World Wrestling Entertainment® (NYSE: WWE) today announced the creation of a new online ticket hub for all WWE live events, available at WWE.com. The comprehensive destination provides WWE fans with access to all WWE live event tickets in North America as well as premium seats to select events through Ticketmaster, a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Nation.

The Ticketmaster partnership provides fans convenient and safe access to tickets for the WWE’s premier events throughout North America as well as premium access to some of the most sought-after seats via the WWE’s Official Platinum Seats program. Additionally, the WWE has established a platform through TicketsNow, the “Official Resale Partner of the WWE,” which enables their fans the ability to purchase or resell their tickets from a convenient WWE-sanctioned resale marketplace.

“WWE’s new ticket hub offers one-stop shopping for all of our fans’ ticket needs. Our new relationship with Ticketmaster ensures that our fans have convenient and safe options to secure some of the best seats to WWE’s live events,” said Michelle Wilson, EVP, Marketing, WWE.

Fans can access the WWE ticket resale marketplace at www.TicketsNow.com/wwe or through direct links from WWE.com.

World Wrestling Entertainment® and Syfy today announced the next generation of reality television with the debut of WWE NXT, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Syfy.

WWE NXT is a hybrid live event/reality show featuring eight well-known, popular WWE Superstars (“Pros”) mentoring eight WWE “Rookies.” These Rookies, who are learning the ropes, are athletes who epitomize pop culture and personify strong attributes – they are opinionated and aggressive – which means inherent conflict between Rookies and other Rookies, conflict between Rookies and Pros, as well as, conflict between Pros and Pros. The trials and tribulations of the WWE NXT cast ensure action-packed, innovative entertainment – WWE Style.

“Once again, WWE will bring something entirely new to the television landscape as WWE meets reality TV,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO, World Wrestling Entertainment. “As we introduce this brand new franchise exclusively on Syfy, WWE NXT will have a completely different look and feel from our other WWE television programming.”

“Syfy is excited to continue our partnership with WWE, Vince and his team with this innovative live event/reality show,” said Syfy President Dave Howe. “This is a unique combination of heart-stopping entertainment and gritty behind-the-scenes reality. The NXT Rookies take the challenge of our new tagline ‘Imagine Greater’ to heart as they embark on their ultimate dream quest to be the next generation of revered heroes and champions in the fantastic arena of the WWE.”

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

The Monday Night Wars Are Back!

“TNA iMPACT!,” Spike TV’s highly-rated two-hour weekly series, is moving from Thursday nights to Monday nights beginning Monday, March 8 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT), it was announced today by TNA President Dixie Carter and legendary pop culture icon Hulk Hogan at a press conference at the “TNA iMPACT! Zone” at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

“TNA iMPACT” will air live on March 8, with subsequent telecasts live every other week. The series features many of the biggest names in wrestling including Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, as well as the hottest young talent in the industry: TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe and “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan.

The first ever Monday live “TNA iMPACT” broadcast on Spike TV, ran as a three-hour special head-to-head against WWE RAW on Monday, January 4, 2010, and drew a franchise-record 2.2 million viewers. Two wrestling companies have not broadcast head-to-head weekly since the “Monday Night Wars” in the late 1990’s between WWE and WCW.

“On January 4 wrestling fans showed us they’re ready for a new professional wrestling alternative on Monday nights, and we’re answering that call. Bringing iMPACT!’ to Mondays is our most exciting move yet in a year that’s already been filled with huge milestones for TNA” said Carter.

“Monday nights are now officially the best night of the week to be a fan of professional wrestling,” Hogan said. “My mantra has been ‘change is coming’ since partnering with Dixie Carter and TNA Wrestling. This change is great for the business and all fans of professional wrestling will benefit because of it.”

“TNA iMPACT! has emerged as one of cable’s top performers with young men, said Spike TV President Kevin Kay. “With NFL Football off the television schedule and with “TNA iMPACT’s” expanding roster of top wrestling talent, we see this as an opportunity to tap into the millions of wrestling fans on Monday nights.”

Since its founding in 2002, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has become the world’s fastest growing professional wrestling company, currently airing in over 120 countries worldwide.

Check out the full press conference below:

Chris Jericho

TMZ.com reports that pro-wrestler/Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho was arrested this morning in Kenton County, KY around 5 a.m. this morning by the Erlanger (KY) Police Department. In addition to Jericho, police also arrested Gregory “Hurricane” Helms. Both men were charged with “alcohol intoxication in a public place.”

According to Kentucky state law, an arrest is usually made when a police officer is suspicious of an individual when the person “appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or unreasonably annoy persons in his vicinity.”

A first-time offense requires the individual to be booked at the local jail and be charged with a small fine, usually between $25 and $50.

