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Netflix to become new home of WWE Raw beginning 2025

Image credit: WWE/Netflix

STAMFORD, Conn., January 23, 2024 – WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago.

Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions to be added over time. Likewise, as part of the agreement, Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. as available, inclusive of Raw and WWE’s other weekly shows – SmackDown and NXT – as well as the company’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally beginning in 2025.

“This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO. “It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, dramatically expands the reach of WWE, and brings weekly live appointment viewing to Netflix.”

“We are excited to have WWE Raw, with its huge and passionate multigenerational fan base, on Netflix,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members. Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.”

“In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base."

With 1,600 episodes to date, Raw is the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered action, compelling drama and unmatched athleticism – 52 weeks a year. Blending the best of scripted content with unpredictable live entertainment, the three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair.

The show is currently the No. 1 show on USA Network, where it brings in 17.5 million unique viewers over the course of the year. One of television’s best performing shows in the 18-49 advertising demographic, Raw trends on X 52 weeks a year while each new episode is airing. On social media, WWE has more than one billion followers across its platforms.

Netflix to Become New Home of WWE Raw Beginning 2025

01/23/2024

Long-Term Deal Brings Weekly Live Sports Entertainment to Netflix

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago.

About WWE

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), is an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports 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, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX Sports, TNT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in approximately 165 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network. Additional information on WWE can be found at http://wwe.com and http://corporate.wwe.com.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services with over 247 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About TKO

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company that comprises UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. Together, our organizations reach more than 1 billion TV households in approximately 170 countries, and we organize more than 350 live events year-round, attracting over one million fans. TKO is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR), a global sports and entertainment company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, expected programming and viewer benefits under the multi-year domestic media rights partnership with and NBCUniversal. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in TKO’s final prospectus on Form 424(b)(3) filed with the SEC on September 19, 2023, as any such factors may be updated from time to time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required under applicable law, neither TKO nor WWE undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investors and others should note that TKO announces material financial and operational information to its investors using press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts, as well as its Investor Relations site at http://investor.tkogrp.com. TKO may also use its website as a distribution channel of material information about the Company. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about TKO, UFC and WWE when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Investor Email Alerts” option under the Resources tab on http://investor.tkogrp.com.

(Sources: Netflix, WWE/TKO Group and Business Wire)

Image credit: Netflix and WWE)

Streaming News

Netflix to stream WWE’s Raw starting next year in its biggest jump into live entertainment - January 28, 2024

Netflix and TKO Group Holdings said Tuesday that the streaming platform will air the WWE’s flagship program Raw starting next year.

Netflix is trying to drive revenue by cutting down on subscription sharing and pushing viewers toward its ad-tier membership.

The streaming platform is making its first major foray into live sports, while WWE will get access to Netflix’s roughly 250 million global subscribers.

Netflix and TKO Group Holdings said Tuesday that the streaming platform will air WWE’s flagship program “Raw” starting next year, in Netflix’s first major foray into live sports.

The 10-year deal is valued at more than $5 billion, according to a company filing. Netflix will have the option to exit the deal after five years and to extend it for another decade. The streaming platform will be able to stream “Raw” globally, and will start the agreement with exclusive rights to it in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America. Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., including “SmackDown” and “NXT” as well as “WrestleMania,” “SummerSlam” and “Royal Rumble.”

TKO shares spiked more than 20% following the news and a separate announcement that actor and former wrestling superstar Dwayne Johnson would join its board of directors. Netflix shares rose less than 1%, hours before the company was set to report earnings after the bell Tuesday.

Netflix, which is trying to drive revenue by cutting down on subscription sharing and pushing viewers toward its ad-tier membership, has made few attempts at live programming in its history. Adding “Raw,” which currently airs on USA Network and produces three hours of live programming per week year-round, to its programming lineup will be a boon to the platform and a significant historical shift for Netflix.

“This is a super game changer,” said TKO President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro in an interview. “When you look back at the chapters of sports media history, new chapters are driven by extraordinary new paradigms. ESPN and Turner bringing NFL to cable in 1987. Rupert Murdoch bringing football to Fox in 1994. When new histories are written, Raw on Netflix will be such a chapter starter.”

Netflix has dabbled in sports recently with documentary-type series about Formula One and professional golf, tennis and football. This deal will allow Netflix to tap into WWE intellectual property for similar projects. With WWE permission, Netflix could even develop movies or series around WWE characters, a person familiar with the matter said.

For TKO, the parent company of WWE, striking a deal with Netflix brings WWE wrestling to about 250 million global subscribers. WWE President Nick Khan has had Netflix on his radar as a potential landing spot for “Raw” for several years.

He discussed the world’s largest streamer on a WWE earnings call in the first quarter of 2022, referencing how Netflix has showed openness to changing long-held stances, such as rejecting advertising and cracking down on password sharing. As recently as December 2022, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said at the UBS Global TMT Conference that Netflix had not “seen a profit path to renting big sports.”

“Netflix is willing to make adjustments and reverse positions when it identifies an issue,” Khan said back in 2022.

Choosing Netflix

TKO held discussions with other media companies but zeroed in on Netflix in December, according to people familiar with the matter.

Netflix’s global footprint, which outreaches every other streaming service, was a key draw for WWE, Shapiro said.

“This is one of the greatest entertainment platforms in the world,” Shapiro said of Netflix. “It has marketing you can’t even comprehend. It has positioning that’s unparalleled in terms of what they do on their front page.”

Netflix announced earlier this month it had 23 million monthly active users for its advertising tier, which the company launched in November 2022. Matches will be scripted around commercial breaks to satisfy ad-free customers, who will see continued action from live matches that aren’t important to the outcome, such as a wrestler in a sustained headlock, according to a person familiar with the matter.

“Raw” is the top program on the USA cable network, drawing 17.5 million unique viewers per year, the companies said. Shapiro said Amazon’s ability to stream “Thursday Night Football” this season without a glitch and Peacock’s recent success streaming a National Football League playoff game gave him confidence Netflix will be technologically sound streaming “Raw,” even if it hasn’t done anything like this on a consistent basis yet.

Disclosure: Comcast NBCUniversal, CNBC’s parent company, owns USA Network.

Clarification: This story was updated to reflect that Netflix said it had 23 million monthly active users for its advertising tier.

TKO APPOINTS DWAYNE JOHNSON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Johnson Granted Full Ownership of Trademarked Name, “The Rock”

NEW YORK (January 23, 2024) – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (“TKO”), a premium sports and entertainment company, has appointed Dwayne Johnson to its Board of Directors, effective today.

Johnson, one of the most decorated WWE Superstars in company history and the most followed American man globally on social media platforms, brings decades of experience in live entertainment and sports to the Board. Through his expansive business portfolio, which includes Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock, and the recently combined spring football league, the United Football League (UFL), Johnson has significant experience identifying and cultivating revenue generating media rights, live events, sponsorship, licensing, and social media opportunities. The appointment of Johnson reflects TKO’s commitment to delivering long-term value and strong performance for shareholders through strategic growth initiatives across both UFC and WWE.

Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of the Board, TKO, said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock. We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, said: “My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle. At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing. I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”

Ariel Emanuel, CEO, TKO, said: “I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board. Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”

WWE has also entered into a services and merchandising agreement with Johnson that provides for his promotional, licensing, and other services, and an intellectual property assignment agreement pursuant to which Johnson has secured ownership of the trademarked name, “The Rock”. The name is derived from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, who was the first Black champion in WWE history (alongside partner Tony Atlas). Johnson’s grandfather, Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler, was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

The addition of Johnson, as well as today’s appointment of Brad Keywell to TKO’s Board of Directors, will increase TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.

Dwayne Johnson Background

Dwayne Johnson is a global entertainer and entrepreneur who manages a diverse and ever-expanding media and business portfolio. Johnson serves as the co-founder and CEO of Seven Bucks Companies, a multi-platform global enterprise crossing all entertainment and creative verticals with an audience-first mentality. A third-generation performer, Johnson began his WWE career in 1996 and remains one of WWE’s preeminent WWE Superstars in the organization’s history.

Johnson develops, produces, and stars in all forms of entertainment content via his production company, Seven Bucks Productions, LLC, which he co-founded in 2012. In addition to Seven Bucks Productions, LLC, Johnson has founded multiple business ventures, including Teramana Tequila, the fastest-growing tequila brand in history, and co-founded ZOA Energy, LLC, an energy drink company in partnership with Molson Coors. In 2020, Johnson co-led a consortium to acquire the XFL, a professional American football league, which re-launched in 2023 before merging with the USFL to form the UFL. Johnson also maintains several prominent brand partnerships. Alongside Under Armour, Inc., Johnson founded and developed a line of fitness apparel under the “Project Rock” brand. In 2016 and 2019, Johnson was named by TIME as one of the world’s most influential people.

A dedicated philanthropist, Johnson serves as a National Celebrity Wish Ambassador for Make-A-Wish and has been granting wishes with the organization for over 20 years. In 2008, the United States Congress and the United States Joint Leadership Commission recognized Johnson with the prestigious Horizon Award, the U.S. Congressional Award given to an individual in the private sector who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and provided opportunities for youth nationwide. Johnson graduated from the University of Miami, where he earned a football scholarship and became NCAA National Football Champions.

