|
Watercooler News
Under
The Watercooler
Sports
Culture via Media Man
Media
Man Sports Watercooler
Past,
Present And Future
July
2026
July
10
X
News
UFC
Inducts Star-Studded Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in
Las Vegas
During
UFC 329 fight week in Las Vegas, the UFC inducted
Demetrious Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Chris Weidman
into the Modern Wing for their flyweight, bantamweight,
and middleweight legacies. The epic UFC 248 strawweight
war between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili earned
a Fight Wing spot, while writer Thomas Gerbasi received
a posthumous Contributor Wing honor and Alex Pereira
took the Forrest Griffin Community Award. Weidman's
emotional speech highlighted family triumphs, and
Pereira confirmed plans for a heavyweight return in
November.
News
McGregor-Holloway
Rematch Set with Record $25 Million Gate at UFC 329
McGregor
weighed in at 170.5 pounds for his first MMA fight
since his 2021 leg injury, while Holloway hit 170
pounds exactly for the first time in his career. The
welterweight clash at T-Mobile Arena tomorrow caps
International Fight Week with a sold-out crowd and
a UFC-record $25 million gate, topping the prior mark
from Noche UFC. Hype peaked at the presser with McGregor's
antics and trash talk referencing Holloway's past
losses, as Dana White confirmed McGregor's role in
three of the top four biggest UFC gates ever.
News
NXT
Women's Champ Grey Retains in Grueling Defense Amid
Breakout Wins and Debuts
On
the July 7 episode, champion Kendal Grey held off
veteran Nattie in a tough title match, extending her
reign as challengers circle. Layla Diggs, from Fresno
and real name Bre Covington, won a Fatal 4-Way over
Izzi Dame, Lizzy Rain, and Thea Hail to earn a shot
at Zaria's North American Championship next week.
Jaida Parker traded barbs online with Nattie over
career legacies, and Reina Volcán debuted with
a vignette, retiring her indie name Nikki Blackheart
as the first woman from the Dominican Republic signed
to WWE.
News
WWE
2K26 Releases WrestleMania 42 DLC Pack
WWE
Games announced the WrestleMania 42 Pack for WWE 2K26,
launching August 19 and recreating the April 18-19,
2026 event's Night 1 fiery sunset stage and Night
2 cool blue neon arena. It includes Persona cards
for Cody Rhodes in golden gear, Alexa Bliss, and Liv
Morgan with her 'Trouble' entrance theme, ready for
MyFaction or Universe Mode. Priced at $10 standalone
or included in select editions, the pack draws excitement
for its venues while some fans wish for additions
like Paige or Finn Bálor's theme.
News
Tiffany
Stratton Eyes NXT 'Daddy's Little Rich Girl' Gimmick
Return
In
a KFAN interview, WWE Women's US Champion Tiffany
Stratton revealed why Shawn Michaels dropped her original
heiress gimmick—no on-screen daddy for the payoff—and
said she's ready to repitch it on SmackDown. The character,
inspired by Paris Hilton and Sharpay Evans, launched
her with signature chants and a 'Rich Girl' theme,
but evolved into her current 'Tiffy Time' heel after
moving to the main roster. Now a titleholder fresh
off WrestleMania 42 defenses against Bayley and Nia
Jax, she also teased singing her own entrance theme,
with fans buzzing over potential pairings as SummerSlam
nears in Minnesota.
News
Red
Bull's RB17 Hypercar Debuts with Roar at Goodwood
Festival of Speed 2026
The
£5.75 million track-only hypercar, packing 1,200
horsepower, thrilled crowds on Day 1 of the July 9-12
Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, with Newey,
Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alisha Palmowski taking
turns on the 1.16-mile climb. Lightning McQueen from
Pixar's Cars joined the fun for the film's 20th anniversary,
powering up the hill with its signature 'Ka-chow!'
grin and drawing huge laughs. F1 stars like Kimi Antonelli
mingled with rivals, posing with Ferrari mechanics
in a cheeky Mercedes post, while Lewis Hamilton lapped
a Ferrari simulator amid the festival's celebration
of epic racing duels.
News
Ric
Flair advises spending the weekend with booze, gambling,
and strippers
Wrestling
legend Ric Flair shared a video message encouraging
people to enjoy the weekend by drinking booze, gambling,
and visiting strippers. The post from FADE went virtal.
News
Conor
McGregor removes Max Holloway's sunglasses and slaps
his hand during UFC 329 faceoff
During
the UFC 329 faceoff, Conor McGregor snatched Max Holloway's
Oakley Meta Glasses off his face after Holloway complimented
them and said 'we're cool.' McGregor then slapped
Holloway's hand away when he tried to shake hands.
Media
Man Group
Dream
Matches
Past,
Present And Future
Media
Man Most Wanted Wrestling Dream Matches
Pop
Culture element/option
CM
Punk vs Kross
Logan
Paul vs Cody Rhodes - Anything Goes Match!
Logan
Paul vs John Cena
Mysterio
vs Mysterio
Penta
vs Rey Mysterio
Penta
vs Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio
Roman
Reigns vs The Rock
Roman
Reigns vs John Cena
Logan
Paul vs Jake Paul
Mysterio
vs Mysterio vs Bad Bunny
Motor
City Machine Guns vs Hardy Boyz
The
Rock vs Ricky Saints
Cody
Rhodes vs Lexis King
Steve
Austin vs LA Knight
Kevin
Owens vs Sami Zayn - Piledriver's Legal!
Oba
Femi vs Moose
Elon
Musk vs Zuck - Unsanctioned Match!
Just
Added: Brock vs Kross!
Kross
vs Riddle (MLW): Match Happened!
Brand
vs Gates
Rousey
vs Rogan
John
Cena vs Kenny Omega
Punk
vs Jericho
Punk
and Rhodes vs Edge and Jericho
Charlotte
Flair vs Lash Legend
Cargill
vs Green
Roman
Reigns vs Talla Tonga
Dream
Matches:
Ideal
wrestling or boxing bouts
Here
are some ideal matchups often discussed among fans
for both wrestling and boxing:
Wrestling:
Stone
Cold Steve Austin vs. CM Punk - Both known for their
promos, in-ring psychology, and rebellious attitudes,
this could be a clash of eras.
Brock
Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns - Both have been seen as the
faces of WWE at different times, and their physicality
could make for an epic showdown.
Hulk
Hogan vs. John Cena - A generational match that would
pit two of WWE's biggest icons in terms of popularity
and influence against each other. (included as a tribute
to the late, great, Hulk Hogan). RIP Hulkster.
Sasha
Banks (Mercedes Moné) vs. Asuka - A dream women's
match where technical prowess meets high-flying acrobatics.
Kenny
Omega vs. AJ Styles - Both have been acclaimed for
their performances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and
their styles would mesh brilliantly.
Boxing:
Floyd
Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao (Prime vs. Prime)
- Although they did fight in 2015, many fans wish
to see them in their absolute primes.
Muhammad
Ali vs. Mike Tyson - A matchup of two of the greatest;
Ali's finesse against Tyson's raw power.
Canelo
Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin (GGG) Trilogy - After
two closely contested fights, a third could be the
decider fans want.
Tyson
Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk - Two of the most skilled
heavyweights of today, with different styles, potentially
leading to an intriguing battle. (Trilogy likely going
ahead)!
Vasyl
Lomachenko vs. Gervonta Davis - A matchup of technique,
speed, and power at the lighter weight classes.
Jake
Paul vs Logan Paul - Media Watercooler Rumor!
Remember,
these are fantasy matchups that capture the imagination
due to the styles, histories, and legacies of the
fighters involved.
News
Flashback
Netflix
To Get 2nd Season Of WWE Unreal In Early 2026
Themes
include The Road To SummerSlam
Featured
Superstars: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes,
Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo
Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyri.
News
Netflix
Sports: News
Netflix
has significantly expanded into live sports in recent
years, focusing on high-profile events, weekly programming,
and select marquee matchups rather than full-season
league packages.
All
live sports are included with any Netflix subscription
(no extra fees), and streams are available globally
where rights apply.
Key
Ongoing Live Sports Content
WWE
Monday Night Raw: Streams live every Monday night.
This
is Netflix's flagship weekly live sports/entertainment
program, part of a long-term deal making Netflix the
exclusive home for Raw in many countries (including
the US since 2025).
It
features dramatic in-ring action, storylines, and
superstars.
NFL
Christmas Day Games: Netflix streams exclusive NFL
games on Christmas Day. The multi-year deal continues
into 2026 (at least one game expected that year).
Boxing
Events: Netflix regularly hosts major live boxing
matches, such as high-profile bouts featuring stars
like Jake Paul. These are occasional blockbuster events.
Upcoming
in 2026
Major
League Baseball (MLB): Starting in 2026 (through 2028),
Netflix will stream:An exclusive Opening Night game
(e.g., New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants on
March 25, 2026).
The
T-Mobile Home Run Derby (day before the All-Star Game).
One
additional special event game per year (e.g., MLB
at Field of Dreams in 2026).
World
Baseball Classic: In Japan, Netflix streams all games
of this international tournament.
Other
Potential Events: Netflix continues to add one-off
live sports like tennis exhibitions or golf crossovers,
plus future rights to events such as the FIFA Women's
World Cup (2027 and 2031).
Netflix
also produces acclaimed sports documentaries (e.g.,
Quarterback, Receiver, Full Swing for golf, Break
Point for tennis) and has a growing library of sports-related
series and films. For real-time schedules, check the
"Live" section in the Netflix app.
This
strategy emphasizes "cultural spectacles"
and appointment viewing over everyday games, helping
Netflix attract viewers with must-watch moments.
Flashback
Netflix:
Sports
Netflix
has become a significant platform for sports documentaries,
offering a wide array of content that appeals to sports
fans across various disciplines. Here's a summary
of what's available and notable:
Popular
Sports Documentaries on Netflix:
The
Last Dance: Perhaps one of the most acclaimed, this
series chronicles the career of Michael Jordan, focusing
on his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98.
It combines archival footage with new interviews,
providing a deep dive into Jordan's life and the team's
dynamics.
Formula
1: Drive to Survive: This series has significantly
boosted the popularity of Formula 1 by offering a
behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, teams, and
the drama of the racing world. It's known for its
engaging storytelling and access to the otherwise
exclusive world of F1.
Untold:
A series of documentaries covering various sports
stories, including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing
match, which reportedly contributed to Netflix's largest
quarterly subscriber growth in Q4 2024, adding 18.9
million new members.
Last
Chance U: Focused on junior college football, this
series gives viewers an intimate look at the lives
of players who are often on their last chance to make
it to the NFL, showcasing the intense pressures and
personal stories of these athletes.
Full
Swing: Aims at changing the perception of golf as
a sedate sport by documenting the lives of professional
golfers on the PGA Tour, highlighting their personal
struggles and the competitive nature of the sport.
Senna:
A biographical documentary on Ayrton Senna, one of
Formula 1's most iconic drivers, detailing his life,
career, and tragic death. This documentary has resonated
with fans new and old, especially with the renewed
interest in F1.
News
Flashback (For Educational And Historical Purposes)
More
Recent Additions:
2025
Sports Documentaries: Netflix
WWE:
Unreal. Is unreal! Doco/Sports Series Of The Year
Contender!
A
series on the rivalry between India and Pakistan in
cricket.
Documentaries
on American Football, focusing on college football
conferences and legends like John Elway.
Rafael
Nadal's final season in tennis, offering unprecedented
access to his life and career.
The
USA Men’s Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A
chronicling of the Boston Red Sox's 2024 MLB season.
Boxing
and Wrestling: With the success of the Jake Paul vs.
Mike Tyson fight, there's an emphasis on boxing, alongside
wrestling with documentaries like "Wrestlers"
by Greg Whiteley, which dives into the world outside
of WWE.
Viewer
Sentiment:
There's
been some discussion on X about Netflix's sports content,
with some users expressing concern over the platform's
focus possibly skewing towards male-dominated sports,
potentially sidelining female sports fans. However,
the general reception to sports documentaries has
been positive, with many appreciating the depth and
storytelling quality Netflix brings to sports.
Conclusion:
Netflix's
strategy with sports documentaries seems to lean towards
creating engaging, story-driven content that not only
appeals to hardcore sports fans but also to those
who enjoy compelling narratives. The platform continues
to expand its sports catalog, focusing on both mainstream
and niche sports, providing viewers with a broad spectrum
of athletic stories to explore.(Grok)
News
Flashback
June
2025: WWE: Unreal, (via Grok)
The
series, part of Netflix’s broader WWE partnership
(including streaming Raw since January 2025), aims
to attract new viewers but has been called overly
polished, with some arguing it prioritizes WWE’s
PR over raw authenticity. WWE: Unreal is a Netflix
docuseries that premiered on July 29, 2025, offering
a behind-the-scenes look at WWE's creative process,
from the writers' room to major events like Royal
Rumble and WrestleMania 41. It features stars like
John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and
Triple H, revealing how storylines and matches are
crafted while breaking kayfabe—the wrestling
tradition of maintaining the illusion of reality.
The series has sparked mixed reactions: some praise
its unprecedented access and appeal to new fans, while
others, including purists, criticize it for exposing
the scripted nature of wrestling, feeling it undermines
the industry's mystique.
Key
highlights include:
Insight
into Jey Uso’s rise as a solo star and the creative
struggles to position him as a main event contender.
Revelations
about WrestleMania 41’s original card, including
a planned Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins main event,
later altered to a triple-threat match with CM Punk.
Chelsea
Green’s standout episode, showcasing her title
shot journey, and John Cena’s heel turn discussions,
though he declined to elaborate on it. (Grok)
*Grok
wrote the above on WWE: Unreal, not us (Media Man
Group).
Media
Man
UFC
wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award
WWE
wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month'
award
Netflix
wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award
News
Super
Bowl Ads: News
Flashback
Super
Bowl 59 features a matchup between the Philadelphia
Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, set to occur in
New Orleans. This year's commercials are heavily focused
on humor and celebrity cameos, with a notable absence
of ads related to gambling and cryptocurrency.
Advertisers
have paid premium prices for ad slots, with some spots
reportedly costing around $8 million. Brands like
Bud Light, Hellmann’s, and Uber Eats are among
those featured, with celebrities such as Billy Crystal,
Meg Ryan, Martha Stewart, and David Beckham making
appearances in various ads.
Notable
Ads: Hellmann’s ad features Billy Crystal and
Meg Ryan recreating their iconic scene from "When
Harry Met Sally."
Uber
Eats has an ad with Martha Stewart and Kevin Bacon,
humorously suggesting that football was invented to
sell food.
Instacart
introduces its first Super Bowl ad with well-known
consumer mascots like Mr. Clean and Chester the Cheetah.
Bud
Light has a commercial with Post Malone, Shane Gillis,
and Peyton Manning.
HexClad
and Häagen-Dazs are among the newcomers to Super
Bowl advertising this year.
Strategy
and Impact: The ads aim to leverage nostalgia and
humor to resonate with viewers, potentially avoiding
the pitfalls of more controversial or divisive themes.
There's
a significant focus on building long-term brand impact
through these short, high-profile ad slots, with some
brands like Hellmann's and Bud Light banking on star
power and comedic elements to leave a lasting impression.
Trends
and Reactions: There's a trend towards using AI in
ads, with companies showcasing their technological
advancements or using AI to enhance ad creativity.
Some ads like Google's for its AI tool Gemini had
to be re-edited due to factual inaccuracies, highlighting
the risks of live advertising.
General
Audience Engagement: Super Bowl ads are not just about
the immediate impact; they're about creating moments
that can be discussed and shared across social media,
extending the ad's life far beyond the game itself.
This
year's ads reflect a strategy of fun, familiarity,
and leveraging celebrity to capture the vast audience's
attention, aiming to make a memorable impact in a
setting where viewers are known to pay as much attention
to the commercials as to the game. (Grok)
News
Flashback
Pro
Wrestling: WWE
Tiffany
Stratton Calls Out Charlotte Flair for WrestleMania
Showdown
During
a recent WWE SmackDown event, Tiffany Stratton, the
current WWE Women's Champion, directly challenged
Charlotte Flair, the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble
winner, to a match at WrestleMania. This confrontation
has ignited discussions among fans and analysts about
the dynamics of their potential encounter. While some
advocate for Charlotte to elevate Tiffany by possibly
losing, others argue for Charlotte to continue her
dominant streak. The interaction highlighted Tiffany's
ambition to carve out her own legacy in WWE, contrasting
with Charlotte's established prowess. Although there's
speculation about Charlotte's response, the challenge
itself has set the wrestling community abuzz with
anticipation for what could be a defining moment at
WrestleMania. (Grok)
Media
Man News
Pop
Culture and Combat Sports Fans Want Return of MTV's
'Celebrity Death Match' that drew record ratings circa
1996-1998 and beyond. Some matches are showcased via
the MTV Vault YouTube channel. Credit where credit
is due.
Coffee,
Cafe And Food News
Media
Man Watercooler
June
2026
June
1 (U.S)
Markets/Prices
Coffee:
260.70 -5.60
Cocoa:
3899.00 -24.00
Sugar
14.42 +0.36
Sunflower
Oil: 1553.30 +1.40
Milk:
16.90 0.01
Shares
Nestle:
77.87 -1.98%
Coca-Cola:
78.72 -0.37%
Alphabet
Inc: Google Class A: 376.44 3.90
News
Coffee
On Stock Market: Prices
Arabica
coffee futures traded around $2.70 per pound, near
their lowest since November 2024, on expectations
of a bumper harvest in top grower Brazil. Prices are
down more than 20% this year, driven by improved production
forecasts for Brazil’s output from several leading
consultancies, following the decline in production
in 2025. Despite a reportedly slow start to the harvest
in some producing regions, the crop is progressing
without major issues and could deliver a record output,
helping replenish global coffee supplies. Brazil’s
Conab recently raised its 2026/27 coffee production
forecast to a record 66.7 million bags from 66.2 million
in February, an 18% increase from the previous season.
Arabica output is projected at 45.8 million bags,
up 28% year on year and the third-largest on record,
supported by a positive biennial cycle and favorable
weather conditions. Rabobank said that, unless a major
weather event occurs, the market will gradually enter
a phase of large surplus. (Trading Economics)
News
Cafe
culture remains vibrant in Australia despite economic
headwinds
Australia
Highlights
Strong
global recognition: Australian cafes continue to punch
above their weight. Multiple Aussie venues ranked
in the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026, with strong
showings in Sydney (several spots), Melbourne, and
Brisbane. Australia placed second only to the US in
some tallies.
People's
Choice favourites: Time Out's 2026 awards highlighted
local winners like Savoir French (Canberra, ACT) and
others across states as voted by Aussies.
Cost
pressures: Takeaway coffee sales have slowed due to
living costs, fuel prices, and economic caution. Many
cafes report reduced spending, with average willingness
to pay around $6.60. Latte prices in places like Melbourne
have hit $7–7.50 in some suburbs, sparking debate.
Higher wages and operating costs keep prices elevated
even as global bean prices ease somewhat.
Market
growth: The Australian cafe sector is projected to
grow, driven by demand for quality convenience, sustainability,
and premium experiences (e.g., McCafe expansions).technavio.comViral
incident: An Australian man was arrested in Da Nang,
Vietnam, after an alleged shirtless rampage at Ge
Cafe. He caused significant damage (estimated ~VND500
million / ~A$26k) by smashing equipment, windows,
and items with a chair. The cafe owners declined donations
despite public support.
International
Cafe & Coffee Business News:
Tim
Hortons big investment: The Canadian chain and its
owners are pouring CA$400 million (~US$290M) into
2026 — building 80 new stores and renovating
400 others.
Health
perk: A large meta-analysis links low-to-moderate
coffee intake to a modestly lower risk of heart failure.
Challenges
& closures: Some independent cafes face rising
rents, cost-of-living squeezes, and competition, leading
to closures or cutbacks in various markets. On the
flip side, expansions and new openings continue in
places like Indiana and Vancouver.
Industry
trends: Focus on climate-resistant coffee hybrids
(e.g., Libex), sustainability, new equipment, and
non-coffee items to drive afternoon sales. Chains
like Starbucks are tweaking strategies amid softer
traffic.
Awards
Rootless
Coffee wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month'
Runner-ups:
Claudio's
Cafe runner-up Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month'
award
Best
Coffee Promotion: Roots Coffee (Danhausen campaign),
Nespresso
Encouragement
Award: AMO Coffee (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch)
News
Coffee
On The Stock Exchange
Prominent
coffee entities listed on major stock exchanges include:
Starbucks
Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX): The world’s largest
multinational coffeehouse chain, offering direct exposure
to global retail coffee and beverage sales.
Luckin
Coffee (OTC:LKNCY): A major coffee chain primarily
operating in China, trading over the counter in the
US.
Coffee
Holding Co. (NASDAQ:JVA): A specialized wholesale
coffee roaster and dealer that operates directly in
the coffee industry, sourcing, blending, and distributing
roasted and green coffees.
Nestlé
(OTC:NSRGY): A multinational food and drink processing
conglomerate that owns major global coffee brands
like Nescafé and Nespresso.
Keurig
Dr Pepper (NASDAQ:KDP): The parent company of Keurig
Green Mountain, providing exposure to the single-serve
coffee and brewing market.Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS):
A fast-growing drive-thru coffee chain operating primarily
across the United States.
Awards
News Update:
Claudio's
Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award;
Runner-ups: Roots Coffee (Danhausen campaign), Runner-up:
Nespresso
Encouragement
Award: AMO Coffee (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch)
Prime
wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award
Barzura
wins Media Man 'Cafe Of The Month' award; Runner-ups:
Chalk Espresso Bar, Makaveli Bondi, Lion & Buffalo,
Pool Cafe, City Extra
News
Flashback (For education and reference purposes)
April
WWE
superstars Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch launched AMO
Coffee in April 2026, a specialty brand partnered
with Dayglow Coffee. Inspired by their travels, the
brand offers single-origin beans (Colombia, Ethiopia,
Ecuador) and unique flavored blends like Watermelon
Candy and Chocolate Strawberry, available online and
at Dayglow locations.
News
Social
Coffee Quotes
Media
Man To Danhausen and Rootless Coffee: "That's
getting to the root of the matter"; Buzz on socials
including X.
News
Flashback
April
29
Markets/Prices
Coffee:
290.70 flat!
Cocoa
3404.12 +24.12
News
Flashback
April
2026
Market
& Production Outlook
Record
harvests ahead: Analysts project strong global coffee
production for the 2026/27 season, potentially reaching
a record 182.5 million bags according to StoneX forecasts.
Brazil is expected to lead with a massive rebound
(up ~20%+ year-on-year in some estimates), supported
by favorable weather and improved flowering. This
shift from recent deficits has contributed to easing
price pressures, though arabica futures remain somewhat
elevated amid lingering uncertainty.
Price
shifts: After volatility in 2025 (with peaks driven
by supply concerns), the market is pivoting toward
potential surplus. Brazil's official agency (Conab)
has projected a bumper 66.2 million bag harvest for
2026/27. Some observers are comparing it to cocoa's
recent crash, though demand dynamics differ—high
prices have already prompted some cost-cutting and
softer consumer demand in places
Major
Industry Moves
Nestlé
selling Blue Bottle: Nestlé has confirmed the
sale of premium roaster Blue Bottle Coffee to Centurium
Capital (the largest shareholder in China's Luckin
Coffee). This marks a notable shift for the specialty
segment.
Luckin
Coffee expansion: The Chinese chain claims to have
opened the world's largest roastery in Qingdao, complete
with what it calls the biggest roasting machine. Luckin
continues aggressive growth in its home market.
Deforestation
mapping initiative: Major coffee brands are partnering
on new efforts to map coffee farms and combat deforestation,
timed ahead of stricter EU regulations (EUDR). This
ties into broader sustainability pushes across the
supply chain.
News
Flashback / The Lead Up (For educational and reference
purposes)
Coffee,
Cafe And Food News
January
2026
Claudio's
Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award;
Runner-up: Nespresso
Prime
wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award
Barzura
wins Media Man 'Cafe Of The Month' award; Runner-ups:
Chalk Espresso Bar and Makaveli Bondi
News
Historic
Closure in California:
The
Original Saugus Cafe, claimed to be the oldest restaurant
in Los Angeles County (established in 1886), is set
to close its doors permanently on January 4, 2026,
after 139 years of operation. The announcement highlighted
its role in creating memories across generations.
Chinese
Giant Enters US Market: Mixue, the world's largest
restaurant chain by location count (known for affordable
coffee and ice cream), recently opened its first US
store in Los Angeles, targeting budget-conscious consumers
amid ongoing inflation.
New
Openings and Themed Cafés Worldwide:
Singapore
is buzzing with fresh spots, including the arrival
of Hong Kong's Elephant Grounds (opening January 10)
and a limited-time Hangyodon-themed café starting
January 7.
Hong
Kong welcomes five new coffee shops this month, featuring
in-house pastries, unique interiors, and ice drip
specialties.
In
the US, look for new cafés like Dear Donna
in Kansas City and Wildgrain's café/test kitchen
in Somerville (late January).
Helsinki
Airport will debut an iconic Fazer Café in
early 2026, offering classic Finnish pastries and
handcrafted items.
Heartwarming
Stories:Reinne's Place in Long Beach, California,
opened as a tribute to the owner's late girlfriend,
quickly becoming a community space for healing and
connection.
Industry
Trends and Expansions for 2026:
Rising
chains like Dutch Bros (planning 175 new locations),
7 Brew, Black Rock Coffee Bar, and Bad Ass Coffee
are poised for major growth across the US.