“Chasing The Grail”, the new album from Jericho’s band FOZZY was released on January 19 via Australia’s Riot!Entertainment. Fans can stream the entire album at this location >

Jericho shows now signs of slowing down as the band will be signing copies of “Chasing The Grail” at J&R Music World (23 Park Row – across from City Hall Park) in New York City on January 29 at 5:00 p.m.

Be sure to follow Chris Jericho on Twitter at twitter.com/IamJericho!

Bubba The Love Sponge

It would appear that TNA Wrestling could be trying to distance themselves from larger-than-life radio personality, Bubba The Love Sponge, in wake of his recent controversial comments about Haiti.

The “Shock Jock”, who is also a personal friend of legendary wrestler and current face of TNA Wrestling Hulk Hogan, was apparently scheduled to attend a production meeting Monday morning in Orlando, but was called and told not to come.

“Here in orlando things r all messed up. Was suppose to be at the prod meeting @11 they called and said not 2 come??? This is starting 2b not fun. All because of my Haiti comments Sorry people can’t handle the truth,” Tweeted Bubba.

The radio host attributed the situation to controversy over his “F**k Haiti” comment in response to the US’s ongoing aid campaign for the earthquake-ravaged nation.

“And what does my Haiti comments have to do with tna wrestling. I didn’t say them on dixies air. I don’t think tna is ready 4someone like me,” added Bubba. “I just don’t understand how I can b in trouble for my opinon.”

Bubba’s stint on TNA Wrestling began just two short weeks ago. Of his relationship with TNA president Dixie Carter, he said: “I shoot hard from the hip and ms Carter (although i have a ton of respect 4her) has never had a guy that is as outrageous as I am and has a Nationwide delevery method. So right now I would describe our relationship like oil and water. And it’s not good.”

Update: Bubba recently weighed in with this tweet: “I am going to say this one time and one time only. First of all a real man sometimes has to take a step back and maybe look at something. They said or did so that being said I would like to apologize for my comments regarding Haiti in the world of live radio that I operate. Sometimes u say things that u can’t take back. So I’m man enough now to say I’m sorry for those I offended. Bubba”

Get all the latest info on Bubba The Love Sponge at his official website www.btls.com and see what he has to say, straight from the source on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BTLSRadio!

Bubba The Love Sponge can currently be heard on Sirius XM radio as well as terrestrial radio.

He was part of dangerous missions as a Navy SEAL. He body-slammed giants in the ring as a WWE superstar. He conquered politics as governor of Minnesota. Now, Jesse Ventura is about to face his greatest challenges yet in truTV’s new series Conspiracy Theory WIth Jesse Ventura. With the help of an investigative team, Ventura will examine nefarious plots, schemes and claims. Conspiracy Theory is set to premiere on truTV Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

Ventura has a reputation as a rebel and free-thinker. He’s passionate about the world of conspiracy theories, holds many non-mainstream opinions and has no qualms about questioning authority. He’ll plunge viewers into a world of secret meetings, midnight surveillance, shifty characters and dark forces.

Conspiracy Theory puts Ventura on the road with investigative producers June Sarpong and Alex Piper and executive producer Michael Braverman. They’re on a mission to examine possible conspiracies surrounding secret societies, global warming, alleged 9/11 cover-ups, a research center in Alaska that could be a secret government weapon and apocalyptic prophecies, to name a few. They talk to experts, eyewitnesses and examine available evidence.

“This is my personal journey to prove that there is more to these stories than you know about,” Ventura said. “We have credible sources stating their beliefs, and we look into those theories, but ultimately, you will have to be the judge.”

Conspiracy Theory is executive-produced by Ventura, A. Smith & Co.’s Arthur Smith, Kent Weed and Frank Sinton, and B2 Entertainment’s Michael Braverman and Barry Bloom. For truTV, Robyn Hutt is the executive in charge of production, while Jon Crowley serves as executive producer.

truTV is television’s destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 91 million U.S. households, the 17-year-old network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can’t normally experience. truTV’s primetime fan favorites include the original series Black Gold, Operation Repo, The Smoking Gun Presents…, Speeders and Forensic Files. During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name IN SESSION.

The legendary Jeff Hardy has stunned the WWE Universe with amazing highlights in the ring and controversial moments out of it. Now fans can explore both sides fo this unconventional Superstar. Jeff Hardy: My Life, My Rules contains a revealing documentary packed with never-before-seen interviews from Jeff and both his closest confidants and biggest rivals.

Recorded on the eve of beginning a new chapter in his life, Jeff discusses his tumultuous existence in 2008 and 2009, including his astounding rise to both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships and his challenging personal struggles.

Through the 27 matches on this 3-DVD set, fans can retrace Jeff’s remarkable career, including a rare match from 1994, his tag team partnership with brother Matt, and battles for the Intercontinental, World Heavyweight and WWE Championships.