Johnson has been a client of Endeavor’s WME agency for nearly 13 years.

About TKO

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Search Engine News

Google lays off hundreds of employees in advertising sales team

Google is laying off hundreds of employees in its advertising sales team, the Alphabet-owned Google opens new tab company said on Tuesday, marking the latest cuts at the search giant.

The move adds to signs that job cuts will continue this year, as companies look to adopt artificial intelligence software and automation to lighten workloads.

Last week, Google said it would lay off several employees in its Voice Assistant units, hardware teams responsible for Pixel, Nest and Fitbit, as well as in its augmented reality team.

Google's customer solutions unit, which serves medium-level advertiser clients, will be the core team for growth moving forward, the company said.

Business Insider first reported the news earlier in the day.

Amazon opens new tab also said last week that it would lay off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations and 500 workers at its video streaming platform, Twitch.

Last month, Google - once touted as a leader in spurring AI research - unveiled its long-awaited AI model Gemini, as the company attempts to catch up to Microsoft, opens new tab in the AI race.

In January 2023, Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its global workforce.

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Social Media Platform News

Elon Musk's X receives money transmitter license in Utah

Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday received a money-transmitter license from Utah, the 15th U.S. state to grant approval as the company explores offering payment features.

Utah granted the approval on Friday, according to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry, opens new tab, an online database.

It grants the company the ability similar to PayPal's, opens new tab Venmo, to facilitate money transfers and makes way for the company to allow users to send money to one another.

The push into payments could help X diversify its business beyond digital advertising, which has suffered setbacks since Musk took ownership.

Some major advertisers paused their spending or fled the platform after Musk last year agreed with an X user who espoused an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

Speaking at a New York Times DealBook event later that month, the billionaire CEO made a profane comment about brands that had suspended their ads on X.

Since acquiring Twitter in October 2022, Musk has said he envisions remodeling the company into the purveyor of an "everything app" similar to popular Chinese app WeChat, which lets users send messages but also hail a taxi or pay merchants.

The company received its first state money-transmitter license in New Hampshire in June last year and also got approved by Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland and Michigan.

(Sources: X, Wires, News and A.I!)

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Big Tech News

Mark Zuckerberg to be deposed in Texas multibillion-dollar suit targeting Meta for ‘secretly harvesting’ facial recognition without customer consent

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg will be called for a deposition in a lawsuit accusing Meta of “secretly harvesting” biometric data from its users.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg will be deposed as part of a Texas lawsuit accusing the Facebook and Instagram parent of using facial recognition technology without customer consent.

A Texas state appeals court upheld a lower court’s decision requiring Zuckerberg to give testimony in the case.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2022, accused Meta of “secretly harvesting” biometric data from its users in violation of state law.

The decision was a blow to Meta, which had sought to avoid having its boss deposed. Meanwhile, Texas argued Zuckerberg should be compelled to sit because he has “unique personal knowledge of discoverable information relevant to its claims,” the filing said.

Meta did not immediately return a request for comment on the court ruling.

Bloomberg was first to report on the decision.

The Texas lawsuit alleged that Meta gleaned the biometric data from photos and videos uploaded by users, shared the information with others and then “failed to destroy collected identifiers within a reasonable time.”

Texas is said to be seeking hundreds of billions of dollars in civil penalties – with fines of up to $25,000 for every violation of applicable state laws.

Meta has described the suit as “without merit.”

When the lawsuit was filed in February 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Patton accused the company of attempting to “take advantage of people and their children with the intent to turn a profit at the expense of one’s safety and well-being.”

In November 2021, the Facebook parent said it would shut down its facial recognition program and proceeded to delete related data for more than a billion users.

(Wires, X, AI)

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Aussie Crypto Biz News

Some of Australia's largest retail brokers are working to allow local investors access to bitcoin spot price ETFs launching in the United States after they were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Local exchanges reported that trading volumes for bitcoin and other currencies had more than doubled on Thursday, although the price remained steady.

The SEC decision means major financial institutions – including BlackRock, Grayscale, VanEck, Franklin Templeton, Fidelity and six others – will be allowed to issue securities that will be linked to the price movements of the 15-year-old cryptocurrency. The new spot ETFs are set to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq on Thursday night.

The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and Cboe Global Markets have all received permission to list the spot-bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock, Fidelity and Grayscale have already announced their fee plans for investors, marking the start of a fierce battle to attract investor money to the new asset class.

Australia is set to allow a local spot bitcoin ETF in the first half of this year.

(Sources: X, Wires, Google Finance, Yahoo and A.I)

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Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT

January 16, 2024

Let's go ringside with Vic Joseph @VicJosephWWE and Booker T @BookerT5x for the call of the action!

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams vs. Edris Enofé & Malik Blade: NXT highlights, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FrWJ0jtn_s&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

"Big splash. Into the cover. Hook of the leg to advance" Vic Joseph

"You asked the question - are these two on the same page. Looking at 'em right now man, they look like they are totally, totally, in-sync. I'm talking about working as a well oiled machine man" Booker T

"That's part of the game for these two as there's been a lot of questions"... VJ

Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker brainstorm team names: NXT highlights, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOePeuR2FLo&ab_channel=WWE

The LWO is focused on winning the Dusty Cup: WWE NXT exclusive, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEhyWSts1Sw&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez: NXT highlights, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7be7suMtaeA&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

FULL MATCH – Women’s No. 1 Contender Battle Royal – Fatal 4-Way Finale: Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHUupf-ojiM&ab_channel=WWE

Trey Bearhill vs. Dijak: NXT highlights, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pORRSZ5VcOA&ab_channel=WWE

JBL gives Josh Briggs some advice: NXT highlights, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1S67B1PeLg&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Dijak is going to show Joe Gacy what crazy looks like: WWE NXT exclusive, Jan. 16, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_0cYYtOqZU&ab_channel=WWE

and more via the award winning official WWE YouTube Channel

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Media Man: Very solid. Loving the Wolf Dogs. Need to see much more of the farm or any other venues with Fallon Henley and Tiffany Stratton. From squared circle to paddock to bull riding, best of show and beyond. Yee Haw! Let's see some gold on Lexis King. King of his own domain. Future King Of The Ring. WWE legend JBL with great advise: "I want you to show NXT, WWE, who you are"!

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Mixed Martial Arts

UFC 297

Strickland vs du Plessis - Bad Blood | UFC 297

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"When your about to go fight a man, whatever thoughts, doubts, fear, hesitation, you know, that's all just the coward in your brain".. Sean Strickland @SStricklandMMA

FULL EPISODE | UFC 297 Countdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OES8O0YAEzo&t=11s&ab_channel=UFC

"In the annuals of UFC history, dominant UFC title holders were crowned." Narrator

"One of the most diverse fighters in the history of the sport" Joe Rogan

STRICKLAND vs DU PLESSIS | UFC 297 Countdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7iBEKaxLAE&t=8s&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYo2BJyVYi8&ab_channel=UFC

"Ah, so right now, Sean's going to teach me how to fight"... Nina Drama

UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na8VB9SvTxw&t=4s&ab_channel=UFC

"We're going in my buddy's gun shop"... Sean Strickland

PENNINGTON vs BUENO SILVA | UFC 297 Countdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfIwSTASv0&ab_channel=UFC

and much more history, story, highlights and moments via the award winning UFC YouTube Channel

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Media Man: SS for the win. Cheers legend.

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Pro Wrestling

WWE

Raw’s most shocking moments: Raw highlights, Jan. 15, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiqwQ-gpCyU&t=937s&ab_channel=WWE

"Do you remember the last match I had before I returned to WWE? It was with you. And I remember what you told me after that match. Do you remember? You said I was going to be a future world champion. And I've done it twice".. Drew McIntyre

"Since we're talking about stepping up, A assure you Drew, this is not an act"... Cody Rhodes

Media Man: Loving the storylines and in-ring promos built on actual history. The ups and downs of the pro wrestling industry and life in general. The story backed up by the amazing in-ring history makes the best version of professional wrestling. Master storytelling as we approach the Royal Rumble in just a few short weeks. Big thumbs up.

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Image credit: WWE

Report: Brands face marketing challenges in an AI world - January 17, 2024

After a challenging 2023, WARC Media predicts global advertising spend will double its growth in 2024 with spend expected to top $1 trillion for the first time. Just five companies – Alibaba, Alphabet, Amazon, Bytedance and Meta – are forecast to attract over half (51.9 per cent) of global advertising spend this year as their ad revenues rise by 10.7 per cent.

Key to this growth is the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). However, the growth of AI raises challenging questions about media quality and the future of advertising on the open internet.

With concerns around media quality affecting all aspects of media planning and buying, The Future of Media 2024 report takes a look at platform power in the era of AI, the current state of linear TV, the future of attention measurement, and the growth of in-game advertising.

Paul Stringer, Managing Editor, Research & Insights, WARC, commented: “As marketing budgets rebound in 2024, uncertainty swirls around where best to direct investments in media, the role of AI in planning, and how to assess media quality. And as politics temporarily engulf culture with impending elections in several major economies, and the threat of low-quality AI generated content looms large, media environments that can offer suitable guarantees around brand safety will take on extra value. With this report we aim to provide insights and data enabling marketers to be better equipped to make informed decisions and plan for success in the year ahead.”

