BY SACNILK

Stamford, 2 August 2023 - WWE today announced its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2023, with several record-breaking accomplishments: ## Second Quarter 2023 Highlights ## WWE's Revenue reached $410.3 million, marking a 25% increase and setting a new quarterly record. ## Plush, WWE's Operating income also showed a height in growth, rising by 26% to reach $87.3 million.## Adjusted OIBDA1 achieved an increase of 54%, reaching $140.7 million, and also setting a new quarterly record.## The company returned $9.8 million of capital to shareholders through dividend payments.## Viewership for WWE's flagship programs, SmackDown and Raw, demonstrated gains of 26% and 19%, respectively, in the P18-49 demographic. Both programs outperformed overall broadcast and cable television, which shared declines of 12%.## Each WWE premium live event, including WrestleMania, Backlash, and Night of Champions, set global unique viewership records, with year-over-year increases of 29%, 34%, and 45%, respectively.## Live Events revenue booked a stacked 51% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained strong demand for domestic and international events. North American Live Event average attendance reached a record 9,870, an increase of 45%.## Money in the Bank, held at The O2 in London in July, became WWE's highest-grossing arena event in the company's history. The event also achieved new records in viewership, sponsorship revenue, merchandise revenue, and social media activity.## WWE and Endeavor Transaction Highlights: ## In a historic move, WWE and Endeavor reached an agreement on April 3, 2023, to combine WWE and UFC, forming a new, publicly listed company named "TKO Group Holdings, Inc." ## During the second quarter, all necessary regulatory approvals, including the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, were obtained, paving the way for the transaction's completion. ## The transaction is expected to conclude in the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. ## 2023 Business Outlook: ## The Company reaffirms its 2023 anticipations, targeting record revenue and an Adjusted OIBDA range of $395 to $410 million, which would be an all-time high. ## Commentary from WWE Leadership: ## Nick Khan, WWE Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the strong financial results and successful execution of their strategies. He emphasized the historic agreement with Endeavor, believing it will create incremental value for shareholders. ## Frank Riddick, WWE President & Chief Financial Officer, commented on exceeding guidance with Adjusted OIBDA reaching $141 million on revenue of $410 million. The positive financial performance was attributed to strong consumer demand for live events and the successful staging of WrestleMania. ## Second-Quarter Consolidated Results: ## Revenue saw a 25% increase, reaching $410.3 million. This margin was mainly driven by the timing of a large-scale international event, higher media rights fees, and increased live events revenue. ## Plush, the Operating Income increased by 26%, reaching $87.3 million, primarily due to increased revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The operating income margin rose to 22%. ## Adjusted OIBDA achieved an impressive 54% growth, reaching $140.7 million, with an Adjusted OIBDA margin of 34%. ## Net Income was $52.0 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, an increase from $49.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted share. This growth was primarily due to improved operating performance, offset by a higher effective tax rate. ## Cash flows generated by operating activities reached $77.0 million, showing an increase from $56.9 million, primarily due to higher net income and reduced working capital requirements. ## Free Cash Flow3 amounted to $31.1 million, a $21.7 million increase from $9.4 million, mainly attributed to the increased cash flows from operating activities. Excluding capital expenditures related to the new headquarter facility, Free Cash Flow for the period was $62.8 million. ## As of June 30, 2023, WWE held $523.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, with an estimated debt capacity of $200 million under its revolving line of credit. ## ## ## ## Fans can check out the full press release HERE! ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Wrestling News...

