On his new ESPN gig: “Sportscasting has always been my dream. I enjoy wrestling and I’m a fan, but I never wanted to spend my whole life in it. This was a no-brainer for me.”
On the end of his WWE tenure: “It really started to wear on me the last couple of years. I enjoyed the (WWE) job, but not the travel. Toward the end between doing games and WWE shows, I was on the road five days a week for 51 weeks a year. I also got married, which put strain as well.”
On the difference between his WWE role and his ESPN role: “In the GM-type role, I got to be creative writing my own (interviews). It got to the point that announcing for me wasn’t all that much fun because we didn’t really get to do what we wanted. As good as Vince was to us, he could be very controlling. I understand that. This is his baby. In the last 18 months when I was at MSG and asked (by WWE) to do a few things a legit sports guy wouldn’t do, I questioned that a little bit. But I also found quite a bit of our (WWE) audience — maybe 95 percent — doesn’t watch real sports. I never received any backlash whenever I did something a little off-color.”
On a possible WWE return: “I have nothing against WWE. I still talk to a lot of those guys and occasionally go see them backstage. But that chapter in my life is certainly closed. There’s no chance I’m going back.”
-The following press release was issued by WWE earlier today:
WWE’S ROYAL RUMBLE TO SELL OUT
January 22, 2009
STAMFORD, CT – January 22, 2009 – Detroit, the home of this Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay per view, is one of the most depressed markets in the country. However, despite the recession, World Wrestling Entertainment®’s demand remains high as the Rumble at Joe Louis Arena is virtually sold out. For those that are not fortunate enough to attend the Royal Rumble, fans can watch the event on pay per view.
The WWE considers itself “The best value in entertainment,” said Linda McMahon, CEO of WWE. “We give more bang for the buck at live events and pay per views. You’re guaranteed 3 hours of electrifying action. No quick knockouts or submissions as in boxing or mixed martial arts.”
The suggested retail price for WWE pay per views is $39.95, with an average of four viewers per household. This means that the average cost per individual per WWE pay per view is $9.99. Since WWE pay per views are distributed directly to the home, parking is free, Mom provides the refreshments, and no waiting in line for the bathroom.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
