– The following matches are confirmed for next week’s TNA iMPACT!:
Next week’s show will also feature A.J. Styles’s decision as to whether he’s with TNA or Aces & Eights
CM Punk was recently interviewed by Marvel.com to promote WrestleMania 29. Here are the highlights of what he said about:
“I think it was lost on me after my first four or five WrestleMania [appearances]. Last year I really slowed it down and took it all in. It’s a lot of people out there and that ramp was a long way. So I started to a lot of mental snapshots to remember the moment. Because it’s not something you get to do every day. It’s huge, it makes you realize how big the thing is; they are there to see you so not only am I amped up [but] ready to put on a show. I also tell that fun is very important aspect of what I do, and it can get lost a lot of the time. So I look to have a whole lot of fun at WrestleMania.
“Well yeah, I mean a match against the Undertaker any other day of the year is still a big deal but not as big of a deal when you’ve got the opportunity to do that nobody’s been able to do for over 20 years this week at WrestleMania.”
New York City’s Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg got exclusive interviews with several WWE Superstars at this week’s WrestleMania 29 media press conference, including John Cena, CM Punk, The Rock and Mark Henry.
All of them have big expectations for this weekend’s WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view – and CM Punk has a special message for us “smart” fans.
Tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown is a pre-WrestleMania special, featuring matches taped on Monday night prior to RAW as well as footage from this weekend’s WWE AXXESS fan fest.
Here are the matches that will air tonight:
* Ryback vs. Epico & Primo in a handicap match.
* Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston.
Also appearing are Team Rhodes Scholars, Brodus Clay, Tensai the final hype for WrestleMania 29.
WWE held their Superstars for Sandy Relief Party at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Thursday night, with Vince McMahon and Sean “Diddy” Combs hosting the event.
The Miz and sportscaster Joe Buck ran the auction that took place to benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief, with several unique experiences with Superstars and celebrities auctioned off. Many of the auctions are still open through April 9th at CharityBuzz.com.
Some of the stars in attendance included Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Miss USA Nana Meriwether, Miss Teen USA Logan West, Rob Zombie, the Knicks City Dancers and most of the WWE roster.
– During Thursday night’s WrestleMania AXXESS events today, Booker T announced that his brother Stevie Ray will induct him into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night from Madison Square Garden.
– The following are results from the matches that took place at Thursday night’s WWE AXXESS:
* Bo Dallas defeated Corey Graves
* Paige defeated Summer Rae
* Primo defeated Adrian Neville
* Zack Ryder defeated Michael McGillicutt
* Xavier Woods defeated Dante Dash
* Mason Ryan defeated Corey Graves
* Adrian Neville defeated Hawkins
* Ezekiel Jackson & Yoshi Tatsu defeated Hunico & Camacho
During an interview conducted with XFinity, Dolph Ziggler talked about the possibility of cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at
XFINITY: This match might have your attention; Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Ziggler: I could care less, I hope they beat the crap out of each other and whoever is left gets laid out by the other one. I’ll be walking down the aisle and stealing the show with my cash in.
XFINITY: I thought that was going to be a big secret, I was going to try to get you to confess that that was your plan. They knock each other cold, then cue Ziggler’s music.
Ziggler: You know, I’ve seen it before where it wasn’t exactly quite how I wanted it yet, so I can’t guarantee that’s going to happen. Cause when I cash this in, I’m not cashing it in to maybe win. It’s going to happen. So, somebody has to be out pretty cold for me to get back in there.
The Honky Tonk Man, who held the Intercontinental Championship for a record 454 days, is back with WWE.
The 60-year-old announced Thursday that he has come to terms on a multi-year contract with the sports-entertainment organization.
“I am honored to be back with the WWE and am very excited to be teaming up with WWE again for some more Shake, Rattle and Roll,” said The Honky Tonk Man in a message released via his representative on Facebook.
The Honky Tonk Man personally added on Twitter, “HTM back in the game. Inks multi yr. WWE deal. Never say Never in #WWE.”
The Honky Tonk Man last appeared as a regular character for WWE in 1997, as a manager and color commentator. After competing for several years on the independent circuit, he resurfaced on last month’s “Old School” episode of Raw. Following a match pitting Brodus Clay and Tensai against 3MB, the legendary wrestler smashed Heath Slater over the head with a guitar. He then danced with Clay and Tensai to his signature “Cool, Cocky, Bad” theme song.
– All four members of the McMahon family are now on Twitter, with Shane McMahon coming on board the social networking outlet. The former WWE Superstar and executive launched his account yesterday at @theshanemcmahon. In his first tweet, he posted this picture of himself acknowledging his all-grey hair.
