HAPPY FATHERS DAY from WWE Diva Natalya!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY from WWE Diva Natalya!

WWE Diva Natalya and father Jim “The Anvil” NeidhartMost people know that I have followed in my dad’s footsteps professionally, carrying on the Hart family legacy in WWE. However, what people don’t know, is how much I’ve followed his example outside of the ring. It’s easy for people to think that because of my last name, I was handed my position as a WWE Diva.  The truth is, I struggled a lot to make it to the WWE.  I am grateful for those doors being slammed in my face. I kept going, following my heartbeat, my pulse, and what made me excited to wake up every morning, my love for wrestling. I didn’t realize it at the time, but all of the tiny wars and setbacks would make me stronger than I could ever imagine. My dad reminded me that I would become more skilled learning how to “drive” on that winding road, than on that straight, “perfect” road. So I kept going. I persevered through years of being rejected, trying to make it to WWE. It is true, I am my father’s daughter. Our professions may be the same, but I’ve learned much more about life from my father than I could ever learn about wrestling. Growing up, my father instilled in me several key values that have made me the person I am today. Most importantly, hard work and determination pay off, family will always come first and having fun is more important than winning. After all, in the end, it’s the fun stuff in life that we want to remember!

My father always had goals. Before he came to WWE, he was a world class shot-putter. He went to UCLA on a full scholarship. He played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders. Then, he went on to become a multiple-time WWE Tag Team Champion.  My dad was always working toward something. He had this incredible discipline inside of him. When he put his mind to it, there was nothing he couldn’t do. He showed me that if you never stop setting small goals, big dreams come true as long as you have enough determination and motivation to not give up. He taught me that just because someone tells you can’t do something or a door closes, doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. That’s when you grab the towel and hit the ground running!  Each set back and each obstacle is a learning experience that provides the knowledge you need to achieve your goal on the next try. My dad showed me that it’s ok to fall down,  because when you get back up, you’ll be strong like an ANVIL.

I’m also incredibly grateful that my father showed me what unconditional love looks and feels like. He has lived through major triumphs and some difficult pitfalls. Through it all, he never forgot the importance of family. My father has always believed that family is EVERYTHING. Winning the Divas Championship was a wonderful feeling and getting to be in the ring during WrestleMania is indescribable. However, I came to the realization a long time ago, that for me, if I don’t build relationships with people that share in my joy and help carry me when I stumble, my accomplishments won’t mean anything. Every time my dad watches me wrestle & cheers me on, I feel like I’m the champion of the world.

Finally, my father taught me the importance of having fun… F-U-N! My father is my biggest supporter, and he is always there to remind me to smile, pause and enjoy the moment. I can still hear his words ringing loudly before I walk out for every match: “Don’t forget to look out at the crowd and connect with them. They believe in you the same way that I do.”  Being a WWE Diva is hard work, there’s no doubt about that. There are long hours, lots of traveling and intense training. However, I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I really love what I do. My father reminds me to this day how lucky I am that my passion is wrestling because I never have to work a day in my life.” (Insert ANVIL laugh while pulling his goatee!) For that reason, I never gave up on my dream, and now I get to live it every day. My dad pushed me to keep going because he knew I loved this. He knew how much fun it was for me. My happiness made him happy.

Recently, I moved to a new house. I hired movers, thinking I would just sit back and let them take care of everything. I hate moving! My cats hate moving. My goldfish hates moving (Ok, I don’t have a goldfish, but you get it!).  Instead, my father insisted on coming to oversee the move. He took such pride in taking the reins and making sure everything went smoothly. What is normally an exhausting and stressful event turned out to be one of the best days I’ve ever had with my dad. I also schemed up a plan with my dad to break a plastic lion head my mom bought me at a garage sale. I secretly thought it was absolutely hideous. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I did not want it hanging front and center in my living room. Who else could I turn to? Of course, I asked my dad for his assistance! I told him to pretend he tripped over the sprinkler outside and “accidentally” broke this horrendous plastic piece that was truly uglier than any garden gnome I’ve ever seen. Without fail, my dad happily body-slammed this plastic hunk of junk onto my driveway, risking my mom yelling at him if she had caught him. Imagine what the neighbors were thinking!?  My dad did it for me! Mission accomplished! He broke that plastic lion head and my mom’s feelings were spared! Now that is LOVE.  During the move, we worked hard, we laughed, and when he couldn’t quite get the giant couch out the door by himself, I got the other end and we moved it together.