Key trends outlined in The Future of Media 2024 are:

AI-based advertising solutions grow but force advertisers into trade-offs

Walled garden platforms are expanding their reach and influence in advertising, thanks in part to the adoption of new AI-based capabilities, such as Meta’s Advantage+ and Google’s Performance Max.

While this has generated a fair deal of excitement among advertisers, these trends have also prompted fresh concerns about advertising transparency and increased speculation about the future of advertising on the open web.

For agencies and brands, transparency should be prioritised when working with AI-based tools, AI-generated content is a threat to media quality and brand safety, and brands should take steps to protect their investments in open web advertising.

Linear TV consumption continues its gradual decline but age matters

Linear TV (broadcast and cable) consumption has been in gradual decline over the last decade, particularly with young audiences. Despite remaining the most trusted medium, there is a sense that this decline has accelerated over the last year.

According to WARC data, global Linear TV ad spend decreased by 5.4 per cent in 2023 and data from WARC’s 2024 Marketer’s Toolkit shows that only 18 per cent of marketers worldwide plan to increase their investment in linear TV this year, while 39 per cent plan to withdraw spend.

However, actual time spent consuming TV only declined on average by 3 minutes daily (2.7 per cent) in 2023. WARC Media forecasts global linear TV consumption to decline by a further 2 minutes per day (1.9 per cent) in 2024, meaning people will continue to spend more time with linear TV than streaming video, streaming music, or listening to podcasts.

Dave Campanelli, EVP/Chief Investment Officer, Horizon Media, says: “We hear a lot about ‘linear is dead’. People are still watching linear TV. They tend to be older, but they are still watching linear TV. And it’s 50 per cent of this whole pie. Our budgets need to represent that, depending on your age segment and who you’re going after.”

Attention measurement at a crossroads

An increasing number of brands and agencies are embracing attention measurement as a means of assessing creative and media quality. However, a lack of common standards and substantial evidence are two potential barriers to attention measurement achieving widespread adoption and legitimacy.

A common criticism of attention measurement is that it is strongly biased towards visual media. The top tools used across all companies are eye tracking (50 per cent), survey-based ad recall (46 per cent), tuning duration/dwell time (42 per cent) and facial coding (42 per cent).

The need to understand how attention works across different media channels and formats is resulting in more research and the building of new models of media quality. Brands and agencies should scrutinise vendor tools and methods, conduct their own experiments into attention to determine its value to their advertising, and prove the business effects of attention.

Karen Nelson-Field, Founder and CEO, Amplified Intelligence, said: “It’s clear that the industry needs more robust evidence [for attention measurement] to convince CFOs and procurement teams that low-cost media doesn’t necessarily equate to efficiency. When we focus on business effects and align with the goals of CFOs, the industry as a whole will benefit.”

The growth of in-game advertising

With a global audience of over 3 billion, gaming has developed into one of the most popular and pervasive forms of entertainment in the world, but remains a largely untapped opportunity for brands. Research by IAB estimates that gaming accounts for 5 per cent of advertiser budgets.

Offering increasing amounts of ad inventory and a highly engaged and diverse audience, there are shifts taking place across the wider gaming industry that signal the potential for further growth:

(1) major acquisitions such as Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision and Sony’s purchase of Bungie and Savage Game Studios; (2) the continual leveraging of gaming IP in new TV and movie releases; (3) the growth of cloud-based game streaming services; (4) investment from new entrants such as Netflix, Amazon and Bytedance.

PWC estimates that video game advertising revenues will be worth $91 billion in 2024, meaning gaming would be the fifth largest channel by advertising spend, behind search, social media, linear TV and retail media.

According to WARC’s Marketer’s Toolkit Survey 2024, more than half (51 per cent) of advertisers plan to increase their investments in gaming next year, but authenticity and integration are key to success.

(Advanced Television)

MMA News

Mixed Martial Arts Media World and Fans respond well to announced PFL @PFLMMA card line-up

"And you know I'm always curious as well as to how the fans feel about news and whatno, especially when I'm hearing about things a couple of weeks out, and I have to say, and I think you know this to a degree, when your not the UFC the fans, especially on Twitter and social media can be a little harsh right because they've been supporting the UFC for so long. I was kind of blown away by the response yesterday"... - Ariel Helwani

"We held nothing back for fans" Donn Davis

"Current fans, skeptical or not yet a fan..said, You moved up two or three notches as far as interest and certainly respect" DD

"..All we're trying to tell fans is MMA is big. There's 650 million fans out there" Donn Davis

"UFC puts on a great product. We put on a different and unique, great product. Check it out" Donn Davas, PFL (Professional Fighters League)..

"It ain't either or. This ain't Coke or Pepsi. PLF's doing a whole different thing".."and we're doing a whole different thing for fans and a whole different thing for fighters, and I think yesterday people started to get that vibe".. "So we're delighted on how it all came together" Donn Davis

"Mega Event" DD

Videos

Donn Davis Takes Shot at UFC, Talks PFL vs. Bellator Fight Card | The MMA Hour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BiKNaHe3to&ab_channel=MMAFightingonSBN

PFL MMA YouTube Channel

PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions is OFFICIAL for Feb 24th!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_XpqxZJtUI&ab_channel=PFLMMA

Riyadh Season has revealed that the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) will host an unprecedented pay- per-view mega event – PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions – from the state-of the-art Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 24. This unprecedented Champions vs Champions fight card features four co-main fights of current PFL Champions vs current Bellator Champions. In addition, the card features two compelling match-ups of previous PFL title challenges vs previous Bellator title challengers. (Credit: PFL)

More great PFL history, profiles, news and developments via their official YouTube channel

www.youtube.com/@PFLMMA

Media Man: Stronger than average interview and fight card. Credit where credit is due. Mixed martial arts world buzz continues.

PFL vs Bellator fight card

Feb. 24, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 3 p.m. ET):

Renan Ferreira vs Ryan Bader

Impa Kasanganay vs Johnny Eblen

Magomed Magomedkerimov vs Jason Jackson

Jesus Pinedo vs Patricio Pitbull

Bruno Cappelozza vs Vadim Nemkov

Thiago Santos vs Yoel Romero

Clay Collard vs AJ McKee

Prelims (ESPN News/ESPN+ at 12:30 p.m. ET):

Gabriel Braga vs Aaron Pico

Biaggio Ali Walsh vs Chris Morris

Claressa Shields vs Kelsey DeSantis

Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs Edukondal Rao

Malik Basahel vs Vinicius Pereira

Image credit: PFL

#PFL #ProfessionalFightersLeague #DonnDavis #quote #quotes #MMAFighting #ArielHelwani

#RenanFerreira #RyanBader #Ferreira #Bader #FerreiraBader #RiyadhSeason #interview #PFLChampions #Bellator #BellatorChampions #PFLBellator #combatsports #sportsbiz #sportsmedia #sportsnews #sportsmarketing #PPV #PPVS #PayPerView #megaevent #specialevent #specialevents #livesports #liveentertainment #trends #trending #buzz #hype #X #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling

Samoa Joe’s FIRST AEW World Title defense! Joe vs FTW Champ Hook! | 1/17/24, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M98j3dB9SQI&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

"Managed Joe years ago. Joe knew Hook when he was little" Taz

"Not little any more"

"A wild right hand and he's got the champion on his hands and knees"

"That can certainly be an advantage. I mean Hook has grown as a professional wrestler watching Samoa Joe. Watching his win titles"

"See that right hand. In front of our desk here" Taz

Media Man: Great match between Joe and Hook. Both legit bad asses. Hook, Hook, Hook! One of our favourite AEW pro wrestling matches ever! Hook mania running wild! FTW vs AEW lockerroom and beyond. Hook tipped as future world champ. Shoots and hooks matter. This ain't ballet folks. Those who can wrestler. Those who can't or fittest days are past are media, fans or both!

Much world class pro wrestling via the official AEW YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/AEW

#AEW #AEWDynamite #AEWTitle #SamoaJoe #Hook #JoeHook #FTW #Taz #prowrestling #wrestling #dreammatch #dreammatches #combatsports #entertainment #music #showbiz #feature #highlights #YouTube #trends #trending #buzz #TV #X #media

Image credit: AEW

"Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." - John F. Kennedy

Best Quotes Of The Day (Media Man Int)

www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

"The Man In The Arena" (spoken by JFK). Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dTx-12tWdKA

#JFK #JohnFKenny #quote #quotes #problems #man #human #humanbeings #TheManInTheArena #poltiics #USA #media #mediaman #mediamanint

The Cycle

Meditation

Visualization

Frequently

Energize

Exercise

Action

Interaction

Light

Listening

Sound

Patience

Transaction

Flow

Reflection

Zen

Rest

Repeat

Mind, Body and Spirit (Media Man Int)

Wrestling News Media

Nick Aldis on wrestling for WWE: 'I'll cross that bridge if I come to it' Aldis isn't closing the door on competing in a WWE ring - January 2024

Though he's having a blast in his current role, Nick Aldis isn't ruling out the possibility of wrestling in WWE.

Aldis joined WWE as a producer last summer and has now been working as an on-screen character for three months. He was introduced as the new SmackDown general manager on October 13.

