<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="2944528" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Conor-McGregor">Conor McGregor</keyword> could excel in <keyword id="6359203" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wwe">WWE</keyword> because the <keyword id="992778" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="UFC">UFC</keyword> striker is such an entertainer.</li><li>That's according to the two-time WWE champion <keyword id="6441924" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="drew-mcintyre">Drew McIntyre</keyword>.</li><li>McIntyre wouldn't embrace McGregor at a show, though, as he constantly trolls him on social media.</li></ul><p>Drew McIntyre, a two-time WWE champion who loves to troll <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/conor-mcgregor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conor McGregor</a>, has conceded that the UFC striker would excel if he ever entered pro wrestling.</p><p>Many marquee names in combat <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">sports</keyword> have done well whenever they've traded fighting gloves for steel chairs. <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/floyd-mayweather" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Floyd Mayweather</a> broke Big Show's nose in 2008, Ronda Rousey became a full-time WWE superstar in 2018 then reigned as a champion for 231 days, and in 2019 Tyson Fury ran amok at a series of events.</p><p>Whether McGregor joins that list remains to be seen, but if he did so, McIntyre said he and WWE would make a "lovely" fit.</p><p>"He's such a huge star, he knows how to entertain, and is an incredible fighter as well," <a href="https://www.skysports.com/mma/news/29877/12246728/conor-mcgregor-drew-mcintyre-believes-former-ufc-champion-will-feature-in-wwe-when-the-time-is-right" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McIntyre said of McGregor when speaking to Sky Sports this week</a>. "When the time is right, he will show up in WWE and it's going to be exciting."</p><p>Scotsman McIntyre has long trolled McGregor for the four submission defeats he's suffered in professional <keyword id="6403489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="mma">MMA</keyword>, including a fourth-round loss via neck crank to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.</p><p>He, therefore, calls the Irishman "McTapper."</p><p>McIntyre added that if McGregor ever participated in a WWE event, it is unlikely they would exchange niceties.</p><div type="image" title="Drew McIntyre" height="1500" width="3000" msid="81569311" hostid="261"></div><p>"I wouldn't want to give him a hug but he wouldn't want to give me a hug considering I keep calling him McTapper on social media.</p><p>"I give him some crap but chances are we're probably not going to have a match because he's the size of my left calf. I will probably stick with Fury, he's a big guy and we're heavyweights but it would be cool to have McGregor part of it.</p><p>"If he's feeling frisky, we'll have ourselves a little scrap, but he is such an entertainer," McIntyre said.</p><p>"He gets it and he would fit in lovely in WWE."</p><p>McGregor last fought in the UFC in January when Dustin Poirier knocked him out in the second round of a lightweight match.</p><p>The loss leveled a two-fight rivalry with Poirier to 1-1 as McGregor beat the American by knockout in 2014.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/poiriers-kicks-will-come-again-in-mcgregor-trilogy-alvarez-says-2021-3">There has been industry talk of a trilogy bout</a> this summer to settle the scoreline.</p>

A WWE champion who loves to troll Conor McGregor conceded that the UFC striker would excel at pro wrestling