Focus
on sustainability (eco-packaging, reduced single-use
items), tech integration (AI personalization, mobile
ordering, subscriptions), and experiential spaces
(events, co-working).
Food
pairings are evolving with protein-packed items, nostalgic
flavors, and multi-sensory menus to boost café
profits beyond coffee sales.
News
Flashback
Coffee
News
Market
Prices Surge Again
Arabica
coffee futures climbed to around 355 cents per pound
in early January trading, up about 2.5% in recent
sessions. This follows volatility driven by dry weather
in Brazil's key growing regions and flooding in Indonesia,
which could slash 2025-26 exports by up to 15%.
Low
global stocks and concerns over Brazil's next crop
are keeping prices elevated, though analysts forecast
a potential surplus in 2026/27 that might ease pressure
later.
News
From
Farm to Cup
Coffee
harvesting season is in full swing in many regions,
with challenges from weather impacts underscoring
the fragile supply chainHealth Benefits Highlighted
in New StudiesRecent research is brewing good news
for coffee lovers:Drinking caffeinated coffee may
reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence
by nearly 40% in some patients.
Moderate
intake (3-4 cups daily) could support longevity, slow
premature aging linked to psychiatric conditions,
and lower risks of chronic diseases.
More
than 2 billion cups are consumed worldwide daily—science
suggests many of them might be doing more good than
you think!
Industry
Moves and Expansions
Mixue,
the massive Chinese coffee and tea chain, opened its
first U.S. store in Los Angeles, targeting affordable
drinks amid inflation.
Two
Oregon-based coffee roasters announced a merger under
a new parent company to pool resources and cut costs.
The
Specialty Coffee Association revealed qualified sponsors
for the 2026-2027 World Barista Championship, kicking
off a new cycle of competitions.
News
Flashback
Arabica
Coffee Prices (as of January 5, 2026)
Arabica
coffee, the premium variety accounting for about 60-70%
of global production, is traded primarily on the Intercontinental
Exchange (ICE) as the "Coffee C" contract.
Prices are quoted in US cents per pound (e.g., 355
cents = $3.55/lb).
Current
Prices
The
benchmark
March
2026
Arabica
futures contract (KCH26) is trading around 355-357
cents per pound (approximately $3.55-3.57/lb), up
about 1-2% in recent sessions (e.g., +1.82% on January
2 to 355.10 cents).
Recent
trading range: 345-358 cents/lb.
This
follows volatility, with prices dipping to multi-month
lows near $3.45/lb in late December amid improving
supply signals, but recovering on short-covering and
weather concerns.
News
Canna
Cafe:
Canna
Cafe refers to several establishments, mostly cannabis-themed
cafés offering infused drinks, edibles, or
consumption lounges (often using hemp-derived cannabinoids
like Delta-8/9, CBD, or THC where legal). There's
also one unrelated non-cannabis spot.
Here
are some notable ones:
Canna
Cafe (Chicago, IL) — A members-only cannabis
café in the West Loop (1301 W Washington Blvd),
known for THC-infused food and drinks. It's Black-owned
and has expanded to locations in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
The
Canna Cafe & Bar (Rockford, IL) — A cozy
lounge offering food, mocktails, and infusions with
hemp-derived cannabinoids (Delta-8, Delta-9, etc.).
Located at 6830 Spring Creek Road, it's focused on
education and relaxed vibes.
Café
Canna (Asheville, NC) — A non-alcoholic bar with
kava, kratom, specialty coffees, and cannabis-related
vibes/events.
Other
variations include cannabis-infused coffee pod brands
(like CannaCafe Keurig pods) or similar spots in places
like Thailand.There's also a completely unrelated
Café Canna on the remote Isle of Canna in Scotland—a
charming seafood restaurant with no cannabis connection.
News
Movies
Set in or About Cafes/Coffee Shops
Many
films feature cafes as central settings for drama,
romance, or quirky stories. Here are some standout
ones:
Amélie
(2001) ? A whimsical Parisian tale centered around
a cafe waitress who secretly helps others.
Café
(2011) ? An indie drama (starring Jennifer Love Hewitt)
almost entirely set in a West Philadelphia cafe, exploring
interconnected lives and a metaphysical twist.
Bagdad
Cafe (1987) ? A touching German-American film about
a stranded tourist transforming a remote desert cafe/motel.
Café
Society (2016) ? Woody Allen's romantic comedy/drama
set in 1930s Hollywood and New York high-society nightlife.
Coffee
and Cigarettes (2003) ? Jim Jarmusch's anthology of
short conversations in cafes.
Before
the Coffee Gets Cold (Japanese series/films) ? Time-travel
stories in a magical Tokyo cafe.
News
Iconic
cafe scenes appear in films like Pulp Fiction, When
Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, and Inception.
News
Flashback
2025
November
2025
Nov
16
Brazilian
coffee, beef and tropical fruit will still be tariffed
40%, says Brazil’s vice president
RIO
DE JANEIRO — Brazilian Vice President Geraldo
Alckmin said Saturday that Brazilian exported goods
to the U.S. including coffee, beef and tropical fruits
would still be tariffed 40%, despite President Donald
Trump’s decision to remove some import taxes.
In
a dramatic move on Friday, Trump scrapped levies announced
in April on what he called ‘Liberation Day’
in hopes of encouraging domestic production and lifting
the U.S. economy. Brazil at the time was hit with
a 10% tariff.
But
in July, Trump imposed a further 40% tariff, citing
— among other reasons — the trial of his
ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, which he called
a “witch hunt.” Proceedings went ahead regardless
and in September Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years
and three months in prison for attempting a coup.
Alckmin
said some products, such as orange juice, would now
have a zero tariff as they were not targeted by the
additional 40%. But that extra tariff remains in place
on products including coffee, beef and tropical fruits,
such as mangos and pineapples.
While
Brazil’s vice president welcomed Trump’s
latest decision, which he called “positive”
and a “step in the right direction,” he
said there remained a “distortion that needs
to be corrected.”
“Everyone
got 10% less, but in Brazil’s case, which had
50%, we ended up with 40%, which is very high,”
Alckmin told journalists in the capital Brasilia.
Alckmin
said that Friday's decision means that 26% of Brazilian
goods are now entering the U.S. without additional
tariffs. That's up from 23%.
Trump’s
July decision, which was overtly political as Brazil
has a trade deficit with the United States, led to
the worst U.S.-Brazil relations in history.
Those
relations have since improved, and in October Brazilian
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Trump
met in Malaysia.
“President
Lula’s conversation with President Donald Trump
was important in terms of dialogue and negotiation,”
Alckmin said on Saturday.
After
that encounter, Lula said he was confident the two
countries would soon reach a trade deal.
U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Brazil’s Foreign
Minister Mauro Vieira met for 50 minutes this week
to further the conversation.
The
Trump administration has insisted that its tariffs
helped fill government coffers and weren’t a
major factor in higher prices at grocery stores around
the country. But Democrats were quick to paint Friday’s
move as an acknowledgment that Trump’s policies
were hurting American pocketbooks.
Record-high
beef prices have been a particular concern, and Trump
had said he intended to take action to try and lower
them. Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, a major beef
exporter, had been a factor.
Back
in Brazil, the Brazilian Association of the Coffee
Industry said it would continue to monitor the situation.
“(We)
will keep working to ensure legal certainty, competitiveness,
and predictability for the Brazilian coffee industry,”
the group’s president, Pavel Cardoso, said in
a statement. (Wires, A.I News)
Media
Man
Streaming
Industry News/Media/Broadcasting
Ratings
For Entertainment, Sports, Grappling; Wrestling With
Intel
Past,
Present And Future
Developing
News Story!
Wrestling
Podcasters, Scribes Onto Something Big?!
Podcasters
Battle Royal or Royal Rumble?! Rules Of Engagement?!
News
Combat
Sports Streaming
May
2026
TrillerTV
“TrillerTV
continues to operate its global operations for its
millions of registered users, leveraging hundreds
of licensed publishing partners across a variety of
live and on-demand sporting events” spokesperson
for Flipps Media, TrillerTV’s corporate entity.
“TrillerTV
intends to provide the greatest content for users
no differently than it has the past 11 years.”
News
“Flipps
Media cannot comment on its ongoing legal dispute
that is currently active in the Delaware Court of
Chancery”
News
May
15
Livestreamer
ChudTheBuilder Faces $1.25 Million Bond After Courthouse
Shooting
Dalton
Eatherly, the 28-year-old known online as ChudTheBuilder
for livestreaming confrontations with racial slurs,
argued with Joshua Fox, a 31-year-old Army veteran,
outside the Montgomery County Courts Center in Clarksville.
Eatherly shot Fox in the stomach and shoulder during
a fight, claiming self-defense after Fox pursued and
punched him; over 100 stream viewers backed his account,
but prosecutors pointed to the crowded public setting
and Eatherly's prior arrests. Judge H. Reid Poland
III set a $1.25 million bond, citing the felony charges
of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and more,
which carry 15 to 60 years if convicted. Online, reactions
divide sharply between self-defense claims and criticism
of Eatherly's history, with fundraising topping $130,000
amid plans to block his release.
News
May
15
Forecast:
Amazon, Netflix, Google to control half of CTV ad
market by 2030
The
global fight to “own the living room” is
entering a new phase as Google, Amazon and Netflix
are projected to control 50 per cent of the global
connected TV advertising market by 2030, according
to forecasts presented by Omdia at RetailX in London.
The
findings highlight how the centre of power in television
is rapidly shifting away from traditional broadcasting
toward streaming platforms, TV operating systems and
advertising ecosystems. According to Omdia forecasts,
global connected TV (CTV) advertising revenue will
surge from $44 billion (€37.8bn) in 2025 to $81
billion by 2030, with CTV ad revenues expected to
surpass traditional linear TV advertising during the
2030s.
By
the end of the decade:
Google
is forecast to command 26 per cent of global CTV advertising
revenue
Amazon
will account for 13 per cent
Netflix
will represent 9 per cent
Combined,
the three companies will own half of the entire global
CTV advertising market.
“The
battle for the living room is no longer only about
streaming content,” commented Maria Rua Aguete,
Senior Research Director at Omdia, speaking at RetailX
London. “It is increasingly about controlling
the platform, the advertising layer, the operating
system, the data and ultimately the consumer relationship.”
Rua
Aguete noted that television is becoming one of the
most strategic gateways for digital advertising, retail
media and commerce integration, with tech companies
increasingly competing to control the TV interface
itself.
Omdia
also revealed that the European TV operating system
landscape is shifting rapidly. According to the research
firm, VIDAA is set to become Europe’s third-largest
TV operating system this behind Android TV and Tizen,
overtaking several established competitors as manufacturers
seek greater ownership of the smart TV experience.
The rise of VIDAA underlines how smart TV operating
systems are becoming critical strategic assets in
the streaming era, acting as the front door for content
discovery, advertising monetisation and viewer engagement.
“Who
owns the TV operating system increasingly controls
advertising, discovery and monetization,” added
Rua Aguete. “The operating system is becoming
as important as the content itself.”
The
shift comes as media companies, streamers, retailers
and technology giants race to secure premium positioning
in connected households. Amazon is leveraging Prime
Video and retail media integration to expand its TV
advertising footprint, while Netflix continues to
scale its advertising business globally through its
ad-supported tier. Google remains dominant through
YouTube’s massive connected TV reach and broader
advertising infrastructure.
Omdia
expects several trends to accelerate the transformation
of television advertising over the next five years:
Expansion
of ad-supported streaming services
Convergence
of retail media and television advertising
Growth
in programmatic and targeted TV advertising
Increasing
importance of TV operating systems and smart TV ecosystems
Greater
competition for consumer attention and platform ownership
The
findings reinforce how television, commerce and digital
advertising are converging into a single ecosystem
and why control of the living room is becoming one
of the most valuable strategic positions in media.
News
May
6
Endemol
Shine Poland brings Naked Attraction back to territory
Media
and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment,
has announced Endemol Shine Poland is producing hit
dating format, Naked Attraction (Magia Nagosci. Polska)
for Zoom TV. Returning after a year off-air, the show
is set to premiere its fifth season later this year.
Originally
created for Channel 4 in 2016 by Studio Lambert, part
of All3Media, Naked Attraction has become a global
phenomenon, with successful adaptations in Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden,
and Italy. A true “dating in reverse” format,
the show strips away first impressions inviting participants
to put aside prejudices and opt for naturalness when
it comes to finding love. In Poland, the format has
already run for four seasons, consistently sparking
conversation and encouraging audiences to reflect
on body acceptance and perceptions of attraction.
The new season will be hosted by Julia Oles.
Michal
Kaszuba, Head of Production at Endemol Shine Poland
said: “Naked Attraction has already built a strong
following in Poland, and after a year off-air, we’re
proud to bring it back. It’s a show that sparks
conversation, challenges perceptions, and we’re
confident the bold format will once again resonate
strongly with Polish audiences.”
Ben
Packwood, SVP Sales for CEE at All3Media added: “It
is great to see Magia Nagosci. Polska returning to
Polish screens for a fifth season in 2026. Zoom TV
has proven that Naked Attraction has a dedicated local
audience and can continue to be a ratings winner,
year after year.”
Endemol
Shine Poland has over 20 years’ experience producing
hit shows including local adaptations of renowned
brands such as Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Must
Be The Music, Drag Me Out, Boomerissima, MasterChef,
Lego Masters and The Money Drop. More recent launches
include BAFTA-nominated factual format Banged Up and
Ambulance. In addition, it is behind premium scripted
programming including Our Century for TVP 1, Squared
Love for Netflix, and the return of Penoza for TVP
2.
News
May
15
Spider-Noir
Nicolas
Cage, Lamorne Morris attend 'Spider-Noir' premiere
Nicolas
Cage, Lamorne Morris and Jack Huston attended the
premiere of their new Prime Video series, Spider-Noir,
in New York Wednesday night.
Co-stars
Brendan Gleeson, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, Lukas
Haas and Abraham Popoola also walked the red carpet
at the event.
The
comic-book adaptation is slated to debut on Prime
Video on May 27.
The
series will be available to view in black and white,
and color.
"Spider-Noir
tells the story of Ben Reilly, a seasoned, down-on-his
luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is
forced to grapple with his past life, following a
deeply personal tragedy, as the city's one and only
superhero," a synopsis said.
News
May
15
Combat
Sports: Jake Paul Can't Get Into TKO Events
According
to Jake, his involvement with MVP has made it so he
can't be in his older brother's corner in WWE for
the foreseeable future. Despite the trouble, he enjoys
what he describes as playful banter between himself
and TKO.
"I
don't take any beefs too serious. I think it's definitely
in the name of entertainment; however, there is truth
in it," the 12-2 professional boxer said on "Smash
Cast." "From my side, I'm just having fun.
The fact that one of the biggest organizations in
the world, the TKO group, has this major beef with
me, they won't even let me go be in my brother's WWE
matches because they hate me so much. And so it's
pretty wild, how much under their skin we are. ...
I enjoy s*** talk. I like when people make fun of
me. I'm easy to make fun of. I'm able to make fun
of myself." (Jake Paul)
News
Streaming
Rankings
May
14, 2026
Top
10 Overall
Includes
movies and TV series.
1.
The Pitt HB0 - Max
2. The Boys - Prime Video
3. Buey - Disney
4. The Big Bang Theory HBO Max
5. Bob's Burgers - Hulu
6. SpongeBob quarePants - Paramount+
7. Family Guy - Hulu
8. Grey's Anatomy - Hulu / Netflix
9. Thrash (2026) - Netflix
10. Survivor - Hulo / Paramount + / Pluto TV
News
Nielson
(Australia)
Nielsen
data shows Australian outdoor and sport retailers
are changing how they advertise to win over outdoor
enthusiasts
Advertising
strategies shift as competition grows for a large,
active and quality-focused audience
Sydney,
April 22, 2026 – New Nielsen Ad Intel data shows
Australian outdoor and sports retailers are changing
how they invest in advertising, as competition intensifies
for the attention of outdoor enthusiasts.
Advertising
spend across a selected group of major Australian
outdoor and sports retailers rose 4.0% year-on-year
in 2025, reaching $91.9 million, up from $88.4 million
in 2024. While overall growth was moderate, the way
brands allocated that spend points to increasingly
different strategies as retailers looked for new ways
to stay visible in a competitive market.
Anaconda
was the biggest advertiser in the group in 2025, investing
$17.6 million, followed by BCF (Boating Camping Fishing)
at $13.0 million, then Rebel Sport at $6.6 million.
Across
the retailers analysed, social media was the largest
channel by spend in 2025, attracting $39.9 million,
followed by metro TV at A$20.0 million, general display
at $11.4 million, regional television at $10.8 million,
and out-of-home at $4.3 million.
The
figures show brands are taking very different paths
to reach consumers interested in outdoor lifestyles.
Anaconda and BCF both backed broad, high-reach strategies,
spanning television, social and digital display. Rebel
Sport also maintained a diversified mix, with strong
investment across social, television and general display.
By contrast, 4WD & Outdoor Supacentre leaned heavily
into social and radio, while Kathmandu was overwhelmingly
social-led. Macpac, meanwhile, remained much more
television-focused than many of its competitors.
The
timing of spend also points to a highly seasonal battle
for attention. Investment built sharply in the second
half of the year, peaking in November and December,
when retailers were most aggressive in competing for
consumers during key promotional and holiday periods.
The
ad battle is playing out against the backdrop of a
large and commercially attractive audience. New Nielsen
Consumer & Media View (CMV) data shows around
15.4 million Australians identify as outdoor enthusiasts
via their interest in fishing, camping or bush walking,
making them a substantial audience for brands looking
to connect through lifestyle, wellbeing, performance
and quality.
This
broad audience is 53.8% male and 46.2% female, with
almost two-thirds aged under 55. The strongest concentration
sits among 18-39 year olds, followed by 40-54 year
olds, showing outdoor enthusiasm is especially strong
among active, working-age Australians.
They
are also motivated shoppers. Nielsen CMV shows 73.3%
say they would spend more for quality goods, while
66.9% say they tend to hold off buying until products
go on sale, suggesting this audience values quality
but remains highly responsive to promotions and timing.
The
data also points to a strong lifestyle connection.
More than 66% say they prefer holidays where they
can see nature or be in a natural setting, and Australians
in this audience are 25% more likely than average
to be seeking an adventure or outdoor experience on
a domestic holiday in the next 12 months. *Full article
and coverage via Nielsen.
News
Wrestling
Media And Ratings Flashback
October
6, 2025
Media
Man Monday Wrestling Feature
Video
Nielsen's
new ratings system is bad news for pro wrestling |
Wrestling Observer Radio
https://youtube.com/watch?v=T7cAAIeHUHA
Dave
Meltzer goes into detail regarding Nielsen's new ratings
system, which has had a very bad effect on pro wrestling
so far. (F4 Online)
Something
To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard
WWE
is playing chess when most are playing checkers
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cRHawQflb1c
JBL
shares his views on WrestleMania 43 heading to Saudi
Arabia.
Watch
full show:
#wrestlemania
#wwe #wrestling #aew
Something
to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard is an audio podcast
that discusses topics, events, wrestlers and memorable
moments through the lens of former WWE executive Bruce
Prichard co-hosted by Conrad Thompson. STW was launched
in August 2016 on MLW Radio. The episodes typically
range from 2 hours to 4 hours in length, and include
discussions about previous WWE pay-per-views and former
WWE wrestlers. (STWW)
"We
are in the TKO ERA of pro-wrestling" - Eric Bischoff
| 83 Weeks
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qnVy3f3cWe0&t=177s
Eric
Bischoff discusses TKO's increasing dominance over
the landscape of professional wrestling and combat
sports. (83 Weeks)
#ericbischoff #wweufc #tkowwe
Teddy
Long on ESPN rating Wrestlepalooza 'C
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3X1pSjdvdPg
Konnan
on: if Paramount buys WBD, will they drop AEW from
their network?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BsfTd9zudqw
Jim
Cornette on AEW Dynamite's Record Low Ratings
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hivB1aNgLBI
Jim
Cornette on What If Hulk Hogan Demanded An Ownership
Stake In WWE From Vince McMahon
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6QXabryiHaw
Why
WWE & AEW Should Be Worried About Nielsen’s
Ratings Shake-Up
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9E_TPYByHUI
News
Nielsen
Wrestling News (via X)
October
5, 2025
The
Media Rating Council accredited the system, and Nielsen
plans to phase out the old method entirely by late
2025. However, early results show inconsistent effects—some
sports events have seen gains, but wrestling has been
hit hard, with drops of 20-60% in key demographics.
As
of October 6, 2025, "Nielsen Wrestling News"
primarily refers to the ongoing industry-wide discussion
about Nielsen's overhaul of its TV ratings methodology,
which has drastically lowered reported viewership
numbers for major wrestling programs like WWE and
AEW.
This
change, rolled out in early Q4 2025, has sparked concern
among promoters, analysts, and fans about its potential
impact on media deals and the perceived value of wrestling
content. Below, I'll break down the key details, impacts,
and reactions based on the latest reports.
What
Changed in Nielsen's System?
Nielsen
transitioned from its traditional "panel-only"
method (tracking ~42,000 households) to a new "Big
Data + Panel" approach.
This
integrates:
Data
from 45 million households and 75 million devices
(e.g., set-top boxes, smart TVs).
The
goal: More accurate, comprehensive audience measurement
in a streaming-heavy era.
Impact
on Wrestling Shows
The
shift explains recent "plummeting" ratings,
complicating year-over-year comparisons.
Here's a snapshot of affected shows (new Big Data
+ Panel numbers vs. old panel-only equivalents where
available):
(Media
Man: See Grok live results)
Broader
Context and Outlook
Wrestling
remains a top performer relative to other non-sports
TV (e.g., WWE Raw still ranks high in key demos),
but the optics are rough amid WWE's Netflix transition
and AEW's expansion pushes.
Analysts
like those at Wrestlenomics suggest tracking both
methodologies for now to avoid panic. No major cancellations
or deal breaks reported yet, but expect more scrutiny
in Q4 earnings calls
Sources:
Wrestlenomics, F4WOnline, Programming Insider. These
aren't actual declines in audience—it's a measurement
shift—but they could influence negotiations.
Industry
Reactions
Dave
Meltzer (Wrestling Observer Newsletter): Called it
a "disaster for pro wrestling," noting wrestling's
value to TV "looks to be taking a very significant
hit." He highlighted disproportionate drops for
WWE/AEW compared to other genres.
WWE:
Expressed internal concerns that the lower numbers
could undermine TNA Wrestling's ongoing TV deal talks
(aiming for ~$10M annually). However, TNA President
Carlos Silva stated it hasn't factored into negotiations
yet. USA Network (WWE SmackDown broadcaster) is monitoring
but using supplementary data like VideoAmp.
AEW/WBD
(TBS/TNT): Tony Khan and Warner Bros. Discovery view
it as a short-term optics issue, relying on internal
metrics showing stable engagement. One source: "Not
seeing a strong pattern yet—some events go up,
others down."
Broader
Concerns: Fears of cascading effects on ad revenue,
rights fees, and even talent contracts. Reddit's r/SquaredCircle
community debated it as "doom and gloom"
for public perception, though networks have access
to fuller data sets.
Media
Man: Change is a regular occurrence in both the media,
new media and pro wrestling industry. Best to adopt
the Charles Darwin ideology .. adapt to change and
evolve to the changing landscape. Manage risks and
focus on strengths. To help get to the bottom of things
as per the old saying in and around Vegas, "Follow
The Money". TKO may have an ace or two up it's
sleeve here, but AEW is not short a dollar either.
There's many moving parts to this situation.
The
combat sports sector will be watching Nielsen with
an eagle eye, or evil eye?!
Many
are watching the waters.
Road
To Crown Jewel and Road/Flightpath to WrestleMania
Saudi!
He
who owns the gold makes the rules?!
More
podcast and pro wrestling news fodder right?! Got
to fill up those reports with something in between
the pro wrestling match results.
Plenty
of news outside the ring, as well as in and around
in.
This
storyline is writing itself. VKM and maybe Shane watching
with interest. UFC can't be to bothered by this, fresh
off a Paramount Skydance Deal.
Anyone
game to bring back Lucha Underground? That's what
we thought. How about more web only broadcasts? Still,
With WWE Speed now off X and onto NXT something knows
something!
The
grapple for the audience and paying customers and
b2b continues.
"There's
a customer born every minute" P. T. Barnum
News
(In
Case You Missed It)
News
Flashback
Streaming
Reaches Historic TV Milestone, Eclipses Combined Broadcast
and Cable Viewing For First Time
June
2025
Streaming
Notches a Record 44.8% of Total TV Usage in May
Streaming
Usage Up 71% Since 2021, with YouTube, Netflix and
Other Platforms Showing Dramatic Growth Over Four
Years
FAST
Services Continue to Grow as PlutoTV, Roku Channel
and Tubi Combine for 5.7% of TV Viewing in May
NEW
YORK – June 17, 2025 – Streaming reached
a historic milestone in May as its share of total
television usage outpaced the combined share of broadcast
and cable for the first time ever, according to Nielsen’s
monthly report of The Gauge™. Streaming represented
44.8% of TV viewership in May 2025, its largest share
of viewing to date, while broadcast (20.1%) and cable
(24.1%) combined to represent 44.2% of TV.
This
month also marks four years since the launch of The
Gauge, which debuted with the May 2021 report. As
audience viewing habits—and the media landscape
at large—have rapidly evolved over that time,
The Gauge has continued to serve as the industry benchmark
for tracking how people spend time watching television.