Aldis has been involved in a power struggle with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline on WWE television, leading some fans to speculate that a Reigns vs. Aldis match could happen one day. Aldis told the Daily Mail that he's grateful for the fans who want to see him compete in a WWE ring. Aldis is fully committed to his GM role right now but believes that anything is possible in WWE.

Anything is possible in the WWE. I deeply appreciate all of the fans who keep me alive in that regard, who want to see me in the ring with this person or that person. Since my interaction with Roman, that started a whole different conversation in that regard.

I'm just grateful that there's an interest in it. At the same time, I'm fully committed to being the best general manager of all time, so I'll cross that bridge if I come to it.

When Aldis departed the NWA, he knew that he wanted to end up with some kind of a job in WWE. Aldis wanted the chance to contribute in the big leagues.

I've been having a blast. I've come in blessed with the gift of managed expectations. I had sort of made peace with the idea that maybe WWE was never going to be on the cards for me at all. So I certainly have come in with a level of gratitude that I perhaps wouldn't have had as a guy in his 20s.

I came in on a on a day rate, try out as a producer behind the scenes, which I, again, had fully made peace with the idea of if that's going to be my job, then that's going to be my job, and I'll do that job to the best of my ability, because I decided that at this point in my life and my career, I wanted to contribute to the big leagues.

That may be because I put in my 10,000 hours, I felt like I had done enough and had enough experience, enough expertise and my own unique sort of philosophy and my own track record of success in the wrestling business that I was ready to work at the top level. I felt one way or another that my skill set as a professional was best suited to be contributing to the number one company.

I finished up with the NWA. And at that time, I decided that if there was any kind of opportunity whatsoever with WWE, that was where I wanted to be. I felt like I'd done everything I could do at a place with limited resources and just decided one way or another that I wanted a chance to contribute there.

Aldis was a two-time Worlds Heavyweight Champion while with the NWA. He's also a former TNA World Champion.

On SmackDown two weeks ago, Aldis announced that Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble. Aldis made the announcement after The Bloodline disrupted an Orton vs. Knight vs. Styles number one contender's match.

Nic Nemeth On Why He Chose To Confront Moose at TNA Hard to Kill

In an interview for TNA’s Instagram (via Fightful), Nic Nemeth explained why he chose to confront Moose for his TNA debut at this past Saturday’s Hard to Kill PPV. Nemeth will appear on tonight’s Impact on AXS TV to explain his actions.

He said: “I wasn’t focused on Moose [at TNA Hard To Kill], and I wasn’t even focused on the championship, which I have thought about non-stop for a long time. Like I said, I go, where can I pinpoint the moment where people will make it the most memorable? I did 20 years in one company. I get one chance to make a second impression here on the world. That will be the biggest possible moment and the most talked-about, I think. I really think that helps myself and the company. I didn’t have a plan. Moose is in my target, I got him. I was watching that title match going, whoever wins, I’m sliding in there and going, ‘Here I am, let’s go.’ So I don’t exactly know what my focus is, other than, I have earned everything that I’ve worked for, to a point where I go, I don’t want to stroll in here and be like, ‘Hey, I showed up through the crowd so you gotta give me a title shot,’ or, ‘I’m famous, so I get a ….’ No, I wanted to make my mark there, and now I focus on, where can I fit in? Where can I start building blocks to make myself to where I’m not presenting it, but the world goes, this should be the number one contender, and here’s why. Then, when that happens, I’ll know that I’ll be able to sleep at night going, I have proven myself worthy of a title shot. Okay, now let’s focus on the champion. No, I’m not hand-picking anything: I’m here, and I said, I am lucky to be here, I’m happy to be here. If I get some more eyes on TNA, hell yeah, that rocks. Let me know where I start, and I’m coming in with my lunchbox and ready to go. I’m gonna prove it in the ring every single night that says, we need to do something else. We need to get this guy in the title picture, he has earned it. But I gotta put in the time first and the effort. I’m not all show and all talk. I’m gonna earn it, but I want the TNA locker room and the audience to be going, this is the guy. He deserves a shot. Not me walking in and saying, ‘Hey, give me a shot.’ Hell no. I would never do it that way the rest of my life. There’s no way I’ll do it now. I want to make this count. I want it to be special.“

TNA Wrestling: TNA Champion Moose Says TNA Wrestling now in "Hot Spot" - 18th January 2024

"Even though he took me out, which I'm going to get mine back when the time is right, but let's leave that alone. Talking about Nic coming into the company, I think it's huge for TNA. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of his. He's a superstar. He's done everything in professional wrestling, he's been World Champion, he's been a tag team guy, he's won every single title you can think about. He's been all over the world. He has a huge buzz going right now. For him to pick TNA over AEW and New Japan or any other company, that shows that TNA is a hot spot right now. I'm happy he's part of the team, I'm happy I get to do something down the road with him. I'm happy that TNA is starting to be a spot where people want to come. Same thing with Ash By Elegance, her picking us over other companies out there, I'm happy she is part of the team and I can't wait to see what the future brings with Nic and Ash.”

Kazuchika Okada to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling - January 19, 2024

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024.

We apologise to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future.

As the New Beginning series begins this weekend, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo. Changes will be made to forthcoming cards with an announcement to follow.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Kazuchika Okada statement:

I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today. Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.

WWE

SmackDown preview, Jan. 19, 2024: Huge Contract Signing for Royal Rumble set

Don't miss SmackDown, this Friday at 8/7 C on FOX!

Next week on SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles will be in the ring to sign the contract for their monumental title match at Royal Rumble.

The last time all four men shared the ring, utter bedlam erupted as The Bloodline attacked Styles, Orton and Knight while they were competing in a Triple Threat Match to determine who would challenge Reigns at Royal Rumble.

What will happen when these four dynamic Superstars participate in what seems certain to be a volatile contract signing?

Don’t miss SmackDown, next week at 8/7 C on FOX!

"The Kevin Owens Show" to welcome U.S Champ Logan Paul

A special edition of "The Kevin Owens Show" is coming to Friday Night SmackDown as the No. 1 Contender to the United States Title welcomes the champion, Logan Paul.

Owens earned the right to face The Maverick after winning the United States Title Tournament by defeating Santos Escobar in the finals, a result that clearly bothered Paul.

The last time the two Superstars came face-to-face, Owens knocked out the champion with a brutal punch from his casted right hand, so there's no telling what will happen they meet again live on Friday at 8/7 C on FOX!

The LWO to take on Santos Escobar, Angel and Humberto in Six-Man Tag Team action

Carlito, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro will represent The LWO against their bitter rivals Santos Escobar, Angel and Humberto in a Six-Man Tag Team Match.

Since Escobar turned his back on The LWO, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Wilde and Del Toro have been waiting for their chance at payback, and it will finally come on Friday Night SmackDown.

With the numbers not in his favor, Escobar brought Angel and Humberto from NXT to form Legado World Order.

Don't miss this Six-Man Tag Team Match live on Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7 C on FOX!

(WWE)

Wrestler Grayson Waller’s defiant response to Sunrise controversy - January 19th, 2024

An Aussie wrestler isn’t backing down after he caused chaos live on Sunrise this week, threatening to punch a crew member.

By Nick Bond

Australian wrestling champ Grayson Waller has shared a simple public response to the controversy over his chaotic appearance on Sunrise earlier this week.

Waller was appearing on Tuesday’s episode of Sunrise alongside US wrestler LA Knight, and lost his temper when hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Doran attempted to goad them into showing off some of their moves on a willing crew member.

“I don’t think you understand – if I come over there right now, we’re going to have the police here, cos I’m not going to give you some fake punch. I’m going to punch you straight in the jaw,” Waller said, as Doran struggled to contain him while the crew member quickly scarpered from the set.

To the average viewer, it was a shocking outburst – but as the clip circulated online, wrestling fans were quick to praise Waller. They insisted his trash-talk had actually diffused the situation, and was a better option than what the Sunrise hosts were suggesting he do: Potentially hurt a member of their staff.

Waller posted a photo to his Twitter account yesterday that would’ve been cryptic to many, but one that meant something to wrestling fans:

The photo in question is from an infamous 1988 encounter between wrestler David Schultz and reporter John Stossel, who was at the time working on an ‘expose’ on the world of professional wrestling.

“I think this is fake,” Stossel told the wrestler, which got an immediate – and violent – response.

‘You think this is fake?” Schultz asked, before smacking the reporter across the face, leaving him cowering on the ground.

“You think that’s fake? What the hell’s wrong with you? That’s an open-hand slap, huh?”

Schultz continued, before walloping Stossel again, leaving him to flee down the corridor.

The wrestling faithful knew exactly what Waller was referencing just from the screenshot of Schultz – and applauded him for standing his ground on Sunrise.

“That was awesome. Good on you for sticking up for wrestling. They were totally disrespectful,” wrote one follower.

“I saw you in a different light today, Grayson. Good on you,” said another.

“My respect for you has risen tenfold,” another fan tweeted.

After footage of Waller’s outburst went viral on social media – one clip alone has been viewed more than 1.5 million times – fans praised him his respect for “kayfabe”, a wrestling term used to describe the convention of presenting staged performances as genuine or authentic.

“That was absolutely f**king brilliant from Waller there. He protected kayfabe, he protected Knight. He was so sharp and on the ball. I was already a fan of his but my respect for him just grew a lot from this,” gushed one fan.