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Willy Wonka-inspired immersive experience opened in Glasgow and was completely different than expected.</li><li>Parents and children were left disappointed and disillusioned by the dull event.</li></ul><p>Unsuspecting children attended a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/willy-wonka-style-chocolate-experience-event-ai-images-shambles-2024-2">Willy Wonka-inspired event</a> in Glasglow, Scotland with high hopes, but found themselves in a world of pure horror.</p><p>"<a target="_blank" href="https://willyschocolateexperience.com">Willy's Chocolate Experience</a>," an immersive event so spectacularly disastrous in its execution that it's been likened to the ill-fated <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/firagawalkwthme/status/1762790771537912176">Fyre Festival</a>, has recently gone viral on social media.</p><p>The experience, organized by the <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/houseofilluminatiofficial"><u>House of Illuminati,</u></a> promised a dazzling, vibrant, interactive space with multiple rooms featuring an enchanted garden, an imagination lab, and captivating live performances.</p><p>A disclaimer on the official website stated that the event wasn't associated with Warner Bros.'s "Wonka" franchise, but at £35 (about $44) for a ticket, attendees expected some whimsy and chocolate, at the very least.</p><p>In reality, families stepped into a dull and poorly decorated warehouse that would make Roald Dahl roll in his grave. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/willy-wonka-inspired-chocolate-experience-outrage-rcna140726">Parents</a> felt hoodwinked, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/agneponx/status/1762620967027650912">children cried,</a> and people were angry. It was so underwhelming that police were called in and refunds were demanded.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/actor-disastrous-willy-wonka-style-event-script-ai-generated-gibberish-2024-2">Paul Connell</a>, an actor hired to play Willy Wonka at the event, told <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/willy-wonka-experience-glasgow-chocolate-event-b2504464.html"><u>The Independent</u></a> that the script supplied was "15 pages of AI-generated gibberish."</p><p>Kirsty Paterson, who played an Oompa Loompa, shared similar doubts about the script, telling <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vulture.com/article/glasgow-sad-oompa-loompa-interview.html">Vulture</a> that she was encouraged to improvise during the dress rehearsal, which seemed suspicious. She also said that jelly beans for the kids were rationed because they ran out.</p><p>Since photos and videos surfaced online, X (formerly known as Twitter) has become inundated with memes about the catastrophic event. Here are the best jokes.</p><h2><strong>The interactive lab area drew comparisons to a meth lab</strong></h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Is that the-”<br /><br />“The meth lab from the Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience? Yeah it is” <a href="https://t.co/k9jdz3CWH0">pic.twitter.com/k9jdz3CWH0</a></p>— Adam (@adamgreattweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgreattweet/status/1763015601021145242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">These kinda vibes <a href="https://t.co/hUCN9cvq9R">pic.twitter.com/hUCN9cvq9R</a></p>— ✨️OtakuRocku✨️Pre-Debut❎️ (@OtakuRockU_) <a href="https://twitter.com/OtakuRockU_/status/1762883441463374112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><p>One particular image of Paterson's dispirited Oompa Loompa has become a viral sensation, giving <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wonka-movie-hugh-grant-hates-being-an-oompa-loompa-2023-12">Hugh Grant</a> a run for his money.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/3DP8WWUE1O">pic.twitter.com/3DP8WWUE1O</a></p>— Colin the Dachshund (@DachshundColin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DachshundColin/status/1762902012385980510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This photo from the Willy wonka experience is single handedly the photo of the year. I know it’s only February but close the vote there’s no topping this. Please find this woman she needs to be interviewed ASAP <a href="https://t.co/97wsodLLpQ">pic.twitter.com/97wsodLLpQ</a></p>—  (@agneponx) <a href="https://twitter.com/agneponx/status/1762614816336654835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rachel Dratch has three days to rehearse this SNL sketch <a href="https://t.co/oP7qgm3MVG">pic.twitter.com/oP7qgm3MVG</a></p>— Hugh McIntyre (@PopBangHugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/PopBangHugh/status/1762904404431163787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oscars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillyWonka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WillyWonka</a> <a href="https://t.co/JrZsbcizhK">pic.twitter.com/JrZsbcizhK</a></p>— Jamie (@jami0mckay) <a href="https://twitter.com/jami0mckay/status/1762883700935606755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I hope this email finds you well.”<br /><br />How the email found me: <a href="https://t.co/ft30HpGEd0">pic.twitter.com/ft30HpGEd0</a></p>— No Context Brits (@NoContextBrits) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoContextBrits/status/1762805213751067135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><p>Even though the experience was disappointing for everyone involved, people praised Paterson for trying her best to engage with the kids and make the event slightly more enjoyable.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She’s the closest thing we have to a modern day Princess Diana. <a href="https://t.co/PjjWEoi3YS">pic.twitter.com/PjjWEoi3YS</a></p>— Monopoly Phonic® (@MonopolyPhonic) <a href="https://twitter.com/MonopolyPhonic/status/1762978624037163014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">new mother pics just dropped <a href="https://t.co/gAyVWrRHpP">pic.twitter.com/gAyVWrRHpP</a></p>— xavier (@xariverr) <a href="https://twitter.com/xariverr/status/1763152084197638539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justice for Kirsty Paterson. This queen did her best with those kids despite the shit show she was in ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/qiB69JyXya">https://t.co/qiB69JyXya</a> <a href="https://t.co/KvAKhjvzYw">pic.twitter.com/KvAKhjvzYw</a></p>— Neil Watson-Slorance (@neilslorance) <a href="https://twitter.com/neilslorance/status/1763123063795622374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><h2>There was also a completely made-up character called "The Unknown"</h2><p>The Unknown, a completely made-up evil chocolate maker dressed in black clothing and a Doctor Doom-esque silver mask, has been heralded as a breakout star. In footage from the event, the actor creepily emerged from behind a long mirror to spook the kids.