When comparing TV usage in May 2021 and May 2025,
it’s clear that streaming has been the dominant
viewing format with a usage increase of 71%. And while
broadcast and cable viewing have declined (down 21%
and 39%, respectively, compared with May 2021), traditional
TV has shown surprising resilience.
“It’s
fitting that this inflection point coincides with
the four year anniversary of Nielsen’s The Gauge,
which has become the gold standard for streaming TV
measurement,” said Karthik Rao, Nielsen CEO.
“It’s also a credit to media companies,
who have deftly adapted their programming strategies
to meet their viewers where they are watching TV –
whether it’s on streaming or linear platforms.”
Along
with the 71% increase in streaming usage, six additional
streaming services are now reported in the list of
platforms that exceed a full share point of TV usage.
The original list included Netflix, YouTube, Hulu,
Prime Video and Disney+, and has expanded to 11 platforms
in May 2025.
Among
subscription services, Netflix has gone wire-to-wire
as the leading SVOD provider in total TV usage for
four straight years. Netflix’s viewership has
climbed 27% since May 2021, and the streamer owned
the biggest day in streaming history, thanks to two
exclusive NFL games it live streamed on Christmas
Day 2024. Many programs—and by extension, other
distributors—have also benefited from the SVOD
giant through The Netflix Effect, where licensed content
becomes an even bigger hit when distributed on the
platform. Exemplified by memorable streaming hits
like Suits (Netflix / Peacock) and Young Sheldon (Netflix
/ Max), this month’s top streaming title, You,
(4 billion minutes) was one of the first examples
of the Netflix Effect in 2018.
Free
services have been a major driver of streaming’s
overall success. Most notably, YouTube Main (excluding
YouTube TV) has exhibited steady, significant growth
and is up over 120% since 2021. YouTube represented
12.5% of all television viewing in May, its fourth
consecutive monthly share increase and the highest
share of TV for any streamer to date. Additionally,
FAST services have become increasingly popular, and
three have reached the reportable threshold in The
Gauge. PlutoTV, Roku Channel and Tubi combined for
5.7% of total TV viewing in May, which is larger than
any individual broadcast network this interval.
The
continued transformation of traditional media companies
into streaming-first entities has also been a strong
contributor to the growth of streaming. Platforms
like Hulu, Paramount+ and Peacock have expanded their
accessibility to create crucial points of connection
with streaming-native audiences, complementing rather
than competing with their linear counterparts. This
trend extends beyond original and catalog content,
too, demonstrated by successful simulcasts of sporting
events like Super Bowl LIX on FOX and Tubi, and the
2024 Olympics on NBC and Peacock. Virtually all subscription-based
platforms now have ad-supported components as well,
which are creating a critical new element to the television
landscape from an agency and advertiser perspective
as they seek to reach streaming-centric consumers.
While
the milestone of streaming exceeding traditional TV
viewership is almost certainly not permanent, it presumably
will be in the near future. This trend could continue
into the summer months, but the balance will likely
shift back—at least temporarily—as football
kicks off and a new broadcast season returns.
The
May 2025 interval included dates 04/28/2025 through
05/25/2025. Nielsen reporting follows the broadcast
calendar with measurement weeks that run Monday through
Sunday.
About
The Gauge™
The
Gauge™ is Nielsen’s monthly snapshot of
total broadcast, cable and streaming consumption that
occurs through a television screen, providing the
industry with a holistic look at what audiences are
watching. The Gauge was expanded in April 2024 to
include The Media Distributor Gauge, which reflects
total viewing by media distributor across these categories.
Read more about The Gauge methodology and FAQs.
About
Nielsen
Nielsen is a global leader in audience measurement,
data and analytics. Through our understanding of people
and their behaviors across all channels and platforms,
we empower our clients with independent and actionable
intelligence so they can connect and engage with their
global audiences—now and into the future. Learn
more at http://nielsen.com
Source:
Nielsen
https://nielsen.com/news-center/2025/streaming-reaches-historic-tv-milestone-eclipses-combined-broadcast-and-cable-viewing-for-first-time/
https://nielsen.com/news-center/
Media
Man
Nielsen
wins Media Man 'Data Provider Of The Month' award
Media
Man
Netflix
March
25, 2026 (Sydney, Australia)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
WWE RAW
2. Sidemen: Inside
3. Virgin River
4. One Piece
5. Dynasty: The Murdochs
6. Mark Rober's CrunchLabs
7. Unicorn Academy
8. Bridgerton
9. Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black
10. The Dinosaurs
others
...
Vladimir
The TikTok Killer
A Friend: A Murderer
The Night Agent
Formula 1: Drive To Survive
Resident Alien
News
The
Lead Up (For reference, data and educational purposes)
March
11
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
The Dinosaurs
2. WWE RAW
3. Bridgerton
4. Vladimir
5. The TikTok Killer
6. One Piece
7. A Friend: A Murderer
8. The Night Agent
9. Formula 1: Drive To Survive
10. Resident Alien
others
...
Shrill
Person Of Interest
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
The Midddle.
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings
can change quickly
News
The
Lead Up (For educational, reference and historical
purposes)
March
4, 2026 (Sydney, Australia)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
Bridgerton
2. WWE RAW
3. Formula 1: Drive To Survive
4. Resident Alien
5. The Night Agent
6. Shrill
7. Person Of Interest
8. The Actor Awards
9. Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
10. The Midddle.
others
...
Being
Gordon Ramsay
The Lincoln Lawyer
News
The
Lead Up (for data, historical, educational and reference
purposes)
The
Lead Up
March
2, 2026 (Sydney, Australia)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
Bridgerton
2. WWE Elimination Chamber
3. Formula 1: Drive To Survive
4. The Night Agent
5. Shrill
6. Resident Alien
7. Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
8. The Middle.
9. Being Gordon Ramsay
10. The Lincoln Lawyer
News
Flashback
The
Lead Up (for data, historical, educational and reference
purposes)
Feb
17, 2026
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
Bridgerton
2. The Lincoln Lawyer
3. Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
4. How To Get To Heaven From Belfast
5. Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich
6. Unfamiliar
7. Lead Children
8. The Art Of Sarah
9. Single's Inferno: Reunion
10. His&Hers
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings
can change quickly
The
Lead Up (for data, historical, educational and reference
purposes)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
Feb
11
via
The (Netflix) box/interface!
1.
The Lincoln Lawyer
2. Bridgerton
3. WWE RAW
4. Unfamiliar
5. Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich
6. His&Hers
7. Singles Inferno
8. Is It Cake? Valentines
9. Ghosts
10. Free Bert
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings
can change quickly
News
The
Lead Up (for historical, date and reference purposes)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
WWE
RAW and WWE NXT strong rankings on Thursday night
live data reports via The (Netflix) box/interface!
Feb
5, 2026
1.
Bridgerton
2. His & Hers
3. Single's Inferno
4. Ghosts
5. Is It Cake? Valentines
6. WWE Raw
7. Free Bert
8. WWE NXT
9. Finding Her Edge
10. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings
can change quickly
*WWE
Raw is ranking much stronger than some U.S based "wrestling
sheets" and "pro wrestling websites"
are reporting. It's Thursday night in Sydney, Australia
and RAW is still at number 6 in The Land Down Under!
*WWE
NXT in number 8 position now! Stronger performance
since Robert Stone replaced Ava as NXT General Manager.
NXT international business has picked up right Triple
H and JR! This is live date from the Nexflix TV interface
on a Thursday night in Sydney, Australia. You got
that American pro wrestling dirt sheet "reporters"!
News
Flashback
The
Lead Up (for data, historical, educational and reference
purposes)
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
January
21, 2026
1.
His & Hers
2. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials
3. WWE Raw
4. Harlen Coben's Run Away
5. Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web
6. Stranger Things
7. Can this Love Be Translated?
8. 2 Broke Girls
9. Smallville
10. Emily In Paris
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings can change quickly
Streaming
Netflix
The
Lead Up
Top
10 TV Shows In Australia Today
January
20, 2026
1.
His & Hers
2. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials
3. Harlen Coben's Run Away
4. Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web
5. Stranger Things
6. Can this Love Be Translated?
7. Smallville
8. 2 Broke Girls
9. Undercover Miss Hong
10. Rick And Morty
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
*rankings can change quickly
News
Netflix
News
Here's
the latest Netflix news as of mid-January 2026!
The
streaming giant is kicking off the year strong with
a packed slate of new releases, ongoing buzz around
major deals, and continued subscriber growth.
Major
Highlights
Netflix
is reportedly in the midst of a blockbuster acquisition:
the company has agreed to buy Warner Bros. in a massive
deal valued at around $82.7 billion (with some reports
citing $72 billion in equity value).
This
move aims to supercharge its content library with
iconic franchises like Harry Potter and classic films.
However,
there's drama — Paramount Skydance has launched
a competing hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros.
Discovery, adding some high-stakes industry intrigue!
Netflix
ended 2025 with over 301.6 million global subscribers,
solidifying its position as the top streaming platform.
What's
New & Coming in January 2026
January
is loaded with fresh originals, from thrilling mysteries
to romantic adaptations and long-awaited returns.
Here
are some of the standout releases that are lighting
up the charts and generating buzz right now:
People
We Meet on Vacation — A charming rom-com adaptation
of the Emily Henry novel, starring Emily Bader —
it's been topping the charts as one of the biggest
new movies of the year so far!
The
Rip — This high-octane action-thriller directed
by Joe Carnahan reunites Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
— it's one of the most anticipated films dropping
mid-month, perfect for fans of intense heist vibes!
His
& Hers — A gripping mystery series starring
Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, following estranged
spouses racing to solve a murder. It's been climbing
the Top 10 with strong buzz around its twists.
Bridgerton
Season 4 — The Regency-era drama returns later
in the month (Part 1 premiering around Jan 29), with
plenty of masquerade glamour and romance — the
premiere events are already making waves!
Other
notables include:
Kidnapped:
Elizabeth Smart (true-crime docuseries)
New
seasons of hits like Unlocked: A Jail Experiment,
Love Is Blind: Germany, and WWE Unreal
Stand-up
specials and reality shows keeping the variety flowing.
Plus,
don't miss the Stranger Things 5 making-of documentary
One Last Adventure, which premiered earlier this month
for fans wanting a deep dive into the finale. Netflix
is clearly doubling down on big stars, book adaptations,
and high-energy originals to keep viewers hooked in
2026. (Grok)
Netflix:
News
Netflix
is a global streaming service providing a vast library
of films, TV shows, documentaries, and mobile games.
As of 2026, it has approximately 325 million paid
members across more than 190 countries.
Pricing
& Plans: Subscription plans typically range from
$7.99 to $24.99 per month.
Content
Offerings: Includes "Netflix Originals"
(like Stranger Things and Squid Game), licensed content,
and a growing selection of live programming and video
podcasts.
Device
Compatibility: Streamable on smart TVs, game consoles,
smartphones, tablets, and via http://Netflix.com.
Features:
Supports offline downloads, personalized recommendations,
and a dedicated "Netflix Kids" experience
with parental controls.
Recent
2026 Developments
Warner
Bros. Merger News: As of January 21, 2026, Netflix
has moved toward an all-cash $27.75-per-share offer
to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming to outbid
Paramount.
Market
Reaction: Despite a Q4 earnings beat, Netflix shares
saw a 7% decline in some markets (e.g., Frankfurt)
on January 21, 2026, due to investor concerns regarding
the financial weight of the Warner Bros. acquisition.
New
Initiatives: The company is expanding into vertical
video features for mobile and has recently launched
video podcasts.
Live
Events: Upcoming live events include the world-record
climber Alex Honnold's "Skyscraper Live"
ascent of Taipei 101 on January 23, 2026.
News
(In
Case You Missed It)
WWE
Unreal
WWE
Unreal is a professional wrestling documentary and
reality series on Netflix that provides an unprecedented
behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and
internal operations of WWE.
WWE
Unreal
Show
Overview
Genre:
Reality television / Documentary series.
Premise:
The series follows WWE Superstars and executives,
notably Paul "Triple H" Levesque, as they
plan storylines in the writers' room and manage the
"Gorilla Position" during live broadcasts.
Production:
A collaboration between WWE, Omaha Productions (Peyton
Manning), NFL Films, and Skydance Sports.
Seasons
& Episodes
The
series has released two seasons as of January 2026:
Season
1: Premiered July 29, 2025. It chronicled the lead-up
to the debut of WWE Raw on Netflix and WrestleMania
41. Notable segments included a look at John Cena's
high-profile storyline turns and the return of Charlotte
Flair.
Season
2: Released January 20, 2026. This five-episode season
focuses on the "Road to SummerSlam 2025"
and features superstars like Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch,
Rhea Ripley, and Cody Rhodes.
It
delves into real-life drama such as R-Truth's contract
negotiations and Naomi's previous walkout from the
company.
Season
3: Confirmed to be in development, expected to focus
on John Cena's retirement tour.
Key
Personalities Featured
Executives:
Paul "Triple H" Levesque (Narrator), Peyton
Manning (Executive Producer).
Superstars:
John Cena, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Rhea
Ripley, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, and Bianca Belair.
Merchandise
Related
promotional items and apparel are available, including:
CM
Punk "WWE Unreal" Hoodie: A themed fleece
hoodie priced at approximately $69 USD (~$116 AUD).
Action
Figures: Mattel has released sets like the "Hall
of Champions" 4-pack featuring legendary superstars
seen in the series.
News
Media
Man
Netflix
wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award
(January 2026, February and March 2026)
News
Flashback
TrillerTV:
News
Streaming
Media wars heat up: Netflix, Stan, HeyU; Sports Streamers
- WWE Network, FITE TV, New Japan World, UFC Fight
Pass, ESPN +, Paramount Network, Global Wrestling
Network et al. Opportunities, threats and unknown
Content
Live (Australian Expo)
Sports
Streaming
PPV
News
Streaming
Top 10
Current
January
15, 2026
1..
Stranger Things (Netflix)
2.
Landman (2024). (Paramount+)
3.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)
4.
NCIS (Hulu / Netflix / Paramount+ / Pluto TV)
5.
Emily in Paris (Netflix)
6.
Homeland (Hulu / Netflix)
7.
Fallout (2024) (Prime Video)
8.
Bluey (Disney+)
9.
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) (HBO Max)
10.
Grey's Anatomy (Hulu / Netflix)
*Correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
News
Streaming
Top 10
Jan
15
Movies
1.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
Netflix
2.
Home Alone. Disney+
3.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Peacock
4.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Disney+
5
Elf. Max
6.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Netflix / Paramount+
7.
Red One (2024). Prime Video
8.
Dr.Seuss' The Grinch (2018)
Peacock
9.
The Great Flood (2025). Netflix
10.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. HBO Max
News
The
Lead Up
January
12, 2026
1.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)
2.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Peacock)
3.
Home Alone (Disney)
4.
Jay Kelly (2025) (Netflix)
5.
My Secret Santa (2025) (Netflix)
6
Oh. What. Fun. (2025) (Prime Video)
7.
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) (Netflix)
8.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Disney+)
9.
Dr.Seuss' The Grinch (2018) (Peacock)
10.
The Santa Clause (Disney+)
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
News
Flashback
October
24, 2025
Pop
Culture/Entertainment
Streaming
TV: Movies Top 10
Flashback
1.
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) Netflix
2. Superman (2025) HBO Max
3. Elio (2025) Disney+
4. 28 Years Later (2025) Netflix
5. Ruth & Boaz (2025) Netflix
6. San Andreas. Netflix
7. Ice Road: Vengeance. Netflix
8. The Wrong Paris (2025) Netflix
9 Lilo & Stitch (2025) Disney+
10. Shrek 2. Netflix / Peacock
*correct
at time of publication to best of knowledge
Pop
Culture/Entertainment
March
21, 2025
Streaming
Ratings
1.
Zero Day (Netflix), 1.84 billion minutes viewed 2.
Reacher (Prime Video), 1.81 billion 3. Love Is Blind
(Netflix), 1.42 billion 4. Bluey (Disney+), 1.05 billion
5. Family Guy (Hulu), 1.01 billion 6. Cobra Kai (Netflix),
893 million 7. Saturday Night Live (Peacock), 863
million 8. American Murder: Gabby Petito (Netflix),
801 million 9. Resident Alien (Netflix/Peacock), 765
million 10. Yellowjackets (Netflix/Paramount+), 742
million
Acquired
Series
1.
Bluey, 1.05 billion minutes 2. Family Guy, 1.01 billion
3. Saturday Night Live, 863 million 4. Resident Alien,
765 million 5. Yellowjackets, 742 million 6. The White
Lotus (Max), 735 million 7. NCIS (Hulu/Netflix/Paramount+),
718 million 8. Bob’s Burgers (Hulu), 706 million
9. The Big Bang Theory (Max), 702 million 10. Grey’s
Anatomy (Hulu/Netflix), 701 million
Movies:
1.
To Catch a Killer (2023) (Hulu/Netflix), 694 million
minutes 2. Trial by Fire (2018) (Netflix), 463 million
3. The Gorge (Apple TV+), 362 million 4. La Dolce
Villa (Netflix), 310 million 5. Don’t Let Go
(Netflix), 244 million 6. Aftermath (Netflix), 241
million 7. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Prime Video),
210 million 8. Heart of Champions (Netflix), 199 million
9. Nosferatu (2024) (Peacock), 192 million 10. Moana
(Disney+), 189 million
News
Media
Man
WWE
RAW On Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of
The Month'; Runner-up: WWE SmackDown (Streaming on
Netflix in Australia and some other non-US markets).
RAW nor SmackDown are currently in the top 10 streaming
charts as far as we can ascertain. RAW peaked at number
1 and 3 positions for the first couple of broadcasts
via Netflix. WWE can be expected to race up the charts
again as WrestleMania Season is heating up.
Zero
Hour wins Media Man 'Political Thriller/Drama Of The
Year' award. (Currently streaming on Netflix)
*Rakings
can vary on a daily basis.
*Correct at time of publication.
Sources
Include: X, Netflix TUDUM
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/tv
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10
NETFLIX
TO BECOME NEW HOME OF WWE RAW BEGINNING 2025
Long-Term Deal Brings Weekly Live Sports Entertainment
to 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.
###
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 wwe.com
and 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 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 investor.tkogrp.com.
Wrestling News
WWE
Cody
Rhodes and Bayley win the Royal Rumble Matches to
earn the right to headline WrestleMania
At
the 2024 Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes and Bayley both
outlasted 29 other Superstars to win their respective
Royal Rumble Matches and earn the right to challenge
a World Champion at The Showcase of the Immortals.
Plus, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns
successfully defended his title against Randy Orton,
AJ Styles and LA Knight in a Fatal 4-Way Match, and
Kevin Owens accidently got himself disqualified in
a United States Title Match against Logan Paul.
Wrestling News
Cody
Rhodes Addresses Never Crossing Paths With CM Punk
In AEW
Cody Rhodes is surprised he never crossed paths in
any real way with CM Punk during their respective
runs in AEW.
“The
American Nightmare” spoke about this during the
WWE Royal Rumble 2024 post-show press conference on
Saturday night.
“It’s
funny that we meet back here,” Cody said of himself
and Punk. “Really. When we were at AEW, I thought
we would encounter one another there. It didn’t
happen. For whatever reason, it didn’t happen.”
He
continued, “I think both him and I had different
personal experiences. Don’t believe anything
that Wade Keller put out about why I left or anything
like that. The truth is, nobody knows. Personal thing.
Probably a personal thing for Punk. That happens.
People come. People go. It’s not a huge thing.”
Rhodes
also spoke about reuniting with The Miz, Kofi Kingston
and Punk and it feeling like his first run in WWE.
“To
see [CM Punk] tonight. To see Miz. To see Kofi. Those
were my guys,” he said. “First OVW show
I walked into, Brent Albright vs. CM Punk was the
main event and Punk was also running the whole show,
maybe set up the ring. To see that, sometimes you
want another person who you admire and respect to
stop looking at you as the kid and look at you and
see who you are now. I think he got to see who I am
now. That means a lot to me. He’s amazing, could
have gone either way, I look forward to what he does
in WWE.”
Wrestling
News and Streaming News
Netflix
to become new home of WWE Raw beginning 2025
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
Streaming
News
Tubi
Makes Late Play To Be 'Streamer Of The Year'
Fox’s
advertising supported streamer Tubi @tubi strikes
deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to stream DC movies
including “The Batman,” “Suicide Squad,”
“Black Adam,” “Wonder Woman” and
“Aquaman,” in addition to as superhero themed
series “Batwoman,” “Gotham” and
“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
The
news comes at a not so great time for other streaming
firms such as Netflix and don't even start us on embattled
Disney, who parents and their offspring have been
tuning out of in droves.
“Birds
of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley
Quinn),” “Green Lantern” and “Wonder
Woman 1984,” will also hit Tubi’s on-demand
lineup in 2024.
Available
as of Tuesday are “Batman,” “Batman
Returns” and “Batman Forever,” as well
as “Superman: The Movie” and “Superman
II,” and TV series “Batwoman,” “Gotham”
and “Krypton.”
Pro
wrestling living legend John Cena of WWE and 'Peacemaker'
fame is keen to do some more work and collaborations
with DC into the new year now that that apparent communications
"ban" between him and DC powers that be
is no longer. What a business hey, hence showbiz!
Hollywood er Hollyweird, never mind.
More
Streaming News
FITE
(soon to be Triller) is our 'Sports Streamer Of The
Year', and BINGE wins 'Streaming Service Of The Year'
(Australian region)
Sources:
Variety, Wires, New Corp, Advanced Television, Digital
TV Europe, Wikipedia and last but not least, X.
The
Streaming Wars
The rise of FAST services
As streaming services continue to raise subscription
prices, customers have attempted to find ways to cut
costs—including free. According to a Hub Entertainment
Research study, more than half (55%) of consumers
said they use at least one free ad-supported streaming
TV (FAST) service, such as Pluto TV, The Roku Channel,
Tubi, Amazon’s Freevee, or the free version of
Peacock. Perhaps there’s no greater example of
the service’s success this year than Freevee’s
Jury Duty, which quickly became a word-of-month hit,
catapulting it to the top of U.S. streaming charts.
Earlier this year, Tubi announced it was beefing up
original programming in its catalog to lure new subscribers.
The
great rebundling
In the spring, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled Max,
the result of HBO Max merging with Discovery+, to
broaden the appeal of the new flagship streaming platform,
while Paramount debuted Paramount+ with Showtime to
domestic audiences shortly after. Meanwhile, more
streaming bundles began rolling out this year: Disney—which
already offered a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+—launched
a one-app experience, offering Hulu and Disney+ programming
in the same space. Recently, Apple and Paramount were
reportedly in talks to bundle their streaming services
at a discount, while Verizon announced it would offer
a $10 bundle for the ad-supported subscription plans
of Netflix and Max streaming services. An AlixPartners
study found that about 70% of new streaming subscribers
will get their subscriptions from streaming bundles,
or with plans that combine a streaming subscription
with cable TV, broadband, or wireless plans, as opposed
to stand-alone streaming services.
A
big bet on sports
According to one study, 29% of viewers are watching
sports on streaming services like Prime Video. At
the end of last year, YouTube TV acquired the NFL’s
Sunday Ticket for reportedly $2 billion, beating out
Disney, Amazon, and Apple for the package. The deal
allows subscribers to watch the Sunday Ticket as an
add-on for YouTubeTV, or as a stand-alone purchase
on YouTube Primetime Channels. Last year, Prime Video
began live streaming Thursday Night Football games,
which saw viewership go up 25% this season. Netflix
announced last week it will livestream a tennis match
between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the spring,
while Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed last month that
the company will launch a stand-alone streaming app
of ESPN in 2025.
Studios
uploading entire TV shows and films on social media
Pirating content online isn’t anything new, but
Gen Z has been turning to social media to watch full
episodes and movies for free. On TikTok, a quick search
shows that the platform is overrun with episodes and
parts of full movies uploaded by users, while an uploaded
version of The Super Mario Bros. Movie was viewed
by 9 million people on Twitter before it was taken
down. To meet users where they are, Peacock experimented
with releasing programming on social media and uploaded
the pilot episode of its comedy series Killing It
on TikTok in five parts, which according to a Peacock
spokesperson, garnered 7 million views. A month later,
on October 3 (aka Mean Girls Day), Paramount uploaded
the entirety of Mean Girls on TikTok. A study found
that nearly a quarter (23%) of TikTok users are more
likely to discover entertainment content on social
and video platforms versus other platforms.
Reruns
are back in (again)
This isn’t exactly a new trend, but it’s
one that’s been building as more consumers become
cord-cutters. Unsurprisingly, popular classic shows
with massive fan bases like The Office, Friends, Seinfeld,
and Breaking Bad continue to find success on streaming
services. Some other recent examples include Nickelodeon’s
2005 animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender debuting
on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched children’s
shows during the pandemic, while the CW’s Riverdale
and All-American have trended on Netflix when it was
made available on the platform. This year’s biggest
example was USA Network’s Suits, which gained
newfound popularity after being licensed on Netflix,
pushing it to the No. 1 spot on U.S. streaming charts.
If the success of Suits proves anything, it’s
that licensing might be the way to go if networks
want to generate interest in (and get paid for) some
of their older programming.
