Backstage News on WWE’s Plans for The New Tapout Partnership in 2016 – Rebranding, Fitness Centers and More

November 2, 2015

According to PWInsider.com, one of WWE’s main goals for its relationship with Tapout is to build the brand to become more of a total fitness brand to compete with the likes of Under Armour in the years the come. WWE plans on helping refocus the old MMA-themed Tapout brand to reach a wider audience. The partnership comes after a big planned investment from WWE into Tapout, giving WWE an equity stake in the clothing brand.

Another plan for the relationship includes the opening of Tapout Fitness Centers, and current location ideas include Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Portland, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Houston among others. Part of the strategy here is that WWE will lend talents to the Fitness Centers for personal appearances and public workouts.

As noted, WWE will be holding a fitness class hosted by Ryback and Seth Rollins on 11/7 in Leeds, during their UK tour. The class will be used to test the waters for the Tapout deal, and the class will feature the WWE talents leading a 55-minute workout, with a meet-and-greet opportunity.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.