My father has taught me about love, perseverance, reflection, and how to throw a great punch! I am so proud of my dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I’m still working on growing my Anvil style goatee so I can be just like him 🙂

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!  And Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown is a Treat for the Whole Family!

The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown is a Treat for the Whole Family!

Box Art 3DLooking for something to “Yabba-Dabba-Doo” together with your kids? Check out The Flintstones and WWE’s all-new animated film, The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown, co-produced by WWE® Studios and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Timed to debut leading into WrestleMania 31, this all-new original movie is available on DVD, Blu-ray Combo, and Digital HD for the first time tomorrow– March 10, 2015! Rated the #2 greatest cartoon of all time by TV Guide, the Flintstones’ return to the center ring will be sure to deliver high-octane action for fans of all ages, bringing parents who grew up with The Flintstones and kids who love WWE together like never before! The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown will be available on Blu-ray Combo, DVD and Digital HD.

Perfect for kids who have older siblings that love WWE, this all-new, original movie brings some of WWE’s toughest, wildest superstars to Bedrock for an awesome crossover with some of the most iconic and popular cartoon characters of all time– The Flintstones! When Fred loses his family’s vacation money, he hatches one of his hair-brained plans to get it back. It’s a sports entertainment spectacle that involves throwing his best bud, Barney into the wrestling ring with the likes of John Cenastone (John Cena), Marble Henry (Mark Henry) and even The Undertaker, with Fred himself as event promoter! The crowds roar, the “clams” are pouring in from ticket sales and even Mr. McMagma (Vince McMahon) is taking notice of all the hoopla. Can Fred keep serving up bigger and badder matches or is he in for the rocky ride of his life? Including all-star appearances from The Boulder Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) and Daniel Bry-Rock (Daniel Bryan), it’s time to get the whole family together for a collection of hard-hitting, side-splitting laughs from the most epic event in all of prehistory!

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The movie is a fun and exciting mashup of the classic Flintstones characters we all know and love with some of WWE’s biggest names– it’s a joy for kids and parents alike to see these worlds collide. The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown has become an instant classic in our house (Marc LOVED the movie and we can’t stop watching it!) and I’m sure it will in yours too, especially if you’re big fans of The Flinstones or WWE!

“The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting March 10, “The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

Become A Reading Superstar For A Chance to Attend Wrestlemania 31!

Become A Reading Superstar For A Chance to Attend Wrestlemania 31!

WWE2015_ad_642x361_B_PRGet ready– the Wrestlemania 31 Reading Challenge has begun! Children ages 4-12 register and read a digital book (averaging 40-50 pages in length) to be entered into a sweepstakes to win WWE prizes. Young adults ages 13-18 register, read a book from a suggested reading list provided by WWE partner First Book (averaging 250-400 pages in length) and write an essay to be entered into a sweepstakes to win WWE prizes. One person from each age category will win a trip to WrestleMania 31 as grand-prize winners. Five people from each age category will win WWE Championship Titles as first-prize recipients. For more information, go to the challenge’s official site at WWEReadingSuperstar.com and choose a WWE superstar or diva to be your reading buddy for the Challenge. Become a Reading Superstar for a chance to attend WrestleMania 31!

The Best Video Game Gifts for Kids

The Best Video Game Gifts for Kids

Video games are always going to be a popular choice with kids. So if you’re still searching for the perfect gift this holiday season, check out our top picks for video games, head down to your local GameStop, and pick one out– we guarantee yours will be the favorite present!

 

71sBGniBgVL._SL1253_Skylanders Trap Team, $49.99, iOS and Android

For the first time ever, the full Skylanders console video gameplay experience is available on your tablet device! Now kids can bring the Skylanders to life, defeat villains and trap them wherever you go using the ALL NEW Wireless Traptanium Portal and Wireless Game Controller that comes with the Tablet Starter Pack. In Skylanders: Trap Team, Kaos has blown up the walls of the feared Cloudcracker Prison, freeing the most notorious villains in Skylands. It’s up to the Skylanders to find and capture them. Using Traptanium, a magic material that can harness the power of the Elements, your kids have the amazing ability to trap the villains and return them to Skylands to fight on the good side! As always with Skylanders, it’s a fantastic game and a holiday favorite with kids!

Also available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PS3, and PS4.

 

240274bSuper Smash Bros., $59.99, WiiU

Mario! Link! Samus! Pikachu! Six years after the series’ last installment (Super Smash Bros. Brawl), all of your favorite Nintendo characters are back, along with plenty of new faces. This is Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the next entry in the beloved Super Smash Bros. series! Up to four players can battle each other locally or online across beautifully designed stages inspired by classic Nintendo home console games. With a variety of control options and the ability to use Nintendo’s new amiibo figures, the timeless Super Smash Bros. battles come alive like never before!