That
movie you didn’t watch might grab your attention
as a 3-part limited series instead
When BlackBerry came out in theaters this spring,
it was met with much critical acclaim for its acting
and storytelling, and earned $2.9 million at the global
box office. In October, IFC Films released the 121-minute-long
film as a three-part limited series with 16 minutes
of unseen footage. “I look at this as a way for
a smaller, independent piece of work to double-dip
and find its audience,” director Matt Johnson
told Variety when asked about the decision to recut
the film. Last month, Hulu premiered Faraway Downs,
a six-episode series, which is an reedited version
of Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 film, Australia, starring
Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. While the original
film has a running time of nearly three hours, the
series adds an extra hour of new footage, with some
plot changes. While Australia received mixed reviews
when it premiered, Luhrmann told the Daily Beast that
he wanted to revisit the film, and leaned on episodic
storytelling to present the story in a different way,
in hopes of giving it a second chance with some viewers.
Cafe
News with Pop Culture, Combat Sports, buzz, goss and
more
via
the Media Man Group including Media Man Int and Media
Man Australia
Cryptos,
FinTech, Big Tech, Big Biz
TKO/WWE
Lifts In And Out Of The Ring; Up and Down Cycle; TKO's
Nick Khan Offers Positive Vibes To US Admin Re Ali
Act Amendment; TKO's LinkedIn Enjoys Strong News Media
Buzz
April
23 (Wall St, New York) : April 24 (Sydney, Australia)
UFC
- MMA Building Stars Again
New
York Kind Of Feeling
US Stocks - Black Friday - Black-ish Thursday into
Friday
Post WrestleMania; Road To WWE Backlash 2026
WWE Management And Wrestlers Bullish; Wrestling and
Boxing
Sports Biz Event Tickets And Merch Drive
Danhausen Lifts WWE Merch Hausen
Traditional Big Tech Sector Takes Big Hit April 23
Media
Man Group Weekly Series
U.S,
Australia, Europe, World
April
23, 2026
Netflix
Inc $92.82 -0.42 -0.45%
Alphabet Inc Class A $338.89 -0.43 -0.13%
NVIDIA Corp $199.64 -2.86 -1.41%
Amazon Dotcom Inc $255.08 -0.28 -0.11%
Apple Inc $273.43 +0.26 +0.095%
Meta Platforms $659.15 -15.57 -2.31%
Tesla $373.72 -13.79 -3.56%
Microsoft Corp $415.75 -17.17 -3.97%
News
ASX
200 futures down 4 points: 0.1% to 8828
AUD
-0.4% to US71.30¢
Bitcoin
$78,168.22 +0.52%
Dogecoin
$0.09776 +2.24%
Ripple
aka XRP $1.4374 +1.48%
Wall
St:
Dow -0.4%
S&P -0.4%
Nasdaq -0.9%
VIX
+0.39 to 19.31
Gold -1% to $US4694.14 an ounce
Brent oil +4.5% to $US106.44 a barrel
Iron ore -0.6% to $US106.65 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.32% Australia 5.00%
News
April
24 (Sydney, Australia)
Numbers
Double Check
Australian
Dollar: $0.7124 USD (down $0.0036 USD)
Iron Ore: $106.65 USD (down $0.45 USD)
Oil Price (West Texas): $97.39 USD (up 4.52 USD)
Gold Price : $4,693.02 USD (down $46.76 USD)
Copper Price: $6.0225 USD (down $0.1145 USD)
Dow Jones: 49,310.32 (down 179.71 points)
News
Bulls
control Crude Oil
The
conflict in the Middle East has altered the dynamics
of the oil market.
The
longer the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, the higher
the risks of a Brent rally.
Don’t
expect things to return to normal. Before the conflict
in the Middle East, the oil market was in the hands
of the bears. Demand was falling due to the shift
towards alternative energy sources, whilst supply
was rising. OPEC+ was gradually increasing production
to avoid losing market share and investors were talking
about a record surplus. Today, the IEA estimates the
loss of supply at 12 million barrels per day, which
is more than during the Arab oil embargo of 1973–1974
and the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 combined.
However, it would be rather naive to think that the
end of the war will cause prices to plummet.
Even
after the Strait of Hormuz reopens, it will take months
to restore production in the damaged energy infrastructure
of the Persian Gulf. At the same time, countries are
seriously concerned about energy security and will
work hard to boost oil demand. Interestingly, the
current decline in demand is preventing Brent from
soaring too high.
Vitol,
a crude oil trader, estimates a demand loss of around
4 million barrels per day due to excessively high
prices. If we add Saudi Arabia’s workarounds,
the increase in US crude exports, and active purchases
by China and India of Russian barrels stranded at
sea, then the stabilisation of Brent near $100 starts
to look logical. The math suggests that the actual
deficit is closer to 5% than 10%.
The
problem is that the crude on Russian tankers at sea
is running out, the US’s ability to ramp up supply
is limited by existing infrastructure, and a resumption
of fire in the Middle East could lead to the Houthis
blocking Saudi Arabia’s alternative routes. With
this background, Citi’s forecast of Brent rising
to $110 a barrel should the Strait of Hormuz be blocked
for another month will seem far too modest.
The
longer the US and Iran delay reaching a peace agreement,
the more devastating the oil crisis risks being for
the global economy. However, optimism has not yet
faded. Investors are operating on the assumption that
‘it could be worse’. A fragile peace in
the form of an indefinite ceasefire is better than
war. The transit fee paid to Iran is seen as compensation
for the bombing of its territory. (FxPro)
News
Flashback
March
2026
plus
Past,
Present and Future
News
Flashback
Shares
TKO
Group Holdings Inc
$195.41 +6.21 +3.28%
News
Flashback
TKO's
WWE Gets John Cena For WrestleMania Vegas 2026
John
Cena to host WrestleMania 42
John
Cena is stepping back onto The Grandest Stage of Them
All as the host of WrestleMania 42. The Greatest of
All Time broke the news on social media that he is
headed to Las Vegas. The 17-time World Champion retired
from in-ring competition last December after his loss
to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event but is now
making his first return to WWE. Don't miss all the
action when WrestleMania 42 STREAMS LIVE on Saturday,
April 18, and Sunday, April 19, at 6 ET/3 PT on the
ESPN App from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
News
Flashback
WWE
Raw Hits Madison Square Garden with Title Defenses
and Big Returns
Penta
El Zero Miedo defends the Intercontinental Championship
against hometown hero Kofi Kingston, fresh off Kingston's
social media challenge. The Usos put the World Tag
Team Titles on the line in a Street Fight against
Austin Theory and Logan Paul, while Nia Jax and Lash
Legend face Bayley and Lyra Valkyria for the Women's
Tag Championships. CM Punk confronts Roman Reigns
amid their heated feud, Brock Lesnar returns for revenge
on Oba Femi, and Finn Bálor addresses a Judgment
Day betrayal—all building hype for WrestleMania
42. The show streams live on Netflix at 8 ET from
the iconic arena.
News
News
Flashback
November
2025
Polymarket
Partnership Could Be a Game Changer for TKO Group
Holdings (TKO)
Nov
17
(In
Case You Missed It)
Polymarket/UFC/TKO
Polymarket
recently announced a multi-year partnership making
it the Official and Exclusive Prediction Market Partner
for UFC and Zuffa Boxing, introducing real-time fan
prediction metrics directly into UFC broadcasts and
social media experiences.
This
collaboration marks the first time major sports organizations
have integrated prediction market technology into
the live fan experience, creating new ways for audiences
to interact and for TKO's sports brands to differentiate
themselves.
We'll
explore how this innovative fan engagement initiative
could strengthen TKO Group Holdings' investment narrative
by deepening audience connection and content value.
What
Is TKO Group Holdings' Investment Narrative?
To
see the value in TKO Group Holdings as a shareholder,
you really have to believe in its ability to keep
building out top sports entertainment brands like
UFC and WWE into global, multi-platform franchises.
A lot of the story is about continuing to grow earnings
and revenue faster than the overall market, attract
loyal audiences, and evolve with changes in media
rights, streaming, and digital fan engagement. Recent
announcements, such as the multi-year partnership
with Polymarket, reflect TKO’s push to unlock
new monetization avenues and deepen fan involvement.
However,
it’s unlikely this news will materially change
the core short-term catalysts, which are still dominated
by performance in key international deals, broadcast
partnerships, and the rollout of new events. The biggest
risks remain legal challenges, compression of media
rights value, and questions about board experience.
The new fan engagement efforts add differentiation,
but don’t directly reduce these core risks for
now. On the flip side, investors should pay close
attention to ongoing legal proceedings against TKO
and UFC.
TKO
Group Holdings' shares have been on the rise but are
still potentially undervalued by 15%.
Ten
retail investors in the Simply Wall St Community produced
fair value estimates for TKO ranging from US$63.92
to a very large US$37,618.47. While community views
can be widely split, ongoing legal challenges remain
a topic several market participants keep circling
back to as a concern for TKO’s future performance.
Explore these diverse perspectives and see how the
risks and opportunities stack up.
Bonus:
TKO
Group $200.29 -4.20 -2.05%
News
Flashback
Magnificent
7, Markets, Stocks
New
York/Wall Street
September 15, 2025
TKO
Bullish Mad Monday Off WrestleMania 43 Saudi News:
Media Man Edition!
Netflix
Inc $1,202.26 +13.82 +1.16%
Alphabet Inc Class A $251.61 +10.81 +4.49%
NVIDIA Corp $177.75 -0.071 -0.040%
Amazon Dotcom Inc $231.43 +3.28 +1.44%
Apple Inc $236.70 +2.63 +1.12%
Meta Platforms $764.70 +9.11 +1.21%
Tesla $410.26 +14.32 +3.62%
Microsoft Corp $515.36 +5.46 1.07%
News
Lead
Up
New
York/Wall Street
September
12, 2025
TKO
Bullish Friday Leading Into Weekend; TKO Bullish Heading
To Mad Monday Off WrestleMania 43 Saudi News: Media
Man Edition!
Netflix
Inc $1,188.44 -15.06 -1.25%
Alphabet Inc Class A $240.80 +0.43 +0.18%
NVIDIA Corp $177.82 +0.65 +0.37%
Amazon Dotcom Inc $228.15 -1.80 -0.78%
Apple Inc $234.07 +4.04 +1.76%
Meta Platforms $755.59 +4.69 +0.62%
Tesla $395.94 +27.13 +7.36%
Bonus:
TKO
Group $202.44 +0.060 0.030%
News
Flashback
Historical
Data and Intel
TKO
Group: News
September
13, 2025
Jones
Financial Companies Lllp Acquires 77,883 Shares of
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. $TKO
Jones
Financial Companies Lllp significantly increased its
stake in TKO Group Holdings by 149,775%, now owning
77,935 shares valued at approximately $11.9 million.
Several
institutional investors, including Vanguard and Invesco,
have also raised their stakes in TKO Group, indicating
a strong interest in the company, which is now 89.79%
owned by institutional investors.
TKO
Group recently declared an increased quarterly dividend
of $0.76, up from $0.38, reflecting a strong return
for investors despite a high dividend payout ratio
of 125.62%.
Jones
Financial Companies Lllp increased its position in
shares of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. by 149,775.0% during
the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most
recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The institutional investor owned 77,935
shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional
77,883 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies
Lllp's holdings in TKO Group were worth $11,909,000
at the end of the most recent quarter.
Several
other hedge funds and other institutional investors
have also made changes to their positions in the business.
Hemington Wealth Management grew its stake in TKO
Group by 425.0% during the 1st quarter. Hemington
Wealth Management now owns 168 shares of the company's
stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 136
shares during the last quarter. N.E.W. Advisory Services
LLC acquired a new position in TKO Group during the
first quarter worth $26,000. Sentry Investment Management
LLC acquired a new position in TKO Group during the
first quarter worth $25,000. Bartlett & CO. Wealth
Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of
TKO Group in the first quarter worth $27,000. Finally,
Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in
shares of TKO Group by 129.8% in the first quarter.
Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 216 shares of
the company's stock worth $33,000 after acquiring
an additional 122 shares during the last quarter.
Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.79%
of the company's stock.
News
Flashback
Insider
Buying and Selling at TKO Group
In
related news, Director Nick Khan sold 45,168 shares
of the company's stock in a transaction on Monday,
July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price
of $170.82, for a total value of $7,715,597.76. Following
the completion of the sale, the director owned 156,494
shares in the company, valued at $26,732,305.08. This
represents a 22.40% decrease in their position. The
transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities
& Exchange Commission. Over the last 90 days,
insiders sold 73,725 shares of company stock valued
at $12,767,807. Corporate insiders own 61.30% of the
company's stock.
Wall
Street Analyst Weigh In
TKO
has been the subject of a number of recent analyst
reports. Baird R W raised TKO Group to a "strong-buy"
rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th.
Zacks Research upgraded TKO Group from a "strong
sell" rating to a "hold" rating in
a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. Bank of
America upped their target price on TKO Group from
$200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a "buy"
rating in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Robert
W. Baird began coverage on TKO Group in a report on
Friday, September 5th. They set an "outperform"
rating and a $225.00 target price for the company.
Finally, Roth Capital raised their target price on
TKO Group from $208.00 to $210.00 and gave the company
a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday,
August 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with
a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating
and four have given a Hold rating to the company's
stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock
has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy"
and a consensus price target of $192.21.
TKO
Group Stock Up 0.0%
Shares
of NYSE:TKO traded up $0.09 during midday trading
on Friday, hitting $202.33. 897,072 shares of the
stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume
of 683,611. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. has a 52-week
low of $114.01 and a 52-week high of $204.10. The
business's fifty day simple moving average is $178.94
and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $165.22.
The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a
quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.30. The
company has a market capitalization of $40.12 billion,
a PE ratio of 83.61 and a beta of 0.79.
TKO
Group (NYSE:TKO) last issued its quarterly earnings
results on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported
$1.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing
the consensus estimate of $1.23 by ($0.06). TKO Group
had a net margin of 5.40% and a return on equity of
2.82%. The business had revenue of $1.31 billion during
the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.23
billion. During the same period in the prior year,
the business posted $0.72 earnings per share. The
company's revenue for the quarter was up 53.7% compared
to the same quarter last year. As a group, research
analysts predict that TKO Group Holdings, Inc. will
post 3.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal
year.
TKO
Group Increases Dividend
The
business also recently declared a quarterly dividend,
which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Stockholders
of record on Monday, September 15th will be paid a
$0.76 dividend. This is an increase from TKO Group's
previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend
date of this dividend is Monday, September 15th. This
represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis
and a dividend yield of 1.5%. TKO Group's dividend
payout ratio (DPR) is currently 62.81%.
TKO
Group Profile
TKO
Group Holdings, Inc operates as a sports and entertainment
company. The company produces and licenses live events,
television programs, and long-form and short-form
content, reality series, and other filmed entertainment
on digital and linear channels and via pay-per-view.
It is involved in the merchandising of video games,
apparel, equipment, trading cards, memorabilia, digital
goods, and toys, as well as sale of travel packages
and tickets.
News
Flashback
Mag
7 Markets Lead Up
Historical
Data and Intel
Trades
New
York/Wall Street
September
9, 2025
TKO
Bullish Friday And Weekend Media Man Edition!
Netflix
Inc $1,263.25 +18.49 +1.49%
Alphabet Inc Class A $239.63 +5.59 +2.39%
NVIDIA Corp $170.76 +2.45 +1.46%
Amazon Dotcom Inc $238.24 +2.40 +1.02%
Apple Inc $234.35 -3.53 -1.48%
Meta $765.70 +13.40 +1.78%
Tesla $346.97 +0.57 +0.16%
Microsoft Corp $498.41 +0.21 0.042%
Bonus:
TKO
Group $196.43 -4.07 -2.03%
News
Flashback
TKO
Group Holdings, Inc. is an American sports and sports
entertainment company. Established on September 12,
2023, the public company was formed by a merger between
Endeavor subsidiary Zuffa—the parent company
of mixed martial arts promotion Ultimate Fighting
Championship —and the professional wrestling
promotion World Wrestling Entertainment. TKO is led
by CEO Ari Emanuel and president Mark Shapiro, both
of Endeavor; Dana White and Nick Khan retained their
roles as CEOs of UFC and WWE respectively upon the
merger, while WWE co-founder Vince McMahon served
as executive chairman until resigning from the company
in January 2024 amid a sex trafficking scandal. The
merger marked the first time that WWE has not been
solely and primarily majority-controlled by the McMahon
family, which founded the company and owned it for
over 70 years. As of 2024, the UFC and WWE were the
two most valuable combat sports organizations in the
world according to Forbes. UFC was listed as the most
valued mixed martial arts company with a revenue of
$1.406 billion and WWE being the most valued professional
wrestling promotion with a revenue of $1.398 billion
in 2023. (Wikipedia)
TKO
owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s
premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the
global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the
world’s premier bull riding organization. Together,
these properties reach 210 countries and territories
and organize more than 500 live events year-round,
attracting more than three million fans.
TKO
also services and partners with major sports rights
holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports
marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader
in premium experiential hospitality. (Credit: TKO
Group)
News
Flashback
September
2, 2025
Market
regime change: Microsoft weakening whilst Alphabet
strengthens Nvidia and OpenAI have become synonymous
with the AI revolution, each offering its own breakthrough
solutions. This has made Nvidia the most valuable
company on the market. OpenAI remains private for
now. However, the old guard of IT giants, such as
Microsoft and Alphabet, are not standing on the sidelines
of the AI race, although they are conducting it in
different ways, which is affecting their shares differently.
Microsoft
owns a stake in OpenAI, giving it access to the latest
developments, but integrates them into its own programmes,
including chatbots. For a long time, betting on Microsoft
was an indirect bet on OpenAI with their well-known
ChatGPT. This approach paid off earlier this year,
as the share price recovered faster than many competitors
after the April slump. From its lows at the start
of April to its highs at the end of July, the stock
soared 55%, already making its way to historic highs
since the beginning of June.
For
a long time, Alphabet shares lagged their competitor
in terms of share price growth over the past five
years. They were also weaker in their recovery after
the April correction, adding 40% to their lows before
peaking at the end of July.
However,
since August, the markets have clearly shifted into
a different mode, with MSFT falling 7.5% against GOOG's
13% growth. This divergence began even before the
release of GPT-5, the latest model, which faced widespread
criticism from users, forcing the company to revert
to GPT-4, originally announced over two years ago.
Negative sentiment was also fuelled by comments from
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who acknowledged that the market
is currently in a bubble due to inflated expectations.
Google
Gemini is steadily developing and gradually gaining
consumer support due to its convenient integration
into the company's extensive ecosystem. This aspiration
resonates with investors. It seems that market participants
are seeking to diversify their bets on AI agents,
creating demand for Alphabet shares at the expense
of Microsoft.
September
marks the end of the financial year in the US, and
investors often use August and September to switch
to new trends or restart existing ones. September
is historically the worst month for stock indices,
but it can also be a good entry point during a downturn.
It
is only important to understand whether we are seeing
the start of a trend reversal or a temporary correction.
Signals of this should be sought in MSFT's dynamics.
Technically, with the stock trading at $506, it remains
within a corrective pattern as long as it stays above
the $450–$470 range. The upper bound aligns with
last year's peak and the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement
of the rally from the April lows to the July highs,
while the lower boundary corresponds to the 200-day
moving average. A break below this level would signal
a deeper trend reversal.
GOOG
shares are close to local overbought conditions, as
the RSI on daily timeframes is approaching 75, near
which the shares have experienced local corrections
over the past six years. Therefore, there is a high
chance that both shares will soon experience increased
selling pressure; the only question is how deep this
correction will be. (FxPro)
News
Best
Quotes Of The Day
"An
investment in ones self is always the best bet"
Greg Tingle, Media Man Group
News
Streaming
Entertainment via Grok; X TV Tipped To Eventually
Go Head To Head With YouTube, Netflix, But Will Take
Many Years To Get To That Point; Customers Waiting
To Churn/Switch. Changes Ahead For WBD, HBO, Binge,
Paramount And Many Others - Too Many To List! Media
Man Founder and Subscriber TV Veteran
Streaming
entertainment has transformed how we consume media,
offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, music,
and more directly to our devices. Here's a breakdown
of what's happening in this space as of my last update:
Major
Players:
Netflix:
Known for its original content like "Stranger
Things," "The Crown," and "Squid
Game." They've been pushing into gaming and have
been experimenting with ad-supported models.
Amazon
Prime Video: Comes with Amazon Prime membership. Notable
for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The
Boys," and its integration with shopping and
other Amazon services.
Disney+:
A powerhouse for family entertainment, featuring Marvel,
Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney content. It's
also expanding its library with more adult-oriented
content under the Star banner in some regions.
HBO
Max: Offers premium content like "Game of Thrones,"
"Chernobyl," and a vast library of movies.
It's also known for its DC Universe shows.
Apple
TV+: While newer, it's making waves with high-quality
originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning
Show," and "See."
Peacock
(NBCUniversal): Provides a mix of free and premium
content, including "The Office," WWE, and
original series like "Punky Brewster."
Paramount+:
Combines CBS All Access with content from Paramount,
Nickelodeon, MTV, and more, featuring shows like "Star
Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."
Trends
and Developments:
Original
Content: There's a massive push towards creating exclusive
content to attract subscribers. This includes movies,
series, documentaries, and even live sports.
Global
Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on international
markets, either by offering local content or by making
their service available in more countries.
Bundling:
Companies are bundling their streaming services with
other products. For example, Disney has bundles with
Hulu and ESPN+.
Ad-Supported
Models: To combat rising costs, some platforms like
Netflix have introduced or are considering ad-supported
tiers.
Direct-to-Streaming
Releases: Movies are increasingly bypassing traditional
theatrical releases, going straight to streaming platforms,
especially noted during global health crises.
Quality
Over Quantity: While there's a lot of content, platforms
are also focusing on high-quality, award-winning productions
to stand out.
Interactive
Content: Some platforms are experimenting with interactive
movies or shows where viewers can choose the plot
direction.
Technological
Integration: Enhanced with technologies like 4K, HDR,
Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for audio, providing
a cinematic experience at home.
Challenges:
Content
Saturation: With so many platforms, there's a risk
of content fatigue among viewers.
Churn:
Subscribers frequently switch between services based
on what's currently available, leading to high turnover.
Regulatory
Scrutiny: Issues like market dominance, content licensing,
and privacy are increasingly under regulatory lenses.
Piracy:
Despite advanced measures, piracy remains a challenge,
especially for content not easily accessible in certain
regions.
If
you're interested in a specific aspect of streaming
entertainment or want to know about recent developments
since my last update, feel free to ask! If there's
a particular service or type of content you're curious
about, I can dive deeper into those areas. (Grok)
News
Streaming
TV
Streaming
TV has revolutionized how we consume television content,
offering a vast array of shows, movies, and original
programming through internet-based platforms rather
than traditional cable or satellite TV. Here's a breakdown
of what you might be interested in regarding streaming
TV as of my last update:
Key
Players:
Netflix:
Known for its extensive library, original content
like "Stranger Things," "The Crown,"
and "Squid Game," and a global reach.
Amazon
Prime Video: Comes with an Amazon Prime subscription,
offering shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,"
"The Boys," and movies, plus the integration
with shopping services.
Hulu:
Offers a mix of current TV episodes, a robust library
of older content, and originals like "The Handmaid's
Tale." It's also notable for its live TV option.
Disney+:
Focuses on family-friendly content, including Marvel,
Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Hits include
"The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision."
HBO
Max: Home to HBO's acclaimed series like "Game
of Thrones," "Chernobyl," plus a wide
range of Warner Bros. movies and new originals.
Apple
TV+: While newer, it's gaining traction with high-quality
originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning
Show," and "Foundation."
Peacock:
NBCUniversal's service, offering a mix of free and
premium content, including "The Office,"
"Parks and Recreation," and new originals.
Trends
and Features:
Ad-Supported
vs. Ad-Free: Many services now offer tiers where you
can choose between watching with ads for a lower price
or paying more for an ad-free experience.
Live
TV Streaming: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube
TV, and Sling TV allow streaming of live broadcast
channels, appealing to sports fans and those who still
want traditional TV experiences.
Bundling:
Some platforms offer bundles with internet service
providers or other streaming services to reduce costs.
Original
Content: There's a significant push towards exclusive,
original content to differentiate services, leading
to a golden age of TV with high-quality, diverse programming.
Global
Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on global
markets, offering localized content or subtitles/dubbing
in multiple languages.
Technological
Considerations:
4K
and HDR: Many services now offer content in 4K resolution
and HDR, enhancing viewing quality.
Offline
Viewing: Most services allow downloading content for
offline viewing, which is great for travel or areas
with poor internet.
Smart
TVs and Devices: Streaming is not just for computers
or smartphones anymore; smart TVs, streaming sticks
(like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles
have made streaming accessible on almost any screen.
Challenges:
Content
Fragmentation: With content spread across multiple
services, there's a growing issue of "streaming
fatigue" where consumers feel overwhelmed by
the number of subscriptions needed.
Price
Increases: As content quality and exclusivity rise,
so do subscription costs, leading to discussions about
the cost-effectiveness of streaming vs. traditional
cable.
Piracy:
The fragmentation and cost have somewhat revived piracy
concerns as viewers look for ways to access content
without multiple subscriptions.