Thus far, all of the 1999 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year’s messages have concerned WWE and WrestleMania. He has answered some fan questions, and is also conducting a WrestleMania ticket giveaway.
McMahon parted ways with WWE in 2009 after resigning from the position of Executive Vice President of Global Media. He currently serves as the chief executive officer and chairman of YOU On Demand.
– In three days, WrestleMania will take place near AJ Lee’s hometown of Union City, New Jersey. Speaking to WWE, the lifelong wrestling fan is recalling her journey to the big show as she shows off her massive collection of Converse sneakers.
“I have probably more than 40 or 50 pairs of Chucks, which is probably unhealthy … I should see a doctor,” said Lee. “Chucks are cooler when they’re dirty. I actually stepped on somebody’s the other day because they were too clean.”
– Tickets are on sale now for WWE Money in the Bank, which takes at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, July 14. Fans can purchase tickets at the Wells Fargo Center box office, online at www.comcasttix.com or charge by phone by calling 800-298-4200.
– Part 2 of WWE Diva AJ Lee’s WrestleMania diary is now online, which you can view at WWE.com in its entirety. In this installment, AJ talks about what inspired her to get into wrestling:
“When I was really little, I wanted to be a wrestler so I could be like the girls I looked up to,” AJ says, reflecting on her decision to pursue a career in the squared circle at age 12. “My brother then told me that ‘you don’t want to be like your idols, you want to grow up and be better than them.’ To this day, that’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten. You shouldn’t want to replicate somebody just because you like them. You can respect what they’ve done, but you should also want to surpass them.”
– WCW legend The Great Muta has been added to the alumni section of WWE.com.
– Tonight at Caroline’s On Broadway in New York City, Hot 97 radio DJ Peter Rosenberg will be hosting The Roast of The Iron Sheik. Rosenberg just informed us that the people roasting the Sheik will include former WWE Superstar MVP, Jay Lethal (as Black Machismo), himself, several comics, plus a surprise or two.
The staff of SEScoops.com will be at the Iron Sheik roast tonight – and will post a recap with pictures and videos tomorrow. Stay tuned, it’s The Iron Sheik’s turn to get humbled!
WWE Hall of Fame Jim Ross was interviewed by Joe Roderick from Grand Slam Sports this week to promote WrestleMania. Here are some highlights of what said about:
“My initial thought was to pack a jacket. That hasn’t changed. I looked at the long-term weather, and it looks like we’re going to get a break in the end. It’s going to be chilly, but it’s not going to be raining. It’s not going to be snowing. It’s going to be an adventure, which is great for fans like me. The stadium is great. [It’s a] beautiful stadium. It’s going to be the home of the Superbowl next year. I’m excited about it. I think it’ll be a unique opportunity for those attending. Apparently the weather hasn’t driven anyone away because it’s sold out.”
“It seems that way. Last night, I was going into the show thinking that Rock won last year, so Cena will automatically win this year to even their big match rivalry at one apiece. But after last night, I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. I was intrigued that Cena’s promo was a little bit edgy. I thought, is that just the character, the persona, being what it’s cast to be, or is it the human being processing what I said earlier? We have to follow everything. We have to close the show. It’s game day for us. So I don’t know. It’s provocative to me because I try to stay away from all the creative stuff. I don’t want to know what’s going to happen. I don’t have any desire to know the end of the movie. I want to see it unfold. So, I’m somewhat intrigued by the whole process, especially after last night’s RAW.”
“Well, he’s in great shape, as good as it can be. He’s just like an old baseball pitcher that used to throw heat, and now his throw’s chilling. The bottom line is he still gets people out and he still is able to help you get a “W.” I think that’s where we are with the Undertaker. His body is worn and he’s had tears and surgeries. Still mentally tough, physically tough, and still dedicated to his profession. I know that he’s never going to compromise his body of work to have one more payday. So I know we’ll see him have a great match on Sunday against CM Punk, who’s another phenomenal performer. But he works through the pain. Not many guys I know would do what he’s doing right now, but he loves it that much. It’s not a need for cash. It’s not a need for he needs one more payday. He’s got all the money he needs. He loves what he does, and as long as he can keep the quality of his work up he’s going to continue to do it.”
