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stake.us, Pulsz, Fortune Coins, Golden Hearts & Betrivers.net promo code & review: top 5 social casinos

There’s a huge selection of sweepstakes legally available to the majority of US players, thanks to the fact they don’t allow real money wagering. But there’s so many social casino operators, it can be tricky knowing where to begin.

If you’re ready to start a whole new casino gaming adventure, without any need to deposit or purchase anything, then you can find all the information you need here, including examples of some of the best sweepstakes casinos available right now. You can even pick up 5% rakeback at Stake.us when you use our exclusive bonus code – MIKBONUS – today!

Top social casinos

So, what exactly makes the top social casinos so special? To give you an overview of what’s out there, here’s five of the very best and what makes them stand out.

  • Stake.us: The ultimate all-rounder has a varied library of slots, table games, and beyond. It also includes unique in-house games you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Pulsz: Ideal for slots fans, especially if you like to bet on the go, thanks to thousands of Vegas titles on a dedicated mobile app.
  • Fortune Coins: For those who like to go for the big wins, Fortune Coins might be a good match, thanks to a selection of huge jackpot slots.
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  • Golden Hearts: You can support your most loved charities while playing your favorite games for the chance to win huge cash prizes. Also, this is arguably the best social gaming bingo option out there.
  • Betrivers: The sleek ‘Casino4fun’ may not offer much in the way of prizes but they deliver on game quality. They even have sports betting options.

Compare social casinos for offers

App  Best For  Bonus Offer Games
Stake.us Unique game library full of interesting left-field titles often lacking on other sites 5% rakeback on lost Gold Coins with bonus code MIKBONUS Slots, table games and unique options such as Crash, Dice and Plinko
Pulsz Vegas-style slots Newcomers get 5,000 free coins at registration, alongside daily log in bonuses Over 300 slots to choose from, including hold and wins, megaways and jackpots
Fortune Coins Anyone wanting to try their luck at winning big without needing to spend At registration, you’ll be given 140,000 Gold Coins and 500 Fortune Coins Over 60 casino games available, including many slots and jackpots
Golden Hearts  Fans of giving to charity while having the opportunity of winning big cash prizes 5,000 free coins available when you refer a friend Classic selection of slots and a bingo experience
BetRivers An authentic feeling casino experience, with no purchase necessary Credit renewal every four hours 500+ games, including a live casino, table games, an enormous selection of slots and even sports betting

Win playing at social casinos

Sweepstakes or social casinos are legal in all US states (with the exception of Washington) because they allow people to play for free. This means they’re not real money gambling. So, if that’s the case, how is it possible that you can win real cash prizes at a social casino? How does gambling even work if there’s no cash to play with?

To help you understand everything you need to know, this page will cover important details, from what tokens you play with all the way to how prizes work. It’s all simple to understand, meaning everyone can go forth knowing how to win while playing at a social casino.

How does the currency system work?

There are two key types of currency available at almost every sweepstakes casino. These are typically known as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. However, they may go by another name. For instance, Stake.us calls their Sweeps Coins ‘Stake Cash’.

Nonetheless, the way these virtual currencies work conceptually should always be the same:

  • Gold Coins are simply valueless tokens that are used in place of real funds to play the games and keep score. They’re the only kind of currency on a social casino which can be bought (as an optional way to extend gameplay) but they also must be provided for free by the casino.
  • Sweeps Coins also have no inherent monetary value. However, they also count as sweepstakes entries, so the key difference here is that they can be redeemed for prizes (subject to terms and conditions), while Gold Coins cannot. They may also be offered by the site by some reasonable means without need for purchase.

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How does the coin system work?

So, that’s what coins are, but how do they work on a practical level? Here’s a simple list of everything you’ll need to know to utilize both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins:

  1. Register your account: Remember, you can register for free on all legitimate sweepstakes casinos. There’s no pressure for any purchase. The only exception would be something like Golden Hearts, where you’re asked to donate to charitable causes.
  2. Gather coins: In the overwhelming majority of cases, you’ll receive both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins just for registering. But do keep your eyes peeled for the many other ways of collecting coins.
  3. Play them as normal: You play your coins just as you would real cash in terms of the practicalities of the games. Slots and roulette wheels work the same, for instance.
  4. Redeem your prizes: Once you’ve got enough Sweeps Coins and have met the terms and conditions, you can then redeem them for prizes. Just ensure you’ve uploaded a relevant payment method and have verified your account beforehand.

How to play without buying coins

You should always be able to play sweepstakes casinos without buying any coins. Not only that but it should be easy and simple to do.

The way you play without buying coins is really simple: there should be a broad selection of ways of gathering coins without buying them and then you can play as normal. If you’re on a site and there appears to be difficulty in playing without buying anything, then you should look elsewhere.

How to get free Sweeps Coins

So you know that you can get Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins in the overwhelming majority of cases right after registration. However, if you stopped there, you’re almost certainly missing out.

You can also collect Sweeps Coins in pretty much any way the operator sees fit to provide them, with the exception of purchase. So, stay on the lookout for any Sweeps Coin offerings from your chosen social casino. To give you an idea of what to look for, these are some of the most common options:

  • Loyalty rewards
  • Daily log in rewards
  • Social media promotions
  • On-site competitions
  • As a bonus for buying Gold Coins
  • Mail-in request

Best social casinos

All of these options offer unique experiences. It’s important to have an idea of what distinguishes them and what they offer in order to streamline finding your perfect match. With that in mind, here’s a spotlight on a star-studded line-up of social casino icons.

The best new sweepstakes casino: Stake.us

If you’re new to sweepstakes casinos and are wondering whether they can compete in terms of sheer game quality, then Stake.us should put your mind at rest. This combines the talents of Hacksaw Gaming and Pragmatic Play to craft a fine selection of slots and table games. The in-house team are their secret weapon, churning out minimalist classics of lesser known titles and even a live casino.

Plus, with tons of ways to collect coins and a straightforward redemption process, there’s plenty of ways to play these games and win real cash prizes. This is all backed up with a platform that is full of depth but also manages to be simple enough to appeal to a broad audience. It also translates well to mobile browsers, which really helps make up for the lack of a dedicated mobile app.