If
you're looking for recommendations or have specific
questions about streaming services or shows, feel
free to ask! If there's been a significant update
or new service since my last update, you might want
to check the latest reviews or news for the most current
information. (Grok)
American,
European and Australian Sports News via Grok; Elon
Musk Grok Takes The Sports Fan And Sports News Publisher
Around The Globe In Seconds Ala Virtual News Time
Travel Machine: Media Man
News
Joshua
vs Dubois at Wembley
August
31, 2024
The
upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley
Edition, features a highly anticipated heavyweight
match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, set
for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This fight
is highlighted by Joshua's undefeated record against
British fighters, which he aims to maintain. The event
has been described as potentially historic, with expectations
to break attendance records. Additional tickets have
been released due to high demand, indicating significant
public interest in what is being promoted as an unmissable
event in the boxing calendar. (Grok)
News
Joshua
vs. Dubois Tickets Released
Additional
tickets are now available for the highly anticipated
heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and
Daniel Dubois, scheduled for September 21, 2024, at
Wembley Stadium. This event, part of the Riyadh Season
Card: Wembley Edition, is expected to set an attendance
record with the stadium's capacity increased to 96,000.
The fight is being promoted as a historic occasion,
with significant interest from boxing fans and includes
a special performance by Liam Gallagher. Promotional
efforts by various boxing organizations and figures
have urged fans to secure tickets for what is described
as a potential heavyweight classic. (Grok)
News
Hamilton
Leads FP2 at Italian GP
During
the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Lewis Hamilton of
Mercedes set the fastest lap in the second free practice
session (FP2), followed closely by Lando Norris of
McLaren and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Ferrari demonstrated
strong performance with both cars in the top five.
George Russell, also from Mercedes, faced delays due
to an earlier crash by Andrea Kimi Antonelli but managed
to place sixth. McLaren also showed promising pace
with Norris in second and Piastri in fourth. Red Bull
Racing encountered issues, with Max Verstappen experiencing
a lock-up and the team addressing concerns about top
speed. The session highlighted intense competition
among Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, setting up an
anticipated close qualifying session. Despite his
crash, Antonelli provided valuable data to his team.
(Grok)
News
Antonelli
Crash Halts FP1 at Italian GP
During
the first practice session (FP1) at the Italian Grand
Prix in Monza, rookie driver Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes
experienced a significant crash at the Parabolica
corner, leading to a red flag. Despite initially setting
the fastest lap, Antonelli's session ended prematurely
with his car heavily damaged, though he was reported
to be unharmed. Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
set the fastest time of the session, demonstrating
strong performance. The incident also impacted Antonelli's
teammate George Russell, who had to wait for repairs
before participating in FP2. Other teams like McLaren
and Ferrari also reported on their performances, with
McLaren's drivers in the top five and Ferrari's drivers
finishing second and fourth. (Grok)
News
COTA
Hosts First Hypercar and LMGT3 Practice
The
FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently
hosting the 6 Hours of COTA, also known as Lone Star
Le Mans, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin,
Texas. This event marks the first time Hypercars and
LMGT3 cars are racing together at this track. Notable
participants include teams from Porsche, Toyota Gazoo
Racing, Ferrari, Jota Sport, and Aston Martin. During
the first practice session (FP1), Porsche Penske Motorsport's
#5 car, driven by Matt Campbell, set the fastest lap
time of 1:53.574. The event also introduced specially
equipped safety cars, including a Porsche 911 Turbo
S with lightweight wheels. This race is significant
for its competitive field and its strategic importance
in the championship standings. (Grok)
News
WEC's
Historic Hypercar Race at COTA
The
FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently
hosting the 6 Hours of COTA race at the Circuit of
the Americas in Austin, Texas, marking a significant
event as it features both Hypercars and LMGT3 cars
racing together for the first time at this venue.
Prominent teams like Toyota GAZOO Racing, Porsche
Motorsport, Ferrari Hypercar, and Peugeot Sport are
participating, showcasing new models such as the Peugeot
9X8. The event highlights include experienced drivers
like Andre Lotterer, who is aiming for another podium
finish with an impressive track record at COTA, and
the debut of new car models. Activities during the
practice sessions involved teams adjusting setups,
changing drivers, and adapting to track conditions,
drawing considerable attention to the competitive
spirit of endurance racing. (Grok)
News
Rhea
Ripley Showcases Ink in WWE Tattooed Series
Rhea
Ripley, a prominent WWE wrestler, was featured in
a special segment titled 'WWE Tattooed,' where she
showcased her extensive tattoo collection. This episode
included a photoshoot and discussions about her tattoos,
engaging fans with insights into her personal style
and past rivalries, notably with Charlotte Flair.
Ripley also shared stories about her fans' enthusiasm
for her tattoos, particularly highlighting their reaction
to a recent addition to her scorpion tattoo. The segment
received positive feedback, enhancing Ripley's popularity
within the WWE community. Additionally, Ripley discussed
a time she got a matching tattoo with fellow wrestler
Toni Storm, further personalizing her connection with
fans and colleagues. (Grok)
News
WWE
vs. AEW: Talent Pay Debate
The
professional wrestling industry is currently embroiled
in a debate over wrestler compensation, sparked by
AEW's high-paying contracts to Swerve Strickland and
Daniel Garcia. WWE has criticized these contracts,
suggesting they exceed market value and could inflate
salary expectations industry-wide, potentially harming
the sport. Conversely, many fans and industry figures
support AEW's approach, arguing that wrestlers deserve
higher compensation due to the physical demands of
their job. This perspective sees AEW's strategy as
fostering a competitive market that might lead to
better overall compensation in wrestling. Critics
of WWE's stance argue that their reluctance to match
AEW's offers undervalues talent and could impact WWE's
ability to retain or attract top wrestlers. The discussion
reflects broader issues about wrestler worth, the
economics of wrestling promotions, and the effects
of competition on talent contracts. (Grok)
News
WWE
Criticizes AEW Contracts as Overspending
Professional
wrestlers Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia have
signed lucrative contracts with All Elite Wrestling
(AEW), which WWE views as detrimental to the wrestling
industry, claiming the salaries exceed market value.
This perspective has ignited a debate about compensation
in wrestling. Supporters of higher pay argue that
wrestlers, who endure significant physical tolls,
deserve substantial compensation, akin to athletes
in other major sports. Critics of WWE's stance believe
the company's opposition stems from a reluctance to
increase their own payroll, potentially driven by
profit considerations rather than the welfare of the
performers. The situation underscores broader issues
of pay equity and the impact of competition on industry
standards, with some seeing AEW's strategy as beneficial
for raising overall compensation levels in wrestling.
(Grok)
News
Swerve
Strickland's Lucrative AEW Deal
Swerve
Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW,
placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside
stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné.
This deal has stirred debate within the wrestling
community, particularly from WWE, which considers
the contract to exceed the perceived market value
significantly. Critics from WWE argue that such high
compensation could inflate industry salary expectations,
potentially forcing WWE to increase its own wrestlers'
pay. However, supporters of the deal highlight the
physical demands and lack of off-season in wrestling,
suggesting that wrestlers deserve substantial compensation.
This situation underscores broader issues regarding
talent compensation, market value assessments, and
the competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE in the
professional wrestling landscape. (Grok)
News
Swerve's
AEW Deal: Highest in Pro Wrestling
Swerve
Strickland has recently signed a lucrative contract
with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), reportedly placing
him among the highest-paid wrestlers in the industry,
comparable to stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes
Moné. This deal, extending through September
2029, has drawn criticism from WWE officials, who
argue that the financial terms are excessively high
and could set an unsustainable precedent for wrestler
salaries. Despite WWE's contention that Strickland's
market value does not justify such compensation, many
fans and industry observers believe his performances
and popularity warrant his high salary. Additionally,
WWE's critique coincides with their unsuccessful attempts
to reacquire Strickland and recruit other talents
like Daniel Garcia, who chose to remain with AEW.
This situation highlights a competitive landscape
where wrestler contracts are becoming more financially
rewarding. (Grok)
News
Strickland's
AEW Deal Stirs Market Controversy
Swerve
Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW,
placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside
stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné.
This deal has sparked controversy within the wrestling
industry, particularly from WWE, who argue that such
high compensation sets an unsustainable market value
for wrestlers. Critics suggest WWE's stance might
stem from their own financial interests, particularly
after releasing Strickland only to see him succeed
elsewhere. Supporters of high-value contracts highlight
the physical toll on wrestlers and argue they deserve
substantial pay. This situation underscores ongoing
debates about wrestler compensation, market dynamics,
and the competitive landscape between WWE and AEW.
(Grok)
News
Jon
Jones Defiant on Aspinall Fight
Jon
Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, has publicly
expressed confidence in defeating Tom Aspinall, the
interim champion, but has chosen to fight Stipe Miocic
instead. This decision has sparked debates about Jones's
legacy and his avoidance of Aspinall, with critics
arguing that Jones should defend his title against
the interim champion who has actively defended his
belt. Jones, however, insists that his legacy is secure
regardless of the fight outcome, highlighting his
long-term dominance in the sport. Discussions also
touch on Jones's past, including his performances
and controversies like failed drug tests, questioning
whether his refusal to fight Aspinall might affect
his reputation or if his established record justifies
his choices. (Grok)
News
McAfee
Donates $1M to WVU NIL Collective
Pat
McAfee, a former NFL player and West Virginia University
alumnus, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown,
West Virginia, creating significant local excitement.
The event was so anticipated that local schools closed
due to expected traffic congestion, and a large crowd
gathered. During the show, McAfee announced a $1 million
donation to West Virginia's Name, Image, and Likeness
(NIL) collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support
student-athletes. The event featured appearances by
notable figures including Nick Saban and highlighted
the enthusiasm of WVU fans, particularly for quarterback
Garrett Greene. This live show not only boosted local
spirit but also emphasized McAfee's ongoing influence
and connection to his alma mater. (Grok)
News
McAfee
Hosts Massive WVU Live Show
Pat
McAfee, a former NFL kicker and West Virginia University
alum, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown,
creating significant local excitement. The event was
so anticipated that local schools closed due to expected
traffic congestion. McAfee's show attracted a crowd
reportedly larger than those seen at major college
football events like College GameDay. During the broadcast,
McAfee announced a $1 million donation to West Virginia's
NIL collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support
student-athletes. The event featured appearances by
notable figures including Nick Saban, who discussed
the challenges West Virginia faces in their upcoming
game against Penn State. The atmosphere in Morgantown
was described as electric, reflecting high expectations
for the football season opener. (Grok)
News
College
Football Season Kickoff
The
2024 College Football Season is kicking off with significant
attention on several fronts:
New
Kickoff Rule: College football is studying the new
NFL kickoff rule during the 2024 season, aiming to
make the play safer while maintaining its excitement.
This rule, inspired by the XFL, adjusts where players
line up and when they can move, promoting more returns
but with reduced high-speed collisions.
Marquee
Matchups: The season starts with several high-profile
games. Notably, LSU faces USC in the Vegas Kickoff
Classic on September 1, a game that's drawing considerable
betting interest. Other early games include Georgia
vs. Clemson and Florida vs. Miami, setting the stage
for what's expected to be a competitive season.
Team
Preparations and Expectations:
Penn
State is entering the season with new coordinators
and high hopes for making the College Football Playoff,
focusing on the progression in their quarterback room.
Michigan
State under new leadership with head coach Jonathan
Smith, looks to redefine its play.
Colorado,
led by Deion Sanders, has already begun its season
against North Dakota State, unveiling new uniforms
and showcasing key players like Travis Hunter.
Player
Spotlight:
Players
like Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are on the watch for
breaking records, with expectations high for quarterbacks
returning from injuries like Cam Rising of Utah and
Riley Leonard, now at Notre Dame.
Game
Day Insights: From X posts, there's a buzz about the
start of the season with live updates, game previews,
and fan reactions, indicating high excitement and
engagement from the community.
Cultural
Impact and Media: The season's kickoff is not just
about the games but also the cultural phenomenon,
with extensive media coverage, fan events in places
like Las Vegas, and discussions around team strategies,
player health, and the future of college football
formats.
This
season promises to be intriguing with new rules, team
dynamics, and the ever-present quest for the College
Football Playoff, capturing the attention of fans
and bettors alike as teams and players aim to make
their mark. (Grok)
News
Sea
Eagles Triumph Over Bulldogs
The
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles achieved a significant
victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with
a final score of 34-22 at Accor Stadium. This win
marked Manly's 10th victory in their last 11 encounters
against the Bulldogs. The match was notable for Manly's
strong performance, highlighted by plays from Haumole
Olakau'atu and a late try by Mahoney, despite a concerning
injury to Tom Trbojevic who left the field with a
bleeding right arm. Bulldogs fans and players, while
disappointed, remain optimistic, pointing to their
team's overall successful season and their standing
in the finals. Discussions following the game focused
on player performances, the impact of the result on
team standings, and strategies moving forward in the
NRL season. (Grok)
News
Bulldogs
Slip, Sea Eagles Soar
The
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs suffered a significant
loss against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the
NRL, with the final score at 34-22 favoring Manly.
This match was pivotal as it highlighted various aspects
of both teams' performances and strategies. Manly's
victory was marked by strong individual performances,
notably by Haumole Olakau'atu, and strategic plays
that capitalized on controversial referee decisions,
including a non-enforced sin bin for Manly's Tom Trbojevic.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, faced challenges
including fatigue from extensive travel and a reshuffled
backline, which might have contributed to their subpar
performance. Despite the loss, Bulldogs' fans and
commentators remained optimistic, viewing the game
as a learning opportunity and a chance for the team
to regroup. Manly's win has significant implications
for their pursuit of a home final, while the Bulldogs'
chances of securing a top-four position were impacted.(Grok)
News
All-Australian
Team 2024 Selection Controversy
The
2024 AFL All-Australian team selection has ignited
significant debate among fans and analysts, focusing
on the criteria and composition of the team. Traditionally
comprising 22 players, this year's selection faced
scrutiny for its inclusion of players from underperforming
teams like the West Coast Eagles, and the exclusion
of others who had standout seasons. Critics argued
over the balance between positional requirements and
individual merit, suggesting a shift towards selecting
purely the best 22 players regardless of their position.
Notable controversies included the omission of players
like Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley, while players
like Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli were celebrated
for their performances, with Daicos being named the
AFL Coaches Association Champion Player. The selection
process was criticized for potential biases, prompting
discussions on how the All-Australian team could better
reflect the season's top performers. Despite the controversies,
the team's announcement highlighted achievements like
Ollie Dempsey winning the Rising Star award and Marcus
Bontempelli receiving the Leigh Matthews Trophy for
the Most Valuable Player. (Grok)
Media
Man
News
Streaming
Movies Top 10 (North America)
August
27, 2024
1.
Furiosa (Max)
2.
The Union (Netflix)
3.
Jackpot (Prime Video)
4.
The Instigators (Apple TV+)
5.
Alien (Hulu)
6.
The Bikeriders (Peacock)
7.
Immaculate (Hulu)
8.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)
9.
Alien: Covenant (Hulu)
10.
Twister (Max)
News
Top
10 Streaming TV (North America)
August
27, 2024
1.
Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)
2.
The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
3.
Industry (Max)
4.
The Bear (Hulu)
5.
From (Prime Video)
6.
Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
7.
Emily in Paris (Netflix)
8.
Time Bandits (Apple TV+)
9.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)
10.
Evil (Paramount+)
Media
Man
Sports,
Combat Sports; Grok Continues To Assist Media And
Online Media Firms At The Speed Of News; Nears 99
Percent Accuracy - Media Man Group
August
22, 2024
News
Cena
Declares Reigns as WWE GOAT
John
Cena has publicly declared Roman Reigns as the greatest
of all time (GOAT) in professional wrestling, attributing
the significant rise in WWE/TKO stock value during
Reigns' tenure as evidence. This statement has ignited
a debate among wrestling fans and enthusiasts. Some
fans agree with Cena, highlighting Reigns' current
dominance and his impact on WWE's financial success.
However, others argue that while Reigns is exceptional,
he does not surpass historical figures like The Rock,
Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even Cena himself in terms
of overall influence and legacy. The discussion reflects
a generational shift in wrestling's GOAT debate, with
newer fans potentially viewing Reigns differently
than veterans who recall the era of The Rock and Austin.
(Grok)
News
Danielson
Declares Wrestling Supremacy
During
a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson
confidently declared himself the best wrestler in
the world, a claim he has upheld for the past 20 years.
This statement was a focal point of the episode, drawing
significant attention and support from fans and commentators.
Danielson's promo not only showcased his confidence
but also set the stage for his upcoming match at AEW's
All In event, where he is expected to challenge for
the AEW World Title. The episode also featured other
matches, but Danielson's proclamation and the crowd's
enthusiastic response highlighted the high stakes
and anticipation for the future event. (Grok)
News
Danielson
Claims Best Wrestler Title
The
latest episode of AEW Dynamite, which aired on August
21, 2024, from Cardiff, was a pivotal go-home show
leading up to the AEW All In event at Wembley Stadium.
The episode was marked by high energy from both the
performers and the audience. Bryan Danielson made
a bold claim, declaring himself the best wrestler
in the world, a statement that was met with significant
fan and commentator support. The show featured strong
promos from key figures like Britt Baker, Mercedes,
MJF, and Will Ospreay, all contributing to the anticipation
for All In. AEW President Tony Khan expressed his
gratitude for the audience's support, highlighting
the show's importance in setting the stage for the
upcoming major event. The episode was widely praised
for its wrestling quality and storytelling, effectively
building momentum towards AEW All In. (Grok)
News
UFC
Vegas 96 Betting Highlights
Ahead
of UFC Vegas 96, fans and analysts are actively discussing
predictions and betting strategies for the event.
Key points include Jared Cannonier being seen as a
value bet despite his underdog status against Caio
Borralho, and the addition of a last-minute fight
between Zygimantas Ramaska and Fletcher. Discussions
are centered around potential outcomes, with some
focusing on specific bets like Llontop at +186 odds.
The main event features Edmen Shahbazyan, with speculation
on whether he will secure another finish. The community
is engaging with detailed fight breakdowns, betting
tips, and varied predictions, reflecting a mix of
professional analysis and casual fan insights. (Grok)
News
Beterbiev
vs. Bivol Set for Boxing Showdown
The
upcoming boxing event on October 12th features a much-anticipated
match between Dmitry Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, widely
considered one of the top fights in recent boxing
schedules. Beterbiev, known for his knockout streak,
will face Bivol, who is recognized for his technical
boxing skills. Predictions for the fight are split,
with some believing Bivol's skill might lead to Beterbiev's
corner stopping the fight, while others anticipate
Beterbiev's aggressive style could overpower Bivol.
This event has sparked significant discussion among
fans and analysts about the potential outcomes. Additionally,
there was a notable fight on ProBox TV between Jarrett
Hurd and Jeison Rosario, which ended controversially
in the second round, aimed at keeping the fighters
relevant in their divisions. (Grok)
News
One
Month to Joshua-Dubois Showdown
The
upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley
Edition, is scheduled for September 21 at Wembley
Stadium, UK, featuring a headline fight between Anthony
Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight
Crown. This event has generated significant anticipation
among boxing fans, with tickets available through
various platforms. Prominent figures in the boxing
community, including Turki Alalshikh, have actively
promoted the event, highlighting its importance in
the boxing calendar. Discussions around the event
include the potential for an upset, with some backing
Dubois to defeat Joshua. The event is part of a broader
series of boxing matches, marking a notable moment
for fans of the sport. (Grok)
News
BKFC
The
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American
bare-knuckle boxing promotion that has become quite
popular since its inception in April 2018. Here's
what you need to know based on the latest information:
Events
and Schedule: BKFC has upcoming events including BKFC
65 FEREA VS MASSON-WONG on September 6, 2024, and
BKFC 66 BLAS VS REBER on September 13, 2024. They're
also expanding internationally with BKFC SPAIN set
for October 12, 2024.
Regulation
and Structure: BKFC is the first promotion allowed
to hold legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle
events in the U.S. since 1889. Fighters are allowed
to wrap and tape their wrists, thumbs, and mid-hand,
but no gauze or tape can cover the knuckles within
1 inch.
Fighter
Rankings: BKFC employs a ranking system where champions
and interim champions automatically hold the top spots
in their respective weight classes.
Fighters
inactive for over 12 months are dropped from the rankings.
Media
and Accessibility: BKFC has an official app where
fans can watch live events, past fights, and access
fighter profiles for a subscription fee. This indicates
their push towards digital media for broader accessibility.
Public
Sentiment and Coverage: From posts on X, there doesn't
seem to be any direct discussion or updates specifically
about BKFC's latest events or fighter news, but the
platform's nature means there could be discussions
or updates in various threads or posts that might
not be directly linked to BKFC but could discuss related
topics like combat sports trends or fighter performances.
Critical
Examination: While BKFC has brought back the historical
aspect of bare knuckle fighting, the sport's resurgence
also sparks discussions on safety, the spectacle of
violence, and its appeal in modern combat sports culture.
Critics might argue about the ethics of promoting
a sport where the lack of gloves could lead to more
severe injuries, while fans and participants might
highlight the raw, unfiltered nature of the competition
as its primary draw.
Remember,
while X posts can give insights into public sentiment
or real-time reactions, they're not always factual
or comprehensive sources for event-specific updates
or official news. For the most accurate and current
information on BKFC, checking directly with their
official website or app would be advisable. (Grok)
News
Josh
Barnett's Bloodsport
Josh
Barnett's Bloodsport is a series of professional wrestling
events that blend elements of mixed martial arts (MMA)
with traditional pro wrestling, focusing on a more
realistic and hard-hitting style. Here's what's been
happening recently around this event:
Event
Details: The latest Bloodsport event, Bloodsport XI,
took place on July 28, 2024, at Roulette Intermedium
in Brooklyn, New York. This event featured a mix of
well-known names from both wrestling and MMA backgrounds,
showcasing matches that end by knockout, submission,
or referee stoppage, reflecting the event's ethos
of minimal rules.
Notable
Matches and Results:
Heddi
Karaoui defeated Brian Johnson in what was likely
an opening match, setting the tone for the event.
Julius
Creed from WWE had a victory over Matt Makowski, highlighting
WWE talent's participation in the event.
Masha
Slamovich won against Jody Threat, another match that
ended with a referee stoppage.
Royce
Isaacs managed to defeat Charlie Dempsey, which was
surprising given Dempsey's WWE background.
Brutus
Creed also from WWE, defeated "Filthy" Tom
Lawlor, another notable match where WWE talent was
showcased.
Homicide
won against Mike Santana, showing a mix of TNA and
indie wrestling talent.
Josh
Barnett himself competed, defeating Bad Dude Tito
by knockout, which is in line with the event's theme
of showcasing real combat skills.
MVP's
Confrontation: Post-event discussions highlighted
a confrontation between MVP and Josh Barnett, where
MVP challenged Barnett to a future fight, indicating
a potential storyline or match setup for future events.
International
Expansion: Josh Barnett has taken Bloodsport international
with Bloodsport Bushido in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22,
2024, at Ryogoku Kokugikan, featuring names like Minoru
Suzuki, which underscores the event's global appeal
and its blend of wrestling cultures.
Fan
and Media Reaction: The event has been praised for
its unique approach to wrestling, bringing in fans
from both the wrestling and MMA communities. The inclusion
of WWE talent in Bloodsport events has been a point
of interest, suggesting a crossover appeal that might
attract a broader audience or serve as a platform
for WWE stars to show a different side of their wrestling
skills.
This
series continues to push the boundaries of what's
expected in professional wrestling, focusing on a
more grounded, combat sports approach, which appeals
to fans looking for something different from the usual
scripted wrestling fare. (Grok)
News
Bloodsport
The
Sport: In a broader context, "bloodsport"
refers to any sport or entertainment that involves
bloodshed, often to the death or serious injury of
animals or humans. This can include:
Historical
Context: Events like gladiatorial combat in ancient
Rome or medieval jousting.
Modern
Interpretations: Some might consider extreme fighting
sports like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or underground
fight clubs as modern forms of bloodsport, though
these are highly regulated to prevent serious injury
or death.
Cultural
Impact: The term "bloodsport" has also been
used metaphorically to describe any highly competitive
or ruthless activity, not necessarily involving physical
combat, where participants might be seen as fighting
for survival or dominance.
If
you're referring to something specific about "Bloodsport,"
like a sequel, a remake, or a particular scene, let
me know! (Grok)
News
Pay-Per-View
(PPV)
Pay-Per-View
(PPV) is a television distribution model where viewers
pay to watch specific events or programs, typically
on a one-time basis. Here's a deeper look into how
it functions:
Business
Model:
Revenue: PPV events generate revenue directly from
viewers, which can be particularly lucrative for high-demand
content like major sporting events, boxing matches,
concerts, or exclusive movie premieres.
Cost:
The price for viewing can vary widely, depending on
the event's popularity, exclusivity, and the platform
offering it.
Content
Types:
Sports: Boxing, UFC, WWE wrestling, and major sports
finals like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals are often
broadcast via PPV.
Entertainment:
Special concerts, stand-up comedy shows, or exclusive
movie releases might also be offered through PPV.
Special
Events: Weddings of celebrities, royal events, or
unique live performances.
Distribution:
Cable and Satellite TV: Traditionally, PPV was offered
through cable or satellite TV providers where viewers
would call in or use their remote to order the event.
Streaming Services: With the rise of digital platforms,
PPV has evolved. Services like Amazon Prime Video,
YouTube, and various sports streaming platforms now
offer PPV events online.
Advantages:
Exclusivity: Viewers get access to content that might
not be available through regular broadcasting.
Revenue for Content Creators: PPV allows for direct
monetization of content, which can be beneficial for
artists, athletes, or event organizers.
Challenges:
Piracy: High-profile PPV events are often targets
for illegal streaming, which can cut into profits.
Market Saturation: With many events going PPV, there's
a risk of viewer fatigue or competition for viewership.