BY SACNILK

Allentown, 2 August 2023 - Matt Riddle has recently shared his thoughts on the challenges he has faced in WWE. After being part of the popular tag team RK-Bro alongside Randy Orton, Riddle ventured into solo competition when Orton took time off due to injury. He experienced some success and engaged in a feud with Seth Rollins, but later took a break in December 2022, amid speculation of a potential failed drug test. ## Riddle made a return to television after WrestleMania when he attacked The Miz. However, since then, achieving success has been quite difficult for the Original Bro. His recent loss to Ludwig Kaiser on the July 31st episode of Raw, in a little over 11 minutes, has raised questions about how WWE views Riddle's future and whether he can rise above the mid-card position. ## To put things into perspective, Riddle has only secured three televised singles victories since his return on April 3rd. This fact hasn't escaped his own notice, as he remarked that winning in WWE is more challenging than in "real fights in UFC." ## “Damn it’s easier to win real fights in the @ufc than win a match in WWE” ## Why WWE Has Stopped Pushing Matt Riddle Before SummerSlam It appears that the star's limited opportunities in WWE are primarily due to creative not currently having any specific plans for him, rather than any personal issues in his life. ## According to a report from Ringside News, Riddle's absence from television wasn't related to his girlfriend's pregnancy, as initially speculated. Instead, it seems WWE simply lacks definite booking ideas for the 37-year-old talent. ## The lack of a significant push for Riddle can be attributed more to the creative direction and storyline decisions within WWE rather than any personal issues or external factors affecting his career. As of now, it seems that the company has yet to solidify concrete plans for how they want to utilize the Original Bro moving forward. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For Wrestling News...

BY SACNILK

Nashville, 2 August 2023 - SummerSlam stands as WWE's second-largest pay-per-view of the year, boasting an extensive legacy in the company's annals. Throughout its illustrious history, numerous stars have graced the event, and an array of celebrities has graced its presence. The Biggest Party of the Summer holds a wealth of heritage, witnessing the coronation of several champions, remarkable debuts, and an abundance of iconic moments in WWE lore. ## When seeking the victors, Edge reigns supreme atop the list, securing a staggering 11 triumphs. Following closely in second place, The Undertaker boasts an impressive record of 10 wins. Notably, Triple H claims the third position with 8 notable victories under his belt. Bret Hart, with 7 wins, holds a respectable standing in the rankings, and rounding off the list is Randy Orton, also with an impressive tally of 7 wins. ## 1. Edge - 12 Wins The wrestler holding the remarkable record for the most victories in SummerSlam history is none other than the renowned Rated-R Superstar, Edge. This WWE Hall of Famer has impressively conquered 11 matches at the event and has partaken in a total of 13 thrilling encounters on this prestigious PPV platform. Interestingly, the forthcoming event may bring about a change in his statistics, as rumors circulate that he will go head-to-head with Seth Rollins. ## Following a hiatus of nine years from in-ring action, Edge made a triumphant return to WWE last year. Since then, he has engaged in fierce rivalries with illustrious adversaries such as Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. ## 2. The Undertaker - 10 Wins In three distinct decades, The Undertaker graced the grand stage of SummerSlam. It was back in 1991 when he first set foot in the event, leaving a lasting impression by launching a brutal assault on the esteemed "Macho Man" Randy Savage, wielding an ominous urn. The following year, he demonstrated his dominance by defeating the formidable Kamala, and in 1993, he conquered the mighty Giant Gonzalez. An illustrious figure in the annals of WWE history, The Phenom currently holds an unparalleled record, having participated in a staggering 16 matches at SummerSlam. His prowess in the ring earned him ten triumphant victories, a feat second only to a select few in the WWE. ## After an inspiring career that spanned an impressive 30 years, The Undertaker made an emotional announcement of his retirement at the revered Survivor Series last year. ## 3. Triple H - 8 Wins Triple H, famously known as 'The Game,' has graced SummerSlam with numerous breathtaking moments. One such unforgettable encounter took place in 1998, where he engaged in a ladder match with The Rock, vying for the Intercontinental Championship. Additionally, in 2008, he valiantly defended his WWE Championship against the formidable adversary, The Great Khali. ## The pinnacle of his SummerSlam legacy can be traced back to 2002 when he clashed with his long-standing comrade and former partner, Shawn Michaels, in a truly spectacular showdown. Another momentous event occurred in 1999 when The Cerebral Assassin found himself in a triple threat match, pitting his skills against Mankind and the relentless Stone Cold Steve Austin. ## Throughout his illustrious career, Triple H has participated in an impressive thirteen matches at SummerSlam, emerging triumphant in eight of those hard-fought contests ## 4. Bret Hart - 7 Wins Bret "The Hitman" Hart has an impressive record at SummerSlam, sharing the honor of seven victories with Randy Orton. Throughout his illustrious career, the former WWE Champion has encountered memorable battles, emerging victorious in seven matches while suffering defeat only four times. Among his notable opponents were British Bulldog, with whom he contested the Intercontinental Championship in 1992, as well as Mr. Perfect in 1991 and The Undertaker in 1997. ## In his final SummerSlam appearance in 2010, The Hitman engaged in a 14-man tag elimination match alongside six other wrestlers. Hart's team showcased their prowess, securing a hard-fought triumph in the memorable encounter. ## 5. Randy Orton - 7 'The Viper' Randy Orton has achieved tremendous success throughout his SummerSlam career. Over the years, he has squared off against iconic adversaries such as John Cena, The Undertaker, Roman Reigns, and even the legendary Hulk Hogan. Yet, perhaps his most celebrated moment at SummerSlam occurred in 2004, when he triumphed over Chris Benoit to claim the World Heavyweight Championship, marking his inaugural WWE world title victory. ## This pivotal win triggered a shocking turn of events, as his Evolution teammates betrayed him, leading to Orton's transformation into a fan-favorite, or "face," character. Notably, Randy Orton has participated in an impressive total of 15 matches at SummerSlam, cementing his name as the second-most prolific wrestler in the event's history, second only to The Undertaker. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For Wrestling News...

