‘X-Men ’97’ was released last week, and the first impressions are overwhelmingly positive, with both fans and critics enjoying the first two episodes. The show has seen historical success, premiering with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The future looks bright for Marvel animation.
Despite the show being heavily influenced and a continuation of the ’90s ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ some elements of the show were tweaked and changed while trying to stay faithful to the original characters, stories, and animation. One aspect of the show that’s been met with some degree of backlash is the fact that Morph is non-binary in the show.
If you’re not familiar with the character in the comics, Morph’s superpower is basically shapeshifting, where the inspiration for making him non-binary came from in the first place. J.P. Karliak, the actor who voices Morph on the show recently discussed the fan backlash with Cbr.
Despite the show being heavily influenced and a continuation of the ’90s ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ some elements of the show were tweaked and changed while trying to stay faithful to the original characters, stories, and animation. One aspect of the show that’s been met with some degree of backlash is the fact that Morph is non-binary in the show.
If you’re not familiar with the character in the comics, Morph’s superpower is basically shapeshifting, where the inspiration for making him non-binary came from in the first place. J.P. Karliak, the actor who voices Morph on the show recently discussed the fan backlash with Cbr.
- 3/26/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
The current proxy war at Disney has been heating up in the past few months, with more people announcing support for the side that matches with their ideas for the future of the company. While Nelson Peltz has been getting support from outsiders, many notable individuals including Abigail Disney and George Lucas announced that they supported Iger (despite both voicing their grievances with him in the past).
Now, another voice has lent their support to Bob Iger, that being actor and comedian Josh Gad. Gad is perhaps best known as the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen franchise, but he also appeared in the 2017 Live-Action Remake of Beauty and the Beast as LeFou and in 2020’s Artemis Fowl as Mulch Diggums, the Dwarf.
On his personal Instagram account, Gad made the following statement accompanying an image of the Disney CEO: “What this man has done and continues to...
Now, another voice has lent their support to Bob Iger, that being actor and comedian Josh Gad. Gad is perhaps best known as the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen franchise, but he also appeared in the 2017 Live-Action Remake of Beauty and the Beast as LeFou and in 2020’s Artemis Fowl as Mulch Diggums, the Dwarf.
On his personal Instagram account, Gad made the following statement accompanying an image of the Disney CEO: “What this man has done and continues to...
- 3/25/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
In the wake of a Donald Trump presidency in 2016, in addition to the rise of anti-Gay legislation which posed a threat to the marriage equality decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, filmmaker Melinda Maerker and producer David Clayton Miller took the time to check in on the Lgbtqia+ community in the Midwest.
Here was a place of American family values, rattled by rising discrimination; yet several Lgbtqia+ spouses and families opted to stay strong in their communities and live true to themselves. The new Hulu movie, We Live Here is a window into their struggle in schools, churches, and their neighborhoods.
Nia and Katie Chiaramonte
Of those featured in We Live Here, there’s a trans/queer Iowan family, Nia and Katie Chiaramonte, who must find a new community with their five kids after being expelled from their church. There’s Mario and Monte Foreman-Powell, a gay Black couple with a...
Here was a place of American family values, rattled by rising discrimination; yet several Lgbtqia+ spouses and families opted to stay strong in their communities and live true to themselves. The new Hulu movie, We Live Here is a window into their struggle in schools, churches, and their neighborhoods.
Nia and Katie Chiaramonte
Of those featured in We Live Here, there’s a trans/queer Iowan family, Nia and Katie Chiaramonte, who must find a new community with their five kids after being expelled from their church. There’s Mario and Monte Foreman-Powell, a gay Black couple with a...
- 12/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
WrapPRO is free this week. See the inside scoops, expert analysis and exclusive data subscribers get daily. Click here for more information.
“Barbie” is a sure box office hit, but is it a feminist one?
As the movie was raking in moviegoers over its premiere weekend, women found themselves in a lively debate on whether they had the right to criticize the box office hit.
Among the most strident discourses on social media, women and others from marginalized groups prefaced their comments with statements akin to “It’s flawed, but I liked it” or suggested they were afraid to share any opinion perceived as critical.
