Home Blog Page 3295

WrestleMania Breaks Live Gate & Attendence Records

0

WWE issued the following press release touting the success of WrestleMania XXVI:

WrestleMania(R) XXVI Breaks Record

GLENDALE, Ariz., Mar 28, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — World Wrestling Entertainment(R) made history tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, as WrestleMania XXVI grossed $5.8 million, becoming the highest grossing and attended entertainment event ever held at the stadium. The previous record was a U2 concert on October 20, 2009 that attracted 50,775 fans and grossed $4.9 million. 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries attended the sold out event, outdrawing Super Bowl XLII (71,101 attendance) in the same building.

WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza was broadcast around the world on pay-per-view in more than 100 countries and 20 languages.

“WrestleMania XXVI was a tremendous success, and we thank the public and private sectors of Glendale and Phoenix for rolling out the red carpet to WWE(R) and our fans during WrestleMania Week,” said John P. Saboor, Senior Vice President of Special Events, World Wrestling Entertainment. “WrestleMania is an important rite of passage for WWE fans each year, bringing with them a tremendous economic impact to the community.”

WrestleMania XXVII will take place on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. Ticket information will be announced later this year.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 17.60, +0.04, +0.23%) , is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 17.60, +0.04, +0.23%) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

WrestleMania Breaks Live Gate & Attendence Records

0

WWE issued the following press release touting the success of WrestleMania XXVI:

WrestleMania(R) XXVI Breaks Record

GLENDALE, Ariz., Mar 28, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — World Wrestling Entertainment(R) made history tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, as WrestleMania XXVI grossed $5.8 million, becoming the highest grossing and attended entertainment event ever held at the stadium. The previous record was a U2 concert on October 20, 2009 that attracted 50,775 fans and grossed $4.9 million. 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries attended the sold out event, outdrawing Super Bowl XLII (71,101 attendance) in the same building.

WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza was broadcast around the world on pay-per-view in more than 100 countries and 20 languages.

“WrestleMania XXVI was a tremendous success, and we thank the public and private sectors of Glendale and Phoenix for rolling out the red carpet to WWE(R) and our fans during WrestleMania Week,” said John P. Saboor, Senior Vice President of Special Events, World Wrestling Entertainment. “WrestleMania is an important rite of passage for WWE fans each year, bringing with them a tremendous economic impact to the community.”

WrestleMania XXVII will take place on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. Ticket information will be announced later this year.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 17.60, +0.04, +0.23%) , is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 17.60, +0.04, +0.23%) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

WrestleMania Attendence, Dark Match Live Notes, WM27

0

– Yoshi Tatsu won the 26-man battle royal dark match prior to WrestleMania going live. Superstars competing in the match were Yoshi, Mark Henry, Cryme Tyme, Goldust, Santino Marella, Primo, Funaki, Jimmy Yang, Slam Master J, Chris Masters, Vladimir Kozlov, Finlay, William Regal, Luke Gallows, Carlito, Tyler Reks, Zach Ryder, Vance Archer, Mike Knox, Croft and Baretta, The Hart Dynasty, Hornswoggle and The Great Khali.

– The NXT rookies watched the battle royal from the stage.

– WWE opened the show with a Wrestlemania 25 music video.

-  The attendance for this year’s show in Glendale, AZ was announced as 72, 219.

– WrestleMania XXVII will take place on April 3, 2011 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

WrestleMania XXVI Results: March 28, 2010

34

WrestleMania XXVI PPV Report
March 28, 2010 from Glendale, Arizona

Fighter jets fly overhead as Justin Roberts introduces Fantasia to sing America the Beautiful.

We get a slick video package highlighting WrestleMania as a place where many superstars only get one shot at making history.  Lots of feuds of tonight are highlighted, specifically Sheamus/HHH, Taker/Michaels II, Vince/Bret, and both of the Championship matches.  Money in the Bank participants are also shown.  The package is amazing.

The pyro hits in a pretty amazing display, and the crowd, of course, is hot.  Michael Cole welcomes us properly to the 26th installment of WrestleMania taking place at the University of Phoenix stadium.  The opening contes will be the match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championships.  R-Truth is out first, rapping his way to the ring to a lot of love from the crowd.

Michael Cole just announced the Wrestlemania XXVI attendance as ‘over 70,000’

WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Match
Big Show and The Miz (c) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

Matt Striker, Jerry the King Lawler, and Michael Cole are the announce team for tonight.  Big Show and Miz make their way to the ring, and this one is ready to begin.

Morrison and Miz will be starting things out for their teams.  Morrison is able to get a hammerlock, but Miz fights out of it and stomps at Morrison.  Miz turns his back, only to turn around into a dropkick.  Morrison slams Miz and tags out to Truth, who comes in with a top rope leg drop on Miz that’s good for a two count.  Truth does the splits to avoid a punch from Miz, and gets Miz with a back kick, but Miz tags out to Show.  Truth tries to hit Show with a cross body, but he’s caught and hit with a fall away slam instead.  Show pushes Morrison off the apron and chops Truth’s chest.  Show climbs the ropes, but Morrison hits a kick that knocks Show down.  Miz and Morrison are back in and Morrison is dominating Miz with a flap jack and a kick to the face.

Morrison tries for the starship pain but Show pulls him out of the ring. Miz tries for the SCF, but Morrison fights out. Show hits the knockout punch out of nowhere, tags in, and pins Morrison, getting the three count.

Winners and STILL WWE Unified Tag Team Champions: Big Show and Miz

Cole, Lawler and Striker run down some of the activites of WrestleMania week. John Cena on Jimmy Fallon is shown, footage of the art show, and some stuff from fan axxess is shown.

Legacy Triple Threat Match
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase

Ted Dibiase is the first man out to the ring, to a bit of heat, and Cole talks about his father’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame last night.  Cody Rhodes is the next man out to the ring, also to a bit of heat from the crowd.

Randy Orton is the last man to the ring, to a big pop from the crowd. Dibiase and Rhodes are grouped together and talking to each other when Orton enters the match.  This match will be under triple threat rules where every man is in the ring at the same time.  The bell rings, and Cody and Ted begin to stalk Randy.

Orton is able to fight off both men, keeping Rhodes on the outside with a lariat over the top, and then stomping away at Dibiase.  Orton turns his attention to Rhodes and he eats a dropkick from Ted.  Rhodes and Dibiase pound away on Orton to the displeasure of the crowd.  Rhodes and Dibiase continue, stomping away methodically, before double teaming Orton.  Dibiase holds Orton while Rhodes pounds on him, then the two switch roles for a bit.

Orton hesitates but finally puns Cody Rhodes in the head with DiBiase out of the ring.  DiBiase sneaks up from behind him but Orton hits him with the RKO.  Orton gets the cover for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

Vickie Guerrero just cut a heel promo with the members of the heel Divas.  She drew a tremendous amount of heat.

They did a comedy segment with Santino Marella and ‘Mean Gene’ Okerlund in a towel.  Injured Diva Melina appeared, making her return to WWE TV.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Evan Bourne vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston

The Money in the Bank ladder match is up next.  Kofi Kingston out followed by MVP, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre,  Kane and Christian. They have ladders on the ramp.  Hardy drew a huge reaction. The Money in the Bank briefcase is hanging above the ring but the ladders remain outside the ring followed up and setup on the ramp.

The match starts with chaos with action going in and outside of the ring.  Kane had control but Drew McIntyre started beating him down.  McIntyre sets the first ladder up in the ring.  Hardy pushes it over with him on it.  Evan Bourne comes in as Hardy gives McIntyre Twist of Fate.

All the participants battle on the ladder.  Evan Bourne just touched the briefcase but Kane, Hardy and Swagger fight him off.  Kane tosses Bourne to the outside onto Shelton Benjamin.  Hardy and Swagger battle it out on top of the ladder.