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the kids at the willy wonka experience when the unknown showed up <a href="https://t.co/miDgix90Ws">pic.twitter.com/miDgix90Ws</a></p>— amber (@djamesse_) <a href="https://twitter.com/djamesse_/status/1763012613003251799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the unknown saying goodbye to their customers at the end of the willy wonka experience in glasgow <a href="https://t.co/SL4bVYknUk">pic.twitter.com/SL4bVYknUk</a></p>—  (@ChanelBeige) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChanelBeige/status/1762995934634332467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Unknown getting ready to ruin an unsuspecting child’s psyche for life <a href="https://t.co/hAgXTfXpO8">pic.twitter.com/hAgXTfXpO8</a></p>— scott (@scotty__13) <a href="https://twitter.com/scotty__13/status/1763046465818276139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">sat patiently awaiting the unknown's video statement <a href="https://t.co/pOcrlD8Cvz">https://t.co/pOcrlD8Cvz</a> <a href="https://t.co/tmcMzvWkfV">pic.twitter.com/tmcMzvWkfV</a></p>—    (@SianThymes) <a href="https://twitter.com/SianThymes/status/1763012717848244732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">getting a call from a random landline number: <a href="https://t.co/YTO6pL7K8G">pic.twitter.com/YTO6pL7K8G</a></p>— jacques (@flamencolambada) <a href="https://twitter.com/flamencolambada/status/1762869788257186033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Unknown waiting for their part at the willy wonka experience <a href="https://t.co/FVypelfWV2">pic.twitter.com/FVypelfWV2</a></p>— kara  (@knmccc) <a href="https://twitter.com/knmccc/status/1762838375231377802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why is The Unknown so… shy <a href="https://t.co/N5muZh0hyU">pic.twitter.com/N5muZh0hyU</a></p>— Harrison Brocklehurst (@harrisonjbrock) <a href="https://twitter.com/harrisonjbrock/status/1762923250344943698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><h2>And some Kate Middleton jokes for good measure</h2><p>There were also some jokes about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kate-middleton-surgery-public-absence-what-to-know-2024-2">Kate Middleton</a>, who underwent abdominal surgery and hasn't been seen in public since last year.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">not to speculate but has anyone ever seen kate middleton and the unknown man in the same room <a href="https://t.co/gvG8ZFFxxY">https://t.co/gvG8ZFFxxY</a></p>— soph (@eihpospitcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/eihpospitcher/status/1762888441954476416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Between the Kate Middleton rumours and the Willy Wonka debacle, it’s been a stunning week to be online</p>— jack rem (@jackremmington) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackremmington/status/1762947457149702309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Kate Middleton has been spotted at the Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow <a href="https://t.co/R4Nf8HMCrP">pic.twitter.com/R4Nf8HMCrP</a></p>— Joe ✨ (@balf4our) <a href="https://twitter.com/balf4our/status/1762771547167641815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the terminally online partner explaining the Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience and Kate Middleton situation to your blissfully offline partner: <a href="https://t.co/wunZdgkiII">pic.twitter.com/wunZdgkiII</a></p>— JRR Jokien (@joshcarlosjosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshcarlosjosh/status/1763019498595185044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Continuously scrolling through the most bizarre and hilarious tweets about Kate Middleton and the Glasgow Willy Wonka experience realizing we’ve given this app new life again. <a href="https://t.co/YfG6HFDq7i">pic.twitter.com/YfG6HFDq7i</a></p>— Olivia Morgan (@olivemor) <a href="https://twitter.com/olivemor/status/1762998284954829148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><p>People are so enthralled by the derailed event that they're already planning their Halloween costumes inspired by it.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[Halloween 2024]<br /><br />Them: what the hell are you dressed as<br /><br />Me: I’m The Unknown, the AI created character from the Glasgow Willy Wonka event that went viral seven months ago</p>— Benedict Townsend  (@BenedictTown) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenedictTown/status/1762914271430598725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The depressed Oompa Loompa and the Unknown are the perfect Halloween couples costumes  thank you glasgow willy wonka experience <a href="https://t.co/n6IPwPUiz6">pic.twitter.com/n6IPwPUiz6</a></p>— jackie (@drawckie) <a href="https://twitter.com/drawckie/status/1762929731631235201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><p>Despite the experience being objectively flawed, now more than ever, people are interested in seeing the chaos for themselves.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the funniest part of the willy wonka thing is that if it reopened this weekend it’d sell more tickets than it ever did</p>— leanne (@fantasy_snack) <a href="https://twitter.com/fantasy_snack/status/1762824297649786975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Organizers of the Willy Wonka Experience seeing a surge in bookings <a href="https://t.co/LDM9qVVQu3">pic.twitter.com/LDM9qVVQu3</a></p>— Adrian Manuel (@yoayyydrian) <a href="https://twitter.com/yoayyydrian/status/1763033977412366835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">when the doors open for the “Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience World Tour” <a href="https://t.co/i4KRlX6tnQ">pic.twitter.com/i4KRlX6tnQ</a></p>— wiLL (@willfulchaos) <a href="https://twitter.com/willfulchaos/status/1763034159432224987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>