Waller’s face might be familiar to reality TV fans: He was a controversial contestant on the 2019 season of Australian Survivor, where he proved divisive among his fellow contestants and viewers due to his aggressive nature in challenges.

Teammate and former AFL player Abby Holmes dubbed him an “actual idiot,” but Farrelly, who is also a high school teacher when he’s not wrestling, soon embraced the epithet, selling “ACTUAL IDIOT” T-shirts at his wrestling matches.

“I had a feeling that most of my airtime was probably going to be me yelling and screaming, and I’m OK with that,” he told news.com.au after his elimination from the show.

(News Corp)

Wrestling Media

Update

Wrestling Media (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/wrestling_media.html

Wrestling News, including flashbacks and retro via social media channels (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/wrestling_news.html

A collaboration between Media Man, Wrestling News Media @wrestlingnewsm and Australian Sports Entertainment @austsportsent

#wrestlingmedia #wrestlingnews #wrestlingnewsmedia #prowrestling #prowrestlingnews #sportsentertainment #WWE #SmackDown #TKO #KO #TNAWrestling #TNA #AEW #NWA #UFC #PFL #MMA #grappling #combatsports #champions #worldchampion #Goat #rankings #wrestlingnewsmedia #australiansportsentertainment #popculture #blog #blogs #blogging #onlinenews #promotions #wrestlingpromotions #wrestlingpromoters #interviews #OP #ED #gonzo #mainstream #alt #trend #trends #newsmedia #buzz #TV #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown

Reigns, Knight, Orton and Styles set for Contract Signing: WWE Now, January 19, 24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS4t3oMLL2E&t=15s&ab_channel=WWE

Watching the live broadcast!

and more world class pro wrestling, action and drama via the award winning WWE YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/wwe

Media Man: This ain't going to be any normal contract signing folks! This isn't 'Succession' or 'Billions'. This is the world of the WWE! #SmackDown #WWE2K24

#SmackDown #RoyalRumble #HeadOfTheTable #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingnews #wrestlingmedia #TheBloodline #PaulHeyman #RomanReigns #RandyOrton #AJStyles #LAKnights #LoganPaul #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #LWO #LatinoWorldOrder #NickAldis #wrestlingcontract #contract #contractsigning #combatsports #fight #fighters #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #FOX #PLE #PPV #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Image credit: WWE

Aussie Sports Pay-Per-View News

UFC - Foxtel Group Pay-Per-View Partnership

January 2024

Kayo Sports (part of The Foxtel Group), out of Australia, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) @UFC have officially commenced a new multi-year agreement from January 1, 2024, which sees Main Event @MainEventTV – available only on Kayo Sports and Foxtel – become the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View events down under in Australia aka Terror Australis! The readership knows we like media on the edge, so we've got to slip the Aussie slang in every now and again to suit the theme right.

The first Pay-Per-View (PPV) exclusive event will see UFC middleweight Champion Sean "Tarzan" Strickland make his virgin title defence against South African Dricus "Stillknocks" Du Plessis as they marquee UFC 297 direct from Toronto on January 21.

This partnership casts Main Event as the undisputed home of PPV in Australia, with a prized tradition of showcasing the biggest UFC fights across the globe, as well as being a key part of seeing up and coming top range fighters climb to the top since 2008.

Under the terms of the new agreement, fans looking to hit up a buy of a UFC PPV will be redirected to Foxtel and Kayo Sports’ Main Event platform for exclusive access to world class matches. UFC Fight Pass will continue to broadcast live UFC fights, including the Preliminary bouts to UFC PPV events and each UFC Fight Night event in its entirety, in addition to live and on-demand combat sports and unforgettable archived bouts from around the world.

In addition to all the UFC PPV events, sports fans can expect a full menu of UFC content, including UFC Fight Nights, UFC Pay-Per-View Prelims, UFC Countdown, DC & RC, plus selected titles from UFC’s Fight Library on ESPN, available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.

Ahead of the UFC’s first PPV event in 2024, Australian foodie critic, MasterChef Australia judge and self-confessed fanatic Melissa Leong will host UFC Fight Week on Wednesday, January 17, available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Melissa will be joined by panellists Tyson Pedro and Dan Hooker as they break down UFC 297 and interview Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. The show will be replayed daily leading up to the event.

UFC’s popularity has boomed since it was first broadcast in Australia in 2008. There are now in excess of 700 million UFC fans across the globe. In Australia and New Zealand, UFC counts more than 4.3 million fans and features the youngest fan base of any professional sport in Australia with 48 per cent aged between 18-39. These stats are gold to the business of sports marketing, sports media and other associated business arms.

“We’re excited to strengthen and expand our relationship with the UFC, the fastest growing sport in the world, and 2024 will deliver a line-up of epic battles, kicking on January 21 with UFC 297,” said Rebecca McCloy, executive director of commercial sport at Foxtel Group.

“Foxtel and Kayo Sports are the best sports broadcasters in the country and they have backed UFC in Australia since the beginning. Together, we will continue to grow UFC in Australia and they will be the destination for the biggest and baddest fights we put on year-round,” said UFC president Dana White.

It will be a full UFC schedule on Main Event in 2024. Following UFC 297, all eyes will turn to Australia’s fan-favourite UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski for his much-anticipated title defence against Georgian Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in California on February 18.

Media Man: Combat sports PPVs certainly have boomed in Australia since circa 1996 to 2000 when we most closely collaborated and cross promoted with Main Event while working for Optus Vision/Communications in a full-time capacity. The UFC continued to build upon the earlier success of pro boxing and pro wrestling on pay-per-view. The YouTube and social media based features are great, but there's nothing quite like a main event MMA match on PPV for those who live and breath combat sports. Many fighters and former fighters these days even have their own channels across the internet. Exciting times for combat sports fans as well as for those who work in and around the industry. Another chance to ground and pound and KO with the best of them thanks to the UFC, Kayo Sports and Main Event.

Videos To Help Get Casual and Hardcore Fans Up To Speed on UFC 297

(Sources: UFC, Main Event and News)

UFC Official YouTube

UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G8qz_UVusA&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=virYgBbiSog&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 297: Final Faceoffs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ipEXK1tHQA&ab_channel=UFC

Main Event Official YouTube

Dana White: New Home of the UFC l Main Event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaKiSNkC6cM&ab_channel=mainevent

Chael Sonnen Official YouTube

The Rise of Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis | UFC 297

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR8DxSWk3Tc&t=53s&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen

Daniel Cormier Official YouTube

Sean Strickland WARNS Du Plessis: "Bring that s*** up, and it's ON SIGHT!" | Daniel Cormier Check-In

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gieWHG_Q2yU&ab_channel=DanielCormier

#UFC297 #UFC298 #UFC300 #UFCAustralia #KayoSports #MainEvent #UFC #UFCNews #UFCMedia #PPV #PayPerView #PayPerViews #SeanStrickland #Strickland #DricusDuPlessis #DuPlessis #DanaWhite #quote #quotes #combatsports #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsmarketing #sportsbiz #broadcast #broadcasting #OTT #OverTheTop #trends #trending #buzz #media

Image credit: UFC

Search Engine Journal

SEO structures Geo

SEJ's Motoko with an insightful and interesting article about the global nature of the internet based business. Numerous valid points. We started with one basic website and a basic blog. Then we expanded with a range of dotcoms and dotcomdotaus and numerous social media platforms and challenges. Cast the net far and wide and adapt to the cycles and frequently changes in the industry. Business models can and generally should be changed and improved from time to time to adapt. In and around sports news media and sports and pop culture media business there are frequent changes and developments. New websites can be created for a minimum budget. Exposure can be gained in numerous ways including the trending algorithm and getting indexed on Google and the like. Having a local, state, national and international approach helps plug into go-ahead areas one may otherwise miss. Geo stories in far away lands can really take off and create great opportunities. My biggest deal ever was involving one brand in three counties and we adpated it to the different geo zones. Business is not a sprint, it's a marathon and there's always more work to do. Last but not least, enjoy the journey as it's part of the bigger picture.

MMA

UFC @ufc

The UFC, the world's leading mixed martial arts promotion continues to produce world beating videos to further fuel new and old fight fans; In-Octagon action plus storylines, features, moments and more!

Videos

UFC 297: Strickland vs du Plessis Cold Open

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZAaHe3H-94&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 297 Free Fight Marathon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7IyI84DbNg&t=209s&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=virYgBbiSog&t=2s&ab_channel=UFC

Media Man Int

UFC 2024 (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html

PPV News (Media Man Int)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7IyI84DbNg&t=209s&ab_channel=UFC

Sean Strickland (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/sean_strickland.html

MMA living legend Chael Sonnen offers more insight and colourful commentary

The Rise of Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis | UFC 297

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR8DxSWk3Tc&t=62s&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen

"Oh, we got a good one this weekend guys" CS

"This is one of the incredible studies in a microcosm in the world of marketing"...