Evan Bourne has his hands on the briefcase, but everyone else is there and things break down pretty quickly.  Kane tosses Bourne to the outside.  Kingston tosses a ladder into Swagger and Hardy who are on another ladder.  Christian throws a ladder into Hardy and Swagger who are trapped in the corner before monkey flipping Kingston into the ladder, sandwiching Swagger and Hardy.  Ziggler pulls Christian off the ladder with a big backstabber, and tries to climb himself, but he’s pulled off by MVP, who’s in turn pulled off by Kane.  Shelton and Kofi sandwich Kane with a ladder, and he and MVP and Shelton use a ladder to sandwich Kane in the corner,  Kofi runs up the ladder, but he’s powerbombed by Kane.

Benjamin is close to gaining the briefcase, but Swagger puts him down with a ladder, before slamming the ladder into several other participants.  Bourne comes out of nowhere with a double knees to Swagger and the ladder to take him out.  Swagger is in the middle of the ladder, and Hardy and Christian both use ladders to sandwish Swagger’s midsection.  Hardy and Christian climb the ladder, while Bourne climbs the side.  Swagger pulls the ladder out from under Hardy, and Bourne kicks Christian off the other ladder before hitting Air Bourne from off the ladder onto Christian.

Bourne tries for the briefcase, but Hardy is there and he throws Bourne off the top.  Hardy is almost able to grab the briefcase, but Swagger comes up from behind, and pushes him off the top of the ladder, on top of the ladder propped up in the ring.  Swagger also falls off onto another ladder propped against the ropes.  MVP and Shelton are up on the ladder now and Shelton sends MVP off.  MVP retaliates, trying to powerbomb Shelton, but Benjamin retaliates with a hurricarana to the outside.  Kane is outside with a ladder and he hits both MVP and Shelton.  Kane is in the ring and he tries to climb the ladder, but Ziggler is in, climbing over Kane.  Kane pushes over the ladder to knock Ziggler off before throwing the ladder at Ziggler, Ziggler ducks but eats a right hand.

Kane chokeslams Ziggler on the ladder before sandwiching him in between and slamming the ladder up and down on top of Ziggler.  Kane ends up ripping the ladder apart.  Kofi sends Kane to the outside, and uses both pieces of the ladder as stilts, trying to climb all the way to the top.  McIntyre is in, knocking one of the legs away, and pushing the other, with Kofi on it, into the ropes.  McIntyre grabs a ladder and climbs, but Matt Hardy is in on the other side.  Hardy and McIntyre fight at the top with McIntyre sending Hardy to the mat.  Hardy retaliates, pushing the ladder into the ropes where McIntyre crotches himself.

Hardy climbs the ladder and gets his hands on the brifcse, but Kane pushes another ladder, with Christian on it, into Hardy’s ladder.  Kane climbs the other side, opposite Hardy and Christian, and he tries for a double chokeslam, but Christian and Hardy fight him off, only to turn their attention to each other.  Hardy tries for a twist of fate, but Christian reverses with into a reverse DDT from the top of the ladder.  Christian climbs both ladders in the middle of the ring, but Swagger pulls one away.  Christian climbs the other ladder, but Swagger is up after him.  Both men fight at the top of the ladder, but Swagger uses the briefcase, slamming it into Christian’s face.  Swagger goes for the briefcase but he has trouble unhooking it.  After what seems like forever, Swagger gets the briefcase down, and he is Mr. Money in the Bank.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Swagger poses with his briefcase at the top of the ladder, smiling and laughing.

Cole, Lawler and Striker re-cap the Hall of Fame induction ceremony the took place last night.  We get a little bit of footage, that includes highlights of the inductions of Wendi Richter, Mad Dog Vachon, Stu Hart, Gorgeous George, and Antonio Inoki.  We get a little more footage of the inductions of Bob Uecker, which was extremely funny, and Ted Dibiase, which was extremely deserved.

Howard Finkel introduces the newest inductees to the WWE Hall of Fame. A good portion of the Hart family is out to represent Stu Hart. Wendi Richter, Mad Dog Vachon, Antonio Inoki, Bob Uecker, and Betty Wagner (representing Gorgeous George), as well as Ted Dibiase are announced. Fink announces them as the Hall of Fame class of 2010, and deservedly, they get a huge pop from the crowd.

Triple H vs. Sheamus

Video package airs airs recapping their feud.  Sheamus is the first man announced, and he makes his way to the ring to a decent amount of heat from this giant crowd. Triple H is out next, to a huge pop from the crowd.  We get an awesome view of Hunter from the ramp that includes a wide shot of the arena, and it just gives you a small idea of how huge this event is.

Based on entrances alone, I don’t know how anyone could think Sheamus has a chance, since Hunter got a freaking light show and tons of pyro, and a crazy in-ring video screen, while Sheamus didn’t even have a sparkler.

Sheamus and Hunter lock up, and Sheamus backs Hunter up into the corner, where he breaks with a shove.  He tells Hunter that he’s the future and he’s the Celtic Warrior.  Hunter puts Sheamus in the corner, but also doesn’t break clean, slapping Sheamus across the face.  Hunter hits a series of right hands and he tries for the pedigree early, but Sheamus is able to fight out of it.

Sheamus sends Hunter into the corner, but quickly eats a dropkick.  Hunter hits a suplex, and follows up with a knee, but a cover only yeilds a two count for Triple H.  Sheamus rolls to the outside, and Hunter follows, slamming his head into the barricade and sending him back into the ring.  Back in the ring, Hunter goes to work on Sheamus’ legs, locking in the figure four.  Sheamus is able to get to the ropes to break the hold and he rolls back to the outside.

Sheamus beats on Hunter in the corner, slamming his thigh into Hunter’s head before choking and stomping away at Hunter.  Sheamus poses for the crowd to a lot of heat.  Sheamus continues the beatdown in the corner on Hunter, being pulled away by the ref.  Sheamus and Hunter trade right hands, with Sheamus getting the upper hand with an axe handle to the head.  Sheamus tries for the cover but he only gets two.

Hunter is back up and out of the sleeper with a back body drop.  Sheamus charges Hunter in the corner but eats a couple of his boots for his trouble.  Hunter fights out of a slam and hits a DDT to change the momentum.  Hunter and Sheamus trade right hands in the center of the ring, and Hunter gets the upper hand.  Hunter hits the high knee and he’s back in this one.  Face buster from Hunter is good for a near fall.Hunter ducks a clothesline and tries for a pedigree but Sheamus counters.  Hunter hits a neckbreaker that’s good for a two count.

Hunter puts Sheamus on the top turnbuckle and he climbs up, hitting Sheamus.  Sheamus ducks out of it, and he tries for the razor’s edge but Hunter fights out.  Sheamus tries for his big kick, but Hunter fights out.  Pedigree attempt but Sheamus fights out again and he hits his huge kick.  Sheamus goes for the pin but Hunter kicks out.

Sheamus picks Hunter up off the mat, and he puts him up on his shoulder, but Hunter fights out and connects with a big spinebuster.  Hunter goes for the pin but Sheamus kicks out at two.

Sheamus tries to roll to the outside, but he only gets to the apron.  Hunter tries to pick him up, but Sheamus fights him off and connects with a big kick to Hunter’s temple.  Sheamus crawls back into the ring and he picks up Hunter.  Hunter is playing possum, and out of nowhere he hits the pedigree.  Hunter pins Sheamus and he gets the three count.

Winner: Triple H

They show a video package recapping the CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio feud.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

CM Punk is the first man out to the ring, with Serena and Luke Gallows in tow, and of course, a mic in hand.  Punk still gets a decent reaction from the crowd, probably due to his stellar work.  Punk says there’s over 70 thousand weak minded individuals that are so hopped up on pills, they think Rey Mysterio is a super hero.  They think their super hero will make the monster go away, but Punk isn’t a monster, he’s a savior, and he can lead everyone to a better place.  He can lead by example because he chooses to be drug free, and he chooses to be better than everyone.  Mysterio doesn’t have a choice.  He will be forced to join the SES, and everyone will have to accept him.  One nation, under Punk, with integrity and sobriety for all.

Mysterio’s music hits, and Punk stares down the entrance ramp.  Mysterio is finally out, with some crazy contacts that look like cat eyes or something.  Mysterio also has a long ponytail hanging from his mask and he’s dressed in baby blue gear with some neon orange streaks. Apparently Mysterio’s attire is inspired by Avatar.