“I am a little bewildered,” TheWrap editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman tweeted on Sunday. “The power of ‘Barbie’ and success of the movie is undeniable. And yet women who I talk to said they found the movie heavy-handed, ‘preachy’ (heard that a lot) [and] ‘good’ but not particularly entertaining.
“Barbie” is a sure box office hit, but is it a feminist one?
As the movie was raking in moviegoers over its premiere weekend, women found themselves in a lively debate on whether they had the right to criticize the box office hit.
Among the most strident discourses on social media, women and others from marginalized groups prefaced their comments with statements akin to “It’s flawed, but I liked it” or suggested they were afraid to share any opinion perceived as critical.
“I am a little bewildered,” TheWrap editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman tweeted on Sunday. “The power of ‘Barbie’ and success of the movie is undeniable. And yet women who I talk to said they found the movie heavy-handed, ‘preachy’ (heard that a lot) [and] ‘good’ but not particularly entertaining.
- 7/27/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
The third episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City answered a question that had been hanging over the series’ metaphorical head since it was first announced: What happens/happened to Negan’s wife Annie, who was pregnant with their child when the mothership ended its 11-season run?
Until Sunday, Negan had managed to avoid discussing his family. But, seeing Maggie’s distress over the possibility that son Hershel had already been killed by the Croat, the Saviors’ former leader opened up to her. He, Annie and baby Joshua had been holed up in a cabin outside of New Babylon, he explained.
Until Sunday, Negan had managed to avoid discussing his family. But, seeing Maggie’s distress over the possibility that son Hershel had already been killed by the Croat, the Saviors’ former leader opened up to her. He, Annie and baby Joshua had been holed up in a cabin outside of New Babylon, he explained.
- 7/3/2023
- by Charlie Mason
- TVLine.com
Sports entertainment powerhouse WWE, which is planning to merge with Endeavor’s UFC, has been touting positive TV ratings trends and strong ticket sales for its live events. Now, a new data point shows that the number of Americans aged 8 and over who are identifying as WWE fans has also continued to grow.
In 2022, that figure hit 89.9 million, according to the Ssrs/Luker on Trends Sports Poll, a new record for WWE and an increase of 4.8 million over its previous high of 85.1 million, reached in 2021. The research firm’s core poll results are representative of the U.S. population aged 12 and older, and more than 500,000 Americans have been interviewed for it over 25 years. In addition, its Sports Poll Kids study is conducted with 1,200 kids ages 8-11.
“More people identify themselves as WWE fans now than at any time in the history of the research, which dates back to 1994,” WWE claimed.
In 2022, that figure hit 89.9 million, according to the Ssrs/Luker on Trends Sports Poll, a new record for WWE and an increase of 4.8 million over its previous high of 85.1 million, reached in 2021. The research firm’s core poll results are representative of the U.S. population aged 12 and older, and more than 500,000 Americans have been interviewed for it over 25 years. In addition, its Sports Poll Kids study is conducted with 1,200 kids ages 8-11.
“More people identify themselves as WWE fans now than at any time in the history of the research, which dates back to 1994,” WWE claimed.
- 6/8/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Johnny Depp is speaking out.
On Wednesday, the Hollywood star attended the press conference for his new French film, “Jeanne du Barry”, which opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Read More: Cannes 2023: Johnny Depp ‘Held Back Tears’ After 7-Minute Standing Ovation For ‘Jeanne du Barry’ Premiere
The actor arrived 42 minutes late to the press conference, which had already gotten under way, and was immediately peppered with questions about his return to the screen following his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard last year.
“The majority of you who have been reading for the last five or six years, with regards to me and my life — the majority of what you’ve read is fantastically, horrifically written fiction,” Depp said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The fact is, we’re here to talk about the film. But it’s like asking the question, ‘How are you doing?’ But what’s underneath in the subtext is,...
On Wednesday, the Hollywood star attended the press conference for his new French film, “Jeanne du Barry”, which opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Read More: Cannes 2023: Johnny Depp ‘Held Back Tears’ After 7-Minute Standing Ovation For ‘Jeanne du Barry’ Premiere
The actor arrived 42 minutes late to the press conference, which had already gotten under way, and was immediately peppered with questions about his return to the screen following his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard last year.