Also available on Nintendo 3DS.

 

 

101553bLego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, $59.99, Xbox One

The best-selling LEGO Batman videogame franchise returns in an out-of-this-world, action-packed adventure! In LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, the Caped Crusader joins forces with the super heroes of the DC Comics universe and blasts off to outer space to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying Earth. Using the power of the Lantern Rings, Brainiac shrinks worlds to add to his twisted collection of miniature cities from across the universe. Now the greatest super heroes and the most cunning villains must unite and journey to different Lantern Worlds to collect the Lantern Rings and stop Brainiac before it’s too late. Travel across the galaxy with Batman in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham!

Also Available on iOS, Apple OS X, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, WiiU, PS3, PS4, and PSVita.

 

101257bPokemon Alpha Sapphire, $39.99, Nintendo 3DS

The brand new remastered (and 3D!) version of the classic Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire games, now dubbed Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, bring players back to the Hoenn region for an adventure like no other! Collect, trade, and battle Pokemon as you try to stop a shadowy group with plans to alter the Hoenn region forever– and experience the awe of Primal Reversion, a new, extremely powerful transformation undergone by Legendary Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre.

Only Available on Nintendo 3DS.

 

102290bSonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, $49.99, WiiU

Serving as a prequel to the stories revealed in the TV series, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric delivers a new Sonic experience with collaborative gameplay at its core. Sonic and friends — Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and the newest member of the team, Sticks — work together as they face their most powerful enemy yet: Lyric, a giant and monstrous snake-like creature from an ancient race. Together, they must prevent Lyric from powering his army of robots and carrying out his plan to destroy the world. Rise of Lyric’s detailed levels and emphasis on each character’s unique abilities give players more choice in exploration as they work as a team to stop the villainous Lyric before he can power up his army. Players will be challenged by over-the-top speed runs, but the heart of the game is focused on intense combat and brand-new abilities including the Enerbeam, which allows characters to navigate the world like never before.

Only available on WiiU.

 

102272bSonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, $39.99, Nintendo 3DS

A companion to the WiiU’s Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, Shattered Crystal allows players to explore Sonic’s world in a different way than Rise of Lyric, with a specific focus on platforming and puzzles. This on-the-go Sonic the Hedgehog title follows along with Rise of Lyric, but is a standalone adventure that shares key characters, events and lore of the Sonic Boom universe with exclusive environments and characters. Additionally, unique collectibles featured in the Nintendo 3DS version will unlock special content on Wii U via Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can use the two games together for extra fun!

Only available on Nintendo 3DS.

 

101991bJust Dance 2015, $29.99, Xbox 360

Dance along with all your favorite songs in Just Dance 2015– the latest, most awesome-filled version of the world’s #1 dance game! Bringing new moves and game modes to over 40 top tracks, Just Dance 2015 features hit songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Burn”” by Ellie Goulding, and legendary favorites like “Walk This Way” by Run DMC & Aerosmith, with more tracks to be announced very soon. There are a million reasons to play and a million stories to be created with Just Dance 2015!

Also available on Xbox One, Wii, WiiU, PS3, and PS4.

 

104175b1Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved, $39.99, Xbox One

Excellent for Disney fans and music buffs alike, “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is a breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia.” In the game, players enter the magical realms of Fantasia, selected by the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid, to hone their musical and magical prowess as his new apprentice. “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” takes players on an interactive and immersive motion-controlled journey through worlds of music and magic. Players will control music spanning all genres and eras, including classics from the original film such as “Night on Bald Mountain” to over 30 hit artist selections ranging from chart-topper Bruno Mars to rock royalty Queen and electronic DJ and producer AVICII. Using Kinect motion control technology and natural, controller-free gameplay, players will control the musical flow of these hits, unlocking the power to transform the music and living world.

Also Available on Xbox 360. Requires Kinect.

 

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WWE 2K15, $49.99, PS4

The next generation of WWE video games has arrived– WWE 2K15 will usher in a new era of WWE video games and deliver the gaming experience that fans have sought for generations! Featuring an all-new MyCAREER mode (Xbox One and PS4 only) that lets you take your custom Superstar through an unprecedented and authentic WWE career spanning countless hours of gameplay, WWE 2K15 delivers a unique and new WWE video game experience unlike anything ever before.

