THE ROCK

Matt Riddle Commends Vince McMahon’s Promotional Vision

WWE Superstar Matt Riddle has publicly lauded Vince mcmahon, the former Chairman and CEO of WWE, for his steadfastness in promotional strategies. Riddle’s comments surfaced amidst ongoing industry shifts following McMahon’s departure and the company’s sale to Endeavor.

Riddle,speaking on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast,specifically praised mcmahon for “sticking to his guns” as a promoter,even when facing criticism. He acknowledged McMahon’s unique and frequently enough controversial approach, stating it ultimately served to elevate WWE’s profile and generate meaningful attention. This outlook arrives as WWE navigates a new era under its new ownership, prompting reflection on the legacy of its long-time leader.

The remarks are notable as Riddle has previously been critical of aspects of WWE’s creative direction. His current praise highlights a recognition of McMahon’s overall effectiveness in building and maintaining WWE’s brand, even if individual decisions were debated. The comments offer a wrestler’s perspective on the promotional philosophies that shaped a dominant force in professional wrestling and come at a time when the industry is evaluating the future of its promotional landscape.

Dwayne Johnson‘s ​”The Smashing Machine” ⁤Records Lowest Opening‌ Weekend of His Career

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, debuted with just $6.2 ​million ⁣domestically, marking the lowest opening‌ weekend of his career as a leading man. The biographical drama, centered on the life of former UFC champion Mark Kerr, significantly underperformed expectations of a $20 million launch.

The film’s‌ opening was overshadowed by Taylor Swift’s concert film, The Official Release ⁣Party of a Showgirl,‍ which grossed an estimated​ $30-32 million during the same weekend, securing premium screens and a large portion of the moviegoing audience. The Smashing Machine’s debut even fell below Johnson’s previous career low, Faster, which opened too $8.5 million in 2010.

Industry sources​ speaking with Deadline attributed the​ film’s performance to its unconventional narrative style. “Smashing Machine is an arthouse film; ​it was never positioned as a mainstream play. It’s very‍ non-customary in its ⁣narrative, some critics get it, others do not,” ‌the outlet reported. This represents a departure from johnson’s previous R-rated film,Pain & ‍gain,directed by⁤ Michael Bay and‌ co-starring Mark Wahlberg,which opened to $20.2 million in 2013.

The Smashing Machine signals a creative shift for Johnson, prioritizing emotional depth and personal‌ struggle over the action-oriented roles he’s known for. While critics have praised Johnson’s performance⁤ and the film’s gritty realism, audiences anticipating a typical “Rock” blockbuster⁢ appear to have been limited.

Despite the disappointing theatrical debut, ‍the film’s potential remains through word-of-mouth,‌ awards consideration, and eventual streaming availability. Currently, the opening represents ‌a⁣ rare box office underperformance for the consistently accomplished actor.

AEW Finalized Andrade El Idolo’s Return ‌Plans⁣ Prior to Contract Completion

ORLANDO, FL – All Elite Wrestling (AEW) had ‍already mapped‍ out Andrade El Idolo’s‌ comeback storyline ⁢before his contract was ‍officially finalized, according to sources.The​ pre-planned return underscores AEW’s proactive approach to talent utilization and narrative advancement, even during‍ contract ​negotiations.

The decision to build a return narrative for Andrade before ⁢securing his commitment demonstrates ‍AEW’s confidence in reaching an agreement and a willingness to invest in storylines ahead of formal deals. This strategy ​impacts andrade’s ⁣immediate trajectory within the ⁤company,positioning him for ⁤a prominent role upon his ‍return,and signals to othre talent AEW’s commitment to ​long-term planning.The finalized agreement allows⁤ Andrade⁢ to resume ⁤his ​AEW career after a period of absence⁤ stemming from reported issues with his visa⁢ and personal matters.

Details surrounding the storyline remain​ largely⁢ undisclosed, but AEW officials reportedly ⁢saw potential in ⁤capitalizing on Andrade’s established fanbase‌ and in-ring skills. ‌The pre-existing‍ framework allowed​ for a swift integration back into programming⁤ following the resolution of his contractual‍ status. AEW’s rules and ‌guidelines, accessible at⁢ http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/webpages/596/Rules-and-Guidelines/, emphasize decent behavior and automated ‍moderation, reflecting a commitment to a positive online environment for fans discussing such‌ developments.

Kurt Angle‘s life story⁤ is headed to the​ big screen.​ The WWE Hall of Famer revealed an update on the long-awaited biopic ⁤detailing his journey from Olympic⁣ gold medalist‍ to professional wrestling icon, confirming the project⁤ is nearing completion of its script​ and has ⁤secured ​funding.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, ​Angle stated the film ⁢will be released in two parts. The ‍first installment will focus on his pursuit of ​and⁢ victory at the ⁤1996 Olympic​ Games,while the second will chronicle his transition to professional wrestling,highlighting the challenges and successes that‍ defined‍ his career.

