|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 15, 2002 15:06:19 GMT -5
WWE Files Lawsuit Against Acclaim Entertainment
Acclaim Entertainment Inc., already pummeled by an unexpectedly large fourth-quarter loss and a drop in its stock price, took a body slam last week from World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., which filed a lawsuit charging the Glen Cove game maker with copyright infringement and breach of contract.
In a suit that contests "tens of millions of dollars” in sales by Acclaim, the wrestling giant said Acclaim violated terms of an agreement reached in 1999 that limited its access to key World Wrestling Federation-related trademarks. (The company changed its name in May.)
The suit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Central Islip, seeks a permanent injunction blocking Acclaim's alleged unauthorized distribution of the games Attitude, Warzone, In Your House and Wrestlemania, and use of certain WWF trademarks. It also seeks unspecified damages and fees.
Acclaim, which said it hadn't yet been served with the suit, said it plans a vigorous defense.
"This lawsuit is absolutely frivolous,” said Edward Slezak, vice president and corporate counsel. "We are vehemently defending ourselves against this suit.”
Indeed, it's not clear from the suit upon what sales data the Stamford, Conn.- based wrestling entertainment company is basing its claims. Slezak said the only thing he could imagine is that outdated titles that Acclaim hasn't produced in years continue to show up in sales research because some retailers and distributors still have the outdated inventory.
Either way, he said, such sales provide no revenue to Acclaim and are in minute quantities. "We don't manufacture or sell any more of that product,” Slezak said. "However, the products are still sitting out on shelves. ... We have lived within the provisions of the contract.”
According to the suit, Acclaim has been selling games based on World Wrestling Entertainment trademarks for more than two years despite termination of an agreement between the two in August 1999. Since then, the suit says, "Acclaim has distributed WWE copyrighted games significantly in excess of the terms” of two limited distribution agreements. The "unlawful conduct has resulted in the sales of tens of millions of dollars of WWE-copyrighted video games, the profits of which Acclaim has unfairly and unlawfully pocketed without a penny of compensation paid to WWE,” according to the suit.
In defending its trademark, World Wrestling Entertainment said it "strives to make the viewer care about the character in one way or another,” and that it has "developed a reputation for creativity in developing and then promoting distinctive characters.”
When it first agreed to license Acclaim in 1988, the wrestling giant provided use of its World Wrestling Federation name and all related copyrights. But the agreement came to a halt when, in 1999, after an audit of Acclaim's books, WWE alleged Acclaim had violated provisions of the contract.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 15, 2002 15:08:22 GMT -5
Update On X-Pac/Chyna Getting Married, Brock Lesnar Pissed At Big Show, & More
From what backstage sources are saying, Brock Lesnar was said to be very upset at The Big Show for injuring his rib's at last weekends house show. Some people stated that Brock worked extra stiff with his SmackDown! beating last night. For those wondering, The Big Show was not injured.
Several people had informed me that Sara, wife of The Undertaker, had her baby last week, but now I am hearing that she has not had the baby yet.
Many are wondering about the status of Sean Waltman and his current engagement to Chyna. It really is what it is. They have only been dating for several months now, so it does come as a surprise to many.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 15, 2002 15:10:15 GMT -5
WWE Writer Quits, Hulk Hogan Update, CNN/WWE Segment
WWE filled a job they placed an ad for months ago by hiring a man named Paul Guay. Guay, an established Hollywood writer responsible for writing such films as Liar, Liar with Jim Carrey, came into WWE with impressive credentials. The word going around now is that Guay quit WWE immediately after this past October's pay-per view. His reason for leaving was the new direction the company is going.
CNN is claiming to finally air the WWE piece featuring RVD and others about the drop of the wrestling business tonight at 10:00PM. Many may remember this piece was scheduled for earlier in the week, but was bumped due to another cover story on their program. With the history of CNN as far as wrestling is concerned, it's not confirmed that the segment will air tonight. However, that is what they are claiming.
Hulk Hogan was the "Five Star Football Games Picker" in a recent edition of USA Today. Hogan takes his picks for this week's NFL games and mixed in some wrestling analogies while doing so.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 15, 2002 15:12:15 GMT -5
WWE Confused At Major Downturn In Ratings
It's no secret to anyone by now that this week's RAW scored a terrible 3.1 cable rating. Word out of Titan Towers is that the upper management is confused that this week's RAW did such a poor rating despite what they felt was a quality program.
As of this writing, no one is pointing any fingers or blamming anyone associated with the program. Many who won't speak up within WWE are under the impression that it's a combination of Vince McMahon's ideas, Brian Gewirtz's writing, and Triple H dominating the television time for the show.