Pros: 

  • Exclusive titles with unique styles
  • Sweepstakes live casino
  • Transparent terms and conditions

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Vegas slots experience: Pulsz.com

This is a slots site primarily, so table game fans may want to look elsewhere. However, if spinning the reels is your idea of casino heaven, then you’ll surely be satisfied here. There’s hundreds of slots titles of all kinds for you to choose from. And with 5,000 free Gold Coins just for starting out and a newcomer-friendly design, anyone can play. They even have an app for mobile gamers and around the clock customer support.

It’s no wonder over half a million Americans have signed up. Pulsz might be the premier slots experience in sweepstakes gaming. This community not only provides confidence, but can be great for keeping the social casino social. Plus, they have that legitimate late-night Vegas casino feel which helps them stand out.

Pros:

  • Hugely trusted site
  • Massive selection of slots
  • 24/7 customer service

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Dare to dream: Fortune Coins

Social casinos are supposed to be about having fun – not real money gambling. This allows them to be safe, legal and simply suitable for many more people. However, if the idea of winning big is still a vital part of your casino experience, Fortune Coins might do the best job of actually translating that feeling to a sweepstakes setting. That’s because this is a casino which is all about those huge jackpot slots, so you can go for the big time without having to spend a penny.

It also helps that the game selection of over 60 titles are all high quality, the site is technically sound, and the promotions generous. No downloads are required, which does mean that there’s no app but it also allows you to get playing in moments. That might be the true appeal of Fortune Coins – the ability to get involved in big jackpots.

Pros: 

  • Big jackpot games
  • 140,000 Gold Coins to start
  • No downloads needed

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A unique spin on sweepstakes: Golden Hearts

While Golden Hearts is considered a social casino, it’s one like no other. Again, you’re not betting with real cash. However, this is one that does ask you to donate to a charity. In return, you get the chance to win huge cash prizes, with $2,500 given to thousands of winners every day.

Think of it like a donation that happens to come with a heap of gaming goodness with big prize potential. You get to play your favorites, take a chance at winning big, and donate. And while the site is a charitable endeavor, you’ll still feel you’ve gotten ample entertainment for your money, as the game quality here is excellent – both technically sound and creative. Golden Hearts Games could also be the best option for playing bingo on social casinos right now.

Pros: 

  • Donate and play
  • Bingo options available
  • Thousands $ given away daily

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All about having fun: Betrivers.net

If you want absolutely everything you would expect from a major real cash betting site, then Betrivers could be an unmatched choice right now. That’s because Betrivers.net is one of the only social casinos that actually allow you to bet on sports for fun.

And there’s no compromise on the casino quality either. The game selection is solid, from slots to table games, with plenty of unique titles as well as a high quality live casino. This is thanks to the selection of slot developers available here, including the likes of NetEnt, Red Tiger and Konami, to name but a few. However, they don’t offer real cash prizes, meaning they are focused on those simply looking for the gaming experience.

Pros:

  • Reliable software developers
  • Sportsbook available
  • High quality live casino

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How to choose new sweeps casinos

If you’re unsure which of the above – or which of the many other great social casinos out there could be right for you – then there’s a few things you can ask yourself. Below is a selection of some of the most vital questions to ask yourself. If you can answer these, you should be a lot closer to finding your ideal social casino match:

Game selection

  • Which games do I like to play?
  • Are there any new sorts of games I’m interested in trying out?
  • Do I want a jackpot focused experience?

Offers and free sweeps

  • How would I prefer to be offered Sweeps Coins?
  • What kind of promotions would I find the most fun?
  • What level of effort am I willing to make to get Sweeps Coins?

Cash prizes

  • Do I play often enough to receive cash prizes from a particular operator?
  • How important are cash prizes to my experience?
  • What is the minimum cash prize I’d be looking for?

Is an app available?

  • Do I prefer to play online using mobile devices?
  • What are my mobile app requirements?
  • Am I willing to play via a mobile browser should an app not be available?

Aesthetic and design

  • What style do I enjoy most on a betting site?
  • How much does site appearance matter to me?
  • Which social casino do I find easiest to use?

Available banking options

  • Do I wish to buy more Gold Coins?
  • Do I want to redeem cash prizes?
  • Which payment options can I use to do both these things and where are they available?

Customer service

  • Do I prefer my questions to be answered with direct contact?
  • Am I a newcomer or otherwise someone who may need a lot of additional help?
  • What are my preferred contact methods?

Summary: There’s a social casino to suit all kinds of players

Hopefully this page gets you a whole lot closer to your perfect sweepstakes betting match. The good news is that there’s so many high quality social casinos that there’s almost certainly one out there that fulfills your needs.

And the really great thing about sweepstakes casinos is that not only are they broadly legal in the US, as they don’t allow real money wagering, but they also don’t require any deposit or purchases from you. This means you can try out as many as you want without any risk. So, take your time and enjoy the process of finding your ideal pick. And if Stake.us is the one for you, remember to use the Exclusive Code MIKBONUS when registering to get your 5% rakeback bonus.

FAQ

✅ What do I need to consider to choose the right social casino for me?

With so many social casino options out there, it may be a challenge to know which one is right for you. It’s therefore important to consider what kind of casino experience you want, from your preferred games type to the site aesthetic you enjoy the most. The top social casino sites, such as Stake.us and Fortune Coins, all offer their own unique, high quality gaming experiences.

👍 What are some of the best social casinos? 

There are plenty of highly rated social casino operators available to US players, from Stake.us to Pulsz. However, as each sweepstakes casino offers a different experience, from the games to the promotions and site design, the best one for you will come down to a matter of personal preference.

💵 How does money work at sweepstakes casinos? 

As sweepstakes casinos don’t allow real money wagering, they instead utilize virtual currencies. Typically known as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, these are given away for free by the operator in multiple ways, and allow you to fund your gameplay. Additionally, Sweeps Coins can be collected and when minimum requirements have been met, exchanged for prizes.

Meeting for all employees called at WWE this afternoon

WWE logo

An all-hands-on-deck meeting was called today at WWE which will take place at 3:30PM ET. The meeting will be held to discuss the way forward in WWE with the return of Vince McMahon to the fold as Executive Chairman.

“Today, WWE announced the return of our founder Vince McMahon to our Board of Directors and a review of the company’s strategic alternatives. Please see attached,” an e-mail from Stephanie McMahon read.

