– On Sunday night WWE announced that their Battleground 2016 pay-per-view would take place at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC on July 24th. The pre-sale is underway at Ticketmaster with password: VERIZONCENTER.
– Alberto Del Rio has only wrestled three matches since late February, and was pulled from this weekend’s house shows for the second weekend in a row. The Wrestling Observer newsletter reports that he has been dealing with back issues, which is why he keeps getting pulled off the road and kept out of the ring. He’s currently scheduled to be part of the League of Nations vs. New Day match at WrestleMania 32 on April 3rd.
NXT Women’s Champion Bayley recently spoke with Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post & Courier to promote Wrestlemania 32. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Learning from Sara Del Rey:
“We’ve been privileged to have her. I always wanted to work with her. I got to have one match with her on the independents. To be able to train with her, with all her knowledge and with the group of girls that we have, is just amazing. She shows us cool things to try out, she teaches us about psychology. All the girls, including the ones at WWE, and the new girls all have the passion to keep learning and applying what they have learned. I’m very lucky to be in this position with the staff that we have.”
Joining Charlotte, Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch on the main roster:
“That’s the plan. When we first got together and everything started rolling and we had all these great matches, we said that one day we’d change WWE and we’d change the world. They’re already doing it (in WWE) and have been for eight months. The Triple Threat match at Wrestlemania is going to be incredible. It’s going to set the bar. I’m excited. It’s going to be a little easier for me when I get there because they’re setting the table.”
“Sometime this year would be cool, but I also said that last year. I’m not really in a rush with how good NXT is going. I’m at the top right now as NXT champion and we’re traveling the world. “I’m getting to be a part of NXT for their first time in many parts of the country. I’m happy that I’m here, but the ultimate dream is to be on the main roster. When that happens, I’ll be ready.”
Bayley puts her NXT Women’s Championship on the line this Friday night against Asuka at NXT Takeover: Dallas.
– WWE documented AJ Styles’ Madison Square Garden debut this past Friday night. (Results)
– This year’s Money in the Bank PPV will be taking place from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, June 19th. Tickets go on sale next Friday, April 8th.
– The UK’s Revolution Pro Wrestling announced today that they will be hosting qualifying matches for WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series. As previously reported, PROGRESS Wrestling and EVOLVE will also be hosting qualifying matches in the coming months.
We are pleased to announce that we will be one of the hosts for the @WWENetwork Global Cruiserweight Series Qualifiers.
WrestleMania is six days away and the card is finally wrapping up to be nearly confirmed. Even if the matches are set in stone, that doesn’t necessarily mean the results are.
Two perfect examples came in the last two years. Daniel Bryan wasn’t supposed to win the WWE World Heavyweight title, or even challenge for it. CM Punk leaving and Bryan’s overwhelming popularity changed that.
As for Roman Reigns, WrestleMania 31 was intended to be his time to shine. Once again, WWE officials listened to the fans and changed their minds the night before WrestleMania 31.
This year, that could happen. However, the reason for this report lies with the Hell in a Cell match featuring Shane McMahon and the Undertaker. Any fan believing this match will include a lot of smoke and mirrors, that’s an appropriate way of predicting.
McMahon and Taker won’t have a 5-star, technical masterpiece. There will be big spots, memorable moments and perhaps a swerve along the way.
WWE.com posted this photo on their website:
This led to a lot of speculation from the WWE Universe about if Stone Cold Steve Austin will interfere in the HIAC match.
Dave Meltzer responded to the speculation after seeing the image by saying, “It wasn’t planned as a few weeks ago but plans can always change.”
Could Austin interfere and help Shane defeat the Undertaker and indirectly, Vince? It’s definitely possible and the Texas Rattlesnake already confirmed he’ll be at WrestleMania 32.
John Cena appeared on the Today show on Monday morning and announced that acclaimed journalist and breast cancer survivor Joan Lunden will be honored with this year’s Warrior Award.
According to WWE.com, “The Warrior Award is given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior.”
The award will be presented to Lunden by The Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana, this Saturday night at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony from Dallas, Texas.
WWE returns to Brooklyn, New York tonight to officially kick off WrestleMania 32 week.
– Prior to tonight’s Monday Night RAW, WWE will tape matches for this week’s episode of SmackDown. Thursday’s show will also feature footage from WrestleMania Axxess from Dallas, TX.
