25-54 (+30%), 590,000 P18-34 (+7%), and 2.18MM total viewers P2+ (+29%). Season three will start production in the new year.

 USA has three of the top acquired series in cable with Modern Family, NCIS and LAW & ORDER: SVU. SVU and NCIS are the top two acquired dramas on cable among P18-49, P25-54, P18-34, and total viewers P2+. Modern Family, which delivered a much younger and upscale audience to the network, was one of the year’s top ten acquired series among P18-49, P25-54, and P18-34.

 USA recently renewed original dramas GRACELAND, Suits, SATISFACTION and Royal Pains to return in summer 2015; a second season for comedy PLAYING HOUSE; and a third season for the reality series CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST, to return spring 2015.

 The network will premiere DIG on March 5, 2015. This thrilling ten episode event series is from executive producers Tim Kring (“Heroes”) and Gideon Raff (“Homeland”), and stars Golden Globe nominee Jason Isaacs (“Awake”) and Emmy Award-winner Anne Heche (“Save Me”). COMPLICATIONS, from Burn Notice creator Matt Nix, will bow this summer – an edge-of-your-seat drama about a reluctant hero, whose life is forever changed after making the split-second decision to intervene in a drive-by shooting to save a little boy’s life. Additionally, USA has a strong drama pipeline, with five pilots currently in production.

 Note: Data reflects the most up-to-date M-Su 8-11p time period data with all DVR playback information available at this time, which includes Live+7 for all possible dates, Live+3 for dates when Live+7 is not available and Live+Same for dates when Live+3 is not available.

Press Release: New Japan Pro Wrestling's New TV Series In The United States

AXS TV announced the following last night:

AXS TV EXPANDS FRIDAY NIGHT LINEUP ACQUIRING ‘NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING’ SERIES FOR 2015

13-Episode Series Premieres on U.S. Television Jan. 16, 2015 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT Leading Into the Weekly Live AXS TV FIGHTS Broadcast

Also read: ?AXS TV’s NJPW Series Set To Premiere This January - Details Inside Here

Josh Barnett and Mauro Ranallo Serve As English Language Commentators

LOS ANGELES – Nov. 24, 2014 – Building on the success of the AXS TV FIGHTS Friday night franchise, AXS TV has acquired a 13 episode series from Japan’s largest professional wrestling promotion, NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING (NJPW). Premiering Jan. 16, 2015, NJPW will air on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT leading into the network’s weekly live MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing broadcasts.

Airing for the first time ever in the U.S., the hour-long weekly series features the most exciting matches from NJPW’s Japanese broadcasts and pay-per-view events. Former UFC Heavyweight champion and NJPW veteran Josh Barnett and famed combat sports commentator Mauro Ranallo are providing English language commentary for the series.

Founded in 1972, NJPW has established itself as the premier wrestling organization in Japan and the second largest and fastest growing wrestling promotion in the world. In recent years, NJPW has gained international recognition, winning the Wrestling Observer Newsletter “Promotion of the Year” award two years running and boasting three-year reigning “Wrestler of the Year” Hiroshi Tanahashi.

The series premiere features Tanahashi defending the promotion’s prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Title against his long-time rival Kazuchika Okada in front of 29,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.

“With this acquisition, AXS TV FIGHTS now offers one of the most diverse combat sports and sports entertainment programming line-ups on television,” said AXS TV FIGHTS CEO Andrew Simon. “There is a strong relationship and influence between professional wrestling and MMA, and with the addition of Josh Barnett and Mauro Ranallo as our commentators, we’re confident this new venture will be a crossover hit with wrestling and MMA fans alike.”

AXS TV’s NJPW episodes were produced by and purchased from TV ASAHI CORPORATION.

Press Release - WWE Hypes Seth Green & The Slammy Awards For Next Week's RAW Broadcast

WWE has issued an official press release on Seth Green’s upcoming guest hosting duties for RAW on Monday, December 8. The show will also feature the 2014 Slammy Awards.

As previously announced, Green will serve as the guest host for the next edition of RAW on Monday. Green is a longtime WWE fan, and he previously made an appearance on Monday Night RAW on July 13, 2009.

Monday’s Slammy Awards will be presented across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, social platforms. In addition, the Slammy Awards will be presented for the first time on the WWE Network as well. Select Slammys will be given out exclusively on WWE.com and during the WWE Network pre-show, which will air at 7:30PM ET on Monday.

The WWE Universe will be able to select nominees in all the categories for the Slammy awards by using #Slammy. The nominees will be announced through WWE’s social media channels later today.

The 2013 Slammy Awards received 1.64 million votes, an increase of 180 percent from 2012.