"Luck is very real, but what does it mean"? CS

Fellow MMA Living Legend Michael Bisping offers insight and tips

BISPING: UFC 297 Strickland vs Du Plessis | FINAL PREDICTIONS & PRESS CONFERENCE REACTION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvO-mgcp01U&t=265s&ab_channel=MichaelBisping

Daniel Cormier, Last But Not Least Media Man Fav Grapples With The Situation

Dricus Du Plessis GOES IN ON Sean Strickland: "That excuse has EXPIRED" | Daniel Cormier Check-In

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tpuivuKdkw&ab_channel=DanielCormier

"Look man, this is as personal as its going to get, and in personal fights, ya boy always shows up" DC

News

Aussie Sports Pay-Per-View News: UFC - Foxtel Group Pay-Per-View Partnership

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/aussie_sports.html

Media Man: Tarzan vs Stillknocks isn't going to go the full distance. Both are there to fight. DP stats 3 rounds or less. Plenty of stand-up and it may go to the ground if one of both get hit hard enough. If it goes to the ground expect ground and pound to "the death" (almost), as both shook hands on at the presser! SS once again talked fight fans into the arena. Big personalties and big hits to match. Going viral and to trend off the charts to say the least. Someone is going to get hurt. It's put up or shut up. Let's F'N go!

Final Thought: "Everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the face" - Mike Tyson

Image credit: UFC

#UFC297 #Strickland #duplessis #SticklandDuPlessis #Tarzan #Stillknocks #UFCCanada #UFCTitl #UFCMiddleweight #UFC #UFCNews #UFCMedia #MMA #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #YouTube #YT #videos #PPV #PayPerView #TKO #TKOGroup #ppvnews #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsbetting #wager #trends #trending #buzz #hype #X #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling @AEW

COPE OPEN! Dante Martin steps up to Adam Copeland’s open challenge! | 1/20/24, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmYbXArA7us&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

TWO HEAVY HITTERS! A returning Jon Moxley takes on Shane Taylor! | 1/20/24, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmbkA6nRVD8&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Bang Bang Scissor Gang? AEW Trios Champs & ROH 6-Man Champs Together? | 1/20/24, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko50hxGfvek&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Thunder Rosa returns to singles competition! Rosa vs Queen Aminata! | 1/20/24 AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGwOH4VI38&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Adam Copeland's Open Challenge Continues + Mox Returns! | AEW Control Center: St. Louis, 1/20/24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZSUs7T0g94&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

MUST SEE REMATCH! Could Darby Allin & Jeff Hardy top their last meeting? | 1/19/24, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Rl4SOBpH4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Media Man: Better than solid solid show. The Bang Bang Gold has added some new spark and entertainment value to the AEW shows. Switchblade is on fire. Great to have Thunder Rosa back. Change is in the wind. Rumbling's of a big Japanese signing coming up, but nothing is ever 100 percent until it happens. TK keeps up the good fight while providing more options for pro wrestlers and fans across the globe.

#AEWRampage #AEWCollison #AEWRevolution #AdamCopeland #RatedRSuperstar #BangBangGang #JaySwitchblade #JonMoxley #Mox #ThunderRosa #Sting #prowrestling #wrestling #TNA #TBS #broadcast #broadcasting #entertainment #popculture #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Image credit: AEW

MMA

UFC 297

Media Man: UFC, ESPN MMA, TNT Sports, The MAC Life and others release interviews, clips, media footage and more, plus more to follow. Insiders expecting strong Pay-Per-View buy rates in Canada, U.S, Australia and elsewhere. Sold out crowd starts anti-Candian PM chants impossible to ignore. Politics and sports don't really mix, but tend to get bundled together for better or worse. Emotionally charged crowd and fighter interviews. "Stillknocks" and "Tarzan's" eyes battered! UFC top Brass Dana White thinks SS won!

UFC Official YouTube

UFC 297: Post-Fight Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ2G1M4M4rQ&ab_channel=UFC

UFC YouTube Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/@ufc/streams

TNT Sports YouTube

New UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis on fighting Israel Adesanya at UFC 300!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA7yCVDbaQE&ab_channel=TNTSports

ESPN MMA YouTube

Dricus Du Plessis recaps his win vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 297 | ESPN MMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHTPdR0J7xc&t=6s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

Immediate Reaction to the scoring of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis | UFC 297

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7GC4e7wS78&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

UFC 297 Post Show debates if Sean Strickland or Dricus Du Plessis won | ESPN MMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ko3bR3wVG0&t=4s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

The MAC Life YouTube

Dricus Du Plessis: “I look like a cauliflower”; Israel Adesanya at UFC 300? | UFC Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0kaXpMOzUM&ab_channel=TheMacLife

Dana White: ‘I thought Sean Strickland won'; UFC 300 main event to be announced next week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwJAL8HI29s&t=215s&ab_channel=TheMacLife

Daniel Cormier YouTube Channel

Daniel Cormier REACTS to Dricus Du Plessis defeating Sean Strickland in CLOSE decision at UFC 297 (*notify me)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C11BaCVuDBU&ab_channel=DanielCormier

Image credit: UFC

#UFC297 #Strickland #duplessis #SticklandDuPlessis #Tarzan #Stillknocks #AndNew #DanaWhite #quotes #interview #interviews #ufcnews #ufcmedia #ufcpress #pressconference #UFCCanada #UFCMiddleweight #UFC #UFCNews #UFCMedia #MMA #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #YouTube #YT #videos #PPV #PayPerView #TKO #TKOGroup #ppvnews #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsbetting #wager #trends #trending #buzz #hype #X #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling

Media Man: And even more great pro wrestling action from the world's current leading challenger brand promotion!

Continental Crown Champ, Kingston, & Ortiz vs BCC’s Danielson & Castagnoli! | 1/20/24 AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfzxx7MQOlQ&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong vs former GenNext teammate Matt Sydal! | 1/20/24 AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WNV3F76xrI&t=5s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

After last week’s attack, Daniel Garcia gets HOB’s Buddy Matthews 1-on-1! | 1/20/24, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI59spwoK2s&t=7s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Two tag team specialists go 1-on-1! Penta El Zero Miedo vs Anthony Henry! | 1/19/24, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLF9Xzp5x_Q&t=6s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Will the Young Bucks be the ones to end the Icon Sting’s career at Revolution?| 1/17/24 AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilvU7g2X6w4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Virtuosa Deonna Purrazzo makes her AEW Dynamite in-ring debut vs Anna Jay!| 1/17/24 AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUD4yK0c2e4&t=5s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Stat & Stoke? Statlander (w/ Hathaway) takes on Queen Aminata! | 1/19/24, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD3xT-2tTRs&t=6s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

and more!

AEW Official YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/AEW

#AEWRampage #AEWDynamite #ChrisJericho #MattSydal #TNT #prowrestling #wrestling #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #video #entertainment #PopCulture #YouTube #video #trends #trending #TV #media

Image credit: AEW

Wrestling News and Streaming News

Netflix to become new home of WWE Raw beginning 2025

Netflix to Become New Home of WWE Raw Beginning 2025

01/23/2024

Long-Term Deal Brings Weekly Live Sports Entertainment to Netflix

About WWE

About Netflix

About TKO

Forward-Looking Statements

(Sources: Netflix, WWE/TKO Group and Business Wire)

Image credit: Netflix and WWE)

Streaming News

Netflix to stream WWE’s Raw starting next year in its biggest jump into live entertainment - January 28, 2024

Netflix and TKO Group Holdings said Tuesday that the streaming platform will air the WWE’s flagship program Raw starting next year.

Netflix is trying to drive revenue by cutting down on subscription sharing and pushing viewers toward its ad-tier membership.

The streaming platform is making its first major foray into live sports, while WWE will get access to Netflix’s roughly 250 million global subscribers.

Netflix and TKO Group Holdings said Tuesday that the streaming platform will air WWE’s flagship program “Raw” starting next year, in Netflix’s first major foray into live sports.

“Netflix is willing to make adjustments and reverse positions when it identifies an issue,” Khan said back in 2022.

Choosing Netflix

TKO held discussions with other media companies but zeroed in on Netflix in December, according to people familiar with the matter.

Netflix’s global footprint, which outreaches every other streaming service, was a key draw for WWE, Shapiro said.

Disclosure: Comcast NBCUniversal, CNBC’s parent company, owns USA Network.

Clarification: This story was updated to reflect that Netflix said it had 23 million monthly active users for its advertising tier.

Media Man Web Tips

The Complete Guide to Local SEO and How it Can Help Your Business Grow

Local SEO is also called Local Search Engine Optimization, or SEO.

Introduction: What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a type of search engine optimization that focuses on getting a website to rank higher in the search results for searches related to geographic areas.

Local SEO is also called Local Search Engine Optimization, or SEO. It is a type of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) that focuses on getting a website to rank higher in the search results for searches related to geographic areas.

Local SEO services typically target specific cities, towns, and neighborhoods where they live or work. Local SEO Expert helps businesses rank high in Google Maps and Google Business listings.

How to Perform a Mobile Ranking Check and Best Practices for Local SEO

Mobile devices have surpassed desktop in usage, and this trend will only continue.

Local SEO is a key part of any successful marketing strategy. It’s important to know how to perform a mobile ranking check and best practices for local SEO.

To start, you need to find out what the major search engines are looking for by visiting the following sites: Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide, Bing’s Local SEO Guide, and Yahoo’s Small Business Site Setup Guide.

A good place to start with your mobile ranking check is by downloading Google’s Mobile-Friendly Tool. This tool will tell you if your site is mobile-friendly or not. You can also use it to see how your site compares against other sites in terms of loading speed or if it has any errors.