The bell rings and we’re ready to start this one.  Gallows and Sarita are stalking around the outside, it distracts Mysterio, and Punk is able to use that to catch Mysterio, sending him to the mat and stomping away on him.  Mysterio tries to come back and jumps to the top, but Punk sweeps his feet out from under him.  Punk distracts the ref and Serena chokes Mysterio.  Punk tries for a baseball slide, but Mysterio flips up, and Punk crotches himself on the ring post.  On the outside, Punk gets even by slamming Mysterio into the steel ring steps.

Back in the ring, Punk pounds away on Mysterio and he tries for a pin, but Mysterio kicks out at two.  Punk locks in a rear chin lock while the SES cheers on from ringside.  Mysterio is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold where he catches Punk with a quick kick.  Mysterio tries for a headscissors, but Punk fights it off, only to eat a springboard seated senton from Mysterio.  Mysterio hits a kick to Punk’s face, but Punk is able to surprise Mysterio with a roll up for two.  Punk catches Mysterio with a giant kick to the side of the head, but a pin is only good for two.

Punk tries for a series of pins, but it ends with Mysterio flipping out and up onto the ropes, where he comes back with a crazy springboard DDT.  Mysterio tries for the pin, but he only gets two.  Mysterio kicks Punk into the ropes and tries for the 619, but Punk catches him.  Punk tries for the GTS, but Mysterio fights out.  Mysterio springboards off the ropes, but Punk catches him in GTS position.  Mysterio fights out again and kicks Punk in the head.  Mysterio goes to the top and tries for a frog splash, but he misses.  Punk tries for the cover but he only gets two.

Punk hits the high knee in the corner, but Mysterio fights out of the bulldog and sends Punk into the ropes.  Mysterio tries for the 619, but Serena and Gallows distract him.  Punk almost hits the 619, but Mysterio fights out, hits the 619, the springboard splash, and pins Punk.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

We get a video package recapping the 12+ year Bret Hart and Vince McMahon storyline.

No Holds Barred Street Fight: Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon

Vince McMahon is the second entrant in the match.  He enters wearing a short sleeved shirt, and he looks pretty damn good for his age.  Vince is also carrying a mic in his hand.  Vince says Bret is in his ring, at his greatest creation, WrestleMania.  Vince says Bret deserves a WrestleMania sized screwing.  Vince says he shelled out a lot of bucks and as a result, he bought himself a lot of lumberjacks, and one of them will be a guest referee.  Vince says to just remember that Bret screwed Bret, and Vince screwed Bret, and now Vince and Hart’s entire family screwed Bret.  The Hart Dynasty makes their way out, along with Hart’s family make their way to the ring with Vince.

The Hart family surrounds the rings, but this is pretty ridiculous since everyone but the Hart Dynasty is in their formal wear from earlier.  The women are all in heels and formal dresses, and most of the guys are wearing tuxes, I think only Bruce is wearing jeans.  Bruce is in the ring, and he takes off his shirt to reveal a referee shirt.

Bruce Hart doesn’t even take off his sunglasses.  Bret can’t believe that his whole family agreed to this.  He says there isn’t much he can do, what’s done is done.  He says there’s one thing he knows about the Hart family, they got paid up front and their money is already in the bank.  Hart says there’s one thing he learned from the Montreal screwjob, and that’s a good old fashioned double cross.  The Hart family is united.  Hart knew about this coming in, and tonight, at Vince’s greatest creation, it’ll be forever remembered as the night Bret screwed Vince.  Bruce and Bret hug, and Bruce starts the match, finally with his glasses off.

Vince begs off, but Hart hits him with a right.  Hart beats McMahon all around the ring, in the corner, stomping away at him.  Hart chokes McMahon with his foor in the corner.  Vince rols outside into the Hart Dynasty, who go to work with a couple of forearms.  Hart family members are in to join, and Natalya hits Vince with a big slap.  Kidd and DH Smith stomp away at Vince, and Kidd locks in a guillotine choke before hammering away on Vince.  DH Smith picks Vince up and Kidd climbs up to the apron.  DH Smith picks Vince up, and Kidd goes all the way to the top turnbuckle.  Kidd leaps off and hits a top rope Hart attack all the way to the floor, sending Vince McMahon crashing down.

The Harts roll Vince back into the ring, and Bret goes right to work on Vince’s leg.  Vince rolls back to the outside, and he tries to crawl under the ring to avoid things, but Kidd and Smith pull him out.  Vince has a crowbar in hand when he comes back out and the Hart’s scatter.  Everyone calls Vince a coward.  Vince rolls back into the ring and he tries to hit Bret with the crowbar, but Bret ducks it, and sends McMahon to the mat, where he continues to beat him down with big elbows.  Hart grabs the crowbar and he uses it to clobber McMahon, just wailing away on him.

Hart uses the crowbar to whack McMahon right in the throat, and the Hart family rallies Bret on from the outside, banging on the mat.  Hart grabs McMahon’s legs, and the crowd goes NUTS.  Hart goes for it, but decides against it, and goes for the crowbar again.  Hart whacks McMahon a couple more times before grabbing the legs again.  Hart kicks McMahon right in the crotch, and then does it again.

McMahon pleads with Bret, but all it gets him is a couple more kicks to the groin.  someone slides a chair into Bret, and he uses it to sit down.  Bruce comes over, and Bret actually calls a time out, just to catch his breath.  McMahon crawls up to his hands and knees, and Hart is up behind him.  Hart picks up the chair, and whacks McMahon across the back, then a second time.  The crowd chants for one more, and Bret obliges with another big chair shot.  Three more, then another, and another, and Bret is just working Vince over.  Three more, another, a thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth all on Vinces legs.  Another, and another, and another, jeez, this is crazy.  Another, and Vince is just moaning and panting.

Hart grabs the leg and everyone goes crazy.  Hart wraps up the legs and pulls McMahon over, successfully locking in the Sharpshooter, which is just a beautiful sight.  McMahon immediately taps, but Hart keeps it locked in just for a bit.

Winner: Bret Hart

After the match, all the Harts get in the ring to celebrate with Bret.

The live attendance is announced as 72,219.

We get a video package about the history between these two men, all the way back to when these two became the WWE Unified Tag Team Champs and Edge injured himself.  It also covers Edge’s surprise return at the Royal Rumble (a story broken here at WNW), and the past few weeks that have led up to this match, with Jericho winning the World Heavyweight Championship, and Edge cashing in his Royal Rumble title shot.

WWE World Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge

The World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho, is out to the ring first with an impressive pyro display.  It’s great to watch such a talented wrestler like Jericho walk into WrestleMania with the WHC.

Edge is the next man to make his way out, to a huge pop from the crowd and an impressive pyro display of his own.  This match is set to begin, and Canada is extremely proud right now.

Edge and Jericho lock up and start out with some chain wrestling.  Jericho locks in a headlock, and when Edge fights out, he hits a shoulderblock.  Jericho ducks a couple of clotheslines, but Edge comes back with a big flying lariat.  Edge stomps on Jericho in the corner, but when the ref breaks it up, Jericho is able to mount a comeback, putting Edge in the corner and beating on him for a bit.  Edge comes back with a back body drop, and he tries for a spear, but Jericho sees it coming and he rolls out to the floor.  Edge follows, beats on Jericho for a bit and rolls him back into the ring.  On his way back into the ring, Jericho catches Edge with a slap, and a baseball slide to send him to the floor.

Edge rolls back into the ring, and Jericho grabs right for Edge’s legs, hitting a slingshot, slamming Edge’s neck into the bottom rope.  Jericho hits a back body drop, and he tries for a cover, but Edge kicks out at two.  Jericho locks in a modified rear chin lock, and tells the referee to ask him, but Edge refuses to give up.  Edge fights up to his feet, but Jericho slams him back down to the mat head first.  Jericho kicks and slaps away at Edge’s head.