DISC 1
Phoenix, AZ – August 25, 2009

Jeff Returns

August 25, 2009 – 9:59 PM

Jeff and Matt Reunite – The Hardys!

August 25, 2009 – 10:03 PM

Opportunity Knocks

August 25, 2009 – 10:07 PM

Dark Days

Road to Redemption

August 25, 2009 – 10:12 PM

Sacrifice is Rewarded

August 25, 2009 – 10:15 PM

Brother vs. Brother

Living for the Moment

August 25, 2009 – 10:18 PM

Jeff’s Omega?

Special Features

• Jeff’s Faves

• Motocross

• Third Gear, Wide Open

• Jeff’s Art Gallery

• Remembering Jack

• The Original Hardy Boy

• Will O’ The Wisp

• Behind the Paint: Jeff Prepares for SummerSlam

• Gas Chamber Ink

• The Hardy Show

Matches

Jeff Hardy vs. 1-2-3 Kid
Superstars – June 25, 1994

Triangle Ladder Match for the World Tag Team Championship
The Hardy Boys vs. The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian
WrestleMania 2000 – April 2, 2000
(Alternate Commentary with Jeff and Matt Hardy)

Steel Cage Match for the World Tag Team Championship
The Hardy Boys vs. Edge & Christian
Unforgiven – September 24, 2000

Hardcore Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Mike Awesome
SmackDown! – July 12, 2001

Ladder Match for the Hardcore Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam
SummerSlam – August 19, 2001

Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
Vengeance – December 9, 2001

Jeff Hardy & Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho & Christian
Raw – February 17, 2003

DISC 2
Jeff Hardy vs. Edge
Raw – August 21, 2006

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Johnny Nitro
Raw – October 2, 2006

World Tag Team Championship Match
The Hardys vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Backlash – April 29, 2007

#1 Contender’s 4-Way Elimination Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Santino Marella vs. William Regal
Raw – July 16, 2007

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin
Raw – September 17, 2007

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Carlito
Raw – December 10, 2007

Winner Receives a WWE Championship Match at Royal Rumble
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H
Armageddon – December 16, 2007

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
Raw – January 14, 2008

WWE Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
Royal Rumble – January 27, 2008

Jeff Hardy vs. Shawn Michaels
Raw – February 11, 2008

DISC 3
Falls Count Anywhere Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga
One Night Stand: Extreme Rules – June 1, 2008

#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. John Cena
Raw – June 2, 2009

Jeff Hardy vs. John Morrison
SmackDown! – July 4, 2009

WWE Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H
No Mercy – October 5, 2008

Extreme Rules Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Undertaker
SmackDown – November 14, 2008

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H vs. Edge
Armageddon – December 14, 2008

Extreme Rules Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler
Raw – March 23, 2009

Stretcher Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
SmackDown – April 10, 2009

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
Night of Champions – July 26, 2009

Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
SmackDown – August 28, 2009

Shane McMahon, who is also the 39-year-old son of WWE chairman-CEO Vince McMahon, was a professional wrestler and on-air commentator before taking on his executive role. Shane McMahon’s announcement comes only a few weeks after his mother Linda McMahon stepped down as CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment so she could run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Chris Dodd.

In a statement, Shane said: “It has been an incredible experience to help build WWE® into a global phenomenon. However, having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”

Said Vince: “Even though I am personally saddened by Shane’s decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion, commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues.”

Source: Variety

Larger-than-life wrestling legend Captain Lou Albano died on Wednesday morning (October 14) at the age of 76, according to the WWE and Wrestler’s Rescue (an organization that helps raise money for retired wrestlers’ health care).

Wrestler’s Rescue reported that Albano had been in hospice care earlier this week, but no cause of death has been revealed.

Known for his wild goatee and his half-open Hawaiian shirts, Albano became a fixture in the wrestling world fixture for more than a half-century. Albano is best known to non-wrestling fans as the father in Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” video. That helped kick off the Rock ‘n Wrestling connection that launched the then-WWF to national prominence in the 1980s.

He was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1996, paying tribute to Albano’s management of 15 WWE tag team champions and WWE title holder Ivan Koloff. He was dubbed “The Guiding Light” for his “management” work.

“One of the company’s most popular and charismatic legends,” the WWE said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed.”

Albano parlayed his MTV exposure into Hollywood fame, appearing on TV shows ranging from “Miami Vice,” “227″ and “Hey Dude” to the movies “Wiseguys” and “Body Slam,” as well as starring in the “Super Mario Bros. Super Show” as Mario. He also briefly managed the long-running jam-rock precursor band NRBQ, who penned a song in his honor, “Captain Lou.”

He will be missed.

For more information on Wrestler’s Rescue, please visit www.wrestlersrescue.org.