“The majority of you who have been reading for the last five or six years, with regards to me and my life — the majority of what you’ve read is fantastically, horrifically written fiction,” Depp said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The fact is, we’re here to talk about the film. But it’s like asking the question, ‘How are you doing?’ But what’s underneath in the subtext is,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Bad Bunny will be returning to his native Puerto Rico in May to host the upcoming “Backlash” event for WWE.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the May 6 event — to be broadcast live via PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan — marks the first “premium live event” the WWE has held in Puerto Rico since 2005.
Read More: Bad Bunny Faces Off Against Brock Lesnar At WWE’s Royal Rumble
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” said Bad Bunny. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event, and this time I won’t miss it.”
“Backlash” is one of the WWE’s biggest annual events, traditionally taking place after WrestleMania, which this year will take place over two nights — April 1 and 2 — at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
“We’re...
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the May 6 event — to be broadcast live via PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan — marks the first “premium live event” the WWE has held in Puerto Rico since 2005.
Read More: Bad Bunny Faces Off Against Brock Lesnar At WWE’s Royal Rumble
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” said Bad Bunny. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event, and this time I won’t miss it.”
“Backlash” is one of the WWE’s biggest annual events, traditionally taking place after WrestleMania, which this year will take place over two nights — April 1 and 2 — at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
“We’re...
- 3/9/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Music superstar Bad Bunny is set to host the live WWE event “Backlash” in his native Puerto Rico. It will take place on Saturday, May 6, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. It’s the first live WWE event taking place in Puerto Rico since 2005.
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” Bad Bunny said in a statement. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event and this time I won’t miss it.”
Bad Bunny is no stranger to the world of the WWE. In 2021, he performed “Booker T” at that year’s Royal Rumble event, and then started appearing on Monday Night Raw. He eventually won the WWE 24/7 Championship that year. In 2022, he appeared at the Royal Rumble as a contender, advancing past noted wrestlers Sheamus and...
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” Bad Bunny said in a statement. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event and this time I won’t miss it.”
Bad Bunny is no stranger to the world of the WWE. In 2021, he performed “Booker T” at that year’s Royal Rumble event, and then started appearing on Monday Night Raw. He eventually won the WWE 24/7 Championship that year. In 2022, he appeared at the Royal Rumble as a contender, advancing past noted wrestlers Sheamus and...
- 3/8/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Music star Bad Bunny will host wrestling powerhouse WWE’s Backlash event in Puerto Rico this May.
The May 6 show will air live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, marking the first WWE premium live event to take place in Puerto Rico since January 2005.
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” said Bad Bunny. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event, and this time I won’t miss it.”
On the company’s calendar of premium live events, previously known as pay-per-views, Backlash traditionally follows WrestleMania, WWE’s equivalent of the Super Bowl. This year, WrestleMania 39, also promoted as “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood,” will be held as a two-night event on April 1 and 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
“We’re excited to bring Backlash to San Juan as...
The May 6 show will air live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, marking the first WWE premium live event to take place in Puerto Rico since January 2005.
“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” said Bad Bunny. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event, and this time I won’t miss it.”
On the company’s calendar of premium live events, previously known as pay-per-views, Backlash traditionally follows WrestleMania, WWE’s equivalent of the Super Bowl. This year, WrestleMania 39, also promoted as “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood,” will be held as a two-night event on April 1 and 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
“We’re excited to bring Backlash to San Juan as...
- 3/8/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael B. Jordan has come a long way since his high school days, but the actor was recently reminded of his past when he reunited with a fellow student who used to bully him.
Prior to meeting face to face with his former bully named Lore’l, the host of “The Morning Hustle” radio show revealed on a recent episode of her “Undressing Room” podcast that she was one of many students who used to tease Jordan for his name.
Read More: ‘Creed III’: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson & More Hit London Premiere
“You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life,” Lore’l revealed on the podcast. “And to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan.”
“He...
Prior to meeting face to face with his former bully named Lore’l, the host of “The Morning Hustle” radio show revealed on a recent episode of her “Undressing Room” podcast that she was one of many students who used to tease Jordan for his name.
Read More: ‘Creed III’: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson & More Hit London Premiere
“You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life,” Lore’l revealed on the podcast. “And to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan.”