“Nick, Frank, and I will discuss this exciting opportunity at today’s All Employee meeting. See you at 3:30,” she concluded.

Nick is co-CEO Nick Khan while Frank is Frank Riddick, the President and Chief Financial Officer.

Meanwhile, over at Wall Street, investors welcomed the news of a potential sale to WWE with stocks rising a whopping 20% at time of this writing, now trading at nearly $90, giving the company a market cap of $6.36 billion.

NJPW touts record viewers for WK 17, credits Kenny Omega and Mercedes Mone

New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that their Wrestle Kingdom 17 pay-per-view saw record numbers, with 92,409 unique users watching the show on the NJPW World streaming service.

NJPW credited the jump in viewers to Omega vs Ospreay, White vs Okada, and the “long anticipated appearance of Mercedes Moné.”

30% of the viewership were from overseas watching the English feed live. NJPW said that it’s a record for the service since its inception in 2014.

Fans in the United States and select other markets will also see the TV premiere of Wrestle Kingdom 17 in the coming weeks, starting on Thursday January 12, with Kenny Omega vs Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship on AXS TV and Fight Network.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 had an attendance of 26,085 inside the Tokyo Dome.

E-mails between Vince McMahon and WWE Board of Directors published

The e-mail correspondence between Vince McMahon and the WWE Board of Directors were published in the SEC filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

McMahon initiated the e-mails on December 20, 2022, asking for the opportunity to return to the company, saying that it’s “critical” for him to lead the negotiations in the latest round of television rights fees and potential sale. He also said that he believes WWE has an “exceptional management team” and Stephanie, Paul, and Nick have his full and unconditional support. McMahon requested a reply by January 3, 2023.

On December 27, the WWE Board of Directors replied to his e-mail, agreeing with him that the management team led by Stephanie, Nick, and Paul are exceptional. They also welcomed to include him and his advisors in playing a role in the upcoming negotiations, however, they unanimously agreed that he should not return to the company at this time since there are pending investigations into his allegations. They also attached a draft letter that says that they would not sue him on the agreement that he repays everything associated with the investigation and that he agrees not to serve as an officer, director or employee of the company during the pendency of the government investigation.

McMahon responded on December 31, basically disagreeing with the Board’s demand and saying that unless he returns, he would not sign off on any potential sale or renewal of television rights. Vince shot down the Board’s idea that his return would actually harm the TV rights process, saying that to the contrary, his involvement would add value since potential partners would know that they have the full support of the main controlling shareholder. He also reiterated his full support for WWE’s management team and their leadership of the WWE franchise and asked for a reply by no later than January 5, 2023.

Vince used the nuclear option and forced his way back in today, one day after his deadline for a reply.

December 20, 2022:

Dear Board of Directors,

I have always recognized that we have a massive responsibility to the WWE Universe. Our fans deserve the best entertainment experience that WWE can offer, and I thank you for your efforts to keep our Company focused on that goal through this distinctly challenging year for WWE.

Throughout my entire tenure with the Company, I have always been committed to doing what I believed to be in the best interest of WWE and our employees, shareholders, fans, and other stakeholders. It also is why I voluntarily retired from the Company during the pendency of the special committee investigation and fully cooperated with the committee and its independent counsel’s process. My retirement was intended to give the special committee, its independent counsel, and the rest of the Board the time and space needed to understand and respond to the allegations.

Now that the completion of the special committee investigation has been publicly disclosed, I believe WWE has a unique opportunity during this critical juncture to maximize value for its shareholders and all other stakeholders. Specifically, given the rapidly evolving media landscape in which more and more companies are seeking to own the intellectual property offered on their streaming platforms – I firmly believe that the best thing to do for all of WWE’s shareholders and other stakeholders is to undertake a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives. I am confident that our other shareholders will support this decision.

As you know, the media rights subject to the upcoming negotiations are critical to any strategic alternative consideration, and therefore the two initiatives must occur in parallel fashion. By combining a review of strategic alternatives, with the media rights negotiations, our Company can make better, more well-informed, and faster decisions. Moreover, any party that engages in strategic discussions with WWE will want to be assured that I, as controlling shareholder, am aligned with the decision-making process. In other words, we must unify the Company’s decision-making regarding these two interconnected initiatives to fully capitalize on this unique opportunity.

For these reasons, it is critical for me to rejoin the Board as Executive Chairman to work alongside our management team in leading the exploration of strategic alternatives and media rights negotiations – and it is necessary to fulfill my commitment to doing what is best for WWE. Successfully navigating this process will require close coordination among WWE leadership and the Board, as well as a clearly defined and well-executed strategy to secure the greatest value for WWE’s stockholders. As WWE’s founder and largest shareholder, no one has a greater interest in the long-term success of WWE – or is more aligned with all WWE shareholders – than me.

 

I want to be very clear that I wholeheartedly believe that WWE has an exceptional management team in place. Stephanie, Nick, Paul, and the rest of the management team have my full and unconditional support, and as Executive Chairman, I would support them to facilitate unified, efficient, and effective decision-making during this important period in the Company’s history.

An announcement that I am rejoining the Board as Executive Chairman provides a natural opportunity for WWE to announce its intention to engage in a strategic review process. In light of timing of the media rights cycle, it is important to finalize my return to WWE as soon as possible. Accordingly, I would request to hear back from you by 6pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 3.

I intend to keep my letter and any ancillary communications out of the public domain and trust that the Board will do the same. While I of course reserve all my rights, my strong preference is to conduct any dialogue regarding this letter privately and collaboratively. I, along with corporate counsel at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, am available to discuss any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued commitment to WWE. I look forward to working together to maximize value for our shareholders, other stakeholders, and the entire WWE Universe.

Happy Holidays,

Vince

December 27, 2022:

 

Dear Vince,

We write in response to your letter of December 20.

We fully agree with your assessment that the Company’s management team is exceptional and are pleased to hear that Stephanie, Nick, Paul and the rest of the management team have your full and unconditional support. We believe that our investors, employees and fans agree; there is tremendous excitement at the Company and among our fan base, and our stock price has grown by more than 40% in just the last year. We remain optimistic about the continued success of this management team and the WWE franchise overall, and we believe your support is critical to this success.

As you know, it is our fiduciary obligation to continue to act in a way we believe is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. We have always taken that responsibility very seriously and all of our decisions are guided by this duty.