Jericho sends Edge into the corner, but when he charges in, Edge moves and Jericho’s shoulder connects with the ring post.  Edge hits a big dropkick, and tries for a back body drop, but Jericho blocks it and hits a front suplex, sending Edge into the ropes.  Jericho tries for a springboard dropkick, but Edge dodges it, and sends JEricho crashing into the announce table.  Edge launches himself off the ring apron onto Jericho with a big diving clothesline.  Edge rolls Jericho into the ring and he tries to go to the top, but Jericho catches him and the fight on the turnbuckle.  Edge is able to come out on top when he hits a front suplex from the middle rope that’s good for a two count.

Edge ducks a big boot from Jericho and slides to the outside where he sweeps Jericho’s legs.  Edge hits a crossbody from the top, but Jericho rolls through into a pin attempt for a two count.  Jericho tries for the walls of Jericho, but Edge fights it off.  Both men get a quick near fall, but a kick to the head from Jericho puts Edge down.

Jericho tries for the codebreaker, but Edge counters, catches Jericho and slamming him into the corner.  Edge goes for the spear, but Jericho counters, jumping over and rolling Edge straight into the walls of Jericho!

Jericho takes control with a blow to the back of Edge’s head.  Jericho teases the spear, setting up for it.  Edge is back on his feet, but when Jericho goes for the spear, Edge gets his foot up for a big boot.  Edge psyches himself up, and gets the crowd going.  Edge tries for the spear, but Jericho counters with the codebreaker.

Jericho crawls over and pins Edge, but it’s only good for two, another pin, another two count.  Jericho argues with the ref for a bit, but then turns back to Edge.  Jericho kicks at the back of Edge’s leg, before just stomping on the ankle.  Edge avoids another kick and he gets back to his feet, but Jericho takes him right back down into the walls of Jericho.

Edge tries to crawl to the ropes, but Jericho pulls him right back into the middle of the ring and turns it into a single leg crab, focusing on Edge’s injured leg.  Edge is finally able to crawl to the ropes, and surprise Jericho with a roll up that’s good for a two count.  Edge clotheslines Jericho over the top rope and both men go out to the floor.  Jericho is back to his feet first and he grabs his title.  Edge slams Jericho’s head into the ring apron, and Edge ends up accidentally elbowing the ref.  Jericho hits Edge with the belt, and goes for the pin, but Edge kicks out!

Jericho hits the codebreaker, and he pins Edge.  The referee counts three, and this one is over.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Jericho

After the match, Jericho goes after Edge’s leg again, but Edge fights him off and sends him into the announce table.  Edge takes apart the Spanish announce table, of course, and sets Jericho on it.  Edge climbs on the other announce table, and waits for Jericho to get to his feet, running from one table, to the other, and spearing Jericho off the table and through the ringside barricade.

They show highlights from the 26-man battle royal that took place before WrestleMania went on the air. Yoshi Tatsu won.

10 Diva Tag Match: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Michelle McCool, Layla and Alicia Fox

Layla, Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, and Michelle McCool are out first. Eve Torres, Mickie James, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, and Beth Phoenix are the next team out to the ring, and this one should be a mess.  Hopefully it’s kept fairly short as there wasn’t even a video package, because there’s really no history to this match.

Gail Kim and Vickie are going to be starting things out.  Guerrero bumps Kim back, so Kim tags in Phoenix.  Vickie finds herself in the corner, where she eats a couple of shoulders.  Eve tags in and gives her a couple more shoulders.  Kim tags in and James tags in, followed by Kelly, and they all pretty much do the same thing, beating on Vickie.  Vickie is unfazed though, screaming at Kelly Kelly.  A big slap and step up leg drop takes down Vickie, but McCool is in with a Styles Clash.  Mickie comes in and hits her big DDT, layla comes in and hits a backbreaker, Kim comes in with a sole food.  Everyone is coming in now.  Phoenix hits a giant implant buster type move on Alicia, then turns her attention to Vickie.

Phoenix puts Guerrero in the tree of woe, but McCool comes in and clocks Phoenix out of nowhere.  McCool sets it up, and talks Vickie into doing a frog splash on Kelly Kelly.  Vickie does it, and connects, but has trouble pinning Kelly.  She’s finally able to do it, and she gets a pin, scoring the win for her team.

Winners: Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Michelle McCool, Layla and Maryse

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

We get a video package detailing the events of the past few weeks, beginning at last month’s PPV, that led up to this match.

Batista is the first man out to the ring, and he gets what sounds to be a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd.  Batista’s entrance, of course, includes lots of pyro, and himself entering in a lone spotlight.

Cena continues his tradition of overly impressive WrestleMania entrances with another doozie, not quite as impressive as his bajillion look-a-likes entrance though.  A group of soldiers, carrying rifles, go into a drill, spinning their rifles and doing all sorts of fancy stuff.  The soldiers form themselves into an aisle, and spin their rifles as another walks through them.  This happens a second, and third time.  Cena’s music hits, and the crowd goes nuts.  Cena walks down the aisle, with the air force honor guard air team spinning their rifles as he walks past.  Cena charges down to the ring and the crowd is still going wild.

Someone made an awesome ‘South Park’ referencing ‘Batista likes fish sticks’ poster.  Batista and Cena lock up, and Batista turns it into a headlock.  Cena sends Batista into the ropes, and Batista responds with a big shoulderblock.  Cena is back up, and he takes Batista off his feet with a headlock takeover.  Batista fights back up to his feet and pushes Cena into the corner, forcing the break.  Batista goes right for a punch, but Cena ducks it and goes to work with a couple of blows to the body.  Batista responds with a big blow to the back of Cena’s head before picking him up and slamming him in the corner.  Batista beats on Cena in the corner, slamming him with a big boot to the head.

Batista continues to work over Cena’s neck, clubbing away across Cena’s neck.  Batista tries for a suplex, but Cena blocks it and comes back with a suplex of his own.  Cena beats on Batista in the corner for a bit, and he hits a sort-of bull dog, but when he goes for the pin, he only gets two.  Cena tries for the AA, but Batista fights it off, countering with a big DDT.  Batista rolls right into the cover, but Cena kicks out at two.

Batista sits Cena up and hits a big kick to Cena’s face, but it’s only good for another near fall.  Batista locks in a rear naked choke with a body scissors, trying to wear Cena down.  Cena is able to fight up, with Batista on his back, and he forces Batista off his back, and tries to break Batista’s grip.  Cena fights out of it, but gets a knee to the back.  Cena and Batista exchange right hands, with Batista getting the upper hand with a neckbreaker.  Batista gets a near fall.  There’s a lot of boos for Cena surprisingly.  Batista locks in a front chancery.”

Cena is able to fight up to his feet, and suplexes Batista off of him to break the hold.  Batista charges Cena in the corner, but gets a big boot instead.  Cena hits a couple of big shoulder blocks, a side belly to back suplex, that gets a lot of heat, and he goes for the five knuckle shuffle, but he ends up eating a spinebuster from Batista instead.

Batista calls for the Batista bomb, but Cena surprises him with the STF.  Batista is able to make it into the ropes to break the hold.  Batista hits a big spear, and he goes for the cover, but Cena kicks out at two.

Batista puts Cena in the corner and buries his shoulder in Cena’s midsection before placing him on the top rope.  Batista goes for a superplex, but Cena fights it off, turning it into a test of strength.  Cena hits a couple of head butts, and punches Batista, sending him crashing to the mat.  Cena gets to his feet and jumps off, connecting with a top rope five knuckle shuffle.  Cena goes for the AA, but Batista grabs the top rope.  Cena pulls him back, but Batista counters into the Batista bomb.  Cover, but Cena kicks out at two and Batista is shocked.

Batista is up on his feet, and he picks Cena up, trying for another bomb, but Cena counters into an AA.  Batista counters, and Cena counters into the AA again.  Cena connects with a big AA, launching Batista, but when he goes for the cover, Batista kicks out at two!