“I tell ya, if all the guys in the Hall of Fame were sitting at a table, they would all leave the head of the table vacant until Bruno got there. He dominated a wrestling territory, and the fans in St. Louis can identify with Sam Muchnick’s amazing run as a promoter there, week after week, month after month, year after year, and Bruno was the champion for one run for eight years. So his act in the market in New York City was amazing. He sold out Madison Square Garden 188 times, and he sold it out again this Saturday. A fitting honor, and I never thought it would happen. I’m very very happily surprised that it is.”
“Well, I don’t know. I’m not being evasive. I don’t have an assignment as of right now. I’m kind of like the Mad Hungarian, Al Hrabosky. I’m in the bullpen, going through my crazy mannerisms, and I’m ready to come in and get somebody out if you need it. If I’m needed, I’m there. If not, I’ll enjoy the view from wherever I am. I’m not being evasive. I’m not being cute. I don’t know. I’m always ready to roll if they need me, and last year I got an assignment sort of late. Thanks to Vince McMahon I was called out of the pen to call the Undertaker and Triple H match. I’m hoping something along those lines happens again. If so, then I’ll have a blast.”
– WWE is currently advertising Intercontinental Wade Barrett vs. The Miz for the 1-hour WrestleMania 29 pre-show, that will be broadcast online at Youtube.com, WWE.com and the WWE mobile app. According to sources in WWE, there is talk that a second match added to the pre-show that allows many wrestlers to appear and get their WrestleMania paydays. This could include a Battle Royal or even Antonio Cesaro defending his title against Sin Cara in a Lumberjack match.
– The USA Network sent out a press release today confirming which WWE Hall of Fame inductees will be featured on the television special that airs on Tuesday night:
WWE 2013 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY – 10/9c
“WWE Superstars and fans pay tribute to the legends of the past at the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in front of a sold out crowd at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The ceremony will include the induction of “The Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino and Donald J. Trump. Sammartino is a two-time WWE Champion and the longest reigning WWE Champion in history, holding the title for a combined 11 years. Trump has been a part of WWE’s most popular events and storylines dating back to WrestleMania® IV in 1988 and WrestleMania V in 1989 when he hosted the pop-culture extravaganzas in Atlantic City. In his most famous WWE storyline, Mr. Trump challenged Mr. McMahon to a “hair vs. hair” match at WrestleMania XXIII, resulting in Mr. McMahon’s head being shaved at the hands of “The Donald.”
– This Sunday, WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett will defend his strap against The Miz at WrestleMania in the Interactive Pre-Show Sunday, airing at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT., exclusively on WWE.com, Yahoo!, facebook.com/wwe, YouTube.com/wwe and the WWE App. Today, rumors persist around WWE’s hotel base in Manhattan that a second bout may be added to the pre-show event.
PWInsider.com speculates that it may involve numerous talents not yet advertised for the show, such as a Lumberjack Match.
– In the following video, the “Hybrid Diva,” WWE Divas Champion Kaitlyn, explains what sets her workout routine apart from other WWE Divas.
– Hulk Hogan spoke to NewsDay.com promoting “Hulk Hogan: Uncensored,” which takes place Friday at the Beacon Theatre stage in Manhattan. The event will offer fans the opportunity to pick the legendary grappler’s brain on highlights and controversy from his career.
The appearance will occur as TNA Wrestling presents an event nearby at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. WWE will also hold events in the area this weekend at Madison Square Garden and MetLife Stadium, which “begs the question of whether TNA and Hogan are making themselves look small by comparison.”
“Oh, my God, brother, that whole WWE is a monster,” Hogan responds, while also noting that TNA is still in its relative infancy compared to WWE. “That’s a whole other universe, a whole other entity.”
Since he is no longer an active wrestler, Hogan’s primary role with TNA is to draw attention to the promotion. The publication asked Hogan whether he will succeed as an executive, “or face the Michael Jordan curse of a legend who hasn’t transferred his playing field skills to the board room?”
“When the business is in your blood, I don’t know what to tell you — I’m not worried about what Michael Jordan did, or what Vince McMahon is,” Hogan said. “I just worry about my own thing, bro. So, I don’t know what their deal is, but I’m still having fun.”
– TNA’s “IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE” is coming to Tupelo, Mississippi, on Thursday, May 9 at the BancorpSouth Arena live at 7:00 pm. While in the city, Joseph Park decided to take in some of the sights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwwMaIZ3_ho
Answering fan questions via SLAM! Wrestling and TrishStratus.com, 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Trish Stratus revealed that she would have liked to have faced record-setting five-time Women’s Knockout Champion and fellow Canadian Angelina Love in a match.