With respect to your suggestion regarding a process to evaluate strategic alternatives, and your role in that process, we are prepared to initiate such a process and are happy to work with you to ensure that it is the best process for the Company and all of its shareholders. Indeed, we would welcome you and your advisors playing an important role in that process, including working together to identify the full range of potential alternatives and counterparties. To that end, we suggest that your bankers and lawyers meet with our bankers and lawyers in the first week of January to discuss how to best move forward together with this process.

Although we welcome your participation in the launch of a strategic alternatives review process, it is also our unanimous view that your return to the Company at this time, while government investigations into your conduct by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SEC are still pending, would not be prudent from a shareholder value perspective. This determination is based on a variety of factors, including non-public information the Board has become aware of and the risks to the Company and its shareholders of placing a greater spotlight on these issues.

The attached draft letter agreement provides that the Board will not agree to the shareholder demand that the Company file suit against you, on the conditions that you confirm your commitment to repay all of the investigation-related expenses incurred by the Company and that you agree not to serve as an officer, director or employee of the Company during the pendency of the government investigations. Those conditions and the draft letter agreement reflecting such conditions were unanimously approved by the Board prior to receiving your letter of December 20, and were reaffirmed unanimously subsequent to that date.

We are excited about the future of WWE and its continued success, and we look forward to working with you in the exploration of potential strategic alternatives as we continue to try to maximize shareholder value.

 

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of WWE

December 31, 2022:

 

Dear Board of Directors,

I appreciate your timely response to my December 20 letter. However, it is surprising that you did not address what I had sought to make clear in my letter – namely that we have a unique but narrow window of opportunity to maximize shareholder value by combining the upcoming media rights negotiations with a strategic review process the Board acknowledges is the right course of action for our shareholders – and that the only way to fully capture that opportunity is by having me – the Company’s founder and controlling shareholder – return as Executive Chairman at this critical time so that I can work alongside the management team to unify the decision making related to these two interconnected initiatives.

I would like to be clear that unless I have direct involvement and input as Executive Chairman from the outset, I will not be able to support or approve any media rights deals or strategic transaction (including any commitments made by or on behalf of the Company regarding a potential transaction or process). This position is not driven by self-interest or a lack of confidence in the Company’s management team, but rather by my commitment to doing what is best for WWE and all its shareholders and by my strong belief that maximizing the outcome of these processes will require close coordination and unified and efficient decision making. I sincerely hope we can work together to unlock this tremendous value potential.

There is no rationale for your position that my return to the Company “would not be prudent from a shareholder value perspective.” To the contrary, my return in the context of the media rights negotiations and a potential value maximizing strategic transaction is necessary precisely from a shareholder value perspective because it will allow WWE (as well as any transaction counterparties) to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder. Further, the special committee of the Board has concluded its investigation and presumably all of its material findings have been publicly disclosed by the Company, and nothing has been communicated to me about any matter that would prevent me from returning to the Board. So while I am pleased to see that we all agree as to the Board’s fiduciary obligations to act in the best interests of WWE and all its shareholders, it remains unclear to me how the Board can discharge these obligations if it does not permit me to be actively involved in helping to lead these two interconnected initiatives from within the boardroom so that I can make a fully informed decision about whether any potential transaction creates the most value for all shareholders.

 

I also feel that it is necessary to clearly state my position that, in light of the fundamental nature of WWE’s media rights to the core value proposition and purpose of WWE, it would be improper for the Company or Board to take material steps towards any media rights deal without WWE shareholder support (particularly considering that a very clear majority of the voting power explicitly opposes the Company taking these steps without shareholder support).

Regarding the shareholder demand letter, I am glad to learn that following a review of the shareholder demand, the Board has determined that the demand does not warrant any further legal action. However, it is unfortunate that the Board would seek to use this conclusion to attempt to extract an agreement from me not to return to the Company. Any construct along these lines is entirely unacceptable, especially in light of the critical inflection points now facing the Company.

I would also like to clarify that my intention is to avoid the creation of any conflict of interest related to the special committee’s investigation or related matters because of my return to the Board. As Executive Chairman, and consistent with my prior actions, I would not interfere with any government investigations or the special committee’s and independent directors’ process in cooperating with those or related investigations and would fully support appropriate and tailored governance measures to insulate me from those matters, as well as any improvements to the Company’s internal controls determined to be appropriate by the independent directors. As I have previously conveyed, I also remain willing to continue working to finalize my reimbursement of the Company for its reasonable expenses incurred related to the investigation by and findings of the special committee to the extent not covered by insurance.

 

Finally, I would like to reiterate my full support for WWE’s management team and their leadership of the WWE franchise. It remains my sincere preference that we enable a cooperative path forward so that we can navigate these interconnected processes together, for the benefit of our shareholders. I look forward to hearing back from you promptly (and in any case by no later than January 5, 2023).

Sincerely,

Vince

 

A look at the Rampage ratings for 2022

Rampage was the hardest-hit show when it comes to ratings this year, averaging just 463,000 viewers in 2022. A 2021 comparison might not be fully fair as the show was only on the air from August 13 but the 21 episodes of last year averaged 608,000 viewers.

The 18-49 demo also took a hit with an average of 0.15 in 2022 while in 2021, the average was a much better looking 0.25.

Rampage suffered from several weeks of pre-emptions, with the show airing at different time slots every week at one point during the middle of the year which certainly didn’t help in keeping a steady viewership.

Rampage passed the 600,000 viewership mark twice only this year, with the January 28 episode the most-watched of the year with 601,000. The April 8 episode came close hitting 600,000. Last year, nine of the 21 shows did over 600,000 viewers.

The same two episodes – January 28 and April 8 – also pulled the highest 18-49 demo with a 0.25 each.

The least-watched episode of Rampage in 2022 was the May 6 episode with just 292,000 viewers tuning in. This was one of the pre-empted episodes which aired at a different time slot. The May 13 and May 27 shows also tied for the second spot with 340,000 viewers each.

The December 2 show hit the lowest in 18-49 with just a 0.08 registered. There were several weeks of 0.11 rating as well which was the second-lowest for the year.

Click on chart for larger version

Three WWE board members fired, two resign following Vince’s arrival

The return of Vince McMahon, George Barrios, and Michelle Wilson to the Board of Directors meant that three members had to make way for their arrival.