“He...
- 2/28/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Kim Petras just made Grammys history.
On Sunday night, she and Sam Smith took home the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit single “Unholy”.
Read More: Sam Smith And Kim Petras Channel ‘Unholy’ Music Video At Grammys Red Carpet
Petras is the first transgender woman to win the award, a big moment for the trans community.
"Sam [Smith] graciously wanted me to accept this award, because I'm the first transgender woman to win this award." Watch Kim Petras' acceptance speech from the #Grammys: pic.twitter.com/jQ52Sq0t6f
— Variety (@Variety) February 6, 2023
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I am the first transgender woman to win this award,” Petras told the crowd during her acceptance speech.
She received big cheers and a standing ovation from the audience for the historic accomplishment.
Once the crowd settled down, she continued, “I just wanted to thank...
On Sunday night, she and Sam Smith took home the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit single “Unholy”.
Read More: Sam Smith And Kim Petras Channel ‘Unholy’ Music Video At Grammys Red Carpet
Petras is the first transgender woman to win the award, a big moment for the trans community.
"Sam [Smith] graciously wanted me to accept this award, because I'm the first transgender woman to win this award." Watch Kim Petras' acceptance speech from the #Grammys: pic.twitter.com/jQ52Sq0t6f
— Variety (@Variety) February 6, 2023
“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I am the first transgender woman to win this award,” Petras told the crowd during her acceptance speech.
She received big cheers and a standing ovation from the audience for the historic accomplishment.
Once the crowd settled down, she continued, “I just wanted to thank...
- 2/6/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Sharon Stone has been in the headlines thanks to her surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live”, appearing onstage in repose during one of musical guest Sam Smith’s performances, and then appearing alongside host Aubry Plaza in a sketch.
A few years back, Stone also made a surprise appearance in “Rolling Thunder Revue”, Martin Scorsese’s 2019 Netflix documentary about Bob Dylan’s legendary 1975 tour.
In the documentary, Stone reveals that she had an affair with Dylan when she was 19 and wound up joining him on the road during that tour — none of which is true, by the way.
Read More: Sharon Stone On Stunning Sam Smith ‘SNL’ Appearance: ‘We Understand Each Other At An Almost Intimate Level”
Stone’s faux admission, in fact, is one of several whoppers that Scorsese and Dylan mischievously inserted into the documentary, such as Dylan’s supposed feud with Stefan van Drop, the European filmmaker...
A few years back, Stone also made a surprise appearance in “Rolling Thunder Revue”, Martin Scorsese’s 2019 Netflix documentary about Bob Dylan’s legendary 1975 tour.
In the documentary, Stone reveals that she had an affair with Dylan when she was 19 and wound up joining him on the road during that tour — none of which is true, by the way.
Read More: Sharon Stone On Stunning Sam Smith ‘SNL’ Appearance: ‘We Understand Each Other At An Almost Intimate Level”
Stone’s faux admission, in fact, is one of several whoppers that Scorsese and Dylan mischievously inserted into the documentary, such as Dylan’s supposed feud with Stefan van Drop, the European filmmaker...
- 1/25/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
CBS is pulling the competition series “The Activist” after backlash from online activist communities, the network said Wednesday. The show will be reworked as a more straightforward documentary special, removing the competition aspect.
The show was set to premiere on Oct. 22, with a five-week run challenging a group of activitsts to “compete in missions, media stunts, digital campaigns and community events” with winners decided based on “online engagement, social metrics and hosts’ input.” Usher, Julianne Hough and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas were announced as hosts last week, drawing attention to the project and sparking the backlash from those who found the show’s competition format at odds with the work of activism.
CBS and producers Global Citizen and Live Nation released a joint statement on Wednesday announcing the planned changes to the show’s format and the decision to remove it from the schedule.
“‘The Activist’ was designed to show a wide audience the passion,...
The show was set to premiere on Oct. 22, with a five-week run challenging a group of activitsts to “compete in missions, media stunts, digital campaigns and community events” with winners decided based on “online engagement, social metrics and hosts’ input.” Usher, Julianne Hough and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas were announced as hosts last week, drawing attention to the project and sparking the backlash from those who found the show’s competition format at odds with the work of activism.
