There have been rumors of doing a full heel turn with Emma on the main roster, which has been teased recently on NXT.
Opinionated View- Problem is I could so see WWE turning her heel and keeping her dumb dancing gimmick.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Backstage Update On WWE Changing How The Divas Division Is Portrayed
We reported earlier that over WrestleMania 31 week that there was a lot of talk about WWE changing how the Divas are portrayed. It was noted that due to the "#GiveDivasAChance" campaign and the success of Total Divas, some WWE officials had their "eyes opened" in regards to how the Divas are booked with the feeling that they need to do more with their female competitors.
Part of changing how the Divas division will be portrayed apparently includes bringing up new talents and introducing new characters. There's still a lot of talk about former NXT Women's Champion Charlotte making her main roster debut soon but we haven't heard anything about other NXT Divas that might get called up.
Opinionated View- The real problem with the Divas division remains the same though. The issue isn't just match time. Because they aren't enough talented girls to have good matches. Bring up Charlotte would be a good start but not enough. I mean ok the bing Charlotte up and she does jobs to the fucking Bellas or has to carry worthless Namoi or Fox?
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Part of changing how the Divas division will be portrayed apparently includes bringing up new talents and introducing new characters. There's still a lot of talk about former NXT Women's Champion Charlotte making her main roster debut soon but we haven't heard anything about other NXT Divas that might get called up.
Opinionated View- The real problem with the Divas division remains the same though. The issue isn't just match time. Because they aren't enough talented girls to have good matches. Bring up Charlotte would be a good start but not enough. I mean ok the bing Charlotte up and she does jobs to the fucking Bellas or has to carry worthless Namoi or Fox?
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NXT Star CJ Parker Granted WWE Release
CJ Parker, who has been part of NXT and signed a developmental deal with WWE in 2011, requested his release from WWE this past Saturday and was granted it per a new report by Mike Johnson. Parker's release was described as being granted on amicable terms.
Parker worked both WrestleMania AXXESS events on Saturday and Sunday even after being granted his release to officially finish up with the company.
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Parker worked both WrestleMania AXXESS events on Saturday and Sunday even after being granted his release to officially finish up with the company.
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WWE NOT Doing Monthy NXT Specials
WWE has now altered the press release issued on Monday regarding new programming coming to the WWE Network in 2015. NXT specials will remain quarterly on the network and will not be taking place monthly as previously advertised.
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Fans Upset With Cole Injury Angle
There was a negative reaction online after WWE reported that Michael suffered a “possible cervical fracture” due to taking the F-5 from Brock Lesnar on Raw. Fans commented that due to the recent death of Perro Aguayo, Jr. from a heart attack by way of cervical stroke caused by three fractured vertebrae, the company should have chosen a different injury to give Cole.
Opinionated View- Well you have understand to WWE if it didn't happen in there rings it didn't happen. There is a large blind spot to what is going on outside of the ring. I'm not saying they did this to mock or take advantage of the death of Aguayo. But they live in WWE world and don't always see or remember what happens else where.
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Opinionated View- Well you have understand to WWE if it didn't happen in there rings it didn't happen. There is a large blind spot to what is going on outside of the ring. I'm not saying they did this to mock or take advantage of the death of Aguayo. But they live in WWE world and don't always see or remember what happens else where.
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Viewership For WWE Hall of Fame Special
Last night's 3/30 one-hour special broadcast of the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame on the USA Network that aired after RAW did 2.10 million viewers.
3/30 Raw Viewership Tops 5 Million
Last night's 3/30 WWE RAW drew an average audience of 5.27 million viewers on Monday night. The first hour drew 5.23 million viewers, the second hour drew 5.60 million viewers and the third hour closed out the night with 5.27 million viewers.
This is up from last week's show that drew 4.19 million viewers. This is the highest average viewership for RAW since the first week they went three hours on a weekly basis back in July 2012 and it is up from last year's RAW that took place after Wrestlemania 30, which did an average of 5.15 million viewers.