Memes about a disastrous Willy Wonka-themed event are taking over the internet

<ul class="summary-list"><li>WWE CEO Vince McMahon shockingly retired in July amid an investigation into "hush money" payments.</li><li>McMahon reportedly paid $14.6 million to four women to suppress sexual misconduct allegations.</li></ul><p>As WWE prepares for its biggest UK event in three decades this weekend, there appeared to be an air of optimism among WWE talent in Cardiff, Wales, on Friday.</p><p>Stars including Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley, and Damian Priest are all adjusting to seismic behind-the-scenes changes in WWE, following the retirement of longtime WWE chief executive Vince McMahon in July.</p><p>McMahon quietly exited his day-to-day duties as both chief executive and creative lead for its weekly television programs just weeks after the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-says-probe-of-vince-mcmahon-is-substantially-complete-11660609763">Wall Street Journal</a> reported that he paid $14.6 million to at least four women in "hush money" agreements to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity. WWE <a href="https://www.etonline.com/wwe-says-former-ceo-vince-mcmahon-made-personal-payments-of-nearly-20-million-amid-misconduct">said</a> that payments of up to $20 million made by McMahon between 2006 and 2022 were not appropriately recorded as expenses.</p><p>Since McMahon's exit, his daughter Stephanie McMahon has been named co-CEO of WWE alongside the company's president, Nick Khan. McMahon's son-in-law and former wrestler, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, was also announced as taking over all creative duties for TV shows "Raw," "NXT," and "SmackDown." </p><p>The new creative direction has already <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/monday-night-raw-ratings-triple-h-1235331905/">led to a boost in television ratings</a> and is also proving popular with WWE's wrestlers. Many of the stars had previously worked under Triple H — which stands for Hunter Hearst Helmsley — when he led the "NXT" brand before it was relaunched under McMahon's purview last September.</p><p>"I have 100% faith in Hunter and the job he's going to do," Scottish wrestler McIntyre told Insider on Friday at a press junket ahead of Saturday's "Clash at the Castle" event at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. "He's been under the learning tree of Vince McMahon for years and years. He's very outside-the-box thinking and he's got [WWE legend] Shawn Michaels and an entire team of people with great minds lending a hand, so it's an exciting time right now."</p><p>While McMahon, 77, was <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/08/09/triple-h-is-righting-vince-mcmahons-wwe-creative-wrongs/">often considered</a> iron-fisted over every aspect of the WWE machine — he <a href="https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wrestling-and-wrestler-reportedly-no-longer-banned-terms-in-wwe/">reportedly</a> banned the use of the words "wrestler" and "wrestling," for example — and <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2020/04/01/wwes-vince-mcmahon-continues-to-prove-he-is-out-of-touch/?sh=1c2af7445ccf">out of touch with viewers</a>, talent praised Triple H's vision for WWE, its programs and comic book-like characters.</p><p>"Hunter does trust top talent to go with their gut, trust their instincts," McIntyre explained. "Vince did as well, to be honest with you, but a lot of people, I think, were intimidated. Right now they're feeling more like, 'OK, we'll give this a try. Hunter's young and hip, he'll let me do it.'"</p><div type="image" title="Vince McMahon" height="2233" width="2977" msid="93957905" hostid="261" sizebytes="182076"></div><p>However, McIntyre said that the wrestlers shouldn't expect total free rein.