3 Steps to Boosting Your Local Business with Search Marketing

Optimize your website

Optimize your content

Optimize your social media

Local businesses are at a disadvantage when it comes to online marketing because they don’t have the resources that larger companies do.

However, there are a few things you can do to boost your local business with search marketing: optimize your website, optimize your content, and optimize your social media.

Importance of Local SEO for businesses

Local SEO has been trending for the past few years and it is not going anywhere. It is a great way for businesses to stay relevant in their local communities.

Local SEO is a powerful tool that can help your business rank higher on search engines and attract more customers to your site. Local SEO helps you rank higher on search engines, increase your visibility and get more customers through the door.

Conclusion and Recap

As more and more consumers switch to search engines as their primary source for finding local businesses, it’s important for businesses to have a strong presence in the search rankings.

Local SEO is an important part of building a strong presence in the search rankings because it promotes a business to the first page of results on Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

Local SEO has been trending for the past few years and it is not going anywhere. It is a great way for businesses to stay relevant in their local communities.

(Sources: Google/Alphabet, News and AI)

Media Man Int

News

Google wins Media Man 'Search Engine Of The Month'

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/google_wins.html

Google News via Media Man

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/google_news.html

Flashback

Google Doodles wins Media Man 'Creative Of The Month' award

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/google_doodles.html

#Google #GoogleNews #GoogleSearch #SEO #LocalSEO #searchnews #localbusiness #localnews #localbiz #searchengineoptimization #geo #bing #rank #ranking #searchengineoptimisation #webtips #webbiz #index #topten #GoogleBusiness #onlinemarketing #onlinebiz #results #performance #popculture #sportsbiz #localpr #localads #adbiz #biz #technews #digitalnews #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Image credit: Google

Movie Box Office (North America)

1. Mean Girls - $11.7 million

2. The Beekeeper - $8.5 million

3. Wonka - $6.4 million

4. Anyone But You - $5.4 million

5. Migration - $5.3 million

6. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - $3.7 million

7. ISS - $3 million

8. Night Swim - $2.7 million

9. The Boys in the Boat - $2.5 million

10. Poor Things - $2 million

Media Man: Well done to all. Given our love and appreciation of the pro wrestling/sports entertainment genre, we noticed that 'The Iron Claw' has slipped out of the Top 10, previously grappling into number 6 position about 3 weeks back. It's our belief that 'The Iron Claw' is a modern classic and much like say for example 'Max Mad', over time its stock will go up and it will continue to make much more money after its initial release and its legend will continue to grow. Some movies have what you may call a short short shelf or run life, while others live on forever. There's also plenty of talk of an Iron Claw documentary, and much like the movie and the true story of the Von Erich family, there will be dozens of times with nothing but pure joy and other times where it is nothing but tragedy. This is life, but the famous Texas bred wrestling family found their moments amplified to say the least. The Iron Claw has the public and even news media in it its grasp, and we haven't heard the last of them. Keep wrestling with boxing office numbers, life and give it your all.

#boxoffice #showbiz #movienews #MeanGirls #TheBeekeeper #Wonka #AnyoneButYou #Migration #AquamanAndTheLostKingdom #ISS #NightSwim #TheBoysInTheBoat #PoorThings #PoorThingsFilm #IronClaw #VonErich #VonErichs #entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculture #trends #trending #buzz #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

WWE

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are set for face-to-face on Raw: WWE Now, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQfqCYa-T_8&ab_channel=WWE

Media Man: CM Punk & Cody Rhodes set for a war of words. Wrestling punk vs Sports Entertainer showman + + +

Seth Rollins’ address to the WWE

Drew McIntyre vs Damian Priest. Scottish Warrior is a walking weapon. No sword required. Priest may make harsh Judgement upon his Scottish nemesis. Potential numbers advantage for DP.

Cody Rhodes likely wants to talk about his story, CM Punk, and the Royal Rumble for starters.

Ivy Nile vs Valhalla. Pocket size feisty fighter vs Viking Warrior. Who will the gods favor?

and much more including those famous WWE surprises that are good for some and very bad for others!

Legendary WWE broadcaster Michael Cole may be ducking for cover for this one. High risk, high reward! Danger money in order.

Catch up with the stories, history, moments and highlights via the award winning WWE YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/wwe

#WWERaw #CMPunk #CodyRhodes #RoyalRumble #SethRollins #DrewMcIntyre #DamianPriest #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #IvyNile #Valhalla #Viking #Vikings #entertainment #popculture #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #showbiz #stories #storylines #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media #mediaman

Image credit: WWE

Hundreds More Google (Alphabet) Staff Set To Be Terminated

Some disgruntle ex Google's say "Don't BE Evil" and "What about family"

More Big Tech To Terminate

A.I Considered One Of Many Factors

Internet Saturated Market

Amazon: It's a jungle out there

Facebook: "Break things" re Hacker Way

Silicon Valley: Sand Castles collapsing!

Man vs Machine; Machine vs Human...

Wall Street Silver tipping more disruptions in fin, banking and a host of sectors

Domino Effect

Happening On Watch Of That President

Likely To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

#Google #googlesearch #googlenews #bard #searchengine #searchnews #SEO #GoogleAI #AI #ads #onlineads #adbiz #adnews #ArtificialIntelligence #technews #biznews #biz #siliconvalley #HR #digitalnews #trends #trending #buzz #media

Movie Scribes

'The Iron Claw'

Modern classic depicts harsh reality of a pro wrestling based family business; Highest of highs to almost unbelievable tragedy and low points; Kevin Von Erich emerges a champion of life.

A hard movie to give a star rating to due to the sensitive material based on real life occurrences, however we're going with 4.95 out of 5.

Recipe for both worldwide success, legendary status and maybe the strangest story in wrestling.

Too much material to work with; Filmmaking Masterclass.

Scribes may differ considerably to some other more "polished" or "professional" reviews.

A first draft, done on the fly with no "cheat notes", so take it easy on us. Eventually we'll do a more typical review, if we see the need to ok.

Some of my own life experiences being involved with family business, combat sports, pro wrestling and showbiz (mainly corporate creative arts and management - some with former long-term girlfriend), as well as a restaurant business for a number of years (with ex wife) saw me reflecting and getting flashbacks of own life and that of some family members.

This is also an opportunity for me to share a bit more about the family businesses I've been involved in, as well as some (key word) aspects of working around (more than in) the pro wrestling and combat sports industry. Read on and you will see the dots joining. Some fodder may even one day find it's way into a book I've been working away on for years. This X installment is a very small sample of my own story, with some modest parallels to the Von Erich story. Long now, I know, but there's much more to still put into the public domain via the Internet or other ok.

Some sequence of events from personal experiences, and again, not in a typical professional type review but from my perspective as fan of pro wrestling, a media business owner for over two decades and as a family business participant (truck driver/offsider, property manager and assistant artist and corporate arts and entertainment project manager). Oh, about three decades ago I attended a couple of pro wrestling training classes and while I was fit, strong and largely skilled enough my back was already in agony thanks in part to an existing injury I suffered as a construction worker on the Sydney Water Board (a year or two before I became sales, marketing, bundling and PPV specialist for Optus Vision (Australian subscriber television). Too much material in my own story also.

3 years old

I'm watching pro wrestling matches on the TV with Mum and Dad at Newport, Pittwater, in Sydney. Dad has started to build his truck, prime mover, transport and property business. Dad was already spending a lot of time on the road, on mining sites, as well as the Sydney Waterfront and some interstate runs. Truck driving is less than an ideal family business or a business that is a good foundation for family life..It made Dad a multi-millionaire but there was a very high price to pay. Mum was a surf girl, model and ultra talented artist and poet who would later go on to become an art teacher in schools (which only a small percentage of people ever get to accomplish).

Fast Forward to 8 years old. Living in Brisbane's Western Suburbs including 5 acres at Brookfield in the 4 story Cape cod as well as the modest 3 bedroom home at Chapel Hill, a few suburbs away. Breakdown of the traditional family unit with Mum and Dad had already been occuring. They tried to patch it up a number of times..Dad had accumulated about 5 properties, 4 trucks and a dozen trailers (40 footers). Container trailers, livestock trailers and other. I'd already attended about 3 primary schools by this stage.

Aged 15 or so

I'd earned myself a one way ticket back to Sydney after playing up and throwing some kind of tantrum while at the Brookfield average. home headquarters of Leo Marcus Swimming Pools Australia. Yes, Henry Marcus of NWA promoting fame is in the family tree. Nana Elvie Marcus (Mum's Mum) and journalist Mike Mooneyham confirmed it for me.

"I want to be with my Dad" I screamed out and much of Mum's side of the family heard. Brisbane Airport to Sydney Airport express. The $40 cash in my pocket got me from Sydney Airport to 376 Barrenjoey Rd,. Newport Beach. The property Dad (Ric), his brother (Alan) and their Dad, Eric Frazer Cameron Tingle owned. McDonald's has offered us 2 million for the property back then, but we politely declined.

So Dad, his Dad and I reconnected. Trips to the beach (Palm, Avalon, Mona Vale, Narrabeen - you name it, as well as to the 24 acre farm at Kurrajong, plus a range of sports clubs frequently including Bayview, Mona Vale Bowling Club and a few other establishments I won't get into, at least not at this stage.