Future
Trends:
Integration with Subscription Models: Some platforms
offer PPV within a broader subscription service, providing
additional revenue streams.
Virtual
Reality (VR): There's potential for PPV to expand
into VR, offering immersive experiences for events.
If
you're interested in a specific aspect of PPV, like
its history, how to set up a PPV event, or its impact
on media consumption, feel free to ask! (Grok)
News
TKO
Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) represents a significant
merger in the sports and entertainment industry, combining
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) and the
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under one corporate
umbrella. Here's a detailed overview based on the
latest information:
Formation
and Ownership: TKO Group Holdings was formed by Endeavor
Group Holdings as part of a merger between WWE and
Zuffa, the parent company of UFC. This merger was
completed on September 12, 2023, marking a historic
moment as it was the first time WWE was not solely
owned by the McMahon family, who had founded and owned
it for over 70 years. Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE: EDR) is the majority owner of TKO, with Vince
McMahon personally owning approximately one-third
of the Class A Common Stock of TKO Group Holdings,
Inc.
Business
Structure: Both WWE and UFC operate as divisions under
TKO, maintaining their individual branding and operations
but now under the same corporate governance. This
structure aims to leverage combined resources for
global expansion and cost savings, with an estimated
value of more than $21 billion at the time of the
merger.
Financial
Performance: Recent financial data indicates TKO's
stock price at around $119.78, with significant fluctuations
in its financial metrics year-over-year. For instance,
net income saw a decrease, while cash from operations
increased dramatically, showcasing a mixed bag of
financial health but with a strong operational cash
flow.
Strategic
Moves and Market Impact: The merger has led to various
strategic decisions, including cost-saving measures,
with expectations of saving between $50 million to
$100 million. Additionally, WWE's deal with Netflix
for content distribution was highlighted as transformative,
indicating TKO's approach to expanding its media presence.
Board
and Leadership: The board of TKO Group Holdings includes
notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson,
who joined to help expand the business globally, alongside
other industry leaders from both WWE and UFC backgrounds.
This diverse board aims to steer the company towards
further integration and growth in the entertainment
sector.
Public
Sentiment and Media Coverage: From posts on X, there's
a mix of excitement about the merger's potential for
growth and concerns over the implications for WWE's
traditional ownership structure. The listing on the
NYSE and the involvement of high-profile figures like
Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon have been points of
discussion, reflecting both optimism for the future
of combat sports and entertainment and skepticism
regarding the cultural shift within WWE.
Stock
Performance: TKO's stock experienced a significant
rise after reporting a strong second-quarter earnings
report, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous
year's quarter, indicating investor confidence in
the company's direction under the new structure.
This
merger not only reshapes the landscape of sports entertainment
but also positions TKO Group Holdings as a major player
in the global entertainment industry, with ambitions
to expand its reach and influence through combined
resources and strategic partnerships.
News
Verstappen's
Trophy or Bust
Formula
1 is set to resume with the Dutch Grand Prix this
weekend, generating excitement among fans, particularly
for Max Verstappen who has a perfect record at this
event since its return to the calendar in 2021. Discussions
are centered around Verstappen's potential to win
again, with fans expressing high expectations and
some playful skepticism about others' interest in
the sport. Meanwhile, there have been significant
team changes; Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer,
Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, has been promoted to Head
of Race Engineering at Mercedes, ending speculation
about his move to Ferrari with Hamilton. This news
has stirred reactions among fans and within the F1
community, highlighting the dynamic shifts in team
structures and driver-engineer relationships. (Grok)
News
Ronaldo
Breaks YouTube Subscriber Record
Cristiano
Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel and within less
than 24 hours, he amassed over 14 million subscribers,
breaking the previous record held by Mr. Beast who
took 132 days to reach 10 million subscribers. Ronaldo's
channel not only set a new benchmark for the fastest
growth in subscribers but also highlighted his immense
global popularity, with his first video garnering
millions of views shortly after its release. This
achievement was celebrated by fans and commentators
alike, noting Ronaldo's unparalleled influence both
on and off the football pitch. (Grok)
Media
Man Int: Editor
The
Grok reference for TKO Group is not 99 or 100 percent.
A number of references are 6 to over 12 months out
of date. The information regarding TKO Group is published
as is, just as Grok AI directs us. This editor post
may potentially assist Grok to further improve its
otherwise excellent service, in the view of Media
Man Group management. Media Man Int/Media Man Group
management/staff finds Grok A.I to be overall much
superior than that of the general A.I offerings of
the industry and believes that under Elon Musk management
and direction that the sky's the limit! Combat sports
on Mars anyone?! Grok/X Championship Of The World!
Movie
Box Office (North America)
August
18, 2024
1.
Alien: Romulus - $41.5m
2.
Deadpool & Wolverine - $29m
3.
It Ends with Us - $24m
4.
Twisters - $9.8m
5.
Coraline - $8.4m
6.
Despicable Me 4 - $6m
7.
Trap - $3.4m
8.
Inside Out 2 - $3.2m
9.
Stree 2 - $2.6m
10.
Borderlands - $2.4m
others...
Harold
and the Purple Crayon
Cuckoo
Longlegs
The
Firing Squad
A
Quiet Place: Day One
Bad
Boys: Ride or Die
The
Fabulous Four
Fly
Me to the Moon
Raayan
Bad
Newz
MaXXXine
The
Bikeriders
Sound
of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Horizon:
An American Saga
The
Lion King
Kalki
2898 AD
Kinds
of Kindness
The
Garfield Movie
Kingdom
of the Planet of the Apes
Jatt
& Juliet 3
Blue
Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi
Daddio
Janet
Planet
The
Watchers
IF
The
Exorcism
Thelma
GHOST
Rite Here Rite Now
Furiosa:
A Mad Max Story
The
Fall Guy
The
Strangers: Chapter 1
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Haikyuu!!
The Dumpster Battle
In
a Violent Nature
Ezra
Sight
*
Correct at time of publication
Pop
Culture/Streaming Entertainment
Top
10 Movies Streaming (United States)
August
20, 2024
Top
10 movies
1.
The Instigators (Apple TV+)
2.
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)
3.
The Bikeriders (Peacock)
4.
Deadpool 2 (Disney+)
5.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)
6.
Twister (Max)
7.
Challengers (MGM+)
8.
If (Paramount+)
9.
Deadpool (Disney+)
10.
Wicked Little Letters (Netflix)
Pop
Culture/Streaming Entertainment
Top
10 Streaming TV (United States)
1.
The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
2.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)
3.
Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
4.
House of the Dragon (Max)
5.
Industry (Max)
6.
Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)
7.
Time Bandits (Apple TV+)
8.
The Bear (Hulu)
9.
Evil (Paramount+)
10.
Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)
Movie
Box Office (North America)
August
4, 2024
1.
Deadpool & Wolverine - $97m
2.
Twisters - $22.7m
3.
Trap - $15.6m
4.
Despicable Me 4 - $11.3
5.
Inside Out 2 - $6.7m
6.
Harold and the Purple Crayon - $6m
7.
Longlegs - $4.1m
8.
The Firing Squad - $1.6m
9.
A Quiet Place: Day One - $1.4m
10.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $601,000
others...
The
Fabulous Four
Fly
Me to the Moon
Raayan
Bad
Newz
MaXXXine
The
Bikeriders
Sound
of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Horizon:
An American Saga
The
Lion King
Kalki
2898 AD
Kinds
of Kindness
The
Garfield Movie
Kingdom
of the Planet of the Apes
Jatt
& Juliet 3
Blue
Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi
Daddio
Janet
Planet
The
Watchers
IF
The
Exorcism
Thelma
GHOST
Rite Here Rite Now
Furiosa:
A Mad Max Story
The
Fall Guy
The
Strangers: Chapter 1
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Haikyuu!!
The Dumpster Battle
In
a Violent Nature
Ezra
Sight
*
Correct at time of publication
News
Box
office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year
(References:
Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The
Hollywood Reporter)
SEO
And X Buzz For Pop Culture
Pro
Wrestling And Pop Culture Connection
SEO
And X Buzz For Pop Culture
Combat
Sports and Contact Sports Connection
News
Bytes via Media Man
In
Case You Missed It; Updated July 18, 2024
UFC
Partners With Crown Resorts (Melbourne, Australia)
UFC
Teams Up With PCYC (Sydney, Australia), as per tip
off 6 months ago
UFC
Explored Venue Deal With Manly Warringah Leagues Club
(Sea Eagles). Brookville, Sydney, Australia
WWE
prepares for show In Germany and Canada; Japan this
past week huge success
WWE
stars including Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley and Rey Mysterio
appear on Call Of Duty videogame upgrade
WWE
NXT ratings up; TNA Wrestling helped keep positive
momentum. TNA's Joe Hendry creates additional buzz,
web and social media traffic for NXT. Continues to
increase pro wrestling skills, technical etc, Fan
signs start to appear on prime WWE brands Raw and
SmackDown. NXT's Booker T stirs the pop with Joe Hendry:
"What's he doing here"?!
Pro
wrestling "forbidden door" strategy helps
ignite fan and sports media interest; Fresh dream
matches! AEW did start the recent ripple effect!
UFC
303 in Las Vegas over-delivers as management and fighters
demonstrate teamwork and massive work ethic
UFC's
Dana White X tie ins with Conor McGregor and Michael
Chandler indicate that the match will happen this
year to fans delight.
UFC
staying clear of political drama says Media Man agency;
Of course they respect the fight and "fight fight
fight" in Trump's will and ability to survive
just about anything than a sometimes crazy world can
throw at him; "American Bad *ss" - Dana
White
Bare
Knuckle Fighting Championship enjoys additional media
buzz since Conor McGregor deal announced; Website
traffic and PPV numbers on the rise - intel
WWE
Raw broadcast deal on track with Netflix including
in Australia - Jan 2025
Most
Valuable Promotions: Jake Paul received alternative
fight proposals from would be opponents to replace
Mike Tyson. Vs Tyson confirmed for November 15 in
Texas
Jake
Paul vs Mike Perry in 8-round boxing match on July
21 AEST in Tampa, Florida.
WWE
SummerSlam: August 3, 2024. Cleveland, Ohio.
Priest vs Gunther
Rhodes vs Sikoa
Bayley vs Jax
Morgan vs Ripley
Some surprises fully expected! No spoilers!
WWE
RAW: This past Raw Big Bronson Reed vs Sheamus help
spike X numbers and promotion for 'Twisters' movie;
Announcers Michael Cole and Pat McAfee send wrestling
media into positive spiral! Whips up X tsunami and
storm of movie interest and buzz. 'Twisters' via Univeral
Pictures. US release: July 19, 2024
CBD,
Canna, alternative health b2b deals prevent in combat
sports sector. Carma prevalent brand with Mike Tyson,
Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan...
CBD:
Matt Riddle, RVD and Sean Morley also prominent figures
with other brands, dispensaries and outlets
Pro
wrestling and MMA promotions become more educated
about benefits of SEO for websites to drive extra
quality traffic, buzz. Helps sell more tickets, merch
and grab additional balanced and positive news media
coverage
Australian
boxing gym exploring potential documentary; Australian,
Russian and U.S connection. Stay tuned!
Josh
Barnett's Bloodspot aka Bloodsport Bushido big hit
with fans and combat sports media in Japan. Ryogoku,
Kokugikan, Tokyo - June 22, 2024. Game Changer Wrestling
next big event: GCW Bloodsport XI - July 28, 2024.
Roulette Intermedium. Brooklyn, New York
Australian
based sports agency receives additional government
backed support; Need to know basis! More selective
of brand partners, affiliates and associates. Under
the watercooler!
TMZ
Sports becomes even more active in pro wrestling,
MMA and boxing coverage
ESPN's
Pat McAfee of The Pat McAfee Show as broadcast on
globally via ESPN, YouTube and socials, continues
to ruffle some ESPN top brass feathers and PM's fanbase
loves it; Sports Wars YouTube show generates even
additional buzz. UFC's Dana White appears on Pat McAfree
show and offers pro Trump comments and support.
Additional
details to follow.
Media/Entertainment:
Australia
TV
Week Logie Awards 2024
Winners
Gold
Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian
Television - Larry Emdur
Best
Drama Program - RFDS, Seven Network
Best
News or Public Affairs Presenter - Ally Langon, A
Current Affair, Nine Network
Best
Comedy Entertainment Program - Have You Been Paying
Attention?, Network Ten
Best
Lead Actor in a Drama - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows
Universe, Netflix
Beat
Scripted Comedy Program - Utopia, ABC
Best
Current Affairs Program - Australian Story, ABC
Best
Lead Actress in a Drama - Deborah Mailman, Total Control,
ABC
Best
Sports Coverage - FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Seven
Network
Best
Competition Reality Program - MasterChef Australia,
Network 10
Best
Factual or Documentary Program - John Farnham: Finding
The Voice, Seven Network
Best
Miniseries or Telemovie - Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix
Best
News Coverage or Public Affairs Report - Ben Roberts-Smith:
The Truth, 60 Minutes, Nine Network
Best
Structured Program - Gogglebox Australia, Foxtel and
Network 10
Best
Lifestyle Program - Travel Guides, Nine Network
Bert
Newtown Award for Most Popular Presenter - Larry Emdur,
The Chase Australia and The Morning Show, Seven Network
Best
Supporting Actor - Bryan Brown, Boy Swallows Universe
Best
Lead Actor in a Comedy - Rob Sitch, Utopia, ABC
Graham
Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent - Felix
Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix
Best
Supporting Actress - Sophie Wilde, Boy Swallows Universe,
Netflix
Best
Children's Program - Bluey, ABC
Best
Entertainment Program - The Voice Australia, Seven
Network
Best
Lead Actress in a Comedy - Kitty Flanagan, Utopia,
ABC
Pop
Culture/Streaming Entertainment
Top
10 Movies Streaming (United States)
1.
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)
2.
Deadpool 2 (Disney+)
3.
Twister (Max)
4.
Deadpool (Disney+)
5.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)
6.
Tarot (Netflix)
7.
If (Paramount+)
8.
Wicked Little Letters (Netflix)
9.
Challengers (MGM+)
10.
Abigail (Peacock)
Others
The
Beekeeper (Prime Video)
Find
Me Falling (Netflix)
My
Spy: The Eternal City (Netflix)
*correct
at time of publication
Streaming
TV (United States)
Top
10 TV
1.
House of the Dragon (Max)
2.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)
3.
Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
4.
Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)
5.
Time Bandits (Apple TV+)
6.
The Decameron (Netflix)
7.
The Bear (Hulu)
8.
The Boys (Prime Video)
9.
Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)
10.
Evil (Paramount+)
Streaming
Service
An
online provider of entertainment (music, movies, multi-episode
series, etc.) that delivers content over an Internet
connection to the subscriber's computer, TV or mobile
device.
Netflix,
Amazon Prime, Binge (Australia), Kayo Sports (Australia),
Hulu, HBO, Disney, ESPN Plus, Gaia, Passionflix, Spotify,
Discovery, Peacock, Paramount Plus, Triller TV, UFC
Fight Pass, WWE Network and Apple TV+ are examples
of paid streaming services.
Examples
of free services include Amazon ABC iView, Freedive,
Free TV, Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Snagfilms,
Sony Crackle, SBS On Demand, Tubi TV, VUDU and Xumo.
Sports
News Update
X's
Grok Helps Keep Online Publishers, Newsrooms Up To
Speed; Media Man
August
2, 2024
News
U.F.C.
Abu Dhabi Fight Card
The
UFC event in Abu Dhabi on August 3rd, 2024, is generating
significant discussion among fans and analysts. The
main event features Umar Nurmagomedov against Cory
Sandhagen, with Nurmagomedov being favored by many.
The card includes other notable fighters like Deiveson
Figueiredo, Marlon Vera, and Shara. Predictions and
betting odds are being shared across social media,
and Khabib Nurmagomedov is expected to be in Umar's
corner. The event is free to watch on ABC Network,
further enhancing its accessibility and viewership.
Tony Ferguson has expressed his desire to continue
fighting in the UFC, while other fighters like Figueiredo
and Vera are also generating interest among fans.
The event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent
and competition in the world of mixed martial arts.
(Grok)
News
UFC
Abu Dhabi Event
The
upcoming UFC event in Abu Dhabi on August 2, 2024,
is generating significant buzz, featuring a main event
between undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen.
The event is free to watch on ABC Network and includes
notable fighters such as Deiveson Figueiredo and Marlon
Vera. The card also features Tony Ferguson, who has
expressed his desire to continue fighting in the UFC.
The event is anticipated to be a major one, with Khabib
Nurmagomedov expected to be in Umar's corner. Betting
predictions and discussions are prevalent across social
media platforms, with various analysts and fans sharing
their insights and picks for the fights.
News
Survivor
Series: WarGames in Vancouver
WWE
has announced that Survivor Series 2024 will be held
in Vancouver, Canada, marking the first WWE pay-per-view
event in the city since 1998. The event, featuring
the WarGames match format, is scheduled for November
30 at Rogers Arena. This decision has sparked excitement
among wrestling fans and local residents, with many
expressing enthusiasm about attending the event in
Vancouver. (Grok)
News
SummerSlam
Predictions and Anticipation
WWE
SummerSlam 2024 is generating significant anticipation
among fans, with many expressing excitement and making
predictions about the outcomes of various matches.
Key discussions revolve around potential returns of
prominent wrestlers such as Roman Reigns and The Rock,
as well as the outcomes of matches like Cody Rhodes
vs. Solo Sikoa and Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley. The
event is set to feature a variety of matches that
fans are eagerly awaiting, including those involving
LA Knight, Logan Paul, and Gunther. The overall sentiment
is one of excitement and speculation, with fans looking
forward to a thrilling event. (Grok)
News
Rampage
Debuts for MxM & Private Party on AEW
All
Elite Wrestling (AEW) is gearing up for an exciting
lineup of events, including the highly anticipated
All In event scheduled for August 25, 2024. The event
is generating significant buzz among fans and is anticipated
to surpass the success of the previous year's event.
The card for All In features high-stakes matches such
as Bryan Danielson putting his career on the line
against Swerve, MJF facing Will Ospreay, and a tag
team grudge match involving Darby Allin, FTR, and
ROH Champion Sussex Co. Chicken against formidable
opponents. AEW is also promoting other shows like
AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, which feature matches
like Hangman Page vs. Darby Allin and MxM Collection's
debut against Private Party, respectively. The promotion
is leveraging various platforms and media to engage
with fans and build anticipation for these events.
(Grok)
News
Crawford
vs Madrimov: Pre-Fight Press Conference
Terence
Crawford and Israil Madrimov are set to face off in
a highly anticipated boxing match on August 3rd, as
part of the Riyadh Season Card. The event, which will
be available on PPV, has generated significant buzz
among boxing fans and media. The undercard for the
event is also noted for its quality, featuring a heavyweight
bout between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller, as
well as other notable fights. The event is expected
to be a major draw, with fans eagerly anticipating
the outcome of the main event between Crawford and
Madrimov. (Grok)
News
TNA
Wrestling: Rascalz vs. Bailey, Seven & KUSHIDA
TNA
Wrestling's iMPACT episode on August 1, 2024, featured
a lineup of exciting matches and events. The show
included a TNA World Title match between Nic Nemeth
and Mustafa Ali, as well as the wedding of PCO and
Steph De Lander. Other matches included The Rascalz
in action against Mike Bailey, Trent Seven, and KUSHIDA
in a six-man tag team match, Frankie Kazarian vs.
Ryan Nemeth, and Jody Threat vs. Masha Slamovich.
The event was broadcasted on various platforms including
TNA+, AXS TV, DAZN, and YouTube, catering to a wide
audience. Fans and wrestling enthusiasts expressed
their anticipation and excitement for the event across
social media platforms. (Grok)
ROH
Ring
of Honor (ROH) is a professional wrestling promotion
recently acquired by Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling
(AEW), Chief Football Strategy Officer of the Jacksonville
Jaguars, and GM/Sporting Director of Fulham F.C. ROH
has been holding events and television tapings, with
notable developments including Sammy Guevara's return
to help Dustin Rhodes against the Dark Order at the
July 28th tapings. The promotion has been building
new stars and continues to feature high-profile matches
and events. (Grok)
News
WWE
2K24 Online Stability Hotfix
WWE
2K24 released Patch 1.14 to address online stability
issues, which was automatically applied upon game
loading. The update aimed to fix problems with the
Pat McAfee Show Pack DLC for PS5 users, which was
resolved, allowing the pack to be downloaded. However,
the patch also caused issues with mods on PC, and
some users reported problems with Titantrons in create
an entrance and the unavailability of DLC for PlayStation
5 users. Despite these issues, WWE 2K24 encouraged
players to participate in a giveaway for SummerSlam
and provided a locker code for 7500 VC. (Grok)
Max
Verstappen's Potential Mercedes Move
Speculation
is rife about Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes,
fueled by recent high-profile departures from Red
Bull Racing. Despite the rumors, some fans express
skepticism about the likelihood of such a move. The
discussion also touches on the stability of other
drivers' positions within their teams, with some questioning
the rationale behind certain team decisions. Additionally,
there is discussion about the performance comparison
between Verstappen and his teammate, Perez, at Red
Bull Racing. (Grok)
News
Wheatley's
Move from Red Bull to Audi F1
Jonathan
Wheatley, the long-serving sporting director at Red
Bull Racing, is set to leave the team at the end of
the 2024 season to become the new team principal of
the Audi Formula 1 project. This move has been confirmed
by Red Bull and widely reported across various Formula
1 news outlets. Audi has not officially commented
on Wheatley's appointment, and there are indications
that they were not expecting the announcement. Wheatley's
departure marks a significant change in leadership
for Red Bull and a notable acquisition for Audi as
it prepares to enter Formula 1. The transition is
expected to take place after the 2024 season, with
Wheatley remaining in his current role until then.
(Grok)
News
WWE
NXT Great American Bash Week One
The
WWE NXT Great American Bash kicked off with a series
of exciting matches and events, including a WWE Women's
Tag Team Championship match where Alba Fyre &
Isla Dawn defended their titles against Jakara Jackson
& Lash Legend. Other highlights included a NXT
Women’s Championship match between Roxanne Perez
and Thea Hail, a live concert by Joe Hendry, and a
NXT Heritage Cup match between Tony D'Angelo and Tavion
Heights. Fans and commentators expressed excitement
and anticipation for the event, with many rooting
for their favorite wrestlers and speculating on potential
outcomes. (Grok)
News
NXT
Women's Championship: Roxanne Perez Retains
Roxanne
Perez successfully defended her NXT Women's Championship
against Thea Hail in a highly acclaimed match at NXT
GAB. The match was praised for its intensity and the
young ages of the competitors, with both being under
23 years old. The event also featured other notable
matches, including Joe Hendry expressing frustration
with Gallus and a confirmed match between Joe Hendry
and Joe Coffey for the following week. The overall
event was well-received, highlighting the talent and
potential of the NXT roster. (Grok)
News
Bowlin
Graham's Pocono Win Secures Playoff Spot
Graham
Bowlin secured a spot in the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola
iRacing Series playoffs with a win at Pocono Raceway.
Despite missing out on the playoffs, drivers from
Spire Motorsports expressed pride in their team's
efforts. Nick Ottinger also secured a playoff spot,
marking the seventh consecutive season Team Conti
has fielded at least one car in the post-season. The
playoff lineup includes Steven Wilson, Parker White,
Nick Ottinger, Graham Bowlin, Vicente Salas, Bobby
Zalenski, Tucker Minter, Garrett Lowe, Dylan Duval,
and Daniel Faulkingham. (Grok)
News
CM
Punk's Top 5 Wrestlers of All Time
During
an interview on ESPN's First Take, CM Punk named his
top-5 wrestlers of all time, which included Harley
Race, Terry Funk, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero,
and initially Ricky Steamboat, but he later switched
to Roddy Piper. This selection sparked discussions
among fans and commentators, with some expressing
surprise at the absence of Bret Hart from the list.
Punk also highlighted Stone Cold Steve Austin as the
biggest superstar in the industry. The interview took
place ahead of SummerSlam 2024, which is set to occur
in a few days, generating anticipation among wrestling
fans. (Grok)
News
Cedric
Alexander's NXT Victory
Cedric
Alexander emerged victorious in a match against Brooks
Jensen on the WWE NXT show. The win was unexpected
by some fans and commentators, and it was celebrated
by many on social media. The event also featured other
matches and announcements, including a promo by Pete
Dunne about his upcoming match with Trick Williams.
(Grok)
News
UFC
Abu Dhabi Event
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host
a highly anticipated event in Abu Dhabi this Saturday,
featuring a stacked card of fights. Notable fighters
on the card include Tony Ferguson, Cory Sandhagen,
and Mackenzie Dern. The event is free and open to
the public, with a live broadcast on various platforms.
Fans and analysts are discussing the matchups and
sharing their predictions and betting tips for the
fights. Cory Sandhagen is a key focus of the event,
with many fans and analysts predicting a strong performance
from him in his fight against Umar Nurmagomedov. (Grok)
News
AEW
Returns and Criticisms
The
recent episode of AEW's Dynamite received mixed reactions
from fans and critics, sparking discussions on various
aspects of the show. Topics included the return of
a star after a five-month absence, the company's approach
to pushing certain talents, and comparisons between
AEW and WWE. Some fans expressed disappointment in
the show's content and booking decisions, while others
praised specific moments and storylines. The discourse
highlighted a range of opinions and critiques regarding
AEW's current direction and its relationship with
its audience and competitors. (Grok)
News
AEW
Collision Viewership Drop Amid Summer Events
AEW
Collision viewership experienced a significant drop,
averaging 383,000 viewers with a 0.12 P18-49 rating,
marking a 19% decrease from the previous week. This
decline was attributed to tough competition from the
Olympics. Meanwhile, WWE's SummerSlam is generating
anticipation, with fans expressing mixed feelings
about the event and the potential outcomes for their
favorite wrestlers. (Grok)
News
Grok
Search: TNA Wrestling
Total
Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) is an American professional
wrestling promotion founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett
and Jerry Jarrett. It is currently owned by Anthem
Sports & Entertainment and is based in Nashville,
Tennessee. TNA was initially known as NWA: Total Nonstop
Action until 2004 when it rebranded to its current
name.