Also read: ?WWE To Announce The Slammy Award Nominees Tomorrow - Details Inside Here

Here is the complete press release:

For Immediate Release

SETH GREEN SET TO GUEST HOST MONDAY NIGHT RAW® FEATURING THE 2014 SLAMMY AWARDS

STAMFORD, CONN., Dec. 3, 2014 – Film and television star Seth Green will guest host Monday Night Raw and WWE’s 2014 Slammy Awards this Monday live at 8 pm ET/7C on USA Network. The annual fan-voted Slammy Awards are WWE’s version of the Oscars, honoring the best of the year with its own golden statue. In addition to Monday Night Raw, the Slammy Awards will be presented across multiple platforms including digital, mobile, social and for the first time, WWE Network.

Green is the co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning Robot Chicken and the Robot Chicken Christmas Special, which will air this Sunday at 11:30 pm ET on Adult Swim. Green is also a longtime WWE fan and previously appeared on Monday Night Raw on July 13, 2009.

Select Slammy Awards will be given out exclusively on WWE.com and for the first time, during the pre-show on WWE Network beginning at 7:30 pm ET this Monday.

The Slammy Award categories and nominees will be announced through WWE’s social media platforms including the WWE Twitter and Facebook accounts, beginning today at noon ET, and continuing throughout the week. The WWE Universe will have the opportunity to help select nominees in each category by using #Slammy.

Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for the winners on WWE.com beginning this Saturday for the WWE Network pre-show exclusive Slammy Awards and the WWE.com exclusive Slammy Awards. Voting for the Slammy Awards given out on Monday Night Raw will take place this Monday starting at 8 pm ET during the telecast exclusively through the WWE App.

Last year’s show received a record breaking 1.64 million votes, a 180 percent increase from 2012’s record-setting awards show.

Press Release - TNA Reveals Their Final Four Shows On SpikeTV - Details Inside

TNA sent out the following today, announcing their schedule for the final four episodes of iMPACT! Wrestling that will air on Spike TV…

TNA REVEALS SCHEDULE FOR FINAL FOUR EPISODES OF IMPACT WRESTLING ON SPIKE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25, 2014) – Before moving to Destination America in January 2015, IMPACT WRESTLING will air four Spike Specials highlighting the best of IMPACT 2014 and the greatest moments in TNA history, including matches and footage seen for the first time on Spike. The final four episodes of IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike will air on Wednesdays at 9/8c with the following schedule:

Also read: A ?'Thanksgiving Throwdown' Edition Of TNA iMPACT! Set To Air Via YouTube.com Next Week

* December 3 & 10: Best of IMPACT WRESTLING 2014 * December 17 & 24: Countdown to the All-Time Best TNA Moment

“For the past 9 years, TNA and Spike have partnered to deliver the best professional wrestling in the world to our fans week in and week out. Before the move to our new home on Destination America in January, we wanted the final four episodes on Spike to celebrate the best moments for this incredible year of IMPACT and the greatest moments in TNA’s history,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “I will always have a special place in my heart for Kevin Kay, Scott Fishman and the incredible team at Spike. Together we did amazing things and I wish them nothing but the best in their endeavor.”

Tomorrow (Wed., Nov. 26) night “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” an online exclusive episode, will premiere at 9/8c on TNA IMPACT WRESTLING’s YouTube channel and will be available for on-demand viewing through Black Friday. The YouTube special features the best Turkey Bowl matches in TNA history and offers viewers ShopTNA Black Friday deals, including a free replica TNA World Heavyweight Championship belt for one lucky shopper.

Fans are encouraged to take to twitter to share with @impactwrestling their favorite TNA moment by using #TNABestMoment

To keep up-to-date on all TNA news and ShopTNA deals, fans are encouraged to sign up to become a TNA-Lister.

Press Release - TNA Announces Their First TV Tapings For 2015 - NYC Return?, & More - Details

TNA announced today, via press release, that they will have their first TV tapings for the move to Destination America on January 7th, 8th and 9th. They will tape at the Manhattan Center in New York City. Here is the full announcement…

IMPACT WRESTLING’S DESTINATION AMERICA TELEVISION DEBUT TO TAKE PLACE AT NEW YORK CITY’S MANHATTAN CENTER

TICKETS FOR THREE NIGHT RUN, JANUARY 7 – 9, ON SALE DECEMBER 5

Also read: Press Release: TNA Officially Announces 3 More Tapings For NYC

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25, 2014) – TNA Entertainment today announced tickets will be on sale beginning Dec. 5 for three consecutive televised events, Jan. 7 – 9, emanating from the legendary Manhattan Center in New York City for IMPACT WRESTLING’s debut on Destination America.

“With the explosive sold-out crowds in New York City this past summer, returning to the Manhattan Center for three huge events as IMPACT WRESTLING debuts on Destination America was an easy decision,” said Dixie Carter.