CBS and producers Global Citizen and Live Nation released a joint statement on Wednesday announcing the planned changes to the show’s format and the decision to remove it from the schedule.
“‘The Activist’ was designed to show a wide audience the passion,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
It’s another episode of It Is What It Is, and B.C. is talking with Quad C! It’s a mini episode of Go Home, and the Summer Movie Preview!
This week on IiWiIJA, B.C. is joined by Matt Quad C! Since BC forgot to record an episode of Go Home for The Greatest Royal Rumble, and Backlash, the guys break down the WWE PPV, Backlash! Plus it’s that time of year again; it’s time for the Summer Movie Preview! All this, Box Office Predictions, and more on episode 139 of It Is What It Is, with The Jackass!
Do you shop on Amazon? Then click here and bookmark it to help support the Jackass Nation Podcast channel. You won’t be donating, or paying anything more then you normally would, but by clicking the link, and buying your normal products at no extra charge, Amazon will...
This week on IiWiIJA, B.C. is joined by Matt Quad C! Since BC forgot to record an episode of Go Home for The Greatest Royal Rumble, and Backlash, the guys break down the WWE PPV, Backlash! Plus it’s that time of year again; it’s time for the Summer Movie Preview! All this, Box Office Predictions, and more on episode 139 of It Is What It Is, with The Jackass!
Do you shop on Amazon? Then click here and bookmark it to help support the Jackass Nation Podcast channel. You won’t be donating, or paying anything more then you normally would, but by clicking the link, and buying your normal products at no extra charge, Amazon will...
- 5/10/2018
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (B.C.)
- Cinelinx
WWE “Backlash” is in the books, and the co-branded May pay-per-view event set the table for an interesting “Raw” tonight and “SmackDown Live” on Tuesday. But before millions watch this week’s flagship shows on USA Network, TheWrap‘s got 7 things that no WWE Network subscriber caught at Sunday’s show.
We attended the Newark, N.J., pay-per-view event courtesy of some pretty killer tickets that didn’t come without controversy — more on that later, though. Before this writer admits to his role in a phony ticket scandal, we’ve got half-a-dozen other things one had to be in the house and (possibly) on the floor to see.
Find out how Bobby Roode got under the ring, which Superstars interacted the most with the Prudential Center crowd, and what lines were the roughest to navigate at The Rock. (No, not that The Rock — we’re referring to the Pru Center’s nickname.)
Also Read: WWE Wrestler Kane Wins Republican Mayoral Primary in Knoxville
1. That Concerned Ref Was All for the Cameras
You know that very concerned ref who consoles the beaten-up loser after each match? Yeah, he’s not all that worried — until cued to be.
Savvy wrestling fans know that the earpiece-wearing ref distributes key information — like timing — to the wrestlers throughout the match, but the man in stripes isn’t done after the “1, 2, 3” count. The referee also must be in position to check on the “injured” wrestler when the director wants to switch shots from the victor celebrating to his or her victim suffering.
After all, it’s really just a (very good) TV show.
Also Read: WWE's Braun Strowman Hurls Shane McMahon Through Announce Table From Ring (Video)
2. Bobby Roode Is the Man in Black
WWE Superstar Bobby Roode’s ring entrance Sunday was a little less “Glorious” than his usual strut down the ramp.
As Elias was hastily escorted to the ring in the dark arena for his comedy-relief skit on Sunday night, security surrounded another man dressed in all black with a hood pulled low over his head. That fella turned out to be Roode, who popped out from under the ring to deliver a Glorious Ddt, seemingly out of nowhere.
And then the weird conga line thing happened.
Also Read: Titus O'Neil Trips and Totally Eats It in WWE 'Greatest Royal Rumble' Match Entrance Fail (Video)
3. But Do You Really “Want Enzo”?
Ok, so you probably heard some of these on TV, but there was a weird number of chants for ex-wwe Superstar Enzo Amore — mostly during former tag team partner Big Cass’ match against Daniel Bryan.
It’s not unusual for a live crowd to troll Vince McMahon & Co. with calls for former stars (yes, there were also “Cm Punk” chants Sunday night in Newark), but considering that Enzo (né Eric Arndt) was fired earlier this year after being accused of rape, those calling for Amore were making gigantic asses of themselves. (Arndt has denied the accusations.)