TNA
has been known for its innovative matches and storylines,
and it has featured many notable wrestlers such as
Kurt Angle, Sting, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Jeff
Hardy. The promotion has also been praised for its
women's division, known as the Knockouts Division,
which features some of the top female wrestlers in
the world.
TNA
has faced a number of challenges over the years, including
changes in ownership and a decline in viewership.
However, the promotion has continued to produce entertaining
and innovative content, and it remains a significant
player in the world of professional wrestling. (Grok)
News
Umar
vs Sandhagen for Title Shot
Umar
Nurmagomedov is set to face Cory Sandhagen at UFC
Abu Dhabi, with the winner potentially earning a title
shot against the victor of the Sean O'Malley vs Merab
Dvalishvili bout. The event also features Tony Ferguson,
who is looking to make a comeback. The fight card
is generating significant interest and betting activity
among fans and analysts. Additionally, there are discussions
about potential matchups for Shakur Stevenson, including
a verbal agreement for a fight with William Zepeda,
although no official agreement has been reached yet.
The event is also notable for Khabib Nurmagomedov's
involvement in Umar's corner. (Grok)
News
Ruiz
vs Miller: Boxing Showdown in Riyadh
On
August 3, 2024, a significant boxing event is set
to take place featuring several high-profile matches.
The main event includes a face-off between Andy Ruiz
and Jarrell Miller, which has garnered significant
attention and anticipation. Other notable fights on
the card include a matchup between Isaac Pitbull and
Jose Valenzuela, which is expected to be a highlight
of the evening. Additionally, the event features the
return of Andy Cruz against Antonio Moran, adding
to the excitement. The event is part of the Riyadh
Season and will be broadcasted on ESPN Plus PPV. (Grok)
News
Russell
Disqualified, Hamilton Wins Belgian GP
Lewis
Hamilton was declared the winner of the Belgian Grand
Prix after his teammate George Russell was disqualified
for having an underweight car. Russell initially crossed
the line first but was stripped of his win due to
the technical violation. Hamilton's victory marked
his second win in three races, sparking discussions
among fans and commentators about the nature of his
win and Russell's performance. The disqualification
also led to Oscar Piastri being promoted to second
place, and Charles Leclerc finishing third for Ferrari.
(Grok)
News
F1
Drivers Pole Positions and Race Outcomes Debate
In
recent Formula 1 races, Charles Leclerc has been praised
for his ability to secure pole positions and maintain
leads in a slower car, contrasting with Lando Norris's
performance in a faster car. Max Verstappen has consistently
performed well, often starting from lower positions
and finishing higher, despite debates about the relative
performance of his car. The current season is highly
competitive, with several drivers from different teams
closely competing in points, highlighting the tight
competition in Formula 1. (Grok)
News
US
Women's Rugby Wins First Olympic Medal
The
United States women's rugby sevens team won their
first Olympic medal, a bronze, in a dramatic match
against Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The
victory was sealed by a last-minute try and conversion
by Alex Sedrick. Meanwhile, Simone Biles led the United
States to a dominant victory in the women's gymnastics
team final, securing her fifth career Olympic gold
medal and becoming the most decorated U.S. Olympic
gymnast in history with a total of 8 medals. (Grok)
Media
Man Int
Sports
News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/articles2.html
Pop
Culture News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html
Wrestling
News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/wrestling_news.html
X
News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/x_news.html
Trending
News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/trending_news.html
#ProWrestling
#Wrestling #MMA #Boxing #Motorsport #F1 #Formula1
#PopCulture #CombatSports #PPV #LiveSport #LiveSports
#MainEvent #MainEvents #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportstourism
#sportsbusiness #sportsbiz #YouTube #YT #Video #broadcast
#Highlights #trend #trends #AINews #newswire #newsfeed
#buzz #media #Grok #XSports #XCombat #XNews #GrokSports
#GrokNews
The
Australian Financial Review - Media and Marketing
News
Corp puts Foxtel up for sale after asset review
By
Sam Buckingham-Jones
August
9, 2024
News
Corp, the publishing and broadcast giant controlled
by the Murdoch family, has put its majority-owned
Australian pay television platform Foxtel up for sale
after a nine-month strategic review of its assets.
Outlining
its financial results on Friday, News Corp said there
was “third-party interest” in Foxtel, which
owns a pay TV business, streaming services Binge and
Kayo Sports, and aggregation platform Hubbl.
“We
are confident in the company’s long-term prospects
and are continuing to review our portfolio with a
focus on maximising returns for shareholders,”
News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said.
“That
review has coincided recently with third-party interest
in a potential transaction involving the Foxtel ...
We are evaluating options for the business with our
advisors in light of that external interest.”
News
Corp owns 65 per cent of Foxtel, and Telstra owns
the rest.
Foxtel
has spent the past decade pivoting to the streaming
era, building Kayo and Binge – which have much
leaner profit margins – while preserving its
legacy base of around 1 million subscribers who pay,
on average, $90 a month. It has grown its total paying
subscription base to 4.7 million people.
Any
sale of Foxtel would have a flow-on effect on long-term
content deals, multi-billion dollar sports rights
packages, and more.
Mr
Thomson told analysts that News Corp had a “significant
overture that we are naturally assessing”, but
declined to provide further details.
“We
have full faith in the potential of Foxtel and the
talented team at Foxtel,” he said. “On behalf
of shareholders, we have to evaluate any interest
… You’ll have to stay tuned. Not indefinitely,
not perpetually, not ad infinitum.” (Credit:
The Australian Financial Review) @FinancialReview
Full
article via subscription to The Australian Financial
Review
https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/news-corp-puts-foxtel-up-for-sale-20240809-p5k0yv
Media
Man Int
Subscription
News (Media Man Int)
https://www.mediamanint.com/subscription_news.html
#NewsCorp
#Foxtel #FoxtelNews #FoxtelGroup #AFR #FinancialReview
#Kayo #KayoSports #Binge #Hubbl #SubscriberTV #PayTV
#subscription #subscriptionnews #TV #mediabusiness
#medianews #businessnews #biz #newswire #newsfeed
#trend #trends #Australia #media
Media
Man Int
Media
Man Int X
Elon
Musk’s X Files Antitrust Suit Against Global
Advertising Alliance
August
6, 2024
Elon
Musk’s social media platform X has launched a
significant antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance
for Responsible Media (GARM) and several of its member
companies, alleging an illegal ad boycott that targeted
the platform. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, is aimed
at GARM, its parent firm World Federation of Advertisers
(WFA), and members including CVS Health, Mars, Orsted
and Unilever.
In
an open letter to advertisers, X CEO Linda Yaccarino
highlighted the reasons behind the lawsuit, stating
that it was a direct response to GARM’s actions
which allegedly cost the company billions of dollars.
“This is not a decision we took lightly, but
it is a direct consequence of their actions,”
Yaccarino wrote. “The illegal behavior of these
organizations and their executives cost X billions
of dollars” per The New York Post.
The
lawsuit is seeking trebled compensatory damages and
injunctive relief, according to a complaint viewed
by The New York Post. GARM, led by Robert Rakowitz,
is an initiative of the WFA, which represents many
of the world’s largest companies and ad organizations,
including Disney and Coca-Cola. Its members control
90% of global marketing spending, nearly $1 trillion
per year.
Yaccarino
emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial
damages. “This case is about more than damages
— we have to fix a broken ecosystem that allows
this illegal activity to occur,” she added.
According
to The New York Post, the suit argues that the boycott
undermined the marketplace of ideas by financially
harming certain viewpoints over others. (Credit: PYMNTS)
Full
article and coverage via PYMNTS
https://pymnts.com/cpi-posts/elon-musks-x-files-antitrust-suit-against-global-advertising-alliance/
PYMNTS
is a former Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of The
Month' award winner and finalist
News
Elon
Musk takes GARM, several companies to court over alleged
advertising boycott of X outlined in bombshell report
August
7, 2024
Tech
billionaire Elon Musk has taken several companies
and an advertising alliance to court over allegations
of a "boycott" of X.
Elon
Musk has waged “war” against advertisers
as his social media platform X filed an antitrust
lawsuit against a global ad alliance and several major
companies, accusing them of illegally boycotting the
site.
X
filed a suit in a federal court in Texas against the
World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), the Global
Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and its members
CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.
The
suit comes after a report from the US House of Representatives
Judiciary Committee found GARM and its members “directly
organised boycotts” and employed other indirect
tactics to target disfavoured “platforms, content
creators” and news organisations to demonetise
them.
It
alleges that GARM’s boycott led advertisers to
pull money from X under the guise of “brand safety”
concerns.
X’s
CEO Linda Yaccarino argued this tactic hindered users
on the social media platform from accessing a wide
breadth of ideas by funding alternative viewpoints.
“The
consequence - perhaps the intent - of this boycott
was to seek to deprive X’s users, be they sports
fans, gamers, journalists, activists, parents or political
and corporate leaders, of the Global Town Square,”
she wrote.
“To
put it simply, people are hurt when the marketplace
of ideas is undermined and some viewpoints are not
funded over others as part of an illegal boycott.”
Mr
Musk shared his colleague’s statement to the
platform and boldly declared: “We tried peace
for 2 years, now it is war.”
He
later encouraged “any company who has been systematically
boycotted” to file a suit.
Following
his post, video sharing platform Rumble joined Mr
Musk’s lawsuit, claiming it has also been impacted
towards GARM’s alleged skew away from right wing
voices and ideologies.
The
platform announced its move on X where it accused
GARM of being “a conspiracy to perpetrate an
advertiser boycott of Rumble and others, and that's
illegal”.
Since
Musk took over the social media platform in October
2022, X has suffered a serious dive in ad dollars
with the platform taking in US$2.5 billion in 2023,
according to Bloomberg.
This
was down from the US$1bn it was bringing in every
quarter of 2022.
Musk
triggered controversy again in November 2023 when
he endorsed an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that
Jewish communities push “hatred against whites”.
The
X owner responded: “You have said the actual
truth,” sparking an advertiser exodus that was
reported to have lost the company as much as $75m,
per The New York Times.
He
made headlines again in the same month after blasting
advertisers boycotting the social media platform,
boldly declaring: “Go f**k yourself”.
“If
somebody is going to try to blackmail me with advertising,
blackmail me with money, go f**k yourself. Go f**k
yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is,” he said.
(Sky News Australia)
Full
article and coverage via Sky News Australia
https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/elon-musk-takes-garm-several-companies-to-court-over-alleged-advertising-boycott-of-x-outlined-in-bombshell-report/news-story/7bac6243aada770042d14ca84afc23e7
Technology
News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/news3.html
Advertising
News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/advertising_news.html
Media
News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/news2.html
Yahoo
Finance wins Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of
The Month' award
PYMNTS
wins Media Man 'Businees News Outlet Of The Month'
award
Market,
Commodities and Financial News Snapshot via Media
Man
August
7, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6520 USD (up $0.0024 USD)
Iron
Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $102.85 USD (down $0.70
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $72.96 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,389.45 USD (down $19.96 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.0095 USD (up $0.0085 USD)
Bitcoin:
$56,485.71 USD (up 3.10% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 38,997.66 at 5.02pm NY time (up 294.39 points
on yesterday's close)
(Roy
Morgan Summary)
Box
Office News (North America)
Movie
Box Office (North America)
July
28, 2024
1.
Deadpool & Wolverine - $205m
2.
Twisters - $35.3m
3.
Despicable Me 4 - $14.2
4.
Inside Out 2 - $8.3m
5.
Longlegs - $6.8m
6.
A Quiet Place: Day One - $3m
7.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $1.3m
8.
The Fabulous Four - $1m
9.
Fly Me to the Moon - $950,000
10.
Raayan - $453,000
others...
Bad
Newz
MaXXXine
The
Bikeriders
Sound
of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Horizon:
An American Saga
The
Lion King
Kalki
2898 AD
Kinds
of Kindness
The
Garfield Movie
Kingdom
of the Planet of the Apes
Jatt
& Juliet 3
Blue
Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi
Daddio
Janet
Planet
The
Watchers
IF
The
Exorcism
Thelma
GHOST
Rite Here Rite Now
Furiosa:
A Mad Max Story
The
Fall Guy
The
Strangers: Chapter 1
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Haikyuu!!
The Dumpster Battle
In
a Violent Nature
Ezra
Sight
*
Correct at time of publication
News
Box
office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year
(References:
Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The
Hollywood Reporter)
1.
Kung Fu Panda 4 - $30 million
2.
Dune: Part Two - $29.1 million
3.
Arthur the King - $7.5 million
4.
Imaginary - $5.6 million
5.
Cabrini - $2.8 million
6.
Love Lies Bleeding - $2.5 million
7,
Bob Marley: One Love - $2.3 million
8.
One Life - $1.7 million
9.
The American Society of Magical Negroes - $1.3 million
10.
Ordinary Angels - $1 million
Wrestling
WWE
Promos
Matter In Pro Wrestling
WWE's
Karrion Kross Has Developed Into One Of World's Best
Over Past Year + ; WWE Creative Offered Time To Shine;
Can't Wait For The Netflix Killer Version: Media Man
Mr
Kross @realKILLERkross Is A Former Media Man 'Pro
Wrestler Of The Month' and 'Sports Entertainer' Of
The Month winner and finalist. What some don't know
is that Kross would wipe the mat with most of the
world's pro wrestlers in an uncontrolled aka real-
insert your own word, situation. Wrestler, fighter,
MMA and master promo.
Promos
In The Who Have Impressed Of Late In Addition To Kross
Include: Logan Paul, LA Knight, Paul Heyman, Solo
Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Liv
Morgan, Lexis King and Sol Ruca. Promos are subjective
in nature, but these days Karrions are motion picture
grade in our view. Netflix Movies, Blumhouse and others
surely have an eagle eye on.
Previously
known as names such as:
"The
White Rabbit"
"The People's Executioner"
"The Devil Of Monterrey"
The
WWE Universe should wake up and know him as a man
not to mess with. Ala the legendary "Macho Man"
Randy Savage, "The cream always rises to the
top". Cheers to the worldwide Kross Cult/Kult.
So Sayeth.
Promo:
"What
are you doing, Woods? What are you doing? No, no,
no. Please don’t do that. Do not involve other
people in our business. I don’t like that. I
don’t appreciate it. Not only that, it defeats
the entire purpose of everything I’m trying to
do for you. I’m trying to help you stand on your
own two feet. I never said, ‘Don’t ever
talk to Kofi again,’ or, ‘You can’t
visit him on the holidays,’ or, ‘You can
never tag with him again.’ All I suggested was
that you take a step away from New Day. You had I
guess your own interpretation of that. Don’t
turn me into the bad guy here. Kofi’s the bad
guy. You, I’m suspicious of at this point because
all you’re gonna do for those guys is get them
severely hurt. I don’t know what you’re
trying to do here. Are you trying to replace the New
Day? You think these two guys are gonna be the next
Big E and Kofi Kingston? No, brother. It doesn’t
work that way. This is not going to help you. The
only thing that’s going to help you is to learn
how to stand on your own two feet and then, you come
with me. If you’re not going to do that, well,
next Monday, I’m gonna see you, like I always
do. When I do, I’m gonna step on your head. Then
I’m gonna leave you where I find you, just like
I do. Because after all, you beat me once, right?
Haha. Sure you did. You beat me where Kofi couldn’t.
That’s the confidence we want. I’m telling
you right now, that’s never gonna happen again.
You understand what I’m trying to tell you? Get
rid of these guys, or else. Tick tock" Karrion
Kross
https://x.com/realKILLERkross/status/1813032453449347141
Websites
Real
Killer Kross
https://www.killerkross.com/
WWE:
Karrion Kross
https://www.wwe.com/superstars/karrion-kross
The
Final Testament
Casino
(19950
In
Las Vegas, two best friends - a casino executive and
a mafia enforcer - compete for a gambling empire and
a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.
News
Gonzo
Casino 'N Gaming Edition
Art
Imitates Life and Visa Versa
Everything
Is A Gamble
Casino
was my last good role, says iconic actress Sharon
Stone
Sharon
Stone has said she never got a good part again after
1995's Casino and described herself as "the invisible
actress".
The
Basic Instinct star, now a stunning 66, has since
appeared in films such as Catwoman, Lovelace and Basic
Instinct 2.
Stone
was passed over on snatching an Oscar for Martin Scorsese's
crime thriller Casino to Susan Sarandon in Dead Man
Walking.
Speaking
on high profile Louis Theroux Podcast, Stone disclosed
The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola warned
her in advance that this would be the case.
She
said: "Francis put his hand on my shoulder and
he said: 'I need to talk to you.'
"He
said: 'You're not going to win the Oscar.'
'I
want you to feel like you're going to cry now. I don't
want you to cry in the room, and that's why I'm doing
this, and it feels so mean right now.
"'But
I didn't win for The Godfather and Marty didn't win
for Raging Bull, and you're not going to win for Casino."
Coppola
said none of them won because the Academy couldn't
"hear opera", she remembered.
"'This
is not the level of films they want," she remembers
him saying.
Discussing
attending the Oscars when she knew she was going to
lose, she said: "You have to pretend it's fantastic
and it's not fantastic.
"And
then I didn't get any good parts ever again for the
rest of my entire life."
When
Theroux replied: "That can't be true. I'm sure
there were other movies you did that were good,"
she replied: "No, and guess what? I hate it."
She
continued: "It's easier to say: 'She's cold',
or: 'I don't like her', or: 'She's difficult', or:
'She must be sick', or: 'She's too old', or that 'she's
hard to cast', or: 'We don't know what to do with
her.'
Stone
also touched on her experiences with disgraced and
vulgar producer Harvey Weinstein, who is in the clink
(jail) for sex offences and with whom she she crossed
paths at events for the Aids charity Amfar.
She
said: "I had a long time of dealing with Harvey
and I'm really glad that he's in prison and I think
he should stay there with the rest of the people who
are like him. Harvey's a pig. He's an octopus and
you're just always getting one of his tentacles off
you."
Asked
if she was too powerful for him to try to coerce into
sex, she said: "He would say things to me like:
'You know, you think you're such a princess, Sharon,'
as I would unwind him off me.
"And
I'd say: 'Yeah, I think I'm the queen of France. F***
off.'
"But
he was certainly comfortable with throwing me across
the room. He was physically violent to me on more
than one occasion because he was so angry at me because
I wouldn't do what he wanted me to do."
The
Power of the Documentary: Breaking the Silence
OCEAN'S
8 - Official 1st Trailer BLADE
RUNNER 2049 - "2048: Nowhere to Run" Short Star
Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer (Official) TOMB
RAIDER - Official Trailer #1 Netflix
Is A Joke | Emmys 2017 | Netflix Sandy
Wexler | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix GLOW
| Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix YouTube
Red Originals
News Vince
McMahon biopic, Pandemonium; Hollywood star Bradley Cooper approached with offer Wrestling
fans and general public calling for movies and world class documentaries on pro
wrestling legends: Gorgeous George, Andre The Giant, Bruno Sammartino, Rowdy Roddy
Piper, by Greg Tingle - September 2017 Marvel:
Creating the Cinematic Universe lets Media Man cosplay superhero characters Starlord
and Captain America; One time is not enough, by Greg Tingle - 25th July 2017
Movie Trailers
“Ant-Man
& The Wasp” Now In Production Marvel
Studios' Black Panther - Official Trailer Thor:
Ragnarok Teaser Trailer [HD] Star
Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer (Official) TOMB
RAIDER - Official Trailer #1 The
Greatest Showman | Official Trailer | 20th Century FOX ALL
THE MONEY IN THE WORLD - Official Trailer (HD) The
Rise and Rise of Bitcoin - [Official Trailer]
Interviews
Interviews
with new and established models via Media Man website network Preity
Üpala feature - June 2017 Hannah
Fraser, Professional Mermaid, Artist, Activist and Model Richard
Bradley (Producer: Richard Bradley Productions) - 26th May 2016 John
"Vulcan" Seru, Wrestling legend, trainer, motivator and actor - June
2017 Davo
Hardy - May 2016 Brigette
Paroissien, Model, Actor and Entertainment Industry Entrepreneur The
Rock, Actor & Wrestler (Credit: ABC Mondo Thingo) : 2004 "Rowdy"
Roddy Piper - Wrestler & Actor, by Chris Yankek - April 2003 Joy
Hruby, Producer, Presenter, Actor & Author, Joy's World & The Dubbo Dazzlers:
29th July 2003 Darren
Gray, Director, Darren Gray Management: 15th June 2003 Lorraine
(Abner Zurd) Fontanes, Democrat Candidate for Governor of California & Film
Maker : 15th August 2003 Ric
Drasin, Bodybuilder, Wrestler, Actor & Self Defense Expert: 18th June 2003 Gary
"Jaws" Tiplady, Wrestler and Actor - 8th July 2003 Brooke
Paige Anderson, Actor: 4th December 2003 Lisa
Milner, Writer, Film Maker & Activist: 15th January 2004 Kym
Jackson, Actor: 31st October 2004
News
Media
Man Movies Blog Hollywood
remake: James Packer follows in dad Kerry’s footsteps with $450 million film
deal WWE
Studios and Film Roman announce 'Camp WWE' irreverent animated web series Human
Statue Bodyart ramps up bodypainting and human statues for James Bond movie themes:
Skyfall, Goldfinger and more Thor:
The Dark World Universal
Pictures Australasia release schedule update The
Avengers wins three MTV movie awards Marvel
Studios keen to bring female superhero to big screen Marvel
Entertainment news: Bradley Cooper Cast as Rocket Raccoon in Marvel’s ‘Guardians
of the Galaxy’ Hugh
Jackman contemplates an exit from "X-Men" Wolverine role 'Expendables
3' movie blockbuster cast: Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cage, Wesley Snipes in Talks to
Join the Action Sequel 'Expendables
2' beats 'Dark Knight Rises,' 'Spider-Man' in China Grudge
Match - Official Trailer Avatar
mystery building up in Sydney suburbs with Eva Rinaldi: News media companies start
probe WWE
Studios movie releases; Wrestling and movie connection James
Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz
-
13th December 2012 'Wolverine'
Actor Hugh Jackman to be Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Hugh
Jackman leads Aust SAG-Globe charge Skyfall,
Rise Of The Guardians battle at US box office Superhero
movie line-up for Australia in 2013 Skyfall,
Rise Of The Guardians battle at US box office Movies,
Hollywood, Entertainment and gaming - casino news; WWE, pro wrestling, Marvel
Entertainment - Star Wars, James Bond Skyfall, WWE Studios... Hollywood
And AussieWood Celebrity News, Wrestling, WWE Et Al - 13th March 2012 News Aussie
Celeb News; James Bond Casino Icon Connection, by Greg Tingle - 29th December
2010 Season's
Greetings punters, entertainment news junkies, one and all. Today we have a look
at the latest from Aussiewood and Hollywood powerhouses James Bond, with a Bondi
Beach twist, Marvel Entertainment (go Wolverine)..we love you Hugh, Spider-Man,
Underbelly and more.. Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com
and Gambling911 with your celebrity and
entertainment news fix, just in time for the New Year. Ho Ho Ho!... MGM
Emerging from Bankruptcy; Wants To Produce James Bond 23... MGM
Studios is emerging from bankruptcy with a $500 million line of credit, and its
first Xmas wish is to produce James Bond #23, rumoured to be directed by Sam Mendes
and starring Daniel Craig (again), despite many leaks saying that means it will
be a gay Bond (for real), if you follow. The
James Bond franchise has long been a fav of casino and gambling lovers, with Casino
Royale being the top pick for most punters. MGM
Studios has been going through the wars as of late, with the filing of bankruptcy
hanging around their neck. Their massive financial troubles led to the delay of
not only The Hobbit, directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson, but also James Bond
23 starring the Daniel Craig. The
studio just underwent a giant restructuring and was able to acquire $500 million
worth of credit from financial powerhouse JP Morgan, a good lot of which will
likely be spent on the sequel to Quantum of Solace. MGM is expected to partner
with Sony for co-financing, as it has done a few times previously with Casino
Royale and Quantum of Solace. Bond
fans, did you know that 2012 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. No (1962),
the very first James Bond movie ever, which makes it bloody good timing to release
a new Bond movie. The studio will be attempting to secure and shore up its cast,
director, and screenplay for the new movie in very short order. The
studio had previously announced that Peter Morgan, and frequent Bond collaborators
Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, would be penning a draft of Bond 23. Purvis and Wade
have worked on every James Bond flick since The World Is Not Enough, and that
includes Die Another Day, Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace - the last two
of which were rewritten, to some extent, by Paul Haggis. Rumors
have been flying for months have indicated that Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary
Road) is leading the pack to direct the new movie. Now, Mendes is not a filmmaker
known for his action style skills. He did however direct Road to Perdition, co-starring
none other than Daniel Craig. As
of press, James Bond will not be film in 3D. Oh, did we mention Media Man is the
agent and manager for John Seru who played bad guy Gabor in Bond's 'The World
Is Not Enough'. In Nine's 'Underbelly' Seru placed Kiwi Steve in the following
episodes: Alpha and Omega, The Good Lieutenant, Hurt on Duty (2010), Saving Face
and Women in Uniform. MGM
is still technically under bankruptcy protection for a couple more months. Marvel
Entertainment's The Avengers: New Mexico Connection... Marvel
Entertainment's biggest film project of all time is is now New Mexico’s biggest
film production ever as 'The Avengers' confirms its 2011 shooting locations. Thor
not only hits off the summer movie season of 2011, but it sets up events that
will culminate in the Marvel superhero team-up epic, The Avengers, the following
year. With story elements of Thor taking place in New Mexico, and the production
shooting in Santa Fe and Galisteo, it’s of little surprise to see Marvel
Studios returning once again for their biggest project ever. New
Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Marvel Studios officially announced the agreement
making The Avengers the single largest film production in the state’s history.