</p><p>"If you do something and it doesn't work, he's going to reprimand you just like Vince would," he added.</p><p>Australian star Rhea Ripley said she is "excited" for the future of WWE's programs because "it's feeling a lot like 'NXT' in a way, very family-oriented," she said.</p><p>Ripley was moved over to "Raw," one of WWE's top-rated shows, in March 2021, which, at the time was overseen by McMahon. </p><p>"I knew I'd have to work extremely hard to show him who I am, because he didn't know who I was at that time," the former Raw and NXT Women's Champion said.</p><p>Ripley's experience of working with McMahon gives some insight into the rough passage newer WWE wrestlers have had in recent years in trying to win over the boss. Ripley began working "Raw" during the coronavirus pandemic when the show was filmed on a closed set, rather than in front of fans. </p><p>"When I first started, we were in the pandemic, so he couldn't get a grasp on how the crowd really felt about me," Ripley explained. "So, he thought about me in a different way to how the crowd felt, so it was hard to maneuver my way around without them because I was trying to please one person and then upsetting everyone else. Knowing that Triple H is in charge, he knows exactly who I am, so I'm excited."</p><div type="image" title="Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple-H were Octagonside for Adesanya's performance." height="1233" width="1644" msid="93957906" hostid="261" sizebytes="139444"></div><p>Former United States Champion Damian Priest and reigning Intercontinental Champion Gunther also expressed hope for life under Triple H.</p><p>"He was my first introduction into this company and we came up with how I was going to present myself [onscreen] together. So, there was no learning curve, or 'Let me explain to him who I am,'" said Priest.</p><p>Austrian star Gunther added: "I worked with Triple H for a few years already, so I know what his vision is for us. It makes life easier for us."</p><p>Gunther, who made his "SmackDown" debut in April, said that although he's pleased to work under Triple H, he was nonetheless glad to have spent some time in a McMahon-led WWE before his retirement in July.</p><p>"With Vince, we got to know him a little bit. I'm actually glad we had the chance to do so because he's the most legendary wrestling promoter ever. I don't think anyone will surpass him when it comes to that. So, it was great to get at least a few weeks' experience with him," the Intercontinental Champion said.</p><div type="image" title="WWE Clash at the Castle" height="1466" width="2933" msid="93957907" hostid="261" sizebytes="623488"></div><p>Saturday's "Clash at the Castle" event, named so because of the event's proximity to Cardiff Castle, marks the first time WWE will hold a stadium show in the UK in 30 years. The last time was in 1992 when the company held its "SummerSlam" pay-per-view at Wembley Stadium in London.</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61250388">More than 125,000 fans registered to buy tickets</a> to the show when it was announced in April, despite the Principality Stadium having 74,500 seats.</p><p>Saturday's card will be headlined by the UK's own Drew McIntyre as he challenges Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns for the biggest prize in WWE.</p><p>"It's wild. I was just pushing so hard to make the show happen in general, anywhere in the UK," McIntyre told Insider. "The Principality is an amazing stadium. I can't think of anywhere better. The fact that Drew McIntyre's in the main event fighting for the title is not too bad either."</p><p><em>WWE's "Clash at the Castle" airs Saturday, September 3, at 1 p.m. ET on Peacock in the US and the WWE Network globally.</em></p>