The man who was canned while Cruiserweight Champion is from New Jersey, which means geography explains some of the noise — but not the ignorance.
4. Snaking Merch Lines
At most sporting events, the lines for an arena’s entrances, its bathrooms and beers are the most egregious — but that wasn’t the case in Newark.
The WWE’s “PG Era” attracts families, and kids prefer merchandise over booze. The line to buy (overpriced) t-shirts, championship belts and “Money in the Bank” briefcases resembled the U.S. Customs line at JFK.
Last night, we traded in the Dos Equis for good old-fashioned American Bud Light. At least there was no wait for the cold ones — or for the urinals after drinking a (responsible) number of those cold ones.
5. Roman Is for the Kids!
The WWE Universe has a strange relationship with Roman Reigns. The adults boo the hell out of him for a few reasons: 1) He’s been pushed relentlessly to replace John Cena as the face of the company, 2) Your girlfriend finds him very attractive, 3) Reigns kept the Shield attire, crowd entrance and song after the fan-favorite faction disbanded, and 4) He’s not the best technical wrestler.
None of that bothers the kids (or secure adults who understand where they are). After Reigns dropped Samoa Joe in last night’s main event and the cameras cut off, the polarizing Superstar took photos with a number of children at ringside — more than anyone else was willing or able to.
Save your booing for someone else, guys.
6. Jeff Hardy’s Art Includes Autographs
Seated on the entrance ramp, one is up close and personal to the comings and goings of each Superstar. The only high-five we personally got was from Jeff Hardy, who also stopped on the way back to sign a young girl’s poster board by us. It was the lone autograph we witnessed.
To be fair to the whole locker room, a live televised show is not really the time or place for autographs. On the way to the ring, it’s pure business. On their way back up, the losing wrestler has to hold what hurts and limp backstage, while the winner poses for the WWE Network cameras before hitting the showers. And if it’s a “heel” (the wrestling term for a baddie) who wins, he or she can’t break character to interact with the fans.
Plus, the WWE producers do a nice job keeping these long shows moving between the action, so it’s not quite a meet-and-greet opportunity.
7. Fake Tix — Hey, It’s Still Newark
Here’s some free advice: Never buy tickets from a scalper on the streets of Newark, New Jersey.
While the Prudential Center is a fine venue and the area around the home to the NHL’s New Jersey Devils is developing nicely, the city of Newark itself can still be a dicey place. Plus, the business of live sporting events extends well beyond the official box office.
We experienced that firsthand, missing the very beginning to The Miz and Seth Rollins’ excellent opening match to sort out a fake ticket problem. Long story short, our stubs were the legit ones, and the (ejected) squatters in our rightful seats learned an expensive and unfortunate lesson that likely made them Ticketmaster customers for life. Shoutout to the professional Prudential Center security team who worked it all out quickly, correctly and kindly.
Read original story WWE ‘Backlash': 7 Things You Didn’t See on TV At TheWrap...
We attended the Newark, N.J., pay-per-view event courtesy of some pretty killer tickets that didn’t come without controversy — more on that later, though. Before this writer admits to his role in a phony ticket scandal, we’ve got half-a-dozen other things one had to be in the house and (possibly) on the floor to see.
Find out how Bobby Roode got under the ring, which Superstars interacted the most with the Prudential Center crowd, and what lines were the roughest to navigate at The Rock. (No, not that The Rock — we’re referring to the Pru Center’s nickname.)
Also Read: WWE Wrestler Kane Wins Republican Mayoral Primary in Knoxville
1. That Concerned Ref Was All for the Cameras
You know that very concerned ref who consoles the beaten-up loser after each match? Yeah, he’s not all that worried — until cued to be.
Savvy wrestling fans know that the earpiece-wearing ref distributes key information — like timing — to the wrestlers throughout the match, but the man in stripes isn’t done after the “1, 2, 3” count. The referee also must be in position to check on the “injured” wrestler when the director wants to switch shots from the victor celebrating to his or her victim suffering.
After all, it’s really just a (very good) TV show.
