Latest news with #Meltzer
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"That's where this is going": Dave Meltzer doesn't hold back on the future of WWE
Dave Meltzer (Image via YouTube) Dave Meltzer is a renowned name in the world of wrestling, having been associated with it for decades. The sports historian and wrestling journalist has been the publisher and editor of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, known to everyone as WON, since 1983, and has made his reputation into something revered, especially in the world of sports journalism. So when he shares his opinion, it's bound to have listeners. And his latest take on how advertising is taking over wrestling is one of those. Dave Meltzer's take on advertising in WWE Dave Meltzer says it like he sees it. He has not been called "the most accomplished reporter in sports journalism" just because he can cover a story well. He has been in this industry for long enough to know when and how things begin to make an impact. And recently, he spoke of how advertising is becoming a big part of WWE , maybe more than it should. A recent post on his dirtsheet read: 'I expect ads on ring gear soon. Seriously. That's not a joke. That's where this is going. There's no limit to it. If there's a blank space on screen, TKO wants to monetize it.' With the way TKO Holdings has been monetizing the WWE is something quite a few people have spoken about. The parent company that runs the WWE is profit-minded like any other, and advertisements have been a big part of that. Maybe Meltzer's view is not too far off, as they have already been using ads on the ring and the screens. Maybe ring gears are next; who knows! Fans react to Dave Meltzer's latest take Fans are, of course, quick to make memes and add funny anecdotes to anything that happens. The Internet did its thing this time around as well, and as soon as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter post went online, WWE fans made sure to share their thoughts on the matter. From people saying it's just the way of the corporate, to some criticizing TKO, everyone had a cent to add to the conversation. While the chicken wing Dom idea is funny, is this really where wrestling is moving towards? What do the fans really have to say about this? Also Read: Recalling John Cena's bombshell announcement at Money in the Bank 2024 before his upcoming tag team extravaganza at the 2025 mega-event
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star R-Truth Has Strong Interest From Top Promotion: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The recent WWE departure of beloved veteran R-Truth was reportedly a financial decision made by the company. According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, R-Truth's contract was so high that for the level they were using him they felt it made no sense to renew it. This news surprised some. He had literally just come off a program that led to a high-profile match with WWE Champ John Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event. Meltzer reported that the news of his exit was met with significant unhappiness within the WWE locker room. There were a lot of wrestlers who were very unhappy because he was so popular with the talent. WWE fans also voiced their support, with chants for R-Truth on the June 2nd episode of Raw after his departure became public. The situation was reportedly handled carefully backstage. Meltzer noted, "Talent was reportedly told no R-Truth T-shirts on Raw, but Rhea Ripley was wearing one backstage and took it off before going on TV." INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: R-Truth attends Netflix's Debut of WWE Monday Night Raw at Intuit Dome on January 06, 2025 in Inglewood, California INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: R-Truth attends Netflix's Debut of WWE Monday Night Raw at Intuit Dome on January 06, 2025 in Inglewood, California More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Looking ahead, a return to a former home could be in the cards for R-Truth. Meltzer stated that those in TNA have already said that they want to make him an offer, and for that company, he'll come in fairly hot. This would mark a significant homecoming for the star. Truth had a historic run in TNA from 2002 to 2007 between his WWE stints. Wrestling as Ron "The Truth" Killings, he became a main event player in TNA. In August 2002, he made history by defeating Ken Shamrock to become the first-ever recognized African-American NWA World Heavyweight Champion. It was a title he would go on to hold a second time. During his TNA tenure, he also showcased his charisma as a founding member of the popular 3Live Kru faction alongside Konnan and B.G. James (formerly Road Dogg in WWE). TNA is where he also held tag team gold. His time in TNA featured a more serious and aggressive persona compared to the comedic character he later perfected in his second, lengthy WWE run. It would also give him a chance to return to WWE if he so wanted to do so one day as TNA and WWE have a working relationship. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE asks fans to cut out swearing at live events, sparks backlash
Image via WWE W WE is reportedly cracking down on foul language at its televised events, with a serious message for fans attending RAW, NXT, and SmackDown tapings - keep it clean or risk removal. The move has stirred debate among fans, many of whom feel their passion is being policed. WWE gets serious about broadcast-friendly crowds During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, veteran journalist Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE has internally discussed addressing live audiences about toning down their language. 'It's a TV show going all over the world,' Meltzer said. 'They want fans to have fun, but not swear.' While such a message would have backfired in previous eras, Meltzer believes today's WWE audience is more understanding. 'I think they might be okay with it,' he noted, suggesting the company is counting on a more mature fan base to comply voluntarily. But that may no longer be a mere suggestion. Reports from Fightful Select confirm that WWE has already begun enforcing this policy, particularly at NXT tapings held at the Performance Center in Orlando. Fans have been warned not to swear, with repeat offenders threatened with removal from the venue. So far, no actual ejections have been reported. The clampdown comes as WWE prepares for a broader TV presence, with NXT set to debut on The CW Network later this year. A cleaner audience presentation is likely part of that transition. Fans slam WWE's new policy The response from the WWE Universe has been mixed. While some fans see the move as necessary for global broadcasts, others argue it diminishes the authenticity of the live experience. One user on X wrote, 'Asking grown adults not to swear like they are children…what is wrong with that company?' Another added, 'Even during the PG era, Vince McMahon never told crowds to censor themselves.' Others voiced concerns about the show's atmosphere. 'Trying to watch it when they mute the crowd every time someone chants 'Holy sh*t' is worse,' a fan noted. There's also a growing sentiment that such policies could drive passionate fans toward rival promotions like AEW, which offers a more unfiltered crowd experience. 'Time to head over to AEW. They wouldn't do that to ya,' one post read. As WWE tightens its grip on live crowd behavior, the balancing act between global brand image and fan spontaneity enters a new chapter - one where the next chant might be quieter, but the controversy is anything but. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Don't swear because it's going to ruin the TV show': WWE requests fans to refrain from swearing at live events
(Image via WWE) WWE is currently working to clean up the crowd noise in a literal sense. To uphold its family-friendly image and comply with the broadcast and censorship rules, WWE is reportedly requesting and asking fans to refrain from swearing during live televised events. This initiative aligns with the company's longstanding commitment to TV-PG programming, which emphasizes content suitable for a broad audience, including children. The move comes after increasing concerns over the use of explicit language from both performers and audiences. The use of strong language during live broadcasts has highlighted the challenges WWE faces in maintaining its PG standards. Such instances have led to network interventions, including muting audio and censoring visuals, and this step is required for the company to comply with television broadcasting guidelines, owing to its target audience. WWE requests fans to refrain from swearing at live events WWE has reportedly asked fans to refrain from swearing at live events to maintain broadcasting compliance. This is not the first time that the company has decided to take such an important step to ask people to avoid profanity. Earlier, WWE addressed this issue by holding mandatory meetings with talent, reminding them to be mindful of their language on camera, and now it is expecting the same from its fans, too. In a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio , Dave Meltzer asserted that the company has discussed possibly asking fans in attendance at televised events to refrain from swearing during the show. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elevate Business Writing With This Desktop App Grammarly Learn More Undo Wrestling Observer Radio Live with Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez Meltzer said, 'People have actually suggested this, of just like making an announcement of, 'Hey, we're here. It's a TV show. It's going all over the world. We want you to have fun, don't swear because it's going to ruin the TV show.'' While nothing has been officially implemented, Meltzer revealed that the idea has been brought up behind the scenes. He explained that WWE is concerned about inappropriate language being picked up on live broadcasts that air around the world. 'Hey Rock, Go F*** Yourself!' He further stated that, 'In the past, if they had done that, the audience would have then started swearing because they wouldn't want to be controlled. But I think this audience is mature enough and smart enough and everything like that that if you told them that I think they might be okay with it.' Meltzer also stated that nothing has been officially declared yet by the company. 'That is something that has been suggested, I know that, but they don't do it so you're going to have that stuff,' he noted. Also Read : 'I would just want to be in a horror film': John Cena wants to explore the horror genre for his next Hollywood role | WWE News - Times of India With this initiative in mind, WWE aims to create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all attendees and viewers, as it goes global and becomes more family-friendly. But, the question is will fans comply with the request not to swear? Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Faces A Big Problem With New WrestleMania Location: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. WWE's long-term vision for its premier annual event, WrestleMania, is undergoing a significant strategic overhaul, with Las Vegas now poised to become a "frequent" host city. This major development follows the confirmation this week that WrestleMania 42, originally scheduled for New Orleans in 2026, will be relocated, according to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The decision to increasingly favor Las Vegas is driven by compelling business and logistical factors beneficial to WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings. Meltzer reports that the decision was made partially because this year's WrestleMania made so much money overall in Las Vegas from all sources that they could not make that level of money in New Orleans. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This strategic pivot means Las Vegas will see WrestleMania return on a regular basis, though not necessarily every single year. Meltzer elaborated on this approach. The plan is now to run WrestleMania on a regular basis in the city, not necessarily every year, but frequently. Where things get interesting is the idea is that the city wants to have a major destination sports event every year, and by definition they are looking at the Super Bowl, The Final Four, the College Football national championship final and WrestleMania so would be looking for Mania any year that they don't have one of the other three events. Building wraps for WrestleMania 41 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 19th and... Building wraps for WrestleMania 41 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 19th and 20th. More Ethan Miller In line with this new direction, Meltzer confirmed that WWE has already reserved Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, for WrestleMania 42. This marks a date change from the originally planned April 11 and April 12 weekend, when the event was set for New Orleans. However, the potential move to Las Vegas for 2026 is not without its complications. Meltzer highlighted two outstanding issues that WWE and TKO are currently working to resolve. The first concerns a scheduling conflict at the stadium itself. "There is a concert booked at the stadium that has not been announced, which makes the moving in and setting up the stadium too tight," Meltzer wrote. He added, "Those in charge of the stadium have attempted to move the concert date, but the promoters have said that they have a contract for that date and thus far have been unwilling to move." The second challenge relates to space for ancillary fan events, a crucial part of the WrestleMania week experience. "The other is that the Las Vegas Convention Center, which hosted fan gatherings, is open for that weekend but does not have the same amount of open space as it had for WWE last month," Meltzer reported. While New Orleans will no longer host WrestleMania in 2026, the city is set to host the Money in the Bank premium live event that year. Furthermore, it is expected that New Orleans will still host a future WrestleMania as part of a broader, multi-event agreement with TKO, ensuring the historic wrestling city remains a part of WWE's major event landscape. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
