During WWE’s conference call yesterday, a caller asked about the early business returns for SmackDown wrestler Mr. Kennedy’s straight-to-DVD release, Behind Enemy Lines: Columbia. WWE CFO George Barrios said according to information they have from their distribution partner, FOX, is that the movie is “performing well.” As part of their working agreement, Fox shared productions costs with WWE, which was around $4-5 million. Barrios said roughly 150,000 DVD units have been shipped – which is in line with a top level WWE DVD set release. Behind Enemy Lines: Columbia generally sold for $20, so the movie would have grossed around $3.0 million. WWE COO Donna Goldsmith made a point to say that the movie is still in domestic distribution, and they have yet to release the DVD internationally. Goldsmith expects additional revenue to be garnered in those markets.
Released WWE star Manu is taking independent bookings through his MySpace page (www.myspace.com/samoanhusky).
WWE is scheduled to return to Mexico at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey on May 28th, 2009 and the Sports Palace in Mexico City on May 30th, 2009. Tickets for both events go on sale March 2nd, 2009 at 11 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
WWE.com has added a profile on newcomer Tyson Kidd to the ECW section. They also posted a studio photo gallery featuring Kidd and Natalya. Though Natalya manages Kidd on ECW, it would appear that technically, the WWE Diva is still a member of SmackDown. WWE.com has yet to move her profile to the ECW section.
AEW: AEW & Adult Swim Teaming Up for Animated Series Project, Samoa Joe Non-Contact Injury Update, MJF on Tribalism Among Wrestlers Just Doesn’t Exist
AEW: Jake Doyle Confirms Torn Biceps Injury, Jim Ross on Powerhouse Hobbs Thanking Him For Advice He Gave For His Wrestling Career, Tommaso Ciampa on His Praise of Mark Briscoe & Watching Briscoe’s Singles Run “Genuinely Touched My Heart”
Tommaso Ciampa Signs with AEW