Mostly everyone in the company thought this past Monday's show was a solid program, including Vince McMahon, which led many to be quite confused as far as how to fix a problem that they are just now realizing exsists.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 15, 2002 15:21:50 GMT -5
Brock Lesnar To Lose The Title, Scott Steiner On RAW, more
It appears as though the cracked rib injury Brock Lesnar is currently suffering from is actually a lot worse than he is letting on. There is talk now that Lesnar will be taking approximately six weeks off following the pay-per view this Sunday. That puts the WWE World title in a scary position. If Lesnar will immediately take time off following Sunday, the belt would almost have to change hands and everyone knows who's hands it would end up in if that is the case. There is always the possibility that Lesnar will still make television appearances on SmackDown! which means he could retain the title this Sunday. However, if the number being talked about, six weeks, is how long Lesnar will be out of commission, he would not be ready come Armageddon.
Scott Steiner will be at Survivor Series, as widely documented the past several weeks all over the internet. From what is being said, Steiner will also be on RAW the following night.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 16, 2002 14:30:25 GMT -5
Latest On Goldberg/WWE, His Return This Sunday, & More
It is now being stated that Goldberg will not be returning to Japan this weekend (as originally reported by overseas sources).
He was promoted as being part of a match with Rick Steiner at the Wrestle-1 event. The event would have been on the same day as the upcoming Survivor Series PPV.
Goldberg is currently in Los Angeles, filming an upcoming movie for Warner Brothers.
Reports indicate that negotiations have not picked up between Goldberg and WWE management. Thus, Goldberg is expected to make a return to Japan in the near future. His website has a calendar stating that he will be returning to Japan for the PRIDE 23 event next Sunday.
Either way, it does not look as if he will be returning to Japan this Sunday, but, as always, that could end up changing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 16, 2002 14:36:54 GMT -5
WWE Hires New Superstar, Big Show Gets Injured, more
- Nathan Jones, a 6-foot-10, 300-pound Australian has agreed to a contract with WWE today. Not many people in the states or the world for that matter are aware of Nathan, so we're in the dark just as much as you on this one. Although I might add that Nathan was a winner of ESPN's World's Strongest Man competition a few years back. Jim Ross noted in his latest Ross Report that they have only verbally agreed to terms with Nathan, a contract has not yet been signed although one should be in the coming week. Nathan is slated to debut sometime in December.
- Thanks to Alton Lowe Jr for the following; the big show cut his arm open when he was thrown into the steps. He went down funny and you could see the injury on his arm as he rolled over after he hit the steps. The chair shots were very harsh.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 16, 2002 14:44:00 GMT -5
Kane/HHH Update, McMahon/WWE, Jim Ross News
The following are highlights from the WWE segment on CNN last night:
The piece was hosted by Aaron Brown, who had lots of negative things to say. He stated that although he became a fan of wrestling when he was younger, it has just gotten far too crude.
Shaun Assael (author of "Sex, Lies, & Headlocks") added that WWE has to be more sensitive to family values, now that they are a publicly traded corporation.
Brown and Assael both agreed that Vince is no longer the genius he was a few years ago. Jim Ross, however, explained that it takes both likeable talent and good storylines to earn ratings and be successful.
HHH and Kane also appeared. HHH defended the company, saying that when they were on top, they were criticized for their edgy storylines, and are now being criticized while in a slump. Kane spoke about how he feels the pressure of the current situation because he was in WWE when they were dominating the cable TV ratings.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 16, 2002 14:45:56 GMT -5
Steiner/Survivor Series, HBK's WWE Future, Goldberg Note
-Scott Steiner will defintely be present in some shape or form at WWE Survivor Series tomorrow night and is expected to appear on camera, despite the lack of hype for him on SmackDown!.
-For those who have been wondering, tomorrow night's elimination chamber bought is not expected to be Shawn Michaels' last competitve match.
-Despite promotion that has been stating otherwise, Bill Goldberg will not be competing at the W-1 show in Japan this weekend.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 16, 2002 15:24:36 GMT -5
HBK/HHH Feud, Diamond Dallas Page Update
Thanks to ProWrestling.com reader, Bryon Norris for sending in the following:
Hi, I was at the on ticket sales in Norfolk, VA on the 16th where Shawn Michaels, "The Heartbreak Kid" was signing autographs. The crowd was pretty small ranging about a thousand, mostly familes and small children. Michaels was a nice guy and even made a joke about HHH and his match on Sunday saying, "I don't know why everyone hates him (HHH) so bad. I mean I wouldn't want to be stuck with him (HHH) and a bunch of other guys in a cage. I'd rather be stuck with her (some attractive female in the building) over there." Hopefully tickets pick up sales because in Norfolk, the WWE was a hot commodity when RAW and Smackdown! came to town, both of wich I attended.