“From the TNA girls, Angelina Love,” she replied in response to which female wrestlers she would you have liked to work with, past or present, excluding those affiliated with WWE. “I think she’s awesome in the ring and I think the fans would like to see Angelina Love vs. Trish Stratus. (I may be partial because I’m Canadian.) Maybe it could be Angelina vs. Nattie vs. Trish? Maybe have Sherri Martel manage me? I would’ve loved to have her manage a heel Trish. We could’ve done some awesome stuff together. If I could’ve been in the mix in the ’80s, being with Wendi Richter in a tag team and managed by Cyndi Lauper would’ve been cool. It would’ve been like Rock and Hogan!”
During Trish’s heyday, the Divas division featured women who trained to be professional wrestlers as opposed to models WWE hired to train to become wrestlers. Stratus is asked if it is “hard to see what the Women’s Division has become” since her departure.
“I still have hopes for the Women’s Division,” she responds. “A lot of people are down on it, and to be honest there is a comparison. Go back to the era where each woman could work in the ring and be unique — we were all keen to it. Remember that I was gone, then Amy [Lita] was gone then Mickie was gone, so you were really starting from scratch. I do think there hasn’t been a proper rebuilding time; if you look at the current division, you have Kaitlyn, AJ’s fantastic — she’s a firecracker, you’ve got Tamina, Nattie… you’ve got Layla who gets it. If you look at the division, it has the talent. I think we’re at a good point where you can build the next golden era.”
Stratus then reveals that if WWE offered her the opportunity to work behind the scenes as a creative member or trainer for its Divas, she would relish it.
“You saw that on Tough Enough, we were finding the next WWE superstar and Diva, and they had to bring in a woman. There’s just some stuff that we know and it was a little hit and miss out there, and it’s different than what works and doesn’t work for the men,” said Stratus. “I’d love the opportunity to work with some of the up-and-coming Divas. We had Fit Finlay — he just got it. I’m really keen to work on creative and that would be an amazing opportunity.”
Stratus also answers questions on WWE retiring the Women’s Championship in favor of the Divas Championship, her brutal Hardcore Match with Victoria at the 2002 Survivor Series, which wrestling moves she would have liked to have performed, her entrance theme, working with The Rock, and more. The full interview is available here.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner will appear on this Monday’s episode of Raw, USA Network announced via press release.
The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player will be promoting The Moment, the new USA reality series that gives individuals the opportunity for a second chance at their dream career. A “sneak peek” of the show will air following Raw.
The synopsis for Raw reads, “The Superstars and Divas from the World Wrestling Entertainment® Universe take the stage live in front of thousands in attendance at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ and millions watching at home. MONDAY NIGHT RAW continues to be the most watched regularly scheduled year-round program on basic cable television. RAW Superstars include John Cena, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Daniel Bryan, Kane, The Miz, Eve and Zack Ryder. Special guest appearance by legendary NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, host of USA’s new reality series THE MOMENT.”
USA also confirmed that Tuesday’s television broadcast of the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be centered on Bruno Sammartino and Donald Trump. During Raw, a commercial promoting the broadcast indicated that the inductions of Sammartino, Donald Trump and Trish Stratus would be televised.
The synopsis for the Hall of Fame broadcast reads, “WWE Superstars and fans pay tribute to the legends of the past at the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in front of a sold out crowd at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The ceremony will include the induction of “The Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino and Donald J. Trump. Sammartino is a two-time WWE Champion and the longest reigning WWE Champion in history, holding the title for a combined 11 years. Trump has been a part of WWE’s most popular events and storylines dating back to WrestleMania® IV in 1988 and WrestleMania V in 1989 when he hosted the pop-culture extravaganzas in Atlantic City. In his most famous WWE storyline, Mr. Trump challenged Mr. McMahon to a “hair vs. hair” match at WrestleMania XXIII, resulting in Mr. McMahon’s head being shaved at the hands of “The Donald.”
– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has posted exclusive pictures of Paul Heyman and CM Punk from Monday’s RAW, with Heyman dressed up as Paul Bearer.
– Paul Heyman announced on Twitter that the WrestleMania Store at the MetLife Stadium will be selling a Limited Edition EXTREME Style “Paul Heyman Guy” T-Shirt. Here’s a picture of the shirt:
Limited Edition EXTREME Style #PaulHeymanGuy T-Shirt, ONLY at @WWE #WrestleMania Store at MetLife Stadium! pic.twitter.com/LGn1JIoTYc
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) April 4, 2013
CM Punk announced on Twitter that the band Living Colour will be at WrestleMania 29 this Sunday to perform his theme song “Cult Of Personality” as he walks to the ring for his match against The Undertaker:
Time to let the cat out of the bag! @LivingColour will be playing me to and from the ring Sunday at #Wrestlemaina. #cultofpersonality
— player/coach (@CMPunk) April 4, 2013
@LivingColour also tweeted:
We're excited to announce that we will be performing at #WRESTLEMANIA for @CMPUNK and the WWE!