McMahon, in his capacity as controlling shareholder of WWE, immediately removed JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, and Alan M. Wexler from the Board.

In addition, two other board members, Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh, have resigned following McMahon’s return. Singh was the one who led the investigation into McMahon.

The WWE Board of Directors now consists of Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Steve Koonin, Michelle McKenna, Steve Pamon, George Barrios, and Michelle Wilson.

Best social casino games site in 2023: Stake USA

Stake.us free money gives your social casino experience something extra in the form of bonus Gold Coins. These Gold Coins are available without any need to deposit and allow you to play a selection of casino games.

Along with the ability to collect free Gold Coins through a variety of ways, Stake.us also offers exclusive bonus codes for new players, which unlock deals such as a 5% rakeback – all you need to do is to use our exclusive promo code MIKBONUS. These promotions allow Stake.us to remain competitive amongst the ever-growing market of social casinos in the US.

Pros:

  • Competitive promotional offer
  • 5% rakeback with MIKBONUS code
  • Varied game selection
  • User-friendly design

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Website  https://stake.us
Address 28 Oktovriou, 313 Omrania BLD, Limassol, CY-3105, Cyprus
Welcome Bonus  Daily Reload available upon registration
Owner Sweepstakes Limited

Stake.us promo code and free sweeps

To understand how you play Stake.us, you need to first understand how promotions work. These bonus offers let you access the Gold Coins and Stake Cash which you use to play the games. Gold Coins are to play for fun, while Stake Cash can be used to redeem prizes. The latter cannot be bought, so must be offered via various bonus offers.

Luckily, there are plenty to go around. Standard offers include daily login bonuses, social media promotions and competition. You can even get Stake Cash via mail in request. On top of this, there’s also special offers on a limited time basis. For instance, a weekly 100 million and 10K free Stake Cash giveaways were both available at the time of writing.

The Stake.us promo code MIKBONUS is another example of their generosity. This offers 5% rakeback on your losses as a playing credit. This means that if you lost 100 Gold Coins, you’d get 5 Gold Coins in return to play with. It’s another chance to play, win, and have fun. It may even prevent you from wanting to buy more coins for a while, saving you money.

All you have to do is input the code during registration to access this bonus. There’s really no downside to the offer and it doesn’t break the golden rule of social casinos – which is that no purchase must be necessary to enjoy the site. You just play as normal, and get more coins back if you lose.

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What is Stake?

Stake.us is a sweepstakes casino, and the key things you need to know to understand how Stake.us works are fairly simple. Here’s a quick summary:

  • You play with Gold Coins and Stake Cash. Gold Coins are just for fun while Stake Cash counts as sweepstakes entries
  • Gold Coins can be bought while Stake Cash cannot; it may be offered as a bonus alongside purchase of Gold Coins.
  • Stake Cash can be redeemed for prizes, even cash prizes
  • The redemption rate is 1 USD per Stake Cash
  • Stake Cash must be played through three times to be redeemed
  • You can get Gold Coins and Stake Cash through a variety of promotions
  • Stake.us allows you to use both Gold Coins and Stake Cash on a huge amount of slot, table and other games

Is Stake.us legal in the US?

Stake.us is located in Cyprus. However, this doesn’t affect their legality. Stake.us is a legitimate and licensed social casino, as it doesn’t allow real money wagering. And social casinos – unlike their real cash equivalents – are legal in every state except Washington. The operator is also among the most secure. Their excellent reputation is backed up by fair games, trusted banking options (for those who wish to buy more Gold Coins), encryption, and transparent terms and conditions. They even provide help to game responsibly – something which is not always the case with social casinos.

Does Stake.us pay real money?

It may seem surprising, considering Stake.us is a sweepstakes casino, but you can win real money by playing. In fact, you can do so without spending a penny.

This means that you can quite literally get free money if you utilize the offers of Stake Cash, play and redeem them. No strings attached.

How to win money on Stake.us

The way you win money on Stake.us is related to Stake Cash. These are sweepstakes entries and, unlike Gold Coins, can be used to acquire prizes.

All you need to do is use the Stake Cash you’ve acquired from various offers and play them through three times on any game. You’ll then be eligible to redeem your prizes.

How to play Stake.us:

Here is all you need to know to play Stake.us. This includes integrating your Stake.us promo code.

  • Register your account: This can be done by hitting the ‘Register’ button on the top-right of your screen and filling in some basic information, including your email, address, date of birth and username. This is where you’ll need to use your promo code to get the benefits of the 5% Gold Coins rakeback.
  • Collect your coins: You’ll get Gold Coins and Stake Cash simply for signing up. You can also get coins for logging in. In addition, you may want to collect some more via social media promotions or, in the case of Stake Cash, mail in requests. You can also buy Gold Coins from this point if you wish. Be sure to check the promotional page for any new offers.
  • Check out the games: Take a look around their game library and find something that suits you. You can begin by opening the sidebar on your left-hand side.
  • Get playing: You’ve got your coins and you can play just as you would with any real money casino. There’s no practical difference in how slots or table games play. You’re just using different tokens. If you’re unsure about a particular game, check the bottom of the screen for more information on a title once you’ve clicked through.

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Stake.us payment methods

There’s a broad selection of crypto payment methods available at Stake.us. Fees and waiting times largely depend on the network’s themselves rather than the casino, as is typically the case with cryptocurrencies. For instance, fees may vary depending on the network in question when purchasing, but there are none from Stake.us themselves.

Here’s all the key information you need to know. Note, the redemption fees are in addition to those Stake Cash (SC) being converted into cash prizes.

Payment method Purchase times Redemption times Fees
Bitcoin Processing depends on BTC network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Litecoin Processing depends on LTC network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Ethereum Processing depends on ETH network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Tron Processing depends on TRX network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Ripple Processing depends on XRP network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Dogecoin Processing depends on DOGE network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Bitcoin Cash Processing depends on BCH network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption
Tether Processing depends on USDT network Instant processing (crypto prizes paid in 10-15 mins) 1-2 SC per redemption

Does Stake.us take PayPal?

As you can see from above, the only available payment methods right now are cryptocurrencies. This means that there’s no PayPal option, or any other e-wallet or traditional payment method, available at the time of writing.