WWE wrestlers say they're optimistic about new Triple H-led regime following Vince McMahon's shock retirement

<ul class="summary-list"><li>It's become increasingly clear how the WWE has changed directions in the post-Vince McMahon era.</li><li>Paul "Triple-H" Levesque replaced McMahon as the organization's creative force after the iconic former CEO retired in disgrace.</li></ul><p>It's increasingly clear the <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/wwe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WWE</a> is changing direction in the post-<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/vince-mcmahon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vince McMahon</a> era.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/triple-h" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paul "Triple H" Levesque</a>, who has replaced McMahon as head of creative, seems to be refocusing company efforts on becoming a wrestling firm once again — as opposed to billing itself a sports entertainment brand.</p><p>McMahon, the company's iconic leader, retired as CEO two months ago having led WWE for 40 years, stepping away after <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wwe-vince-mcmahon-payments-former-female-employees-investigation-report-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Wall Street Journal reported</a> that the WWE's board was investigating <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-agreed-to-pay-12-million-in-hush-money-to-four-women-11657289742">payments he made to women</a> affiliated with the WWE, some of whom alleged sexual misconduct. </p><p><a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001091907/000095014222002464/eh220277719_nt10q.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In an SEC filing in August</a>, the WWE said McMahon made "unrecorded expenses" totaling $19.6 million. The regulatory body and federal prosecutors are also reportedly looking into payments allegedly made to settle claims of sexual misconduct, the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-expects-higher-revenue-for-quarter-11658757001?mod=e2tw">WSJ reported</a>.</p><p>Though McMahon remains a stockholder with a controlling interest in WWE, his position as CEO is now shared by daughter, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan. Triple H received a promotion, too.</p><h2>The new focus is putting more wrestling into the WWE</h2><div type="image" title="Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple-H were Octagonside for Adesanya's performance." height="1000" width="2000" msid="93780378" hostid="261" sizebytes="138544"></div><p>One of the things Triple H has been advocating, which has already been noticed by media observers, wrestlers, and TV metrics, is putting the wrestling back into the WWE.</p><p>During a second-quarter earnings call last week, Triple H said it comes down "to the same thing it has since the beginning, creating characters, and putting them in fantastical situations," <a href="https://www.wrestlinginc.com/968595/triple-h-goes-back-to-basics-when-asked-about-wwes-new-creative-direction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Wrestling Inc</a>.</p><p>He said there was a "massive" opportunity and pointed to what Wrestling Inc. described as a "creative refresh."</p><p>Earlier in the month, Triple H apparently hinted to Jerry Jarrett, the promoter of Continental Wrestling, that this refresh would not mirror what McMahon had been doing for four decades, <a href="https://www.pwinsider.com/article/161816/legendary-promoter-says-triple-h-informed-wwe-roster-company-will-try-a-new-way-going-forward.html?p=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PWInsider</a> reported.</p><p>Working with his wife, Stephanie McMahon, and Khan, Triple H said the new leadership did not want to try — and potentially fail — to replicate Vince's thing.</p><p>"We're going to try a new way," Triple H said, according to Jarrett, on the call.</p><p>Jarrett speculated that this new way would depart from being a "sports entertainment" brand and refocus on "wrestling."</p><p>Jarrett may be right, as it was not long before wrestlers themselves started using similar language when cutting promos in the ring.</p><h2>Drew McIntyre cut an iconic promo recently talking about wrestlers in a wrestling ring</h2><div type="image" title="WWE Raw." height="1306" width="2000" msid="93780380" hostid="261" sizebytes="410600"></div><p>During a recent edition of WWE Raw, the Scottish performer Drew McIntyre told Canadian star Kevin Owens: "Let's just freaking wrestle," in a highlight-reel promo.</p><p>"I don't care if you're a prize fighter, a sports entertainer, or a superstar," McIntyre said. "We're wrestlers in a wrestling ring."</p><p><strong>Watch it right here:</strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1559348133892464640">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote><h2>Even the numbers show there's more in-ring wrestling than usual</h2><p>Lastly, according to research from Wrestlenomics reporter Brandon Thurston, the Raw and Smackdown shows from the Triple H era have contained more in-ring wrestling than shows from the previous era.</p><p>The graphs in the tweet below show that in some episodes there were 10-15 minutes of additional wrestling in new programming.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1561141836026183680">August 21, 2022</a></blockquote><p>This, <a href="https://www.wrestlinginc.com/977496/wwe-raw-stays-steady-in-viewership-after-edges-return-to-toronto/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Wrestling Inc.</a>, has coincided with an increase in viewership.</p><p>If TV figures continue to rise, Triple H's focus on wrestling over sports entertainment may be here to stay.</p>

The WWE's post-Vince McMahon era signals a creative shift is occurring behind the scenes, led by Triple H