The project is‌ being directed by Ian and Estan Melms, brothers who both wrestled in high school and college. Angle⁢ expressed⁣ his ‌belief that their⁣ wrestling ‍backgrounds ⁣will lend authenticity to the portrayal of his story.

“We are⁣ working on that movie,” Angle said. “I have the directors, Ian and Estan⁢ Melms.‌ They’re brothers. They were former ​wrestlers in high school and college, so they understand my sport. We’ve been talking⁤ to each other. we’re almost done⁢ with the script. We already got the investors, so we’re in a good position right now.”

While progress ​is ‌steady, Angle emphasized the team is prioritizing a perfected script before moving forward with casting or production. He also ‌noted the recent release of the film Smashing machine may influence ⁣the ⁢timing ⁢of ⁤his biopic’s​ release.

“But,uh,we’re⁤ not going to,we’re going to make sure ​the ⁢script’s perfected before ‌we do anything,before we ⁤pick ⁣the cast and everything like that. So, we’re taking our time. And ⁢knowing that Smashing Machine just came out, it⁣ might ⁢be a good time to breathe a⁢ little bit ⁣and let that‌ movie‍ digest, and then,‍ uh, you know, continue on.”

Nigel⁤ McGuinness Confirms He Will Not Return to AEW as⁢ a Full-time Wrestler

Nigel McGuinness ​has definitively stated he will not be returning to All Elite Wrestling as a full-time competitor. The‍ proclamation comes as McGuinness continues‍ to focus⁣ on his role as a commentator and coach, citing physical limitations as the primary reason⁤ for stepping away from in-ring action.

McGuinness, 41, ⁣initially returned to⁢ wrestling with AEW in 2022 after a⁤ nine-year hiatus, captivating audiences with his signature technical style. However, a ⁣history of ​neck issues and subsequent surgeries ‌have led‍ him to prioritize his long-term health.While he enjoyed his brief return to ​the ring, McGuinness explained that the ⁤demands of ⁤a full-time ⁣wrestling schedule are no longer sustainable. ⁢This decision impacts AEW’s roster depth and potential storylines, as McGuinness’s unique ⁤skillset and veteran presence were valuable assets. He will‌ continue to contribute ‍to AEW through commentary and​ mentoring talent, offering his expertise from outside the⁣ ring.

The former ROH World Champion addressed‍ the situation directly with fans, acknowledging their support and expressing gratitude for‍ the chance ‌to wrestle again.‌ He emphasized his commitment to AEW and his desire to remain involved in the wrestling world in a ⁤capacity that aligns with his physical​ capabilities. Details regarding his specific commentary assignments and coaching roles have not ​been disclosed, but AEW has confirmed his ⁣continued presence on ⁢their programming.

McGuinness’s decision underscores the physical toll professional wrestling‍ takes on its performers and the challenging choices athletes must make to prolong their careers. He previously underwent fusion surgery to⁤ address cervical stenosis,a condition that narrows⁣ the spinal canal,and⁣ has been cautious about re-injuring his neck. The rules and guidelines for AEW talent health and ⁤safety are available at http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/webpages/596/Rules-and-Guidelines/.

TNA Wrestling Pursues New‌ Television or​ Streaming Home

Nashville, ‌TN ‍ – TNA Wrestling President Tony Khan confirmed ongoing ‍discussions‌ regarding a‌ new television or⁢ streaming deal for the⁤ promotion, signaling ​a potential shift in broadcast strategy. Khan revealed⁤ the ⁤talks during a recent interview, emphasizing the company’s ​ambition to expand its‌ reach and deliver enhanced ⁤content to fans.

This ⁤development arrives as TNA’s current agreement with Paramount ⁤Global⁤ nears its conclusion. The ⁣existing deal, which sees weekly episodes of Impact Wrestling and‍ Before the Impact air ​on AXS⁣ TV and Pluto TV, is slated⁣ to expire in the coming months. Securing a new broadcast partner is‌ critical for TNA’s continued growth, offering increased visibility, revenue opportunities, and the potential to attract a‍ wider audience. A new ⁣deal could substantially ⁣impact the promotion’s financial stability and its ability to invest in talent and production quality.

khan stated the company is exploring all available options, including traditional television networks and prominent streaming platforms. He highlighted TNA’s strong ⁣performance metrics and the positive reception to recent storylines and in-ring ‌action‌ as ⁣key selling points in ​negotiations. The ⁤ultimate goal,⁢ according to ⁣Khan, is‍ to find a partner who shares TNA’s vision for the future and can help elevate the ⁣brand to new heights.

The outcome⁢ of these discussions⁣ will have ramifications for TNA’s talent roster,⁢ its production‌ team,⁣ and,‍ most importantly, its dedicated fanbase. Further updates are expected ⁢as negotiations ‍progress.