Outside Stake.us reviews

Research indicates that, while Stake.us might not have as much coverage as some of the industry’s bigger names, the overwhelming majority of feedback from both users and critics have been positive. There are also no serious complaints of unfair treatment or misleading practices.

Stake.us payout reviews

One especially important part of outside reviews relates to payouts, as it’s very frequently discussed when a casino fails in this regard. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to be the case here.

The payout system from Stake.us has a great reputation amongst users, with strong customer reviews. The 3x playthrough condition is very reasonable. There’s also tons of ways to get Stake Cash – from mail in requests to daily log-ins – and the withdrawal process is simple and user-friendly .

Does Stake.us really pay?

It’s vital that any social casino is reliable when it comes to providing the prizes and payments they advertise fairly and quickly. Put simply, Stake.us are exemplary in this regard, with an excellent record of payouts.

The only way you would not get paid would almost certainly be due to some kind of break in terms and conditions, failure to meet the playthrough rate, or issues arising from your account verification. Remember, you must verify your account before redemption.

The Stake.us verification process

As the verification process can be a stumbling block for some, we’ve decided to make it clear here. You can upload verification documents at any time, from immediately after the registration process. Simply head over to your profile and you’ll be provided a link for uploading.

The verification process is vital to the legality and safety of the site, as it prevents illegal use of the site, including fraud and underage access.

Documents requested can include the following:

  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill
  • Council tax or government tax letter
  • Social insurance statement
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Bank reference letter
  • An original photo
  • State-issued ID
  • Drivers license
  • Residence permit card

How long does Stake.us take to verify?

There’s no set time for how long verification takes. However,  customer service advises that 24 hours is common should there be no issues with the information you’ve sent.

How to cash out on Stake.us

From a practical perspective, all you need to do to complete the cash out process is to go to your wallet and select “Redeem” with the amount of eligible Stake Cash you desire to collect your prize.

Stake.us withdrawal

The withdrawal process on Stake.us is so simple, even a complete newcomer to a social casino can easily redeem their prizes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to withdraw:

  1. Ensure your Stake Cash is redeemable. Remember, it must be played three times.
  2. Provide Stake.us with a relevant payment method where you want to withdraw your funds.
  3. Go to your wallet, click ‘redeem’, and enter the appropriate amount. 

Games at Stake.us

All the generous promo codes in the world don’t mean much without a top game library. After all, what are you going to do with your extra 5% of coins without great titles to use them on?

Well, no fair Stake.us reviews could accuse Stake.us of lacking in that department, thanks to a selection of games from top software developers. Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play and an in-house team all come together to provide dozens of slots, table games, and even a live casino.

What really makes them stand out here even more – alongside the sheer quality and quantity available – is that they don’t just offer the standard genres. You’ve got your blackjack and video slots, but you’ve also got the likes of Keno, Crash and Dice. This means all your favorite games are in one place.

Does Stake.us have an app?

No, at the time of writing Stake.us doesn’t have an app for either iOS or Android.

So, how does Stake.us work on mobile?

Simply by utilizing your mobile browser. And it works well on all devices. What this means essentially is almost anyone can play Stake.us on mobile, but it’ll take a couple of extra clicks to get there.

Stake.us customer support

Several avenues of customer support are offered by Stake.us. First and foremost, there’s a detailed help center, which can answer many of your questions. You can also look at answers to previous questions, which is a useful way of socially sourcing help.

For most people looking for a method of contact though, the 24/7 live chat service will be the gold standard.

Extra contact options: Stake.us support number and beyond

You can also contact Stake.us via the email support@stake.us should you wish to. The only missing option would be a Stake.us support number, but with so many other options, you’ve plenty of ways of getting help if needed.

Stake.us website design

The Stake.us site design manages to pack so many games, promotions and detail in without ever feeling crowded. This is thanks to understated aesthetics and a smart use of space.

Speaking of practicalities, that’s another area the design gets so right. Whether you’re buying Gold Coins, redeeming Stake Cash, or entering a promo code, everything is as easy and user-friendly as possible.

On a technical level, it’s smooth and reliable, even when live betting. Plus, all the above counts for mobile devices as much as it does desktop, meaning an excellent experience for all.

Who owns Stake.us?

The site is owned by Sweepsteaks Limited, who operate under the registration number HE436222.

Where is Stake.us located?

They’re located at 28 Oktovriou, 313 Omrania BLD, Limassol, CY-3105, Cyprus.

How to delete Stake.us account

While there’s no official option to permanently delete your account, you can effectively do so by excluding yourself voluntarily. This is part of Stake.us’ responsible gaming tools.

To do so, you can:

  1. Go into your settings under ‘Responsible play’ to find the for option.
  2. Ask the customer support team to set this up for you.

Stake.us review conclusion: Stake.us free money further sweetens the deal

The promo code MIKBONUS does exactly what all great promotions should, which is to add to your casino experience. If you’re in a state where gambling is prohibited, Stake.us offers a safe casino alternative.

They have a varied library of games, meaning you can play all your favorites in one place without spending a single cent. You even have the ability to win cash prizes by playing your favorite games – all legally. For the majority of states in the USA, they’re one of the best legal casino options out there.

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FAQs

Are there any new bonus codes for Stake.us? 

Stake.us, like many social casinos, offer competitive bonuses for new players. This includes an exclusive MIKBONUS code for a 5% rakeback. Any other promotions that require a bonus code should clearly display this information on the promotional section of the Stake.us website.

How do I get started with Stake.us? 

If you’ve decided Stake.us offers a good social casino option for you, then the first step to getting started is to register. You can do so by completing a quick and straightforward sign-up form. You can also use the bonus code MIKBONUS when doing so to unlock a 5% rakeback bonus. From there, you’ll receive Gold Coins, allowing you to play in the games library.

Can I win real money with Stake.us? 

While social casinos are legal throughout the majority of the US, as they don’t offer real money wagering, you can still win cash prizes on sites like Stake.us. This is thanks to the virtual currency known as Stake Cash, which acts as sweepstakes entries. When played through 3x, these can be exchanged for prizes, including vouchers, merchandise, and the currency of your choice.

SEC filing confirms Vince McMahon is officially back on the WWE Board of Directors

In a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission it was confirmed that Vince McMahon is officially back on the WWE Board of Directors.

