I know Stacy Keibler isn’t with the WWE anymore, but she was always my favorite Diva. Something fun to look at while you groan at the following.

WWE Films has a first look deal with 20th Century Fox. This gives Fox first crack at distributions rights to any film WWE Films produces. WWE Films plans to produce one major theatrical release and up to four direct-to-DVD releases annually beginning next year. First on the slate? Some action schlock called 12 Rounds starring John Cena of The Marine fame.

There’s no question that the WWE’s popularity has waned in recent years with the rise of mixed martial arts. Suffice it to say, consolidation of the wrestling promotions hasn’t helped the WWE any. And TNA just isn’t big enough to keep wrestling fans interested. Is there an audience for WWE action movies?

WWE Films’ first outing, The Marine, starred John Cena and came in at number three opening weekend bringing home $7million. It went on to gross $18.7 million domestically and $20 million worldwide. Not bad for a studio first.

See No Evil, starring Kane, came in sixth in its opening weekend bringing in $4.35 million. It went on to gross over $15 million domestically and over $18 million worldwide and although critics generally panned this poorly scripted horror flick, that’s a fairly respectable performance.

WWE Films most recent release, The Condemned starring Stone Cold Steve Austin, almost ended the studio. It cost $20 million to make. It opened at $3.8 million and lasted only four weeks in the theaters. Total gross, $7.4 million. Ouch.

Being a WWF Attitude Era fan, it’s hard to believe a world in which a John Cena film can out perform a Stone Cold Steve Austin film. That just hurts.

Judging by past performance, I’m sure 12 Rounds will probably make its money back at the box office. But it’s not going to do much more. WWE is clearly playing to its base, failing to grab the attention of non wrestling fans. They’re going to have to come up with something different to bring home box office gold.

You know what I’m thinking. It’s time for a WWE Diva movie!

Over the years, the women’s division has been getting better and better. Sure, there’s still a fare share of bra-and-panty matches. But the ladies are throwing down these days! They’ve got the action chops, they’ve got the acting skills (well, some more than others), they’re mighty mighty. Make a damn Diva movie and you’ll see some cross over interest.

UPDATE: BAMikeyD points out that See No Evil was released before The Marine. Thanks for the correction Mike!

[Via Variety]

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 3:50 pm and is filed under Movies, Action, Wrassling, Happy Fun Bags. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.