Cena climbs up to the top turnbuckle, and he jumps off, right into a big spinebuster from Batista.  Batista picks him up and tries for the Batista bomb, but Cena rolls through and goes straight into the STF.  Batista tries for the ropes, but he’s eventually forced to tap.  The crowd, who’s been pretty hostile up to this point, cheers pretty loudly.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: John Cena

After the match, Cena poses with the belt, with a big smile on his face.  They show big shots of the crowd, and I’m always just so amazed at how huge the whole event always looks.

We get a video package that’s just extremely well put together, and I’m just as excited for this match as I was to see it last year.

MAIN EVENT: Streak vs. Career: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (No DQ or Count Out)

Shawn Michaels is out to the ring first, and he looks pumped up, and extremely excited for someone who could be entering the ring for his last match. The gong sounds, and the crowd goes wild.  There’s fire for the entrance, but so far it’s away from the entranceway, thankfully.  Taker is lifted up on a platform from the entrance ramp, with lighting from underneath.  It’s especially demonic.  Taker walks to the ring to a load of cheers, and the fire hits when he’s a good distance away.

Michaels does not look intimidated as Taker gets into the ring and disrobes.  Taker and Micheals stare each other down. Michaels drags his thumb across his throat and infuriates Taker.  Taker charges Michaels, but Michaels dodges and catches Taker with a couple of chops.  Taker comes right back, hanging Michaels up on the top turnbuckle, and splashing Micheals in the corner.  Taker goes for old school, but Micheals fights it off.  Taker goes up again and he’s able to walk to ropes and connect this time.  Taker goes right for the chokeslam, but Micheals fights out of it and kicks at Taker’s knee.  Taker fights back with a big right hand.  Taker slams Michaels head into the turnbuckle, and he tries for a tombstone, but Michaels fights out and goes to work on Taker’s arm.

Taker tries for a short arm clothesline, but Michaels ducks it, and counters with a not quite solid SCM.  Taker is a bit startled.  Michaels goes right back to work on Taker’s knee, stomping away at it in the corner.  Michaels hands Taker’s leg up on the ropes and just goes to work.  Taker fights him off and gets back to his feet, pounding on him in the corner, but HBK kicks right back at Taker’s knee.  Taker sends Michaels to the outside with a clothesline over the top ropes, and he teases a dive, but Michaels sees it coming and he comes back in with a shoulder to the knee.

Michaels tries for the figure four, but Taker fights it off and sends Michaels to the outside.  Taker hits the crazy leg drop on the apron.  Back in the ring, Michaels is right back up and he goes for the figure four, locking it in.

Michaels is wearing down the Undertaker, forcing him to put his shoulders to the mat every now and then.  Taker reverses the pressure, rolling himself and HBK over and forcing Michaels to break the hold.  Both men are back on their feet and they’re trading chops and punches.  Michaels kicks at Taker’s knee, and goes to work with chops, but Taker responds with big right hands.  Michaels ducks one and hits some more chops.  Michaels hits a flying forearm to Taker, and he kips up, but he walks right into a chokeslam.  Taker pins Michaels, but HBK kicks out at two.

Taker tries for a tombstone, but Michaels slithers out of it and locks in the ankle lock.  Taker crawls toward the rope, but Michaels pulls him back into the ring and grapevines the leg to add more pressure.  Taker again is worn down to where he’s forced to put his shoulders on the mat and force a pinning predicament.  Taker is able to use his free foot to kick at Michaels and break the hold.

A medic is down to check on Michaels, but Taker throws him away and tosses Michaels back in the ring for the pin.  Michaels kicks out at two! Taker kicks at Michaels and he goes for the Last Ride, kind of connecting, but Michaels gets the pin.  Taker kicks out at two.  Michaels climbs to the top rope, and he goes for his signature elbow drop, but Taker gets his knees up to block it.

Taker locks in Hell’s gate out of nowhere, but Michaels counters into a pinning predicament, forcing Taker to break the hold.  Taker hits Michaels with a big right, but Michaels responds with sweet chin music.  Michaels goes for the pin, but Taker kicks out at two.

Michaels tunes up the band again in the corner, but another attempt is blocked by Taker, but buries his boot in Michaels stomach and connects with a proper Last Ride.  Taker goes for the cover but Michaels kicks out!

Taker is back to his feet and he immediately tosses Michaels out to the floor.  Taker begins taking apart the announce table, pulling out the monitors.  Taker is pounding on his knee, trying to knock feeling back in.  Taker sets Michaels up for the Last Ride, but Michaels gets out of it and hits SCM, sending Taker on top of the announce table.  Michaels goes up to the top turnbuckle, and he launches himself off, with a big moonsault, crashing through Undertaker and the table!

Michaels crawls over toward Taker, and he rolls him back toward and into the ring.  Both men get back up to their feet, and Michaels connects with sweet chin music.  Michaels goes for the pin, but Taker kicks out at two!

Michaels goes for SCM again, but it’s blocked and Taker hits a chokeslam instead.  Taker picks Michaels up, and connects with a big tombstone.  Taker pins Michaels, but Michaels kicks out at two!

Taker pulls down the straps, and he almost jerks his thumbs across his throat, but he decides against it.  Michaels climbs up, and Taker tells him to stay down.  Michaels crawl up, using Taker to support himself.  Michaels drags his thumb across his own throat, and slaps Taker across the face.  Taker gets angry, and immediately connects with a tombstone.  Taker pins Michaels, and that’s all she wrote.

Winner and 18-0, streak intact: The Undertaker

After the match, Taker stumbles over to the ropes, and uses them to drag himself to his feet.  Taker poses in the center of the ring, while an 18-0 graphic comes up and fireworks go off.  Fireworks also go off around the top of the arena.  Taker starts to get out of the ring, but he stops.

Refresh now for the Latest Update!

Steve Austin Says He "Absolutely" Has One Match Left In Him

0

In an interview with the Ottawa Sun, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin spoke about how WWE has changed since his days as an active superstar and said that he “absolutely” has one more match left in him.

“WWE has changed. It’s a different climate, more of a PG image. They’ve cleaned it up a bit. For me to go back, I have to watch my Ps and Qs. It’s another day and age. They’ve got young superstars to sell.”

When asked whether we’ve seen the last of Stone Cold in the ring, he gave a surprising answer that’s totally different from what Jim Ross has repeatedly stated in his blogs about Austin wrestling a final match.

“Do I have a match left in me? Absolutely. Do I want to do one more? I don’t know. I’m very content with leaving well enough alone. I don’t want to be 90% of what Stone Cold was.”

Steve Austin Says He “Absolutely” Has One Match Left In Him

6

In an interview with the Ottawa Sun, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin spoke about how WWE has changed since his days as an active superstar and said that he “absolutely” has one more match left in him.

“WWE has changed. It’s a different climate, more of a PG image. They’ve cleaned it up a bit. For me to go back, I have to watch my Ps and Qs. It’s another day and age. They’ve got young superstars to sell.”

When asked whether we’ve seen the last of Stone Cold in the ring, he gave a surprising answer that’s totally different from what Jim Ross has repeatedly stated in his blogs about Austin wrestling a final match.

“Do I have a match left in me? Absolutely. Do I want to do one more? I don’t know. I’m very content with leaving well enough alone. I don’t want to be 90% of what Stone Cold was.”

WWE Hall of Fame Videos Online & More Hall of Fame Notes

0

— Among those in attendance at last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony were Bobby Heenan (sitting alongside “Mean” Gene Okerlund), Dan Spivey (a/k/a Waylon Mercy), Catalina White (girlfriend of Jack Swagger), Carlos Colón, Sr., Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Jim Ross and musician Richie Kotzen (boyfriend of Brie Bella).

— You can view edited footage of WWE Hall of Fame inductees’ acceptance speeches at the following link. Among those not featured on USA were Stu Hart, Antonio Inoki, Wendi Richter and Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon.

— Last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be replayed next Saturday on Universal HD at 9:00 p.m. EST and midnight.

WWE Hall of Fame Videos Online & More Hall of Fame Notes

0

— Among those in attendance at last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony were Bobby Heenan (sitting alongside “Mean” Gene Okerlund), Dan Spivey (a/k/a Waylon Mercy), Catalina White (girlfriend of Jack Swagger), Carlos Colón, Sr., Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Jim Ross and musician Richie Kotzen (boyfriend of Brie Bella).

— You can view edited footage of WWE Hall of Fame inductees’ acceptance speeches at the following link. Among those not featured on USA were Stu Hart, Antonio Inoki, Wendi Richter and Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon.

— Last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be replayed next Saturday on Universal HD at 9:00 p.m. EST and midnight.

Austin Predicts HBK vs. Taker & Comments On Goldberg

0

Courtesy: MondayNightMayhem.com

WWE Hall Of Famer & former WWE Champion, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, was the special guest on Monday Night Mayhem’s WrestleMania XXVI Countdown Special (presented by ReelWrestling.com), hosted by The Big Mosh, Blade, & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent.

Click here to listen to the entire audio interview (MP3).

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson From New Jersey:

His relationship with his long-time friend, colleague, & fellow WWE Hall Of Famer, Jim Ross: “He was a tremendous help to me in my career all the way from WCW & calling my matches in the WWE. He was the guy that knew how to talk about ‘Stone Cold’ in the right way. Everyone knows me & Jim are very close personal friends. He was just in L.A. having some meetings and spent the night over my house. He’s a very good friend of mine.”

How the transition into acting was for Austin, especially with the mainstream world not taking professional wrestling & sports-entertainment too seriously: “It’s funny what some people in the outside world (or “mainstream”) think about pro wrestling or the people involved in pro wrestling. I’m humble when speaking about my acting. I think I have talent, and I think I have ability, but I still have to develop as an actor. It’s just like what I did in the ring. I was very green but I became very, very accomplished in the 20×20 ring. There’s not too many people that’s done what I’ve in that business. I don’t think pro wrestling necessarily prepares you to be a great actor, but my pro wrestling career, my largest body of work, and is the reason I’m getting the opportunities I’m getting in the movie world, and I take that very seriously. If someone as a certain opinion about my old business or my love of professional wrestling, then so be it.”

The Experience Of Returning To The WWE To Guest Host RAW Two Weeks Ago & How The Viewing Audience Saw A Tamed-Down “Stone Cold” That Evening (As Result Of The WWE’s Change To A PG Rating): “Being back in San Diego on Monday Night RAW was a blast, but probably the most fun for me was hanging backstage, sitting at a table, and talking to Triple H & Shawn Michaels, hanging out with The Big Show, and riding back to L.A. with John Cena…you know just spending time with the guys. I still love the wrestling business, and I always will. It’s responsible for where I am today, and I had so much fun doing it. I love being in front of the crowd, and I love my fans, but it’s changed a lot since I left. I was a very edgy, aggressive act as ‘Stone Cold,’ with the language, the middle fingers, & the beer. But it’s a PG show now, so I kinda went out there with handcuffs on so to speak. I couldn’t use all my tricks because it’s more of a kid-friendly show & a corporate- sponsorship friendly show, and I think that’s a great direction for the WWE to go in, because I think we pushed the envelope as far as you can push it back in the day when I was running roughshod over everybody. It was exciting.”

Why He Does Not See Shawn Michaels Stopping The Undertaker’s Undefeated WrestleMania Streak: “When I look at the card, of course I’m looking forward to Bret vs. Vince, but probably what I’m forward to the most is Shawn Michaels vs. ‘The Streak.’ I don’t think the streak will be snapped. Shawn Michaels is probably the best WrestleMania performer in the history of the business. He is going to pull out all the stops and that’s probably the marquee match for me.”

What a possible Bill Goldberg return would mean for World Wrestling Entertainment: “It’ll be interesting to see. His only year in the WWE was what it was, and you guys know what it was. So it’ll be interesting to see what he’ll bring to the table as far as is there a demand for him. I think with the lack of real depth on the roster, there could definitely be a spot for him. The business has changed so much, and even though Bill wasn’t an act that was carved out of ‘Stone Cold,’ his act is different too, so you gotta go out there & put a little time in the ring. It would take some work for him to make the transition into what is going out in the wrestling world today.”

WrestleMania News: Several Big Rumors, Celebrities Attending, WWE Hotel On Lockdown

Austin Predicts HBK vs. Taker & Comments On Goldberg

0

Courtesy: MondayNightMayhem.com

WWE Hall Of Famer & former WWE Champion, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, was the special guest on Monday Night Mayhem’s WrestleMania XXVI Countdown Special (presented by ReelWrestling.com), hosted by The Big Mosh, Blade, & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent.

Click here to listen to the entire audio interview (MP3).

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson From New Jersey:

His relationship with his long-time friend, colleague, & fellow WWE Hall Of Famer, Jim Ross: “He was a tremendous help to me in my career all the way from WCW & calling my matches in the WWE. He was the guy that knew how to talk about ‘Stone Cold’ in the right way. Everyone knows me & Jim are very close personal friends. He was just in L.A. having some meetings and spent the night over my house. He’s a very good friend of mine.”

How the transition into acting was for Austin, especially with the mainstream world not taking professional wrestling & sports-entertainment too seriously: “It’s funny what some people in the outside world (or “mainstream”) think about pro wrestling or the people involved in pro wrestling. I’m humble when speaking about my acting. I think I have talent, and I think I have ability, but I still have to develop as an actor. It’s just like what I did in the ring. I was very green but I became very, very accomplished in the 20×20 ring. There’s not too many people that’s done what I’ve in that business. I don’t think pro wrestling necessarily prepares you to be a great actor, but my pro wrestling career, my largest body of work, and is the reason I’m getting the opportunities I’m getting in the movie world, and I take that very seriously. If someone as a certain opinion about my old business or my love of professional wrestling, then so be it.”

The Experience Of Returning To The WWE To Guest Host RAW Two Weeks Ago & How The Viewing Audience Saw A Tamed-Down “Stone Cold” That Evening (As Result Of The WWE’s Change To A PG Rating): “Being back in San Diego on Monday Night RAW was a blast, but probably the most fun for me was hanging backstage, sitting at a table, and talking to Triple H & Shawn Michaels, hanging out with The Big Show, and riding back to L.A. with John Cena…you know just spending time with the guys. I still love the wrestling business, and I always will. It’s responsible for where I am today, and I had so much fun doing it. I love being in front of the crowd, and I love my fans, but it’s changed a lot since I left. I was a very edgy, aggressive act as ‘Stone Cold,’ with the language, the middle fingers, & the beer. But it’s a PG show now, so I kinda went out there with handcuffs on so to speak. I couldn’t use all my tricks because it’s more of a kid-friendly show & a corporate- sponsorship friendly show, and I think that’s a great direction for the WWE to go in, because I think we pushed the envelope as far as you can push it back in the day when I was running roughshod over everybody. It was exciting.”

Why He Does Not See Shawn Michaels Stopping The Undertaker’s Undefeated WrestleMania Streak: “When I look at the card, of course I’m looking forward to Bret vs. Vince, but probably what I’m forward to the most is Shawn Michaels vs. ‘The Streak.’ I don’t think the streak will be snapped. Shawn Michaels is probably the best WrestleMania performer in the history of the business. He is going to pull out all the stops and that’s probably the marquee match for me.”

What a possible Bill Goldberg return would mean for World Wrestling Entertainment: “It’ll be interesting to see. His only year in the WWE was what it was, and you guys know what it was. So it’ll be interesting to see what he’ll bring to the table as far as is there a demand for him. I think with the lack of real depth on the roster, there could definitely be a spot for him. The business has changed so much, and even though Bill wasn’t an act that was carved out of ‘Stone Cold,’ his act is different too, so you gotta go out there & put a little time in the ring. It would take some work for him to make the transition into what is going out in the wrestling world today.”

WrestleMania News: Several Big Rumors, Celebrities Attending, WWE Hotel On Lockdown

HBK Talks About Flair Still Wrestling, Raw Preemption, More

0

— In an interview with Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun, Shawn Michaels gives his feelings on Ric Flair continuing to wrestle despite losing a “career threatening” match against him two years ago at WrestleMania. HBK notes that Flair called him when he was going to sign with TNA to ask him if he was okay with it.