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) April 4, 2013
– Steve Austin announced on Twitter that he will be interviewing Shawn Michaels soon for his new podcast.
Episode 2 of the SAS will hit the web Friday April 12th when I interview Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer and hunting show host @ShawnMichaels.
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) April 4, 2013
Episode 1 of Austin’s podcast premieres tomorrow (Friday, 4/5) on iTunes.
– Aside from the usual WWE Legends that work for the company and usually attend company events, other legends in town for this weekend’s WrestleMania festivities include Harley Race, Larry Zbyszko, Diamond Dallas Page, Jake Roberts, Bret Hart, Tommy Dreamer, Dominic DeNucci, Mil Mascaras and Dos Caras.
(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)
– WWE will be holding a WrestleMania 29 press conference this afternoon at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The conference begins at 1pm and will be streaming live via WWE’s website and the WWE mobile app. Triple H just tweeted:
On the way to @RadioCity Music Hall for @WrestleMania Press conference pic.twitter.com/j0vWBN5KZs
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 4, 2013
– Singer Skylar Grey revealed on Twitter that she will also be performing at Sunday’s WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view:
https://twitter.com/SkylarGrey/status/319591118989828098
Grey sings the WrestleMania theme song “Coming Home” along with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
John Cena spoke to the Associated Press this week to hype Sunday’s WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view. Cena complimented The Rock on his work ethic and in the process, took a shot at other Superstars who are complainers:
“I wish we had one guy with 10 percent of his vision and his aspiration,” Cena said. “When he gets a small opportunity, he kicks the damn door down and owns the horse. Often times here, we have Superstars that remind me of a hamster on the treadmill and those are the guys that usually complain. I don’t take too kindly to them. I’m fortunate Rock’s here and I’m glad he’s here. He can show up whenever he wants.”
Cena also said he gained even more respect for The Rock last year when The Rock announced his intentions to go after the WWE Championship.
“I always knew he loved the business,” Cena said. “He loves it so much now that he really is the busiest person in the history of the WWE. He’s everywhere at once. He can do everything and still compete as WWE champion.”
* WRESTLEMANIA 29 Results We Are Going To AXXESS, HOF & WM29 and Will Have Exclusive Photos From All The Events!
– WWE officials have discussed having John Cena and Ryback feud over the WWE Championship after WrestleMania. Cena eliminated Ryback to win the 2013 Royal Rumble and Ryback got “screwed” out of the WWE title several times in late 2012 (Brad Maddox, The Shield) during matches against then-champion CM Punk, so Ryback going after a WWE Champion John Cena would certainly make sense.
– Aside from WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro not having a match at Sunday’s WrestleMania show, another champion without a match is WWE Divas champion Kaitlyn. There has been talk of Kaitlyn and AJ Lee being added to the tag team title match, with Kaitlyn joining Team Hell No and AJ joining Dolph Ziggler joining Dolph Ziggler & Big E Langston’s team – with all titles on the line.
Whether or not Kaitlyn and AJ Lee are added to the match, the faction of AJ, Dolph Ziggler & Big E Langston are due for a big push coming out of WrestleMania.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– WWE and the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be bringing 38 children to WrestleMania 29.
– There are reportedly several surprises planned for WrestleMania 29, including at least one heel turn.
– WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro is still without a match at WrestleMania 29, which has a lot of fans wondering how one of WWE’s top wrestlers could be overlooked at the biggest show of the year.
As recently as a few weeks ago, there was talk of Cesaro wrestling Sin Cara at WrestleMania, but Sin Cara’s recent concussion sidelined those plans. Sin Cara is now cleared to wrestle, so it’s possible we’ll see this match on the 1-hour pre-show.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– WWE Diva AJ Lee spoke with NJ.com about WrestleMania 29 taking place 10 minutes away from where she used to live:
“Everything has worked out so amazingly, especially for it to be after this whirlwind year that I’ve had. To have WrestleMania literally 10 or 15 minutes from the motel I used to live in with my family is kind of insane.”
– CM Punk will throw out the first pitch at Friday’s New York Mets vs. Florida Marlins baseball game at Citi Field. Paul Heyman will be with him.
– Here is video of WWE stars visiting children’s hospitals in New York and New Jersey on Wednesday:
