[Emperor Smeat]

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Originally Posted by 411Mania This is heavy speculation and the report comes with some details suggesting there may be nothing to them, but WrestlingInc reports that there have been unconfirmed rumors that AJ Styles may be in talks with WWE. The rumors suggest that Styles, who recently told Taz on his podcast that he’d “go do what’s best for my family” in terms of deciding where his career goes, may have had communication with the company about going to NXT. The site notes that they’ve spoken with a source close to NJPW and Styles, who said they also heard the rumors in Japan at the end of last month but that it’s all speculation. Talent in New Japan believes that Styles doesn’t want to go to WWE and that there is nothing to the reports.

Originally Posted by Observer Steve Austin talks to Brian Fritz about his appearance on Raw, saying he didn't know he was going to even be no the show until the morning of the show when he was texted, saying "It was what it was," and said he was handed a piece of paper and he had to make four announcements. "It left a lot to be desired for my part, but it was doing a favor for WWE." He was asked about wrestling again and said 99.9% percent no.

This week’s WWE Monday Night Raw did an average viewing audience of 3,248,000 viewers on the USA Network. That’s down an average of (-106,000 viewers) from the week prior. Below is how the show did each hour: Hour one – 3,375,000 viewers Hour two – 3,180.000 viewers Hour three – 3,189,000 viewers Average – 3,248,000 viewers

Drop is mostly due to the first hour getting weaker now. Not just because Cena is gone since it was already showing signs of it happening prior to his vacation. On the inverse, 3rd hour has been getting stable at keeping the crowd from the 2nd hour.

Originally Posted by Observer This show seemed to hit an audience base of about 3.18 million viewers, which is where the second hour fell to, with the Survivor Series match gimmick in the third hour actually increasing slightly over hour two. But the first two hours were way down from usual levels. It wasn't the football competition, and it was without any baseball competition. But the show didn't have the benefit of coming the day after a PPV like last week, and had none of the big guns like John Cena, Brock Lesnar nor any special attractions.

Observer on the possible causes for another historic low rating for RAW.

USA Network is adding at least 104 more hours of wrestling when WWE's "SmackDown" moves to the channel from sibling Syfy next year, bringing its annual total to 263. It's a risky move for the NBC Universal cable network, given advertisers' longstanding perception that WWE's crude storylines attract a downscale audience. So NBC Universal and WWE have spent the last several months out in the marketplace attempting to change the image of the franchise. The result: 37 new advertisers, including the first auto marketers, have signed on to run commercials in WWE programming on USA ... With the increase in wrestling inventory coming to USA from Syfy, NBCU was aggressive in its pitch to agencies and clients during this summer's upfront, according to media buyers ... While NBC Universal's pitch was well-received for the most part, some advertisers continue to shy away from the content. And for them, the increase in WWE programming on the network makes USA a harder buy. "We ran into issues with supply in prime time on USA because of wrestling's presence," Mr. Vendetti said. "There are still a number of advertisers that won't be in it because of legacy, so it blocks out some advertisers from buying USA in prime time." While "Raw" and "SmackDown" are among the most-watched programs on cable TV, averaging 3.3 million and 2.1 million viewers, respectively, viewership is down 13% for "Raw" and 16% for "SmackDown" year-over-year ... Like most cable networks, USA is struggling with ratings declines. In the third quarter, USA's viewership eroded 17%, according to research in a note from Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Todd Juenger ... After signing a new deal last year to keep WWE programming on NBC Universal channels, the two companies have made a concerted, coordinated effort to change the perception of the franchise and create more robust opportunities for marketers. The increased cooperation resulted in deeper integrations and branded content opportunities for advertisers. Snapple tapped WWE personalities such as Triple H and Stephanie McMahon for a commercial in April, while Paramount promoted "Terminator: Genisys" with a WWE integration that included Triple H making a grand entrance during "WrestleMania" using imagery from the movie. When "SmackDown" debuts on USA next year, Weinstein Co.'s "Hateful Eight" will be the presenting sponsor. Since WWE controls every aspect of the programming and the participants, it can create storylines that include brands, Mr. Vendetti said. Previously, WWE and NBCU spoke to marketers and struck deals separately, said Michelle Wilson, chief marketing and revenue officer, WWE. But WWE and NBCU are now meeting with marketers together to come up with bigger integrations that can live across WWE, NBCU and brand's TV, social and digital assets, Ms. Wilson said. "This is how you create ideas that go viral," she said.

Article regarding NBC working to change the perception/direction of the WWE in order to get better ad rates. On one hand, if successful then the WWE and USA Network will be better off. On the other hand, could also lead to more companies having a stronger say on what the WWE can and can't do (ex. Mattel and the PG era). Also expect a lot more ads and/or sponsored segments within WWE shows as well. http://adage.com/article/media/nbcu-...tisers/301152/

“I have one more run. I’m started to get things fixed. I’m getting my shoulder fixed, I’m getting my neck fixed. I miss it, so never say never.”

From a recent interview Kevin Nash had with Sports Illustrated: http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015...ogan-bret-hart

Originally Posted by Observer Lehigh County judge Kelly Banach earlier today issued a gag order in the murder case of Jimmy Snuka. The gag order was at the request of the prosecution. The hearings will remain open to the public but the prosecution, defense, Snuka, Snuka's family and the Argentino family are all barred from commenting on the proceedings to the press. Snuka was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty. He claimed he didn't know what day of the week it was, what city he was in, and said he couldn't read or write English.

Originally Posted by Observer PW Insider has reported that WWE and Tapout are planning to be opening up a series of Tapout Fitness Centers across the U.S. next year, similar to the UFC Gym franchise. WWE talent would be doing appearances at the gyms the same way UFC talent appears at their gyms. WWE talents will be doing fitness workout tapes as well.

Originally Posted by Observer Also, regarding Nikki Bella not working the four-way and not being advertised for Survivor Series at this point, she appears to be taking some time off to treat some nagging injuries including to her neck and hip.

Got flowers and more upon my arrival in India. We're making a big announcement for #WWEIndia tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/IK0MJLR9xU

— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) November 3, 2015

Some other sheet news includes:

• According to the Observer, even with a best case scenario, no chance at Orton being a mystery entry for next year's Rumble if he gets surgery done to repair his shoulder. Too much of a risk getting re-injured that soon for a return.
• Goldust recently teased on Twitter if he could, he'd like to return for an IC title feud. https://twitter.com/goldust/status/661667266971508737
• For those that follow Curtis Axel on Twitter, his account got hacked recently and doesn't seem that he has full control over it yet. One recent tweet was him supposedly venting at doing nothing useful for a while.
• Superstar Billy Graham announced he recently signed a Legends deal for the WWE. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater
• Rumor spreading around the net is that Vince is the reason why relations between Del Rio and Mexican promotion AAA quickly deteriorated. Doesn't want Del Rio to drop the Mega title while he's in the WWE nor do any shows for AAA. Basically helped poach Del Rio away from Mexico to get his mega star for the Latino market without caring at all what happens to AAA.