WWE verlängert Vertrag mit Mattel / Backstage-News zum Entwicklungsvertrag für Prince Devitt

– Wie die WWE heute in einer offiziellen Pressemitteilung verkündete, hat man den Vertrag mit Spielzeughersteller Mattel bis zum Jahr 2019 verlängert:

WWE® and Mattel Extend Partnership

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. and STAMFORD, Conn., February 14, 2014 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced a multi-year extension of their global master toy licensing agreement through 2019.

Since 2009, Mattel and WWE have developed a wildly popular and diverse portfolio of innovative toys currently available in more than 50 global markets around the world. WWE action figures have ranked as the number 1 action figure property in the U.S.[1]; and consistently hold a top ranking. Sporting cutting-edge innovations such as FlexForce® figures that incorporate signature WWE Superstar moves, and plush Brawlin’ Buddies™, Mattel has brought the world of WWE to life in the playroom like never before.

“WWE and Mattel’s action figure line is consistently ranked in the top two thanks to our creative marketing campaigns, tremendous retail support and seamless infusion of cutting-edge innovations,” said Doug Wadleigh, Senior Vice President, Global Brands Marketing, Boys and Entertainment for Mattel. “We are excited to continue our partnership with WWE as they expand their global footprint and leverage our global scale to deliver WWE toys to kids around the world.”

With more than 15 million viewers in the U.S. tuning into WWE programming each week, Mattel will continue its mission to bring authentic, fun and safe ways for fans of all ages to enjoy the action-infused storylines of WWE television programming.

“Mattel has invested significant resources in consumer insights and raised the bar for design innovations for WWE, while expanding our line into new categories,” said Casey Collins, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, WWE. “Their unparalleled support has allowed us to further engage fans through authentic, quality products, meaningful experiences and standout presence at retail.”

– WrestlingCorner.de berichtete bereits vor wenigen Wochen, dass der aktuelle Vertrag von Prince Devitt bei New Japan Pro Wrestling laut PWInsider Ende Januar 2014 ausgelaufen ist und dass die WWE ihm einen Entwicklungsvertrag angeboten hat. Nun berichtet F4WOnline, dass die WWE Prince Devitt einen Entwicklungsvertrag angeboten hat, bei dessen Unterzeichnung er nur für kurze Zeit bei NXT verweilen müsste, bevor er ins Main Roster aufsteigen würde. Einige nahestehende Leute von Prince Devitt sollen bereits gegenüber F4WOnline verlauten lassen haben, dass Prince Devitt den besagten Entwicklungsvertrag der WWE sehr wahrscheinlich unterzeichnen wird.

(Quelle: WWE / F4WOnline / LoP)