McMahon didn’t come back because the company wanted, but because he used his shareholding power to force his way back. He originally resigned in July 2022 and lasted just six months on the sidelines before returning.

“Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board,” said Chairwoman & Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque in a press release. “We also welcome back Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to our Board of Directors. Together, we look forward to exploring all strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.”

In connection with the change in the composition of the Board of Directors and in cooperation with Vince McMahon as majority shareholder, WWE intends to undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders. There is no assurance that this process will result in a transaction.

Dynamite rating for 01/04/2023

The first episode of 2023 of Dynamite drew a total of 864,000 viewers, down 12,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. With no major sports competition, the number has to be considered a disappointment considering all the hype for the new-look show. The show did a 0.26 in the 18-49 demo, down 0.02 from the previous week and was #4 in the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)

Vince McMahon issues press release on his return to “support management team” to maximize WWE’s value

GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Vince McMahon, the founder and controlling shareholder of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (“WWE” or the “Company”) (NYSE: WWE), announced today that he has taken necessary actions to position the Company to capitalize on a unique opportunity to maximize long-term value for all WWE shareholders. The actions, communicated to WWE’s Board of Directors today via written consent, include the election to the Board of Mr. McMahon, as well as Michelle Wilson and George Barrios – former WWE Co-Presidents and Board members, and currently the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Isos Capital Management – and the requisite removal from the Board of three directors. Mr. McMahon expects to assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board.

Mr. McMahon’s new role will enable unified decision making through the Company’s upcoming media rights negotiations and a parallel full review of the Company’s strategic alternatives, which Mr. McMahon believes is the right course of action and in the best interests of WWE and WWE shareholders amidst the current dynamics in the media and entertainment industry. As Mr. McMahon has communicated to the Board, he believes there is a narrow window of opportunity to create significant value for all shareholders and that to do so, the strategic alternatives review must occur in tandem with the media rights negotiations. He also expressed to the Board that he believes these two initiatives require Mr. McMahon’s direct participation, leadership, and support as controlling shareholder.

“WWE is entering a critical juncture in its history with the upcoming media rights negotiations coinciding with increased industry-wide demand for quality content and live events and with more companies seeking to own the intellectual property on their platforms,” said Mr. McMahon. “The only way for WWE to fully capitalize on this opportunity is for me to return as Executive Chairman and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives. My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder.”

Prior to delivering written consent, Mr. McMahon sent two separate letters to the Board in late December in which he expressed the urgency of his return to the Company as Executive Chairman and his desire to work collaboratively with the Board and management team. Following conversations with representatives of the Company both before and after Mr. McMahon’s most recent letter on December 31, Mr. McMahon determined, consistent with his rights as controlling shareholder, that the steps announced today are necessary to maximize value for all WWE shareholders.

Mr. McMahon said, “Ms. Wilson and Mr. Barrios are highly qualified directors whose professional experience positions them well to help the Company achieve the best possible outcomes in both initiatives. As former WWE Co-Presidents and Board members, they are intimately familiar with industry dynamics and the organization’s operations and have helped guide the Company through past successful media rights negotiations. I look forward to working closely again with Michelle and George – as well as the Company’s remaining directors and management team, who have my full support and confidence. WWE has an exceptional management team in place, and I do not intend for my return to have any impact on their roles, duties, or responsibilities.”

In conjunction with the changes to WWE’s Board, Mr. McMahon’s written consent also includes certain amendments to the Company’s bylaws to ensure that WWE’s corporate governance continues to properly enable and support shareholder rights. These changes will be detailed in a Schedule 13D amendment to be filed by Mr. McMahon and a Form 8-K to be filed by the Company in the coming days.

No assurances can be given regarding the outcome or timing of the review process. Mr. McMahon does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or Mr. McMahon has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.

Michelle Wilson Biography

Ms. Wilson is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital Management. She is a leading sports and entertainment c-suite executive and, prior to founding Isos with Mr. Barrios, most recently served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE until January 2020. In 2018, Forbes named Ms. Wilson one of the 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports. She also was featured on the Adweek 50 list, which highlights the leading executives in Media, Marketing and Technology, and named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 Most Influential Women in Sports. She joined WWE in 2009 and prior to her appointment as Co-President, served as Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer.

Previously, Michelle served as the Chief Marketing Officer of the United States Tennis Association, oversaw all marketing efforts for the launch of the XFL, a partnership between WWE and NBC, and held consumer products and brand management positions at the NBA and Nabisco, respectively. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and currently serves on the Boards of Bowlero Corporation and Turtle Beach Corporation.

George Barrios Biography

Mr. Barrios serves as Isos Capital Management’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO. He is an award-winning c-suite executive and most recently served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE until January 2020. In 2017, Institutional Investor ranked George among the Top 3 CFOs in the Media Industry as part of its All-America Executive team rankings. He joined WWE in 2008 as its Chief Strategy and Financial Officer.

Previously, he held leadership roles in finance, strategy and operations at the New York Times, Praxair, Time Warner and HBO. He received his MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business and currently serves as the National Board Chair of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel to Mr. McMahon.

Vince McMahon forces his way back to WWE

Vince McMahon is forcing himself back into WWE and he is bringing back two former allies – George Barrios and Michelle Wilson – in his attempt to takeover back his company.

In bombshell news reported by Lauren Thomas of the Wall Street Journal, McMahon has informed the WWE board that he is electing himself back to the Board of Directors along with Barrios and Wilson. McMahon has the power to do so due to his majority shares in WWE. The election of these three means that three current board members have to go.

McMahon has said, according to WSJ, that he would not approve any sale or any televsion rights unless he is the executive chairman. His return is said to be to oversee a sale of the company and WWE shares shot up in after-hours trading due to the prospect of a sale.

What happens to the current leadership team at WWE returns to be seen. His daughter Stephanie is Chairwoman and co-CEO along with Nick Khan while Paul Levesque runs creative and talent.

McMahon resigned from WWE in July following a few sex scandals but lately had a change of heart and blamed bad advice from people close to him over his resignation.

WWE finally moves Sasha Banks to the alumni section

It took a while, but WWE has finally removed Sasha Banks from its active roster lineup on WWE.COM and moved her to the alumni section.