All the 'Virgin River' books, in order

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58af5e88549057a24c8b49b6-2400/undefined" alt="issa rae" data-mce-source="Getty/Kevin Winter" data-mce-caption="Issa Rae" /><p class="source"><span>Getty/Kevin Winter</span></p><p class="caption">Issa Rae</p></div><p></p></div></div>As TV networks plot to get a new generation of viewers hooked, YouTube stars are snagging "premium" TV deals like never before. </span></p><p>Many of these YouTuber-led shows are popping up on streaming services, from Netflix to Verizon's Go90, but traditional stalwarts like HBO have also jumped into the game.</p><p>"We talk about it a lot in comedy development," HBO EVP Amy Gravitt, who has developed original comedies like "Veep" and "Silicon Valley," told Business Insider. "The YouTube web series has become the new stand-up showcase."</p><p>Gravitt said that while she still hunts for talent at festivals, one-person shows, and stand-up nights, as digital video has developed, YouTube has become a fertile ground as well. It's a good place for identifying fresh voices.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That doesn't mean every YouTube star can make the jump, even when given significant resources. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">For instance, a few of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Netflix's recent bets on social media stars, Miranda Sings and Vine star Cameron Dallas, haven't impressed its subscribers and critics.</span></p><p>But HBO scored a certified hit a few months ago with its new show "Insecure," from YouTube breakout star Issa Rae. The show has garnered a whopping "100% fresh" score on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, and secured Rae a Golden Globe nomination.</p><h2><strong>A voice and a world</strong></h2><p>Why did HBO bet on Rae to have crossover success when other stars have floundered?</p><p>"Her voice is so strong and specific," Gravitt said. "She shines as a performer, but she's a phenomenal writer first and foremost."</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Insecure," which follows the life of an awkward-yet-charming woman turning 30 and still trying to figure out life and love, was never meant to be a straight adaptation of Rae's hit YouTube series, "</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl." Rather, "Insecure"</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was meant to take many of the central ideas behind the web series, and Rae's voice, and turn it all into a premium TV show.</span></p><p>"Issa was the starting point, her voice and character," Gravitt said. Even with that voice, it hadn't been a simple jump for Rae from YouTube fame, which started in earnest in 2011, to TV. Rae had a few years of frustration in Hollywood, including having a potential ABC show with Shonda Rhimes killed, before "Insecure" premiered in 2016.</p><p>Gravitt said that one big key for the show's success on HBO was to build a fully realized world around Rae. A charismatic writer and actor, even one as talented as Rae, wouldn't be enough to stop the show from falling flat on its face if it didn't have the emotional scaffolding of authentic relationships. Supporting characters were vital in a way they might not have to be on YouTube.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58af5bb301fe58ae018b6613-990/undefined" alt="hbo exec amy gravitt" data-mce-source="Getty/Emma McIntyre" /><p class="source"><span>Getty/Emma McIntyre</span></p><p class="caption">HBO's Amy Gravitt</p></div><p></p></div></div>In helping develop that world, and the relationships in it, Rae collaborated with Larry Wilmore, a comedy veteran who has been a force in many shows, including recently "The Daily Show" and "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore." Wilmore was a creative sounding board in the initial stages of development, Gravitt said, and the original script came out of conversations between Rae and Wilmore.</p><p>''I asked her what was going on in her life, what's important to her, her sex life, what she thinks about, and we built the show out of that,'' <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/magazine/the-misadventures-of-issa-rae.html?_r=0">Wilmore told The New York Times</a>. ''She had the ideas for characters, and we created a world around them."</p><p>But the initial version of "Insecure" is actually quite different from the season that drew rave reviews from critics, according to Gravitt. The biggest change was that "Insecure" initially revolved around the work life of Issa (the character), at "We Got Y'all," a very white, though well-meaning, non-profit focused on education. But the central friendship between Issa and her best friend Molly just kept being referenced over and over, and eventually the team realized that was actually the heart of the show.</p><p>"The friendship is really refreshing," Gravitt said. It's not without conflict, but it's comfortable, real, and supportive, she explained. "I miss my best friend from college when I watch the show," she laughed.</p><p>In the end, though it was the unique voice of Rae that initially hooked HBO, it was the crafting of complex, loving, and fraught relationships that gave the show the juice it needed to be successful on premium TV. And for YouTubers seeking to spin a captivating personality into a lucrative show, it's a good thing to note.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-new-controversial-nike-ad-celebrating-arab-women-sports-2017-2">Watch the new Nike ad celebrating Arab women in sports that is causing controversy</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="FveWR5OTE6UBKVOG6Gc_Kfk1tE4EyYAu" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'FveWR5OTE6UBKVOG6Gc_Kfk1tE4EyYAu',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

How the show 'Insecure' transformed YouTube fame into an HBO hit, according to the HBO exec in charge