The current schedule has Joss Whedon’s The Avengers shooting in New Mexico
between April and September of next year, using both Albuquerque Studios and of
course, the beautiful and vast surrounding locations that so many other major
Hollywood flicks have used. The
Avengers also is set to shoot action in Michigan and New York but production will
primarily take place in New Mexico’s largest city Albuquerque. Governor
Richardson talks to local economic benefits to New Mexico: "In addition to
being our biggest production to date, The Avengers will be the most technologically
advanced and will provide cutting-edge training opportunities for our crew…
I’m announcing this as a Christmas present of sorts to the people of New
Mexico. This is a perfect example of the incredible job creation, economic impact
and global visibility this industry has brought our state over the past eight
years, and of the need to keep it moving forward." So
Marvel heroes fans, be looking out for Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth,
Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson. Thor
opens May 5, 2011; The First Avenger: Captain America hits July 22, 2011 and The
Avengers is scheduled to debut May 4, 2012. Spider-Man:
Broadway No Match For Movie; Spidy Fans Disappointed; Would Rather Play Spider-Man
Games And Play Dress Up... The
new and much talked about Spider-Man musical has another problem stuck in its
web. Sick to death of waiting for the problematic Broadway show to officially
open, critics for two mainstream news companies released early and negative reviews
of the $65 million musical, which won't officially open until February 7. Writing
for Bloomberg News, the influential financial news wire service, veteran critic
John Simon slammed the show as "an unfocused hodge-podge of story-telling,
myth-making and spectacle that comes up short in every department. A few good
songs would help, in which department the show is sorely lacking," Simon
wrote in the review late Sunday night. Like most rock stars, Bono and The Edge
haven’t a clue about writing for the theatre." The
U2 legends wrote the score for the show, which was directed by Lion King helmer
Julie Taymor. Both
Simon and Newsday's Linda Winer defended their premature reviews on the grounds
that the show was charging full ticket prices in some cases more than $200 a seat
for the performances, and that the opening date had been pushed back twice. Winer
called the show's infamous high-flying acrobatics "exciting and scary, in
a circus way" but dismissed the second act as "weak." Simon
was also impressed with the flying scenes: "An hour of anticipation for about
90 seconds of exhilaration," he wrote. Would
you believe four actors have been injured during the show's rehearsals, including
a horrible injury to lead aerialist Chris Tierney last week. Critics
almost never publish their reviews of productions before the official opening
night. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has pushed back its debut twice. The
New York Times said in a posting to its arts blog that it would not review the
show until the official opening. Media
Man loves Marvel Entertainment, Spider-Man and U2, but this project does not sound
good. Sorry guys. Underbelly
TV Movie Legal Problems... Network
Nine may be forced to shelve forever one of its Underbelly telemovies because
of legal action in the state of New South Wales. Tell
Them Lucifer Was Here, the first of 3vtelemovies being made under the Underbelly
Files title, tells the story of the 1998 murders of Victoria cops Rod Miller and
Gary Silk. After
a probing investigation by the Lorimer Task Force, Bandali Debs and Jason Roberts
were found guilty of the double murder in 2003. Debs was sentenced to life in
prison, Roberts to 35 years. The
subject seemed relatively safe... for true crime. Reader may recall the first
Underbelly could not be screened in Victoria. However,
anything that identifies "Debs" could be a bit no go zone in NSW. On
September 24, the Victorian Government Solicitor applied to the Melbourne Magistrates
Court to have Debs transferred to a NSW prison for questioning over the death
of a Sydney prostitute 15 years ago. Debs's
lawyer, Michael De Young, did not oppose the application, saying his client maintained
his innocence and was confident of being acquitted and returned to Victoria. New
South Wales Police have been trying for 2 years to question Debs...also was convicted
in 2007 of the 1997 murder of 18-year-old sex worker Kristy Harty...and reckon
they have enough evidence to link him to the killing. The
transfer order was granted by the court, but Debs had 14 days to appeal the decision. Channel
Nine has 3 options: rush the Silk-Miller telemovie out before NSW police have
laid any charges that might arise from the interview; release the telemovie in
all states bar NSW if charges are laid; or hold off for a national release until
any case has been heard. Nine
has has yet to comment on this matter. Underbelly
#4 To Hit Aussie TV... A
4th Underbelly series to screen in 2011 promises to showcase the birth of organised
crime in Australia. Based
in Sydney in the roaring 1920s, Underbelly Razor tells the story of the bloody
battle between "vice queens" Tilly Devine and her rival Kate Leigh. The
Nine Network are calling it their most "ambitious and daring" Underbelly
series yet. It
will be joined by 3 Underbelly telemovies - Tell Them Lucifer was Here, Infiltration
and The Man Who Got Away...which were announced earlier in the year. Aussie
Poker Celeb King Shane Warnie Tag Team With Wolverine Hugh Jackman In Cricket
Nets; Jackman Hit In Balls (Almost) In Lead Up To Boxing Day Ashes Test... The
tag team led the celebrity contingent to the Melbourne Cricket Group for the prestigious
Boxing Day Test. 'Our Hugh' got hit in the balls by a Warnie spinner, so it seemed,
but he had a cup on, perhaps taking safeguards, after getting hit in the eye with
a foreign object at his Oprah Winfrey grand entrance via way of flying fox a couple
of weeks ago. Wolverine Jackman joined other famous mugs in the crowd, including
Opposition Leader Tony 'The Bruiser' Abbott and veteran English talk show king
Sir Michael Parkinson aka 'Parkie'. Premier Ted Baillieu and wife Robyn also tagged
along, as did Eddie "Everywhere" McGuire, Cathy Freeman and Molly Meldrum.
In a smart and rather cunning move, just outside the MCG sports stars and entertainment
biz celebs tag teamed a game of cricket which raised money for the McGrath Foundation.
The foundation ambassador Lee Furlong joined ex-cricketers Justin Langer and Michael
Slater, Glen Moriarty, Kris Smith and Guy Sebastian at the friendly game. Earlier,
Shane Warne made one of his very first public appearances since the "Hurley-burley",
acting as host for his fav Shane Warne Foundation's annual Boxing Day breakfast
at Crown. Warne mate, James Packer, attended, along with wife Erica in a show
of support. Singer Leo Sayer also entertained to an appreciative crowd that included
Glenn Robbins, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, Aaron Hamill and Bill Brownless. A great
day was had by all, as best we can tell. Aussie
Poker Celeb Shane Warne And UK Sort Liz Hurley: Come Down Under And Come In Spinner?... Is
Liz Hurley coming to Australia? Getting spotted at Heathrow Airport sent press
into a frenzy and created munch speculation she will keep her date with Warnie.
Friends of Hurley told the Pommie press she had dumped the cricket spin legend
after learning he had sent more than 100 sexy text messages to another woman behind
her back. Warnie is known for his ability to sent sexy texts that can get the
right response. Now it appears Liz may have reconsidered after attempts to stop
an imminent divorce and rekindle her relationship with husband Arun Nayar reportedly
failed. During her public flirtation with the spinner on Twitter, Hurley wrote
that she was keen to attend the January 3 "Pink Test," which supports
the Jane McGrath Foundation. Talk about a play on words "Pink Test",
got to love her form. Liz also told Warnie she would "definitely" make
an appearance on his Channel Nine chat show if she made it to Sydney. Sources
close to the Aussie spinner have said the cricketer was devastated after being
apparently dropped by Hurley, having previously confided his desire to marry her.
Both Hurley and Warne announced on Twitter that they had split from their respective
partners shortly after spending 2 delightful, fun filled nights together at a
luxury London hotel earlier this month and being papped kissing outside a restaurant.
Warne was last week caught in the outfield sending erotic texts, including, "I
want to see you riding me" to middle-aged Melbourne mum Adele Angeleri. In
an apparent attempt to win Hurley back after the messages were published in the
British tabloids he logged back on to Twitter to pen "No matter what anyone
says if you know in your heart… who cares what people think / say !!!"
Hurley was snatched in the airport mess at Heathrow, where snowy conditions caused
widespread cancellations from Saturday, leaving over 100,000 punters stranded,
having their patience tested. A fellow traveler said the swimwear model and well
loved celeb babe "looked nervous" as she attempted to blend in with
the crowd, wearing large sunglasses and dressing down. "She'd dressed down
and it was clear she wanted to be left alone," the witness told The Sun.
"She looked like a woman with a lot on her mind." Liz’s office
refused to comment on her travel plans. Whatever the case, we wish Liz (and Warnie)
well on any of their upcoming travel plans. Betting
For Aussies On TV And Film Success: Not Yet... Many
Australia's remain pissed that they are not able to bet on financial outcomes
of upcoming TV shows and motion pictures. Passionate Aussies has been reading
reports filed by Media Man and Gambling911 on Box Office betting exchanges, but
none of the action has come to Australia, so us Aussies can't be on it. We're
not sure any Yankees of Canooks got to bet on outcomes either. Sly, Arnie and
Wall Street - when you read this, give us an update please. We want to bet on
movie and TV outcomes. PartyGaming and Virgin were rumoured to have some interest
in the concept, but nothing has eventuated from our probe as yet. Oh, if you want
to see the way Hollywood used to work, do yourself a favor and rent or buy 'The
Last Mogul', which told the career story of the late Lew Wasserman. Oh, we heard
you want a review, so here it is mates... The
Last Mogul: The Life And Times Of Lew Wasserman... For
the second half of the 20th century, Lew Wasserman was without question the most
powerful money man in show business, even if most people had no idea who he was.
Born in Cleveland, OH, in 1913, Wasserman started out booking music gigs for mob-controlled
clubs, and quickly became an agent for Music Corporation of America, which became
the most lucrative music agency in America. Funny that. As Wasserman rose through
the ranks at MCA, he established such innovative business practices as "packaging"
talent i.e: booking hot acts and artists only in a package deal with other artists
who were not as talented, to put it politely, and took the company into managing
acting talent in Hollywood, where he re invented the film industry forever by
negotiating a ground-breaking deal for James Stewart on the film Winchester '73,
which reduced the actor's up-front salary in favor of a cut of the movie's profits,
earning the actor a mint in the process. Under Wasserman's lead at MCA, the company
took over Universal Pictures, established the studio's television branch and made
it the most important production outlet in the business), created the hugely successful
Universal City studio tours, and expanded MCA's recording branch into one of the
biggest record companies in the world. Wasserman was also politically well connected.
Ronald Reagan was one of his early clients when MCA want Hollywood), and was reputed
to have some handy connections to organized crime. Wasserman was a secretive fellow
who did not give interviews or commit anything to writing if it could be avoided,
but he knew nearly everyone in show business. The Last Mogul: The Life and Times
of Lew Wasserman is a documentary that through interviews with his friends and
business associates beautifully showcases his remarkable career, from his childhood
in Ohio to his death in 2002. Yep, there's mob ties and such, but hey, that's
show business. Wrap
Up... Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? What films and celebs take your liking?
As Shane Warne says, 'How good was that?!". Have you been naughty or nice?
Did Santa give you what you had hoped for? What have you got planned for New Year's
Eve? Tell us in the forum. If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have
fun. *Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911 *Media
Man http://www.mediamanint.com is
primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover
a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. News Aussiewood
- Hollywood Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 29th November 2010 Sylvester
Stallone Sex Film 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's' Sells For $400K on eBay... Sly,
The Italian Stallion himself, is back in action…erotic action, sort of...
The rights to a soft-porn film starring Sylvester Stallone four decades ago, was
sold on e-Bay for $412,100. The then strapped-for-cash star made his on-screen
debut in the 1970 film "The Party at Kitty and Stud's." Stallone played
Stud, a young man who, along with his oversexed lover Kitty, enjoys inviting various
women into their bed. The 71-minute movie was eventually renamed "The Italian
Stallion" by Bryanston Distributors after the actor became famous in "Rocky."
Now that the rights have been purchased (the owner has not yet been identified),
it's likely the film will be re-released, The Sun reported. In an interview in
the 1970s, Stallone, now 64, told Playboy that he was so poor that he had to take
the role. "It was either do that movie or rob someone because I was at the
end—at the very end—of my rope. Instead of doing something desperate,
I worked two days for $200." After filming "Rocky," the erotic
filmmakers tried to sell the movie back to Stallone for $100,000, but the actor
said he "wouldn't pay two bucks for it," according to AOL's Moviefone.
Last year MGM unsuccessfully tried to buy the flick. Sly, you've cum a long way
since then. U2
legend Bono Waits For Table At Australian Bondi Beaches' Icebergs... Bono
snuck into 'Sin City' Sydney on Saturday. He headed for a eat and a drink as he
often does when down under. The renowned Irish rock singer, who spent two weeks
at Sydney's Bungan Beach with his family in 2006 completely undetected, casually
strolled into Rose Bay nosherie Catalina on Sunday for a seafood feed with guitarist
The Edge (David Evans) and the eatery's owner, Michael McMahon. On Saturday night
he arrived unannounced at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi Beach and like
a normal person waited or a table at the "no reservations" restaurant.
"He was having a red cocktail but didn't finish it because a table became
available," advised a deepthroat. No, not a Stallone type of deepthroat you
rascals. The U2 360 tour begins in Melbourne this Wednesday night. Avatar
Michelle Rodriguez Star Teams Up With Sea Shepherd In Perth... Hollywood
babe actress Michelle Rodriguez, star of Avatar, was in Fremantle supporting anti-whaling
activist group Sea Shepherd. Rodriguez has been aboard Sea Shepherd’s flagship
vessel MY Steve Irwin. The crew are replenishing supplies before heading to the
Southern Ocean in December. The trip, dubbed 'Operation No Compromise', will be
Sea Shepherd’s seventh mission into the frigid waters of Antarctica to attempt
to stop the slaughter of whales by Japanese "scientific researchers".
Among the crew are three Perth residents including former Labor Attorney General
Jim McGinty’s brother Kevin McGinty, Steven Bennett and Georgie Dicks. Captain
Locky MacLean said the crew are looking forward to having Rodriguez on board.
The group, which uses rather militant art of war tactics in its fight against
whaling, made headlines early this year when their stealth vessel the Ady Gill
was "cut in half" by Japanese whalers. This year, a new monohull fast
vessel called the Ocean Adventurer will replace the Ady Gill. SS are currently
seeking a large sponsor which would give them the naming rights to use 'Godzilla'.
Something like that. Sea Shepherd’s Australian Director Jeff Hansen said:
"It is great to see high profile people like Miss Rodriguez giving up their
spare time to help promote our fight to defend the whales being illegally targeted
in New Zealand and Australian waters". Media Man lost good mate Peter Carrette
this past weekend, approximately 48 hours after doing photography at the Bondi
Beach 'No Compromise' gig at Bondi Beach last Friday. R.I.P Peter. We miss you
mate. Darren
Aronofsky Explains 'The Wolverine' Aussie Hugh Jackman... If
you're wondering why "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky was hired
to tackle "The Wolverine" for 20th Century Fox, wonder no more. Aronofsky
himself has broken his silence on the "Wolverine" front in an extensive
interview with Movie City News. According to the filmmaker, his reasons for choosing
the "Wolverine" non-sequel as his next project are quite simple: in
the end, he just wanted to have a good time. "I'm just trying to have fun,"
he said. "I think, for the first time in my life, you know, every single
film that I've done so far I've been the only person in the room who wants to
make the movie. And, I kind of am excited about doing a film where actually everyone
wants to make it just to see what the experience is like and to see if I can do
what I do in that world." It's not like I'm going to change my process,"
he added. "I'm going to be working with the same team, and making, you know,
really trying to do something very, very different and see what happens."
During the interview, Aronofsky said that he's received a large amount of support
both from franchise lead Hugh Jackman and Fox Studios head Tom Rothman, joking
that Rothman "doesn't even know how gutsy it is" that he hired the outside-the-box
filmmaker for "The Wolverine." "I've been looking for a situation
where everything lines up really well. This just makes sense; I think I'm being
hired because of who I am. I'm not being hired to turn into someone. I'm being
hired to do what I do. I don't know if (Rothman) knows exactly what he's bought,
but we're definitely going to make something great, you know, but it will be very
different, and that's what I do. We're going to try and have a great time with
it." John
Travolta and Kelly Preston 'Overjoyed' With New Baby Benjamin; Travolata Not Gay... Living
legend and iconic star of Saturday Night Fever (the movies and the online slot
game), is delighted with his new baby, but very unhappy about the gay rumours.
Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston took to Travolta's website earlier this
week to announce the birth of their 8-pound, 3-ounce son, Benjamin Travolta. "We
are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our son, Ella's baby brother, Benjamin
Travolta. Born November23, 2010 in Florida, Benjamin is healthy and doing beautifully.
Thank you for the congratulations messages and wishes...we are beyond happy about
the newest addition to our family," the family said in the message. Travolta,
56, and Preston, 48, announced the pregnancy earlier this year, celebrating with
a dozen close friends at a shower held at their Los Angeles-area home. "This
baby is such a healing baby," a family friend told People magazine. The pregnancy
was the first bit of good news they had shared in a long time. "It's impossible
to keep a secret," they wrote in a statement on Travolta's website in May,
"especially one as wonderful as this." We want to be the first to share
this great news with everyone that we are expecting a new addition to our family,"
the online statement continued and like this week's update, was signed "Love,
John, Kelly and Ella." John Travolta's family has been dealt another blow
as reports emerge that he has been allegedly cheating on his wife...engaging in
"lewd sex acts with other men" as part of a "secret gay spa subculture."
Perez Hilton posted the story on his website along with a cover of the National
Enquirer, carrying the headline "John Travolta Caught In Cheating Scandal!
"John Travolta has been cheating on Kelly for years!" said Robert Randolph,
author of the memoir, You'll Never Spa in This Town Again. "And when the
details emerge, he's gonna make Tiger Woods look like a boy scout." John
has been married to Kelly Preston for 19 years, with the pair expecting their
third child this year. They lost their eldest son Jett in 2009 to an autism-related
seizure. WWE
Studios Films Flop At Box Office; Perform Well In DVD Rental Market... Entertainment
trade publication Variety published a report today on WWE Studios's new films
strategy "flopping" at the box office, but perhaps finding a market
on home video. Variety followed up on WWE's third quarter earnings report last
Thursday by noting WWE reported $3.8 million in revenue related to "Legendary,"
despite the movie drawing a measly $200,000 at the box office. WWE executive Jim
Connelly told Variety that WWE is banking on strong storefront marketing at retail
locations such as Walmart to help boost DVD and Blu-ray sales of their movies.
Variety also reported on WWE pushing their slate of movies to theaters simply
for marketing purposes before pulling the movies and releasing them on DVDs. That
was apparent with WWE Studios's theatrical release schedule for "Legendary"
and "Knucklehead." Related to the planned launch of the WWE TV Network
potentially in 2011, Variety reports that WWE is looking to their slate of movies
to serve as "more high-profile programming" on the new cable tele channel.
Going forward, Jim Connelly told Variety that WWE will be re-evaluating their
movie release schedule for 2011 as they begin to roll out the next slate of low-budget
movies in theaters with an eye on home video. Variety concluded: "For now,
it appears as if the future of WWE Studios will play out on the smallscreen." Aussie's
Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban To Appear On Oprah Winfrey Show Tomorrow; Australia
Catches Oprah - Oprah House Mania... Australian
actress Nicole Kidman and huby singer Keith Urban will be on The Oprah Winfrey
Show tomorrow. Urban has earlier confirmed that he would be performing in the
shows Ultimate Australian Adventure episodes to be filmed later this year. "Tomorrow,
two of the hottest Aussies are here! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban! The countdown
to Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure starts now!," says a post on the
official Facebook page for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Keith Urban was in The Oprah
Winfrey Show earlier this November where he confirmed his performance at the much
anticipated episodes set to be shot in Sydney this December. Urban promoted his
sixth studio album Get Closer to in the United States. However, the Australia
singer did not comment on rumours that his wife Nicole Kidman will also be on
Oprah's Australian show. Tomorrow's episode might just confirm if Nicole Kidman
will indeed be a guest on December 14 and 15 at the Sydney Opera "Oprah"
House. Mad
Max Revamped Movie #4 Will Happen Says Aussiewood Insiders; Fury Road?!... Remember
the Aussie cult film classic that went on to mainstream...Max Max. They got to
#3, always with Aussie tough guy Mel Gibson in the lead as 'Max Rockatansky' aka
'The Road Warrior'. Filming will take place near Broken Hill, New South Wales.
Gibson will not be reprising his old role in Mad Max 4: Fury Road which will star
British actor Tom Hardy alongside Charlize Theron. In November 2006, George Miller
had stated that he still had full intentions to make Fury Road, telling the press
that he was considering doing the film without Mel Gibson, saying, “There's
a real hope. The last thing I wanted to do is another Mad Max, but this script
came along, and I'm completely carried away with it." The film's screenplay
was co-written with cult British comic creator Brendan McCarthy, who also designed
many of the new characters and vehicles. Miller again confirmed his desire to
make another Mad Max at the 2007 Aurora film maker initiative. However, he did
say he thought Mel Gibson would not be interested in the film because he is too
old (not too nuts!) Billionaire
Branson To Launch Apple iPad Lifestyle Mag... Aussie's
live Branson and Virgin, so you'll love this...Word of Sir Dick's plans to publish
"Project" for delivery on iPads came shortly after media mogul Rupert
Murdoch hinted that his News Corp empire will soon publish a digital newspaper
for the hot Apple gadgets. News Corp, owner of The Australian, has been tight-lipped
about the project but 79-year-old mogul Murdoch acknowledged in an interview last
week that "The Daily" is in the works. Sir Richard said in invitations
to the press that "Project" themes will include entertainment, travel,
business, design, and international culture. The event in New York City on Wednesday
did not indicate whether "Project" would be provided as passenger reading
on flights. Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard owns about half of Virgin Atlantic
airline with its aircraft that boast internet-age amenities such as power outlets
at seats and wireless connections to the web. He recently said that his Virgin
Galactic enterprise is on track to offer commercial space travel within 18 months,
and that space hotels are next on the drawing board. Yeah, we know, Branson has
appeared in films such as Casino Royale, Around The World in 80 days, and a good
spread of other movies and TV specials. If your going to be a media tart, you
might as well be very good at it. Lachlan
Murdoch Acquires Ten Network Stake, Joins Shareholder Aussie James Packer... Lachlan
Murdoch, son of News Corp. Chairman Rupert, has recently acquired a little over
half of James Packer’s stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Packer bought a
17.88% stake, or 172.2 million shares, in the media group last month through Cavalane
Holdings Ltd. Murdoch, through Illyria Nominees Television Pty Ltd. has agreed
to buy 93.4 million shares for A$128.2 million, according to a regulatory filing
to the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange). The two gents will act in concert in relation
to the exercise of their votes, the statement said. Packer and Murdoch agreed
to join the board of Australia’s third-ranked television broadcaster last
month. Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, lifted her stake in the
company to 10%. Packer also owns 49% of Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. which
in turn has 25% of Foxtel, down under's largest pay television operator. Media
Man Showcases Movies; Reviews... Want
more? Check out Media Man Movies here
and Media Man Movie Reviews here. Try
not to get square eyes. We're told PartyGaming still has the best movie blockbuster
themed slot games on the planet, but you be the judge, jury and executioner. The
Media Man has left the building. James
Bond Movie
Reviews Sponsor: ProductReview.com.aul Media
Man Australia represents movie producer Richard
Bradley Productions
Movie
Reviews
Review:
The Hulk - by Joe Cooper Review:
Jackass: The Movie - by Greg Tingle Review:
Russian Ark - by Joe Cooper Review:
The Rules of Attraction - by Deborah-Jean Kantor Review:
Shattered Glass - by Greg Tingle Review:
Shattered Glass - by Anonymous Review:
Bowling For Columbine ("Looking For Trouble") Movie
Review - Cool Cool, by Anonymous Movie
Reviews - Jerry Maguire Movie
Review - The Passion of The Christ ("Blood As Fact") Movie
Review - The Passion of The Christ ("Blood, not passion stirs critics") Movie
Review - Blade Movie
Review - Blue Velvet
Movie
Profiles The
Third Wave The
11th Hour Whaledreamers Lemonade
Stories The
Secret Casino
Royale The
Bra Boys Australian
Surf Movie Festival Mad
Max Brothers
At War Fortunate
Sons Sweet
Cyanide
Movie Articles
Movie
Makers and Movie Stars - What Makes a Star, by Greg Tingle
Websites The
Sydney Morning Herald - Movie Reviews The
Age - Movie Reviews News.com.au
- Movies Entertainment Feature
Articles Movie
Review Sponsor: ProductReview.com.au
| 