Also Read: WWE's Braun Strowman Hurls Shane McMahon Through Announce Table From Ring (Video)
2. Bobby Roode Is the Man in Black
WWE Superstar Bobby Roode’s ring entrance Sunday was a little less “Glorious” than his usual strut down the ramp.
As Elias was hastily escorted to the ring in the dark arena for his comedy-relief skit on Sunday night, security surrounded another man dressed in all black with a hood pulled low over his head. That fella turned out to be Roode, who popped out from under the ring to deliver a Glorious Ddt, seemingly out of nowhere.
And then the weird conga line thing happened.
Also Read: Titus O'Neil Trips and Totally Eats It in WWE 'Greatest Royal Rumble' Match Entrance Fail (Video)
3. But Do You Really “Want Enzo”?
Ok, so you probably heard some of these on TV, but there was a weird number of chants for ex-wwe Superstar Enzo Amore — mostly during former tag team partner Big Cass’ match against Daniel Bryan.
It’s not unusual for a live crowd to troll Vince McMahon & Co. with calls for former stars (yes, there were also “Cm Punk” chants Sunday night in Newark), but considering that Enzo (né Eric Arndt) was fired earlier this year after being accused of rape, those calling for Amore were making gigantic asses of themselves. (Arndt has denied the accusations.)
The man who was canned while Cruiserweight Champion is from New Jersey, which means geography explains some of the noise — but not the ignorance.
4. Snaking Merch Lines
At most sporting events, the lines for an arena’s entrances, its bathrooms and beers are the most egregious — but that wasn’t the case in Newark.
The WWE’s “PG Era” attracts families, and kids prefer merchandise over booze. The line to buy (overpriced) t-shirts, championship belts and “Money in the Bank” briefcases resembled the U.S. Customs line at JFK.
Last night, we traded in the Dos Equis for good old-fashioned American Bud Light. At least there was no wait for the cold ones — or for the urinals after drinking a (responsible) number of those cold ones.
5. Roman Is for the Kids!
The WWE Universe has a strange relationship with Roman Reigns. The adults boo the hell out of him for a few reasons: 1) He’s been pushed relentlessly to replace John Cena as the face of the company, 2) Your girlfriend finds him very attractive, 3) Reigns kept the Shield attire, crowd entrance and song after the fan-favorite faction disbanded, and 4) He’s not the best technical wrestler.
None of that bothers the kids (or secure adults who understand where they are). After Reigns dropped Samoa Joe in last night’s main event and the cameras cut off, the polarizing Superstar took photos with a number of children at ringside — more than anyone else was willing or able to.
Save your booing for someone else, guys.
6. Jeff Hardy’s Art Includes Autographs
Seated on the entrance ramp, one is up close and personal to the comings and goings of each Superstar. The only high-five we personally got was from Jeff Hardy, who also stopped on the way back to sign a young girl’s poster board by us. It was the lone autograph we witnessed.
To be fair to the whole locker room, a live televised show is not really the time or place for autographs. On the way to the ring, it’s pure business. On their way back up, the losing wrestler has to hold what hurts and limp backstage, while the winner poses for the WWE Network cameras before hitting the showers. And if it’s a “heel” (the wrestling term for a baddie) who wins, he or she can’t break character to interact with the fans.
Plus, the WWE producers do a nice job keeping these long shows moving between the action, so it’s not quite a meet-and-greet opportunity.
7. Fake Tix — Hey, It’s Still Newark
Here’s some free advice: Never buy tickets from a scalper on the streets of Newark, New Jersey.
While the Prudential Center is a fine venue and the area around the home to the NHL’s New Jersey Devils is developing nicely, the city of Newark itself can still be a dicey place. Plus, the business of live sporting events extends well beyond the official box office.
We experienced that firsthand, missing the very beginning to The Miz and Seth Rollins’ excellent opening match to sort out a fake ticket problem. Long story short, our stubs were the legit ones, and the (ejected) squatters in our rightful seats learned an expensive and unfortunate lesson that likely made them Ticketmaster customers for life. Shoutout to the professional Prudential Center security team who worked it all out quickly, correctly and kindly.
Read original story WWE ‘Backlash': 7 Things You Didn’t See on TV At TheWrap...
- 5/7/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.