– WWE will have “all hands on deck” tonight, including The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Shane McMahon, Vince McMahon and more.
– No matches have been advertised for RAW as of this writing, but WWE.com is hyping the following items:
Who is the true authority in WrestleMania’s main event?
To what extremes will Ambrose go to slay The Beast?
Are we approaching The Undertaker’s final WrestleMania?
Will Jericho accept Styles’ challenge?
How will the “Total Divas” even the odds?
Who will gain the upper hand before WrestleMania’s Intercontinental Title Ladder Match?
– The advertised dark match main event will see Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt in 6-man tag team action.
As always, join us here tonight for our Live Coverage of WWE RAW.
ESPN will be kicking off their WrestleMania week coverage today, with several of WWE’s top performers making appearances to promote this weekend’s festivities. Here’s the schedule for WrestleMania 32 Week programming on ESPN:
Monday: Brock Lesnar on SportsCenter at 8:45am and 10:30am EST
Tuesday: Stephanie McMahon at 10:30am EST on SportsCenter
Tuesday: Triple H at 9pm on SportsCenter
Wednesday: Shane McMahon at 9pm on SportsCenter
TBA: The Undertaker on SportsCenter
We’ll post video highlights of the appearances when they become available.
WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes will be honored this Thursday night at the WrestleMania AXXESS fan fest in Dallas, Texas. Cody Rhodes tweeted the following on his personal account on Sunday afternoon:
Based on the tweet, it looks like Dusty will be getting his own statue, similar to those created for Andre The Giant, Bruno Sammartino and The Ultimate Warrior.
Cody also noted earlier this month that he wants the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament to be an annual event .
It looks like John Cena will be returning to WWE television for tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW from Brooklyn, New York. With just 6 days to go until WrestleMania, Cena is taking a break from his physical rehabilitation and will be appearing on NBC’s Today show on Monday morning. As for where he’ll be tonight:
Cena has been off WWE television since undergoing shoulder surgery in early January. He’s been documenting his road to recovery and worked his ass off hoping to ‘defy science’ and return to the ring in time for WrestleMania. He wasn’t able to get medically cleared in time to compete, but it wouldn’t be WrestleMania without John Cena being there in some capacity.
The Rock is teasing ‘a surprise or two’ for WrestleMania 32. With one week to go until WWE’s biggest show of the year, we still don’t know exactly what his involvement will be.
– Alberto Del Rio is back on the road with and will be at Monday’s RAW from Brooklyn, NY. He was at last week’s RAW, but missed SmackDown and did not appear at this weekend’s live events.
– Nikki Bella is rumored to be appearing on Monday’s RAW from Brooklyn, NY. She revealed on Instagram yesterday that she no longer has to wear her neck brace full time. Based on recovery, she expects to be ‘the strongest she’s ever been’ this summer.
Brie, who is expected to finish up with the company after WrestleMania, will also be returning for the final build to WrestleMania. Brie was off WWE TV this past week, reportedly due to a health issue with husband Daniel Bryan.
– On Sunday Shinsuke Nakamura arrived in Orlando, Florida for his permanent move to the city. The former NJPW star will be training at the WWE Performance Center and debuts for NXT this coming Friday at NXT Takeover: Dallas.
The 34-year-old, who gave birth to a baby boy on Mar. 17, revealed Saturday that her contract with the promotion expired while she was pregnant and is now a free agent. She does, however, plan on returning to the ring in June.
9 days post delivery…this free agent will start posting videos soon of my workouts & return to the ring in June! pic.twitter.com/VGZerwH7ua
Love last wrestled in June, with her last appearance on Impact Wrestling taking place on Sept. 9. She was attacked backstage by members of The Dollhouse, who broken her arm in the storyline.
Love previously left the organization in 2012 and 2009. She has held the Knockouts Championship a record six times.
Update: The Miz denies that he was injured at last night’s WWE live event from Richmond, VA. After reports were circulating that he was legitimately hurt by Jack Swagger’s ankle lock, Miz tweeted on Sunday:
Previously (3/26): The Miz sold an injury at Saturday night’s WWE live event from Richmond, VA that fans in attendance are saying looked legit. After Miz defeated Jack Swagger, Swagger went into attack mode and applied an ankle lock. Miz appeared to be legitimately injured by the hold. He left the ringside area and limped backstage. We have not heard anything about the situation beyond the live reports and what’s being said on social media, so let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope this was just part of the show. Miz will be part of the 7-man ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental championship next Sunday at WrestleMania 32.
WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase stepped into the ring this weekend in Australia and earned a much deserved “You still got it” chant from the live crowd.
The 62-year-old applied the Million Dollar Dream and executed a picture perfect Russian leg sweep. Of course, the moment would not have been complete without a dollar bill being stuffed in the victim’s mouth. Everybody’s got a price!
Kane is currently doing promotional work for WrestleMania 32, which takes place on April 3rd. In an interview with The Nottingham Post, Kane opened up about appearing at seventeen different WrestleMania events over the course of his career.
“I have been around a long time and shared some very elite company,” Kane said. “This will be my 17th Wrestlemania. I have done this by trying to be the best that I can be. I have always taken everything as it comes and tried to stay in good shape. I also have done my best to minimize the risk involved in what I do in the ring. I still think I have a lot to offer and I am pleased with the level of my performance in the ring.”
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was also asked about Daniel Bryan, who recently retired. Kane says he was sad about the news of Bryan’s retirement, but that he made the right decision.
“He was a great performer and it is such a loss. We had a lot of good times together (as Team Hell No) and I have often gone on record in saying that my time with Daniel Bryan was the most fun I had during my time in the WWE,” KAne said. “While it is sad he has had to retire, it was the right decision for him in terms of his health. He is still an amazing talent.”
London-based PROGRESS Wrestling announced on Sunday morning that the promotion will be hosting 2 qualifying matches for WWE’s upcoming Global Cruiserweight Series.
Earlier this month, NXT General Manager William Regal announced that EVOLVE will also be hosting qualifying matches for the tournament. WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series is a 32-man tournament coming to the WWE Network this summer.
The 10-week series premieres on the WWE Network on Wednesday, July 13th. The matches will be taped at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Competitors from around the world will “vie for the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world.”
WWE announced on Sunday morning that legendary manager Slick will induct his former client the Big Bossman into the WWE Hall of Fame next weekend.
“The Doctor Of Style” first introduced Bossman to the WWE Universe back in 1988. He later paired his client up with “The African Dream” Akeem to form the Twin Towers tag team.
Their partnership ended when Slick attempted to sell Boss Man’s services to Ted DiBiase, resulting in Boss Man turning babyface and embarking on the most successful chapter of his career.
Former WWE Tough Enough contestant and Breaking Ground star Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe made his NXT in-ring debut at Saturday night’s live event from Orlando, Florida.
ZZ defeated Christopher Girard with a rollup pin. The match was said to be kept relatively short and didn’t feature any real noteworthy offense from ZZ. In fact, there was said to be a lot of rest holds used throughout the match.
Girad doesn’t sound like he was impressed by ZZ’s in-ring prowess:
As noted earlier, Ethan Carter III has cancelled two UK appearances scheduled for next weekend. The former TNA Champion has since issued a statement clarifying the situation and explaining why he was forced to pull out.
About 4/2 4/3 Southside and Preston Shows:Unfortunately, due to a previously unforeseen opportunity to continue…
Next weekend, while most of the notable talent on the American pro wrestling scene (and a lot of names from elsewhere, as well) will be in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend, TNA’s Ethan Carter III was set to go to England for bookings with both Southside Wrestling and Preston City Wrestling. The promoters of the two groups are friends and generally split the transportation costs of international talent, so they tend to share each other’s outside names. Today, via nearly identical statements from both Southside and PCW that were posted on their respective websites, it was announced that TNA has pulled EC3 from both dates, telling PCW that ”Unfortunately nothing can be done. This is a network commitment and something he had no control over.”
As of this writing, it’s unclear exactly what kind of “network commitment for Pop TV (or perhaps an international partner like Sony Six in India) came up. The same goes for why it necessitated EC3 being pulled from his WrestleMania weekend bookings on eight days’ notice. The Southside statement said that they were told EC3 was needed to do “media work.”
Being that the show is WrestleMania weekend and just about every suitable replacement you can think of is already booked in Dallas on at least one of the many area independent shows, this is a much more difficult to solve problem than even a normal short notice pull-out for an international guest star. In his statement, PCW wonder Steven Fludder noted this issue, but promised the fans that “I have worked hard to secure somebody and subject to him finding his passport we may have another guest from the USA.” The other international fly-ins who are booked on the show (Ken Anderson , Cedric Alexander , Angelico , Eddie Kingston, and Jade) are still appearing.
