WWE: Survivor Series 2021 Update, Another High Level Departure & Hiring, Michael Cole Reveals Hearing Loss Issues

Survivor Series 2021 Plans Update – Reasons for Sluggish Build

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources within WWE stated that the reason why the build for this year’s Survivor Series event has been more non-existent than usual is due to a variety of issues.

One of those issues reportedly involved the company wanted to put all of their focus and effort towards the build for last month’s Crown Jewel 2021 event. Those same sources also stated that WWE officials then wanted to put the focus primary on building up new feuds and letting them settle in on television first with the new rosters for both RAW and SmackDown following last month’s WWE Draft.

Meltzer reported that his sources spoken to stated that WWE officials were only planning to start the push for the build for this year’s Survivor Series in the final weeks leading up to the event.

This would explain why WWE decided to wait until today to announce the full teams for this year’s Men’s and Women’s Survivor Series Elimination match with little to no hype nor storylines going into it.

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Another High Level Executive Departure & Changes Made to Executive Management Team

WWE recently announced that they have made another change in their high level executive team.

Frank A. Riddick III was announced to be replacing Kristina Salen as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrator office. Prior to the promotion, Riddick had been the company’s interim CFO in 2020 following the departures of WWE co-Presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson and prior to Salen’s hiring.

In regards to Salen, it was announced that she will be leaving the company as part of their recent shakeups to their executive management team.

Official press release:

STAMFORD, Conn.– (BUSINESS WIRE) — WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that Frank A. Riddick III has been named Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, reporting to Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. Riddick has served as a member of the WWE Board of Directors for more than 13 years and previously held the role of interim CFO in 2020. He succeeds Kristina Salen, who is departing the company as CFO.

‘I’ve had the great fortune of working with Vince McMahon and the talented people at WWE for over a decade and it’s an honor to join them on a full-time basis,’ said Riddick.

‘Working closely with Frank for many years, we have great confidence in his ability to execute our company’s strategy to increase revenues and drive shareholder value by engaging our global fanbase with phenomenal content,’ said Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. ‘I want to thank Kristina for her contributions to WWE and wish her well in her future pursuits.’

‘I started at WWE during the global pandemic and I am proud of what I accomplished with Vince’s leadership and the tremendous team,’ said Salen. ‘We returned to live event touring, exceeded expectations, raised guidance for the year, and have laid a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to WWE’s continued success.’

As CFO & CAO, Riddick will oversee financial planning & analysis, strategy, controllership, investor relations, tax, data analytics, technology, event travel and facilities.

Riddick previously served as CEO for FloWorks International, LLC, JMC Steel Group, Formica Corporation, and Triangle Pacific Corp., and President/COO of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. He has also served in executive management positions, including Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Treasurer, and Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions during a career that spans 40 years.

In regards to Riddick’s new position, WWE announced to their stockholders that his base salary will be $850,000 and will receive a signing bonus of $1 million.

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Michal Cole Reveals He is Currently Dealing with Serious Hearing Loss Issues

A recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show podcast had WWE commentator Michael Cole as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Cole revealing that he has been dealing with a serious issue of hearing loss.

Following a commercial break, co-host AJ Hawk asked Cole what he and McAfee had discussed about during the break. McAfee responded stating that “Mike Cole’s deaf, so he can’t hear a f—ing thing we say.”

Cole confirmed that what McAfee was true and stated:

“I’ve said three words to him in the three commercial breaks. That is true, I’m actually, like, 65 percent hearing loss.

They make these special in-ear pieces that go underneath my headsets on-air so I can actually hear.”

Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com