“He did call me. He called me once to let me know he was going to do the [Hulk] Hogan match in Australia. He wanted to know if it was OK and I of course told him that it was. Then he called me again when he was going to sign with TNA and asked the same thing. There’s nothing you can say. I certainly don’t have what it takes to look at somebody and say, “Don’t go make a living.” I told him that, for me, nothing can take away that special moment. It will still always be to me that I had Ric Flair’s last match. I tried to do the best job I could for him. I think it was a special moment. Anything after that [pauses]. I feel for him, but I’m certainly not angry or disappointed or anything. I would like to think that Ric probably would have liked that to have been his last match, too. The fact that it couldn’t be, I understand. Those are circumstances that I certainly can’t control.

“One of the things you have to understand is that if you’re going to be a friend of Ric’s, you sort of know that there’s some baggage that comes along with that. Certainly the older I get the more I’m learning about conditional situations, and the difference between that and unconditional — unconditional friendship, unconditional love. All those types of things we can talk about but it’s a whole other thing to put them into action. I do my best to put them into action. I want what’s best for Ric, even if Ric might not always be aware of what that is, I still want that for him. Nothing will take away from that moment. It’s sill truly special. I still wear my watch every day, so it’s still something I’m really proud of.”

Among the other topics discussed were whether he is ready to legitimately walk away from the business, what his backstage meeting with Bret Hart in January was like, his match with Undertaker last year at WrestleMania, and more. To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

— Due to the final game of the NCAA basketball tournament, The Score in Canada will not air Monday Night Raw at 9:15 PM (ET) on April 5th, 2010. Raw will be shown at midnight (ET) instead. This means that TNA iMPACT! on Spike TV is going unopposed in Canada that night. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— In the following video, Dolph Ziggler says he’s confident about his chances in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match tonight at WrestleMania.

Sound Off 105: WRESTLEMANIA PREDICTIONS AND MORE!!!

4
solomonster
Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 105)

*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes

It’s the third annual WrestleMania predictions show, plus surprising news on what may close the show, more on Goldberg and WWE, TNA moving to 8pm and another obese mailbag!

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Terri Runnels Dating New Jack (Pictures), Kong vs. Mickie James

8

— Bouts pitting Awesome Kong against former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James at Northeast Wrestling events this weekend will take place as originally advertised. The former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion previously contacted the promotion to inform them that she would be unable to compete due to a back injury. The promotion, however, announced today that she has since been medically cleared.

— Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie noted on her Twitter account yesterday that she will be releasing a press release soon discrediting all allegations levied towards her non-profit organization, Wrestlers Rescue.

“Worked on the press release that will prove all of the allegations against Wrestlers Rescue to be false. God luck liars! Try not to squirm.”

— Former WWE Diva Terri Runnels recently confirmed on her Facebook account that she is dating former ECW star New Jack. Here is a recent picture of the couple:

Divas Match Added To WrestleMania, Update On Mickie James

3

— The WWE Divas have been officially added to Sunday’s WrestleMania card as WWE.com posted an official preview regarding the 10-Diva Tag Team Match tonight. The bout will see Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix team up to take on Women’s Champion Michelle McCool, Divas Champion Maryse, Layla, Alicia Fox and Vickie Guerrero. (Match preview)

— Mickie James noted on her Twitter account she was unable to play in the company’s annual golf tournament due to her knee, so it appears she will be very limited in her WrestleMania match.

— Fans can follow Vance Archer on Twitter at twitter.com/VanceArcher. He returned to action last weekend, working SmackDown live events.

TNA Star Debuting Shocking New Character This Monday

22

Orlando Jordan, who has not appeared on TNA programming since the Feb. 18th edition of iMPACT!, resurfaces this Monday night on iMPACT! with a character “unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”

The show, which was taped this past Tuesday in Orlando, Fla., saw Jordan lowered into the ring from the arena’s rafters wrapped in yellow police tape with the TNA logo. He then crawled through the ring and ultimately walked to a nearby white couch where he sat between a shirtless male and a sexy female. Behind the trio is the tri-colored bisexual pride flag, plus two male symbols and one female symbol. In an Impact Zone first, the segment garnered a “that was creepy” chant.

To add further details, Jordan has changed his hair again and is now wearing makeup. He also comes out barefoot à la “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka.

Here’s a picture of Jordan at Tuesday’s iMPACT! tapings:

Shawn Michaels Talks About Retiring From WWE (MP3)

6

WWE RAW superstar Shawn Michaels, who puts his career on the line this weekend at WrestleMania against the Undertaker’s undefeated streak, appeared on Atlanta’s 790 The Zone Sports Radio this morning and spoke about reports from a popular news website that he plans on leaving WWE shortly after WrestleMania XXVI and thus, will be losing against the Undertaker on Sunday. Michaels said:

“That’s the situation that I’m in. The career is on the line, so I guess I say ground breaking news by them I guess. That is the match at Wrestlemania, the career versus the streak. It’s one of those things that’s bitter-sweet. Obviously I want to be the one guy to beat the streak. I think that if anyone can, I’m the one, but you have to be willing to put it all out there. If things don’t go my way, I still have a great deal of peace and I can look back on a career that I’m very proud of.”

It’s worth noting that in the new issue of WWE Magazine, there’s an interview with Shawn Michaels, who is asked about retirement. Michaels cryptically said, “I have my retirement set already. I have been thinking of my retirement for a long time now.”

During the 790 The Zone interview, Michaels also spoke about his return to WWE back in 2002 after being out of action with a back injury for over 4 years. Despite the fact that he already had a Hall of Fame career before he left WWE in 1998, he was told that the new generation of WWE fans might not even know who he was and WWE felt they needed to reintroduce him to everybody.

“Yeah, and that’s the sort of thing that as you’re doing it, I can remember coming back in 2002 and them informing me that ‘hey, you almost need to reintroduce yourself’, because there is a whole other generation. On one hand, you want to be a little offended by that. You say ‘come on, I’m not the end all, be all, but I’m Shawn Michaels.’ But to really understand that there is a whole other generation that you now have to appeal to and you do appeal to. When you see the little guys hanging over the rails at the show, you do realize that. You’ve got their dads who watched you, and now they’re watching you.”

To listen to an MP3 of Shawn Michael’s appearance on 790 The Zone, click here.

Bret Hart Talks About His Relationships w/Vince & Shawn

0

WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to hype WrestleMania XXVI on Sunday.  Hart called his return to WWE “kind of a surreal feeling” and said he was surprisingly not nervous at all once he walked onto television. The interview contained lots of interesting talk, including whether Bret plans to stick around after WrestleMania.

Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

His Relationship with Vince McMahon: “We’re pretty respectful of one another. I think there’s some genuine … I think he feels bad for what happened. I think in a lot of ways Vince was a big fan. Vince McMahon is the world’s biggest wrestling fan. He loved all the work I contributed. The only thing Vince loves more than wrestling is his money and somehow that’s where we ended up having a lot of problems. We’re all right as far as … it’s sort of a mutual respect. He’s done a lot for me and done a lot for my family and the wrestling world and wrestling industry. He’s just got a funny way of doing business sometimes.”

His Relationship with Shawn Michaels: “Well, I don’t know if we’re … I think we’re respectful of one another and we both know for whatever the circumstances and there’s lots and lots of reasons why we collided the way we did. Once upon a time we were good friends. When I took a step to forgive everything that happened and shake his hand, I think it was very real when it was done on TV.”

He added, “I think Shawn was really moved by that and he understood it took a big man to take that kind of step forward to him. I think they should have taken that step towards me. I think it was pretty much understood that the hostilities and hard feelings I had were so strong that nobody ever made that attempt. I knew that Shawn had changed as a person and he had been helpful to my niece (Natalya) and my nephew (David Hart Smith). I just thought it was high time to take all that weight off his back and say it happened, let’s forget about it. Let’s move on and try to maybe do something positive.”