Thanks to Jose Ocampo for the following DDP tidbit:
I recently read this on a newspaper,.,. After retiring from 14 years of wrestling..that happen when he had an a neck injury, while being with the WWE. Diamond Dallas Page is now helping his wife Kimberly to pursue her Hollywood goals. And to be true, They move from Atlanta to Los Angeles. "Kimberly's dream is being an actress" Page said. "Plus , I need to get a way from wrestling while I adapted to my new situation" Page said again. This is why Diamond Dallas Page is not into wrestling anymore, after having a rough experience with the WWE, sure he needs to take a break.. from anything that has to do with wrestling. I believe at the time with the WWE.. Diamond.Dallas Page..loss his touch of wrestling..it wasn't like that...On his WCW days... Page use to beat up guys...Like Goldberg, Scott Steiner. And was on top shape when he was an outsider with Kevin Nash on his last days. When Page came to the WWE, he has not being the same. Probably Scott Steiner burn him down, on his last pay-per-piew match and that was the beginning of his diminishing skills. Never brought the same passion he had, when he was with the WCW to the WWE.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 17, 2002 14:12:36 GMT -5
Stacy/Survivor Series, Jericho Talks About His Beard, more
The leggy Stacy Keibler will be hosting WWE Survivor Series tomorrow night at The World in New York City. The official song of Survivor Series 2002 titled "Always" will be performed live at the event by Saliva.
Thanks to reader Matt C for the following:
Chris Jericho had a short appearance on The Best d**n Sports Show. I caught the late edition due to NBA Celtics game. He came on 1hr 25 min into the show. Just before Chris came out they showed that Randy Savage was celebrating his 50th birthday. Talked about Chris and showed highlights of him wrestling and his charity hockey games, in which he staged a fight with the drummer from the Foo Fighters. One of the hosts went over that his father (Ted Irvine) played pro hockey. Chris talked about his little beard. It was a bet with an Ozzy Osbourne drummer done in a bar during some serious drinking. Basically, Chris was challenged that he couldn't grow a beard. Plugged Survivor Series only for 1 minute. All in all not bad, but barely gave him time to plug the PPV!
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 17, 2002 14:14:12 GMT -5
Stacy/Survivor Series, Jericho Talks About His Beard, more
The leggy Stacy Keibler will be hosting WWE Survivor Series tomorrow night at The World in New York City. The official song of Survivor Series 2002 titled "Always" will be performed live at the event by Saliva.
Thanks to reader Matt C for the following:
Chris Jericho had a short appearance on The Best d**n Sports Show. I caught the late edition due to NBA Celtics game. He came on 1hr 25 min into the show. Just before Chris came out they showed that Randy Savage was celebrating his 50th birthday. Talked about Chris and showed highlights of him wrestling and his charity hockey games, in which he staged a fight with the drummer from the Foo Fighters. One of the hosts went over that his father (Ted Irvine) played pro hockey. Chris talked about his little beard. It was a bet with an Ozzy Osbourne drummer done in a bar during some serious drinking. Basically, Chris was challenged that he couldn't grow a beard. Plugged Survivor Series only for 1 minute. All in all not bad, but barely gave him time to plug the PPV!
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 17, 2002 14:19:58 GMT -5
Michaels Was Against Katie/HHH Angle, Lesnar/Austin, more
Shawn Michaels recently conducted an interview with Chris Yandek, in which he had some very interesting things to say, one of which includes the whole necrophilia angle. Michaels states that both he and Triple H were against the idea of the Kane/Katie Vick/Triple H angle, saying:
"I didn't like the necrophilia angle, and HHH didn't like it. He was in a very tough position, and he does the same thing I have always done when Vince McMahon tells you to do something, you do it even if you dislike it. He didn't like it, but Vince McMahon asked him to do it, so he did it."
In the Playstation 2 video game, WWE SmackDown! - Shut Your Mouth, if Steve Austin is beaten with Brock Lesnar there is a post match bit where Lesnar continues to stomp on Austin in a post match beat down. When another wrestler loses in the game, they are just shown laying in the ring whilst the winner walks up the ramp.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 17, 2002 14:21:18 GMT -5
Michaels Was Against Katie/HHH Angle, Lesnar/Austin, more
Shawn Michaels recently conducted an interview with Chris Yandek, in which he had some very interesting things to say, one of which includes the whole necrophilia angle. Michaels states that both he and Triple H were against the idea of the Kane/Katie Vick/Triple H angle, saying:
"I didn't like the necrophilia angle, and HHH didn't like it. He was in a very tough position, and he does the same thing I have always done when Vince McMahon tells you to do something, you do it even if you dislike it. He didn't like it, but Vince McMahon asked him to do it, so he did it."
In the Playstation 2 video game, WWE SmackDown! - Shut Your Mouth, if Steve Austin is beaten with Brock Lesnar there is a post match bit where Lesnar continues to stomp on Austin in a post match beat down. When another wrestler loses in the game, they are just shown laying in the ring whilst the winner walks up the ramp.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 17, 2002 14:26:13 GMT -5
Royal Rumble Match Details; Changes In Format & More
There have been recent talks regarding tweaking the format of next year's Royal Rumble to reflect the brand extension.
There was even plans to have the Royal Rumble match in two rings, somewhat similar to the old WCW World War 3 gimmick. However, this idea was rejected.
Retaining the original formula of Royal Rumble seems to be the most likely possibility at this point, with 15 superstars from each brand making up the match.
However, nothing has yet been decided regarding the format of the Royal Rumble match and it could change many times between now and the event in January.
|
|