BY SACNILK

Chicago, 2 August 2023 - Chad Gable and Jason Jordan, who formed the formidable tag team American Alpha, had a relatively brief partnership that spanned just two years. Despite the short duration, they achieved remarkable success by capturing both the "NXT" and "SmackDown" Tag Team Championships. However, WWE management made the decision to separate them in 2017, leading them down different paths. ## Tragically, Jordan's wrestling career came to an abrupt halt in less than a year due to a severe neck injury. Subsequently, he made a significant career shift and transitioned to a role as a WWE producer, utilizing his expertise and knowledge to contribute behind the scenes. ## Per the latest report from Fightful Select, Jason Jordan produced this past Monday's Chad Gable vs. Gunther match and Judgment Day promo. ## In 2011, Jordan inked a contract with WWE, leading to his assignment in the developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Following his debut in NXT the next year, he joined forces with Chad Gable, and together they created the impressive tag team known as American Alpha. Their partnership resulted in them clinching the NXT Tag Team Championship in 2015. Later, the duo was drafted to the SmackDown brand, where they triumphed again, winning the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. ## In 2017, American Alpha parted ways when Jordan transitioned to the Raw brand, portraying the role of Kurt Angle's son. Subsequently, he formed a short-lived tag team with Seth Rollins and managed to secure the Raw Tag Team Championship in December 2017. Notably, he became one of the select few to achieve the distinction of winning the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Championships. Furthermore, he once held the FCW Tag Team Championship alongside CJ Parker. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Wrestling News...

BY SACNILK

Louisville, 2 August 2023 - Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, is now an unlockable character in the WWE Champions mobile game. Ali famously served as a special guest referee at the first-ever WrestleMania event, and his virtual debut in WWE Champions is sure to be a hit with fans. ## A special event called "Sting Like a Bee" has been launched to celebrate Ali's arrival. During this limited-time event, players have the chance to earn Ali's poster in various rarities, with the top milestone reward being a 3-Star GOLD version of the boxing legend. The event also presents an opportunity for players to collect Medallions, which can be redeemed on the Prize Wall for Ali's new gear and a 6-Star Bronze poster. ## With moves like "Float Like a Butterfly," "Sting Like a Bee," "Twenty-One Dodges," "Ali Shuffle," and "Dancing Jab," Muhammad Ali's character in WWE Champions promises to bring an extra layer of power and charisma to the already beloved puzzle RPG experience. ## Players can now engage in dream matchups, pairing Muhammad Ali with iconic WWE Superstars, creating an exhilarating fusion of wrestling and boxing legends in the digital squared circle. The availability of Muhammad Ali as a playable character runs from July 31 to August 4, so be sure to check out WWE Champions and experience the thrill of using the boxing legend's moves in the game. ## "WWE Champions" is available for download on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Amazon Appstore. Download the game today and experience the excitement of Muhammad Ali's virtual presence in the WWE universe. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Wrestling News...