Aged 20 years approx

I joined and excelled at both touch football and later Rugby Union. Even made it to left wing with the Warringah Rats and we won the premiership in 1987. A year later won "Most Improved Recruit" and "Fittest" with the Australia Army Reserve. We did beach wrestling/grappling to submission. I even started my own version of Fight Club. I would invite sports mates to my place at Pittwater for most of the bouts. I enjoyed a 95 percent winning record and I am not *ullshitting. Most wins within 5 minutes. Usually face locks, body scissor with a version of triangle. Sometimes my own variation of a kimura lock (before I knew that was the name of the hold).

In the huge lounge room of the Newport Beach home Dad had explaining to me that some of the holds and moves that the great Harley Race and Terry Funk used in the NWA pro wrestling promotion would work in a real life fight or self defense situation. Those moves along with fists and forearms. About a year later I found this to be absolutely true. My school fighting record at Pittwater High is two wins out of two official fights, and perhaps borrowing from some Bruce Lee and Sun Tzu strategy, I walked my way out of a couple of potential fights also. I later joined the Sydney Water Board as a construction worker at Avalon and Claireville Beach, after about a year as a shipping clerk for the ANL (Australian National Line). Seeing the millions in shipping containers and manifests drove me crazy. Dad kept on encouraging me about "government jobs". Dad later introduced me to his truck driving mates including George Barnes ("The Balmain Tiger") who just also happened to be a pro wrestler about once or twice a week. I still recall Barnes taking a piledriver from Con Iakovidis at Manly Warringah Leagues Club circa 1988. I was really starting to figure out this pro wrestling business, well, at least I thought so. I also worked out it was high risk and very "dangerous *shit"...I had started to bring in NTSL and VHS tapes wrestling and martial arts from Japan, USA, Canada and Europe. Pancrase Japan with Ken Shamrock really impressed me. About three decades later I got to meet my hero in Sydney, as well as Dan Severn and even Hulk Hogan who I'd seen wrestle legendary Antonio Inoki in Japan. Later I traveled to Austria and Hannover, Germany and grappled with pen pals, tape traders, and we ever got to see JBL fight under the name Justin Bradshaw I believe. We waved and said G'day to Otto Wanz. Memories to last a lifetime.

Time kept ticking along and I noticed Dad taking many pills throughout the day. He has gotten cancer. I blame poor diet, less exercise than before and too much stress. Dad lived a couple more years and it was tough of me and us. When he told me it was terminal that was the saddest day of my life.

Around this time I met my future wife Susie at a restaurant at Avalon and she actually helped solidify my vision of working in combat sports media (PPV and bundling for Optus TV. "Use your mind as much as you use your body and muscles Greg darling" was part of her words of encouragement to me. She was a hundred percent on the money with that advice. I later bought a restaurant for Susie to call her own at Leichhardt, and that really was the beginning of the end of our marriage. Family business stress lessons here. She put up with my wrestling (hand to hand combat sports and VHS tape trading and selling business endeavors.

At Optus I was paid very well in my sales, marketing and consultant role. Paid to promote WrestleMania, boxing and even Hulk Hogan vs Flair, Vader and how about Sting at Starrcade 1987. Talk about a dream job. After close to five years I joined the big guns at Telstra and the money and staff gym was great, but the job itself wasn't as enjoyable. Then I discovered ID Media, WaveCam and dotcom websites and webcasting.

Circa 2000

Working at Telstra helped get me Tech Support and IBM Surf Shack Media at Sydney Olympic Games!

Divorce proceedings on horizon.. Discovered internet dating (3 times was enough),. Community TV Casting Couch and authentic journalism at Petersham TAFE. Met another long-time friend or two via the Media education and entertainment connections. Not releasing names at this stage.

Circa 2001 Media Man (Australia) was up and running. Got to interview many wrestlers and wrestling personalities including Harley Race, Les Thatcher, Jake Roberts, Amy Action, TNT, Steve Rackman, Bill Behrens, Ric Drasin, Bill Apter, Killer Kowalski, Malia Hosaka and too many more to list here!

I'm getting carried away with my own story too - I know, but it's all connected..The pro wrestling business is a bit like a secret society. At least that's my interpretation. I trained, interviewed,.sold and promoted Pay-Per-Views (and still do), did some broadcasting announcing (even at Green Valley with Bob Blassie), photography and photoart, ring crew (putting up and taking down the ring), truck driving the ring to events, SEO (search engine optimization) campaigns and even a few "ghost" type projects I can't disclose details of. Oh, Pancrase Wrestling Australia for Chris DeVeaver was awesome also. Again, too many things to list.

Pro wrestling is more of a lifestyle and less of a job, if you follow. The vast majority of the time you absolutely love it. In the very rare occasion you might hate it - be it for a few seconds,. minutes or ours, but like the Australian fabulous Kangaroo/s one returns, seeking out another victory for self or vicariously via ones heroes such as Shamrock, Lesnar, Hogan, Jericho, Logan Paul, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lasley, Nic Nemeth, Moose,. Kenny Omega and the Von Erich Bros, Ross and Marshall. Enough name drops today, we hear you booing with some cheering from the rafters to the back office and booking office.

As the late Bray Wyatt penned, "Wrestling is a love story".

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world and it can also cut like a knife or blade. It may hit like Triple H's sledgehammer once in a while or tie you up in knots like Billy Robinson or Karl Gotch. If over-thinking this unique form of combat sports meets performance art it may catch you off guard in The Iron Claw.

Kevin Von Erich is a hero to me. The ability to overcome the odds, fight off adversity, live to fight another day and to share some of his story to the world. One that we can draw strength from as well as learn valuable life lessons from.

On pro wrestling the story seldom never ends. New chapters keep getting written. Many stories almost write themselves.

Do expect more updates and interpretations from our experiences in and around the business of pro wrestling. Sometimes I think family based media, art or trucking may be tougher than pro wrestling - but then I reflect and think again.

For my money pro wrestling is the toughest and possibly the most competitive business in the world.

Those who can - wrestle. Those who can't are fans. Pro wrestling and the Von Erichs' forever have us in their grasp. Kevin's got me in the iron claw!

Media Man Int

Wrestling News (in progress)

http://mediamanint.com/articles/wrestling_news.html

#TheIronClaw #IronClaw #GregTingle #VonErich #VonErichs #VonErichFamily #familybusiness #prowrestling #wrestling #WCCW #WorldClass #TingleFamily #MarcusFamily #LeoMarcus #HenryMarcus #NWA #truckingbusiness #swimmingpools #mediabusiness #showbiz #combatsports #fightclub #popculture #life #journalism #agency #RandwickRitz #TheRitz #EasternBeaches #boxoffice #newsmedia #Texas #Aussie #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE RAW

FULL SEGMENT – CM Punk and Cody Rhodes’ war of words: Raw, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVpoENtTFOg&ab_channel=WWE

Raw’s wildest moments: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-6BiKEhRXM&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre uses R-Truth against Damian Priest in victory: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF5PRC58F9M&ab_channel=WWE

Damian Priest tells R-Truth to stay out of his way: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzetQU8UlKM&ab_channel=WWE

Gunther vows to break Seth “Freakin” Rollins: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_7I0P1Onl8&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE

#DIY help The Miz fight off The Judgment Day: Raw highlight, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uttrKNwegI8&ab_channel=WWE

Becky Lynch, Bayley and Nia Jax get into a pre-Royal Rumble scuffle: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-Xs17MBkPQ&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

The dawn of Hulkamania: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrRSynjNsBw&ab_channel=WWE

and more moments and highlights being added to the award winning WWE YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/WWE

Media Man: Strong thumbs up. Just catching up now after finally seeing the full screening of 'The Iron Claw' @ironclawmovie today. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes together sharing the mic is magic. The both have their own stories... don't we all. Judgement Day is becoming more judgemental! Who is in? Who is out? Royal Rumble and WrestleMania may have a shuffle of the deck under Mummy's leadership. We believe that Hulk-A-Mania will live forever. Still remember the first time Hogan hit our screen. Mid 1984 vs Paul Orndorff at New York's Madison Square Garden. This was broadcast onto Channel Nine's Wild World Of Sports show on Channel Nine (Australia) at the time. Hooked. WWE remains on fire. We've got Royal Rumble and WrestleMania Fever.

#WWERaw #RoyalRumble #CMPunk #CodyRhodes #HulkHogan #HulkAMania #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #JudgementDay #DamianPriest #DrewMcIntyre #RheaRipley #DirtyDom #RTruth #SethRollins #Gunther #Miz #AdamPearce #entertainment #popculture #prowrestling #wrestling #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #highlights #moments #YouTube #video #videos #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Image credit: WWE

Wrestling Business News

TKO APPOINTS DWAYNE JOHNSON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

01.23.24

Johnson Granted Full Ownership of Trademarked Name, “The Rock”

NEW YORK (January 23, 2024) – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (“TKO”), a premium sports and entertainment company, has appointed Dwayne Johnson to its Board of Directors, effective today.

The addition of Johnson, as well as today’s appointment of Brad Keywell to TKO’s Board of Directors, will increase TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.

Dwayne Johnson Background

Johnson has been a client of Endeavor’s WME agency for nearly 13 years.

About TKO

(Source: TKO Group)

Image credit: TKO Group

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

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