[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets:

As noted, WWE will hold an earnings call tomorrow and reveal the latest WWE Network subscriber count. We've also noted how mass layoffs are expected. The number being mentioned the most is that 10% of WWE's employees will lose their jobs.

Current rumors of the numbers are barely reaching 700,000 to as high as in the 760,000s for subs. Still expected to drop once the original 6 months period ends after SummerSlam.

Originally Posted by Observer As noted, Sheamus missed last week’s television with a serious case of the flu. They were scheduled to start a Sheamus vs. Rusev U.S. title program at the tapings. He was at the building, at least for sure in Orlando, but was unable to wrestle. This week he was not at TV, as he was in Ireland, and there have been no U.S. title programs set up for SummerSlam. There was talk of Sheamus losing the U.S. title to Rusev as a way to increase Rusev & Lana’s Anti-American heat. That still could happen down the line.

Originally Posted by Observer The latest word on Sting and WWE is that they are hopeful to get a talent contract signed before SummerSlam. Sting is coming to Los Angeles for SummerSlam weekend but is not currently scheduled for the show itself. Sting currently has deals with Mattel and 2K Sports but not a wrestling deal with WWE. Talk of Sting signing with WWE has become a running joke, among fans and wrestlers, because the two sides are basically in the same spot they were in when talks first started getting serious in January. Sting has had talks with Vince McMahon before but never met him in person. Their first meeting will likely come during SummerSlam weekend

Originally Posted by Observer Big Show and Dean Ambrose defeated Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt in a dark match after Monday's RAW in Houston. Show and Ambrose celebrated after the match and it appeared WWE officials only wanted Show out there closing the show because they kept signaling for Ambrose to leave and return to the back.

Originally Posted by Observer While Viacom, parent company of Spike TV, and TNA have both said they are still in negotiations, multiple sources have confirmed TMZ's story that Spike informed Dixie Carter in a meeting that they were not interested in renewing the deal for Impact Wrestling. Multiple sources report that there are two key reasons Spike doesn't want to renew - they didn't believe the product was cost effective for what they pay for it and the fact they were outright lied to about Vince Russo's status with the company. People in the TV industry do not believe that United Talent Agency, which has been representing TNA in negotiations, has a back-up plan. Within the TV industry, there is a lack of interest in pro wrestling due to the inability to get premium advertising revenue. There's also talk that Spike is willing to keep the show but wants to cut down on the licensing fees they pay. We've also noted that there's speculation, even among industry experts like Jim Ross, that Spike could be looking to own their wrestling company by purchasing TNA, like they did with Bellator MMA

WWE has reduced the standard day of pay to indy workers to be extras for television from $200 to $100. When WWE travels, they always have independent wrestlers from the area available to use. They either personally select guys or there is a formal submission process independent wrestlers can go through to apply to be an extra. If accepted, they are at the arena all day and if the script for the show should call for some extras, they are used as needed. WWE has now cut the pay in half for what talent will receive.