Banks made her NJPW debut as Mercedes Mone at Wrestle Kingdom yesterday, attacking the IWGP Women’s champion Kairi. The two will be meeting for the title on the February 18 NJPW event titled Battle In The Valley which will take place in San Jose, California.

Just minutes before appearing on Wrestle Kingdom, she thanked William Regal, Triple H, the WWE Universe, Vince McMahon, and her own character, Sasha Banks, in a series of tweets.

Naomi, who walked out with her in May of last year, is still listed in the active rosters page. Naomi, along with Bayley, were in Tokyo supporting their friend and seeing her debut live and in person.

Mercedes Mone is rumored to be showing up on Dynamite next Wednesday for their big show in Inglewood, California.

Money In The Bank 2023 ticket packages for London on sale

OnLocation, WWE’s official fan hospitality partner, has already started selling ticket packages and all inclusive packages for London’s Money in The Bank premium live event.

Ticket packages and priority passes start from $360 per person which include arena bowl seating, merchandise fast lane, a dedicated arena entrance, a WWE credential and lanyard, and an exclusive WWE priority pass hat.

All inclusive packages start from $975 per person and also include two nights accommodation. The most expensive package runs for $7,075 which has front row seat, press conference access, a mini-golf session with WWE Superstars the night before, and a ringside photo op.

WWE has not announced when tickets are going on sale to the general public. If you’re interested in the OnLocation experience, go to https://onlocationexp.com/wwe/money-in-the-bank-tickets to reserve your ticket.

Stipulations set for MJF vs Bryan Danielson for AEW World title at Revolution

The potential Revolution pay-per-view main event between MJF and Bryan Danielson was announced last night…assuming that Danielson can overcome a series of obstacles along the way.

To get the title shot, Danielson will have to go through five of MJF’s hand-picked opponents which will be every week leading up to the final match on February 8.

Danielson initially disagreed to the condition but then said that if he goes through all five, then he gets to pick the stipulation for their match. MJF eventually agreed to Danielson’s stipulation which he then revealed to be a one-hour iron man match.

The angle of MJF’s opponent having to run through several wrestlers before getting to him has already been done last year when Wardlow was in Danielson’s position. That ended with Wardlow eventually beating MJF at Double or Nothing.

NXT rating for 01/03/2023

NXT, which is back with live episodes, drew an audience of 653,000 viewers, up 65,000 viewers from last week’s show. With a rating of 0.16 in the 18-49 demo, NXT placed #31 on the chart and it had a 0.04 increase over the previous week. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)

Battle of the Belts VI location and date announced

Battle of the Belts

The Battle of the Belts VI special on TNT will be held at the Ryan Center on the campus of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. This will be the promotion’s debut in Rhode Island.

Battle of the Belts VI will be taped along with a live episode of Rampage and if AEW follows their current formula, the show will air live immediately following Rampage.

The date for these tapings is Friday, April 7 and tickets will go on sale next Friday, January 13, at 10AM ET via AEWTIX.com.

Battle of the Belts V will air live tomorrow from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon.

A look at the Smackdown ratings for 2022

Friday Night Smackdown on FOX was the only WWE show that increased in viewership in 2022 compared to 2021, with the blue brand averaging 2,123,000 viewers compared to the 2,081,000 of the prior year. The show consistently was judged to be better than the rest of the WWE shows and was close to its 2020 average which was 2,180,0000.

In the 18-49 demo, Smackdown was #1 for most weeks on network television in its time slot and had an average 0.51, down from the 0.54 the show did in 2021.

Smackdown pulled over 2 million viewers 41 weeks out of 52. That is the same number of weeks the show did over 2 million in 2021. But unlike in 2021, Smackdown managed over 2.5 million viewers for two shows, something that wasn’t done in 2021.

The most-watched Smackdown of 2022 was the last one which featured the return to the ring of John Cena. That show did 2,629,000 viewers. The September 23 episode was the second most watched with 2,535,000 viewers.

The December 30 episode was also the highest in 18-49 with a 0.64 rating. Smackdown did over a 0.60 in the demo seven times, which is down from the 13 times in 2021.

The least-watched episode of Smackdown was the October 28 episode with just 835,000 viewers. The December 2 episode also did 902,000. Both these shows aired on FS1 instead of FOX.

Click on chart for larger version

Dominik Mysterio announces engagement to longtime girlfriend

WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend Marie Juliette in a post on Instagram.

Dominik’s photo included the pair holding hands on the beach while showing off the new bling on his fiancee’s finger. The text accompanying the photo simply had “1-2-2023” and a silver heart emoji.

The two, both 25 years old, have been dating for the past 11 years and met each other in Spanish class.

Congratulations to Dominik and Marie!

Raw rating for 01/02/2023

The first episode of Monday Night Raw of 2023 drew an average of 1,605,000 viewers, and while it was up 531,000 viewers from last week’s best of show, it was down 103,000 viewers from the December 19 episode which was the last time Raw had a first-run show. Raw faced an NFL game which was abandoned due to the cardiac arrest of a Buffalo Bills player which had a combined audience of 23 million viewers.

Hour one started strong and drew 1,832,000 viewers and then it went down to 1,597,000 viewers in the second hour and down to just 1,387,000 viewers in the third and final hour for a drop of 445,000 viewers from hour one to hour three.

Raw was further down the chart this week in the 18-49 demo with 0.46, 0.42, and a 0.36 for an average of 0.42 and placed #11, #12, and #13. All top 10 shows were all NFL, college football, and NHL. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)

Dustin Rhodes’ mother Sandra passes away

Dustin Rhodes’ mother Sandra Runnels passed away yesterday due to an unspecified illness. Dustin announced the news via a post on social media.

“I am very sad to say that I lost my Momma today. She was an incredibly strong mother who was loving and resilient to her dying day,” he wrote. “She taught me everything, and I am the man I am today because of her. I am so saddened but so happy she is no longer in pain.”

Dustin added that no words can express his pain and the last month was very hard on him and his sisters Kristin and Mandy.

“Her pain was so bad as we were with her throughout. I know, the man she raised in me, that I have to be strong for my family. They are my lifeline and mean absolutely everything to me,” he wrote.

Sandra was married to Dusty Rhodes from 1965 to 1975 and he then went on to marry Michelle in 1978. Michelle is the mother of Cody and Teil.