Tickets for the Jan. 7 – 9 televised events will go on sale beginning Friday, Dec. 5 at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800.745.3000. Starting at just $20, tickets make great holiday gifts.

For an exclusive pre-sale code follow TNA President Dixie Carter on twitter @TNADixie.

For more information about IMPACT WRESTLING, including Manhattan Center event details, visit www.impactwrestling.com and click on Tickets. And be sure to follow IMPACT WRESTLING on twitter @impactwrestling.

Stevie Richards Moves To Atlanta, GA To Work For DDP, WWE/Warner Bros. Press, WWE Network Note

-- Stevie Richards is moving to Atlanta, Georgia to work full time on Diamond Dallas Page’s DDPYOGA. He became a certified DDPYOGA trainer earlier this year.

-- Variety has a new article about WWE and Warner Bros. home video distribution agreement.

Also read: Sources Say The WWE/Warner Bros. Talks Are Inaccurate - Details Inside

-- The WWE Network app has a new update, which adds watch list and resume play features on the PC and PS3. The update currently isn’t available for Roku, Android or Kindle fire yet.

-- Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard is running a contest for WWE 2K15 in which you can win a Sting baseball bat.

-- The Columbia Missourian has a story about Harley Race and his World League Wrestling promotion. It also talks about the bond Race has with his son Leland, who competed as Jason Jones.

Press Release - 'WWE Week' Set For The USA Network - A LIVE WWE SmackDown Broadcast Set

WWE announced today, via press release, that starting on December 15th it will be WWE Week on the USA Network. Programming that week will include Monday Night RAW on the 15th, a live edition of WWE SmackDown on the 16th and the debut airing of the WWE Tribute to the Troops special on the 17th. Here is the full announcement…

“WWE WEEK” ON USA NETWORK KICKS OFF DECEMBER 15

NEW YORK and STAMFORD, Conn., – November 17, 2014 – USA Network and WWE will kick off the holiday season with an action-packed “WWE Week” beginning December 15 with MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, followed by a live SMACKDOWN® and a two-hour TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS® special, along with a week-long daytime roadblock featuring interviews with the WWE Superstars and Divas.

Also read: Check Out The Updated WWE Holiday 2014 TV Schedule Inside Here

Both RAW and SMACKDOWN feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas, and deliver a shot of adrenaline to viewers with over-the-top action, feats of athleticism and high octane-drama.

On Monday, December 15 from 8-11pm ET, USA will air MONDAY NIGHT RAW, live from Detroit, Michigan. On Tuesday, December 16 from 8-10pm ET, USA will also air SMACKDOWN live from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On Wednesday, December 17 from 8-10pm ET, USA will air one of the most patriotic and heartwarming shows of the holiday season, WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS. In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music’s most popular acts for our servicemen and women to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. The 12th annual holiday special will also re-air as a one hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27 from 8-9pm ET.

WWE also takes over USA DAYTIME from 11am-3pm Monday, December 15 – Friday, December 19, as host Cat Greenleaf interviews WWE Superstars and Divas, on her iconic stoop, including The Miz®, Big Show®, Titus O’Neil™ and Brie Bella™, as well as Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon.

MONDAY NIGHT RAW on USA is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing a live three-hour block every Monday night, 52 weeks a year. RAW has been a cable mainstay for more than 20 years and is consistently a top ten show on television. The three-hour block on USA averages 2.12MM P18-49, 2.18MM P25-54 and 4.73MM total viewers P2+. RAW and SMACKDOWN have reached 53.1MM total viewers P2+ 2014 to-date.

Follow the social conversation with #TROOPS on @WWE @TRIBUTETOTROOPS @USA_NETWORK 

Press Release: The ROH Supercard Of Honor IX Event & Ticket Information

ROH sent out the following details on the Supercard of Honor IX event, which takes place over WrestleMania weekend…

“ Tickets for Ring of Honor Wrestling’s SUPERCARD OF HONOR IX are On Sale Now for Ringside Members and can be purchased by clicking HERE. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 31st @ 10am Est to the General Public.

Ring of Honor: Supercard of Honor IX will feature the likes of: The Briscoe Brothers, Adam Cole, reDRagon and all the elite ROH wrestlers in what will be a stacked card full of must-see encounters.

Also read: Press Release - Tickets For The ?ROH Anniversary Event In Las Vegas, NV Go On Sale Tomorrow

Not a Ringside Member? Sign up HERE today! You’ll get early ticket and TV access, 15% off ROH merchandise, 25% off VODs & iPPVs and access to exclusive video content.

A complete list of ROH Stars and a full card will be available at a later date exclusive at http://www.ROHWrestling.com.

The SportsHouse is located at 3151 Edison Way, Redwood City, CA 94063.