Also available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

101130bNBA 2K15, $49.99, PS4

Nominated for 70 ‘Game of the Year’ Awards, the NBA 2K franchise returns with NBA 2K15, the most true-to-life NBA experience yet. Featuring NBA MVP Kevin Durant on the cover and an eclectic soundtrack curated by internationally-renowned artist and producer Pharrell Williams, NBA 2K15 hits the court with unprecedented life-like graphics, ultra-realistic NBA gameplay, and more. It’s up to you to claim your destiny.

Also available on iOS, Android, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

150048bMadden NFL 15, $39.99, PS4

Madden NFL 15 transforms you into your rival’s worst nightmare with a new breed of defense built to challenge the best offenses in the NFL. A new arsenal of pass rush moves, an intuitive tackling system, improved coverage logic, and immersive new camera angles make defense exciting and fun to play. Call plays with confidence thanks to an all-new crowd-sourced recommendation engine built from millions of online games played by the Madden community. Add in all-new NFL Films inspired presentation and it’s not just football, it’s Madden Season!

Also available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS3.

 

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Fifa 15, $39.99, PS4

FIFA 15 brings soccer to life in stunning detail so fans can experience the emotion of the sport like never before. Witness the intensity of crowds and listen to commentators guide fans through the story of the game with Dynamic Match Presentation. New emotional intelligence allows players to react to opponents and teammates within context, and relative to the narrative of the match. Next-generation visuals put fans on living pitches with grass that wears as the match progresses. Authentic player visuals give players true to life appearance. Player control heightens the responsiveness of player movement and makes Man-to-Man Battles more rewarding than ever before.

Also available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Wii, Nintendo 3DS,  Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PSVita.

 

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Disney Infinity: Marvel Superheroes (2.0 Edition), $54.99, Xbox 360

With the addition of the new Marvel Super Heroes (like The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man) as well as tons of Disney classics, there’s plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy in the new Disney Infinity 2.0! Featuring new characters like princess Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave, Tinker Bell, Donald Duck, Aladdin and Jasmine, and more, Disney Infinity 2.0 is a great choice for all the kids on your list this year! Kids will love the game’s myriad opportunities to explore and build worlds based on their favorite Disney and Marvel movies and tv shows! Also available on iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, WiiU, PS3, PS4, and PSVita.

 

 

 

 

WWE’s Holiday “Tribute to the Troops” To Air on NBC Dec. 27

WWE’s Holiday “Tribute to the Troops” To Air on NBC Dec. 27

WWE_Trubute_to_the_Troops_logoMulti-platinum recording artists and two-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners, Florida Georgia Line will join WWE Superstars and Divas to honor the United States Armed Forces with the 12th annual WWE holiday special, Tribute to the Troops, which will air on USA Network as a part of “WWE WEEK” on Wednesday, December 17, from 8-10pm ET, and will re-air as a one-hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27, from 8-9pm ET.

 

In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances for our servicemen and women to celebrate their dedication and commitment to our country with a holiday program that is considered one of television’s most patriotic and heartwarming shows. NBCUniversal joins WWE in saluting our troops with special messages from some of their networks’ biggest names such as TODAY anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, and Al Roker, Seth Meyers,The Kardashians, Andy Cohen, Giuliana Rancic, Katherine Heigl, Lester Holt, Padma Lakshmi, Mark Feuerstein, Debra Messing, Tom Brokaw, Rachel Maddow and Carson Daly, as well as the coaches of The Voice, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Adam Levineand Blake Shelton.

 

“For 12 consecutive years, WWE has been entertaining American military personnel both overseas and domestically as a way to thank them for their commitment to our country,” said WWE Chairman & CEO, Vince McMahon. “Our servicemen and women work tirelessly for our freedom and we are proud to continue our Tribute to the Troops tradition.”

 

WWE Tribute to the Troops will chronicle WWE’s visit to United States Army post Fort Benning, where WWE Superstars and Divas will spend two days giving back to those who serve and their families with hospital visits and Be a STAR anti-bullying rallies. Fort Benning supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, family members, reserve soldiers, retirees, and civilian employees and has been the home of the Infantry division since 1918.

 

The television special will also highlight WWE’s annual goodwill visit to our troops who are fighting for our freedom overseas. WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Superstars Big Show® and R-Truth® and WWE Divas Summer Rae™ and Alicia Fox™ will travel abroad to spread some holiday cheer to the men and women serving our country far from home during the holiday season.

 

WWE’s dedication to the military is a long-standing tradition that continues year-round, through programs that boost morale for soldiers, offer free tickets for active servicemen and women, and provide workforce assistance for veterans through a partnership with Hire Heroes USA.