Bret Hart Talks About His Relationships w/Vince & Shawn

1

WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to hype WrestleMania XXVI on Sunday.  Hart called his return to WWE “kind of a surreal feeling” and said he was surprisingly not nervous at all once he walked onto television. The interview contained lots of interesting talk, including whether Bret plans to stick around after WrestleMania.

Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

His Relationship with Vince McMahon: “We’re pretty respectful of one another. I think there’s some genuine … I think he feels bad for what happened. I think in a lot of ways Vince was a big fan. Vince McMahon is the world’s biggest wrestling fan. He loved all the work I contributed. The only thing Vince loves more than wrestling is his money and somehow that’s where we ended up having a lot of problems. We’re all right as far as … it’s sort of a mutual respect. He’s done a lot for me and done a lot for my family and the wrestling world and wrestling industry. He’s just got a funny way of doing business sometimes.”

His Relationship with Shawn Michaels: “Well, I don’t know if we’re … I think we’re respectful of one another and we both know for whatever the circumstances and there’s lots and lots of reasons why we collided the way we did. Once upon a time we were good friends. When I took a step to forgive everything that happened and shake his hand, I think it was very real when it was done on TV.”

He added, “I think Shawn was really moved by that and he understood it took a big man to take that kind of step forward to him. I think they should have taken that step towards me. I think it was pretty much understood that the hostilities and hard feelings I had were so strong that nobody ever made that attempt. I knew that Shawn had changed as a person and he had been helpful to my niece (Natalya) and my nephew (David Hart Smith). I just thought it was high time to take all that weight off his back and say it happened, let’s forget about it. Let’s move on and try to maybe do something positive.”

WWE Hall of Fame TV Update, Bearer Previews Taker vs. HBK

0

— Unlike previous years, World Wrestling Entertainment will not be streaming the Hall of Fame ceremony on WWE.com tomorrow night.

“Not planned as of now,” responded a WWE web team member to a Twitter follower who asked if it would be shown on the website. “Only on USA Network.”

— Paul Bearer joins Tommy Fierro on Who’s Slamming Who this week to preview The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26 this Sunday. He talks about a number of different topics, including his prediction for the Taker/HBK match, thoughts on Bret Hart returning to the WWE, Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon this Sunday, his first thoughts when hearing about The Undertaker/Paul Bearer gimmick, his first meeting with Vince McMahon, his favorite WrestleMania memories, Guest Hosts on Monday Night Raw, being inducted one day into the WWE Hall of Fame, the return of the Monday Night Wars, thoughts on today’s talent, NXT, and more. You can listen to it now at: WhosSlammingWho.podomatic.com.

— Both Chris Jericho and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing on the Ministry of Slam radio show this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion will discuss Fozzy, Bret’s return to WWE & WrestleMania while Lilian will discuss her music and memories of working with Y2J, as well as WrestleMania. You can listen to the show at www.ministryofslam.com.

Reaction To Young Partnering With Hardy & RVD, Kong Update

4

— There was said to be a collective groan among a large group of wrestlers and TNA personnel watching iMPACT! on the backstage monitor when Eric Young interrupted Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy’s post-match celebration on Monday. The “unanimous opinion” was that Young killed the moment due to the fact that he’s nowhere near the level of Van Dam and Hardy. While everyone describes “EY” as a nice guy, the feeling is he’s been given so much television time over the years due to his friendship with the company’s power players. (source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

— Recently released TNA Knockout Awesome Kong will be returning to the ring on May 8th for Ring of Honor. Facing Sara Del Ray, she will be using her former name of Amazing Kong.

— In a brief video interview with lethalwow.com, Angelina Love discusses being back with TNA Wrestling. She says her release from the company last year was “heartbreaking,” but that “everything happens for a reason.” Apparently in regards to her contractual status, she said she’s “back for another three years, at least.”

TNA Wrestling Reportedly Having Financial Problems

15

One oft-overlooked factor in TNA’s destiny to compete with rival promotion World Wrestling Entertainment are the added expenses entailed.

Since January, the company has ballooned its roster to over 70 performers with the notable additions of high priced stars such as Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and the former Mr. Kennedy. Furthermore, the company has added the costly expense of going live every other Monday night and promotion of said move (i.e. airing commercials during Monday Night Raw and running Billboards in Times Square). Other than slight bumps in house show attendance and merchandise sales, TNA has to little to show for its efforts. In fact, ratings are at its lowest levels in four years due to the move to Monday nights.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer cryptically said during a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that TNA is having bigger financial problems than most realize.

“I’m worried about my friends who work for TNA because they have bigger financial problems than anyone knows,” Meltzer said.

Dixie Carter Responds To Vince McMahon's Criticism Of TNA

0

Earlier this week, Acorn Online asked Vince McMahon about TNA moving to Monday nights. McMahon said that despite the fact that TNA “threw the kitchen sink” at WWE, they still only drew a fraction of RAW’s audicence. He said their small audience doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re presenting, which vince called, “tawdry, blood-soaked action” that today’s audience isn’t interested in.

TNA president Dixie Carter responded to Vince McMahon’s criticism of TNA in an interview published yesterday with a post on Twitter:

“To be called tawdry from the King of Tawdry, that is some compliment!”

Furthermore, Taz also noted the following in regards to McMahon’s comments about TNA programming being “tawdry:”

“Mae Young stuff is all high road, or when JR was sick Dr Hynee bit (classy)! Pot, meet Kettle. Nice to see VKM is a TNA viewer!”

Dixie Carter Responds To Vince McMahon’s Criticism Of TNA

8

Earlier this week, Acorn Online asked Vince McMahon about TNA moving to Monday nights. McMahon said that despite the fact that TNA “threw the kitchen sink” at WWE, they still only drew a fraction of RAW’s audicence. He said their small audience doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re presenting, which vince called, “tawdry, blood-soaked action” that today’s audience isn’t interested in.

TNA president Dixie Carter responded to Vince McMahon’s criticism of TNA in an interview published yesterday with a post on Twitter:

“To be called tawdry from the King of Tawdry, that is some compliment!”

Furthermore, Taz also noted the following in regards to McMahon’s comments about TNA programming being “tawdry:”

“Mae Young stuff is all high road, or when JR was sick Dr Hynee bit (classy)! Pot, meet Kettle. Nice to see VKM is a TNA viewer!”

More On Goldberg's WWE Negotiations, Says He'd Wrestle Again

0

Earlier this week, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg revealed on Twitter that he’s currently negotiating with World Wrestling Entertainment. He also took a shot at Hulk Hogan for not bringing him into TNA when they had the chance.  “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat,” Goldberg wrote. “Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

Read More: Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

Jim Ross said in his blog that Goldberg’s negotiations were likely about licensing deals and use of his image for promotional purposes, but would “Da Man” get back in to a WWE ring? He wrote on Twitter:

“Is it out of the question for me to have one more match? Answer is no…my son has never seen me wrestle and I’d love to see his reaction.”

Goldberg also asked his Twitter followers who they’d want to see him wrestle in his final match and seems pretty surprised that not many people want to see him wrestle “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He wrote:

“Out of about 200 responses I’d say only around 5% said Steve Austin…WTH????

To follow Bill Goldberg and 80 other wrestlers & divas on Twitter, visit PWTweets.com.

More On Goldberg’s WWE Negotiations, Says He’d Wrestle Again

8

Earlier this week, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg revealed on Twitter that he’s currently negotiating with World Wrestling Entertainment. He also took a shot at Hulk Hogan for not bringing him into TNA when they had the chance.  “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat,” Goldberg wrote. “Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

Read More: Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

Jim Ross said in his blog that Goldberg’s negotiations were likely about licensing deals and use of his image for promotional purposes, but would “Da Man” get back in to a WWE ring? He wrote on Twitter:

“Is it out of the question for me to have one more match? Answer is no…my son has never seen me wrestle and I’d love to see his reaction.”

Goldberg also asked his Twitter followers who they’d want to see him wrestle in his final match and seems pretty surprised that not many people want to see him wrestle “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He wrote:

“Out of about 200 responses I’d say only around 5% said Steve Austin…WTH????

To follow Bill Goldberg and 80 other wrestlers & divas on Twitter, visit PWTweets.com.