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/556dc1716bb3f71f2fb23cfc-1200-851/rsz_gedion_zelalem.jpg" border="0" alt="Gedion Zelalem" style="color: #000000;"><p class="source"><span>Phil Walter/Getty Images</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Gedion Zelalem, an 18-year-old Arsenal midfielder, stole the show in the United States under-20 team's 4-0 win over New Zealand at the U-20 World Cup.<p>Zelalem, who was born in Germany but recently became an American citizen and <a href="http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/13/gedion-zelalem-officially-cleared-for-usmnt-named-to-u-20-world-cup-team/">switched his national team allegiance to the U.S.</a>, is now the most hyped prospect in the U.S. system. In his first start for the U.S. U-20's, he drew rave reviews from the American soccer world with his skill on the ball.</p><p>Zelalem pulled off a nutmeg at one point, passing the ball in between a helpless New Zealand defender's legs to teammate&#xa0;Bradford Jamieson IV:</p><div><div><iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/ehDM5XKXMVZ/embed/simple?audio=0" width="480" height="480" frameborder="0"></iframe><script async="" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><p>He followed that up with a beautiful assist, while being swarmed by four New Zealeand defenders, to set up fellow midfielder Paul Arriola's goal to give the U.S. a 3-0 lead:<br><br /></br></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/556dba036bb3f7d606b23cfc/gedion%20zelalem%20assist.gif" border="0" alt="Gedion Zelalem assist" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/02/video-arsenals-gedion-zelalem-pulls-off-ridiculous-rabona-nutmeg-assist-for-usa/">NBC</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p class="embed-spacer">Zelalem wasn't done just yet. Later in the game, the young midfielder delivered a beautiful rabona - which, somehow, didn't result in yet another U.S. goal:</p><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Here is Gedion Zelalem's rabona. <a href="http://t.co/EtUlov3ECu">pic.twitter.com/EtUlov3ECu</a></p>- Over There  (@socceroverthere) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605660357055512577">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><p class="embed-spacer">While USMNT fans tried to remain cautiously optimistic prior to the game, Twitter still exploded following Zelalem's brilliant performance:</p><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Zelalem so calm on the ball. Great poise at just 18. Not sure U.S. fans will be so calm as the Zelalem hype train rolls on. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KidLooksLegit?src=hash">#KidLooksLegit</a></p>- Ives Galarcep  (@SoccerByIves) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605649273133350912">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><p class="embed-spacer"></p><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gedion Zelalem was sensational for the USA U20's today. Some quality bits of skill and an assist. Comp should be up later.</p>- Terry  (@TerryAFCx) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605690717722300416">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gedion Zelalem pulling the strings for <a href="https://twitter.com/ussoccer_ynt">@ussoccer_ynt</a> &amp; sets up the 3rd. Best player I've seen live at this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U20WC?src=hash">#U20WC</a> thus far!</p>- José Figueira  (@JoseCoaching) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605648937484091392">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gedion Zelalem led the U20 MNT to a historic 4-0 win over New Zealand. Is this the start of something big? <a href="http://t.co/kJUmO2O0jn">http://t.co/kJUmO2O0jn</a></p>- TopDrawerSoccer  (@TopDrawerSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605664388700205056">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm not saying Gedion Zelalem is the greatest soccer player ever. I'm also not saying he's not.</p>- Usry  (@RobUsry) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605652168817971201">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><p>&#xa0;</p><div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thought for sure Zelalem was wiggling loose to find the wider option. It was the easier one, anyway. Didn't even see Arriola. And I have TV.</p>- Will Parchman  (@WillParchman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/605648436776464385">June 2, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div><p>&#xa0;</p><p class="embed-spacer"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">American Soccer Now's John Godfrey </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://americansoccernow.com/articles/young-yanks-make-strong-statement-beat-nz-4-0">wrote after the game</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">, "Zelalem's vision and skill on the ball were nothing short of spectacular, and together with Hyndman the U.S. now has two impressive central midfielders it can rely on to create and distribute."</span></p><p>Fans and writers aren't the only ones who are enamored with Zelalem, USMNT senior team coach Jurgen Klinsmann told ESPN's Doug McIntyre three weeks ago, before Zelalem was even eligible to play for the U.S., that <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/2344326/gedion-zelalem-ready-for-us-spot-now-says-coach-jurgen-klinsmann">he believes the talented midfielder could play for the senior national team right now:</a></p><p>"I think he's already at a level that he can definitely play on the senior team," Klinsmann said. "He's a special player."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cristiano-ronaldo-spends-money-salary-fortune-real-madrid-2015-5">Here's how Cristiano Ronaldo spends his money</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="llMjZ5dDqpB7jsQJWbJ6u82dpovJ7vWo" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'llMjZ5dDqpB7jsQJWbJ6u82dpovJ7vWo',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

You Searched For "drew mcintyre" and got 7 results

A WWE champion who loves to troll Conor McGregor conceded that the UFC striker would excel at pro wrestling

Alan Dawson

Memes about a disastrous Willy Wonka-themed event are taking over the internet

Olivia Singh

WWE wrestlers say they're optimistic about new Triple H-led regime following Vince McMahon's shock retirement

Tufayel Ahmed

The WWE's post-Vince McMahon era signals a creative shift is occurring behind the scenes, led by Triple H

Alan Dawson

All the 'Virgin River' books, in order

Esme Mazzeo

How the show 'Insecure' transformed YouTube fame into an HBO hit, according to the HBO exec in charge

Nathan McAlone

18-year-old soccer phenom Gedion Zelalem blew everyone away in his first start for the US

Ari Gilberg