[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets:

Originally Posted by Variety.com WWE is finalizing a new deal with NBCUniversal to keep its flagship shows “Raw” and “SmackDown” on USA Network and Syfy, respectively, Variety has confirmed. Although financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, analysts on Wall Street believe WWE has been able to double the licensing fees for its shows. In 2013, it earned $160.9 million from broadcast rights around the world, and $139.5 million in 2012. Just how long the shows will air on NBCUniversal’s channels also has not yet been revealed. As of Thursday morning, a new contract had not yet officially been signed, but sources close to the talks said it should be completed shortly.

Originally Posted by Observer There are some WWE referees unhappy with their current pay, says The Wrestling Observer. A new report suggests that the referees are having a hard time making ends meet, as they are expected to pay for a lot of their own travel expenses. Additionally, much like the talent, referees' pay goes up and down depending on how the business is doing as a whole, and they make less when live event numbers are down.

Originally Posted by Observer With the first round of network subscriptions coming due on 9/2, the WWE is looking to load up the 9/21 Night of Champions show in Nashville. Lesnar is to return for a two-show program, starting at SummerSlam and continuing at NOC. The $1 rise in price of Netflix is something to watch regarding the WWE network. A $1 price range, if the company should do it, brings in $7 million or more per year in revenue. Netflix and Amazon have both recently raised their prices. The only reason WWE and UFC kept their price at $9.99 was that Netflix established a low price point as the value of a streaming service.

Originally Posted by Observer The reason a lot of WCW theme music is now being used on the network instead of dubbed over is settling some deals as well as the settlement of a lawsuit by Jimmy Papa, who had produced music for both WCW and World Class. Papa had sued WWE in 2012, claiming the company had used WCW theme music, as well as his most popular song, “Badstreet USA,” that he had written with Michael Hayes. He sued WWE, Hayes and Jim Johnston for copyright violation and for claiming Johnston had written the songs. The case was settled with the terms sealed, past the point WWE is now allowed to use the music.

Originally Posted by Observer A lot of TNA talent has contacted ROH and Jeff Jarrett due to nervousness that gets stronger every week that goes by without a new television deal announced.

Originally Posted by Observer The expectation for the arrival of Fergal Devitt is the late summer, tentatively August.