Follow ROH on Twitter: @RingofHonor Like ROH at: Facebook.com/RingofHonor

For more information on Ring of Honor and this event, visit: www.ROHwrestling.com.

Check your local listings to see where you can watch Ring of Honor TV each and every week or subscribe and watch online at: www.ROHWrestling.com.”

Press Release: Eric Bischoff's Company Expanding

The following press release was issued today:

MX Digital Partners with Traffic Generation (Traffgen) to Enter Multi-Billion Dollar Worldwide Market of Social Casino Gaming

Also read: ?Proof WWE Is In Panic Mode - Vince McMahon To Speak Out

LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MX Digital, the leading US-based developer and distributor of worldwide branded-online-gambling games with distribution in 26 countries, has signed an unprecedented deal with Traffic Generation (Traffgen) to bring waged games to the social casino space. The company, which designs, produces, and distributes branded global entertainment for broadcasters, brands, and intellectual properties, will provide exclusive branded slots games including David Hasselhoff, Blues Brothers, Hulk Hogan, James Dean, as well as other celebrity branded themed games from their catalog to the social media marketplace.

Ted Lanes, CFO, MX Digital says, "Our recent success and growth in the international waged sector combined with our portfolio of gaming with the biggest names in social media, makes the expansion to social gaming truly exciting. Social casino gaming is currently a $1.7 billion industry and some have predicted it will be as big as $7 billion in a few years. MX Digital definitely plans to be at the forefront with our continued role out of games featuring iconic entertainment figures."

Also read: Press Release: WWE Reaches New TV Deal With NBC Universal

Traffgen CEO Andy Caras-Altas said, "We are very excited to be working with branded content in the social space as it provides an opportunity to leverage the large social media following associated with these brands. Hulk Hogan, for example, has over two million fans on facebook and over a million on Twitter. We believe there is a great deal of potential in leveraging international brands. The ability to have a conversation with the players will help virality and thereby help to build the social following. Conventional social casinos find it hard to build this virality and we hope that this will drive acquisition in a fundamentally different way for MX Digital. The end result can be to make the most of the social nature of Facebook and to drive traffic more cost effectively."

MX Digital will now join other leading companies including Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc., IGT's Double Down Casino, Zynga, Wynn Interactive, Foxwoods Interactive and Foxwoods Development Company, with others in the social gaming space.

Also read: ?JR Blogs On RAW - D-Bryan Booking, Wyatts, Sheamus' Title Win

About MX Digital: MX Digital is a leading US-based developer and distributor of branded-online-gambling games, with distribution in 26 countries. As industry leaders in game marketing and promotion, MX Digital designs, produces and distributes premium entertainment for broadcasters, brands and intellectual properties. MX Digital has designed, produced, and distributed game content to the largest international game platforms in the US, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The ongoing goal: creating games around these brands while delivering recurring revenue and brand-extension. Key management and shareholders include Matias Montero (Product Development), Ike McFadden (Commercial Director), Ted Lanes (CFO), Eric Bischoff and Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television (BHE TV). MX Digital is based in Los Angeles and is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). More information about MX Digital can be found at www.mx-digital.com.

About BHE: Founded by partners Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey, BHE TV is a turn-key company specializing in the creation and production of television content operating in Burbank, CA and at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, CA. BHE has created, developed, and produced both television pilots and series for NBC, VH-1, CMT, A&E, E!, Discovery, Nickelodeon, History Channel, Tru TV, ABC Family, FOX Sports, TNT, TBS, Fuse, ABC, WE, Spike, & Playboy TV. Currently, BHE produces hit series, including: The Devils Ride (Discovery Channel), See Dad Run (Nickelodeon) and Hardcore Pawn: Chicago (TruTV).

About Traffgen: Traffgen is at the heart of gaming convergence, providing data analytics and marketing technology and services to clients spanning the social, online and land-based casino sectors. Traffgen's unique convergence platform, The Hub, consolidates raw customer data from multiple verticals to provide a valuable single player view. Its detailed reporting and powerful marketing systems empower gaming companies to implement effective player engagement, retention and development strategies to increase business-wide monetization rates. To find out more about The Hub, please visit http://www.traffgen.com/the-hub/.

Press Release: Edge Appearing At WrestleCon

The following was sent out today…ADAM "EDGE" COPELAND RETURNS APRIL 5, 2014 @ WRESTLECON11 Time WWE World Champion Adam "Edge" Copeland returns to WRESTLEMANIA in New Orleans but not for WWE AXXESS but for Wrestlecon right next door!Copeland will be signing from 10am til 1pm. RGP is now accepting pre-orders on all mail order as well as advance ticket sales for those in attendance. Visit www.rgpwrestlecon.com for advance tickets and email us here or through the site for MAIL ORDER I...