This is the second time in the last several months that TNA has pulled EC3 from UK bookings on short notice, the previous occasion being so he could go do promotional work for TNA’s tour of China. You may remember that TNA’s tour of China ended up never happening. At PWInsider.com, Mike Johnson explained that according to his TNA sources, the latest cancellation was complicated by EC3 being booked directly instead of through the TNA office. Apparently, TNA took the stance that there was nothing they could really do, whereas they tried to make the situation right when James Storm (who must be booked through TNA per the terms of his new contract) had to be pulled for similar reasons this week.
Of course, just because TNA felt no obligation to help PCW and Southside doesn’t mean they couldn’t have tried to find out who was available this week that would be a suitable replacement for EC3. That said, as Dave Meltzer noted at F4WOnline.com, the most suitable replacements under TNA contract are already booked. The Hardys and Drew Galloway will be in Dallas. Bobby Lashley will be in Mexico, but that’s on Wednesday so he might be able to be freed up.
– The Undertaker has been training hard for his match against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 32 on April 3rd. Undertaker was spotted visiting the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on Friday to train for his Hell In A Cell match.
– PWInsider.com reports that WWE is planning to announce a third match for their WrestleMania 32 kickoff show. The two matches confirmed for the kickoff show already are The Usos vs. The Dudley Boyz, and the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
WrestleMania 32 takes place on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, with live coverage & discussion on SEScoops.com all night.
– WWE created a pretty surreal video of what the WCW Nitro opening video would have looked like if WWE had lost the Monday Night War and WCW acquired WWE’s talent.
– Japanese wrestling sensation Shinsuke Nakamura will have new theme music when he debuts for NXT in less than one week at Takeover: Dallas. According to Yahoo! Japan, Nakamura is very happy with his WWE entrance theme.
“It was like a light bulb appearing,” he said. “It suits me perfectly.”
– Even though he won’t be returning to the ring any time soon, John Cena continues to tease that he will be appearing at WrestleMania 32 next weekend in some capacity.
Roman Reigns says despite the boos we hear on TV, he has a lot of supporters too. In an interview with The Kingston Whig-Standard to promote WrestleMania 32, Reigns was asked about the WWE fans’ love-hate relationship with him heading into the biggest event of the year.
“It’s a tough one because there is no one answer. There is no one reason why someone would want to boo me. Maybe they don’t like what I wear, how I sound, maybe I did something to offend them, but for me, it’s hard because I’m under the microscope and I’m dealing with a lot of different things and there’s a lot of things flying my way,” Reigns answered. “For me, I can only continue to stay within myself and worry about the things I can control and the things I can control are, Am I healthy?; Am I showing up to where I need to be on time?; Am I here to perform and do my job? If I do that, then our fans, they can cheer me, they can boo me, as long as we all show up to the arena, everything will be fine. We’ll be able to create that awesome experience, create that energy.”
“As for the reasons why these things happen, I don’t know. I do know I have a lot of supporters. These people have my back. There’s nothing that anybody can say negatively to me that will make me believe you are correct. It’s just your opinions,” he added.
Reigns is scheduled to face Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32 on April 3rd.
The March 28th episode of WWE RAW is the go-home show before WrestleMania 32 on April 3rd. The show will air live on the USA Network from The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. WWE will also reportedly be taping matches for Thursday’s SmackDown this Monday.
Names scheduled for RAW include Shane McMahon, Vince McMahon, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Triple H and Roman Reigns. This will be WWE’s last episode of RAW to promote WrestleMania on. Here’s what WWE.com has to say about Monday’s show:
After his kendo stick assault on Brock Lesnar on SmackDown ended in an F-5, Dean Ambrose will have retribution on his restless mind when he enters the Barclays Center for Raw. Will The Beast Incarnate be waiting in Brooklyn, N.Y., six nights before their No Holds Barred Street Fight at WrestleMania? Plus, how will Shane McMahon and The Undertaker respond to Mr. McMahon’s announcement that, if The Deadman does not defeat WWE’s prodigal son inside Hell in a Cell, this will be his last appearance on The Grandest Stage of Them All?
Join us on Monday night for live results from RAW, then on Sunday, April 3rd for live play-by-play results and backstage news from WrestleMania 32.