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This is up from last week's show that drew 4.19 million viewers. This is the highest average viewership for RAW since the first week they went three hours on a weekly basis back in July 2012 and it is up from last year's RAW that took place after Wrestlemania 30, which did an average of 5.15 million viewers.
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Backstage Notes From Raw
Bray Wyatt was held off of Raw, due to his ankle injury.
– Lisa Marie Varon and Saraya Knight (Paige’s mother) were in attendance at Raw last night.
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– Lisa Marie Varon and Saraya Knight (Paige’s mother) were in attendance at Raw last night.
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Update on Lana
Lana was not at Raw, as she was back working on the WWE Studios film Interrogation.
When she returns she could be in line for a push. According to report Vince McMahon is really impressed with her work.
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When she returns she could be in line for a push. According to report Vince McMahon is really impressed with her work.
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Official Preview For Tomorrow’s Episode of Lucha Underground
Here is the official preview for tomorrow’s episode of Lucha Underground…
Uno! Dos! Tres! Tonight, Lucha Underground’s very own Dario Cueto will make a game changing announcement! Johnny Mundo and Angelico go to extremes to prove who is better in the ring, while Drago will fight Aero Star and the stakes are at an extreme high. Will the pressure be too much for Pentagon and Mack? This is an action packed can’t-miss episode fill will surprises only Dario Cueto can offer. The first match takes place in the Temple Wednesday, April 1st at 8:00PM ET/PT on El Rey Network.
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Note on Rousey’s WM Appearance
Ronda Rousey’s manager recently spoke with mmafighting.com, and explained that Rousey’s WrestleMania appearance was cleared with Dana White well in advance of the event.
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Did Brock Lesnar Blade at WrestleMania?
During the WrestleMania 31 main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, fans saw something that they usually don’t in modern day WWE, blood. Besides being cut open on his cheek in the early action with Reigns, Lesnar was sent to the post late and got busted open. But there are some that don’t think that Lesnar was cut open the hard way. If Lesnar did blade, this would have been a direct call from Vince McMahon as the company has not allowed it for years. In the gif below, you will see the referee appear to put something (possibly the blade) in Roman Reigns hand. The theory is that when Lesnar went to the floor he got the blade and cut himself as he went into the post.
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SHIMMER 71 Results
Round 1:
Round 2:
- Evie def. Nicole Savoy with a double stomp.
- Kay Lee Ray def. Nikki Storm with a Gory bomb followed by a Swanton bomb.
- Cheerleader Melissa def. Mia Yim via DQ when Havok interferes and attacks Melissa.
Finals:
- Kay Lee Ray def. Cheerleader Melissa and Evie in a Three-Way Elimination match. She has earned a shot at the SHIMMER Title in two weeks at the next SHIMMER weekend tapings.
Non-Tournament:
- SHIMMER Championship match: Nicole Matthews def. Tomoka Nakagawa to retain the title after hitting her with a steel chair brought to ringside by Portia Perez.
Recap of Sting's Interview on WWE Network
Following the TV portion of RAW, Sting did an in-ring interview with Renee Young for the WWE Network.
* Young started off by telling Sting that he finally got his WrestleMania moment and asked him what he thought about it. The crowd started chanting “Thank You Sting” and Sting said it all felt natural and amazing. He thanked the fans and said he was thankful that he got to be at WrestleMania.
* Young then asked him about his future. The crowd started up an “Undertaker” chant. Sting said he didn’t know what the future holds and is not sure what opportunities WWE will give him. He said if WWE opts to not give him any opportunities, it’ll be a shame as far as he’s concerned.
* Bo Dallas came out and called Sting “Steve” and that he was a favorite of his growing up. Bo recalled having his face painted up like Sting’s when he was a kid and not washing it for days. Bo then said that Sting lost his entire legacy at WrestleMania, and to succeed in WWE, he needed to Bo-lieve. Sting responded by grabbing Bo and giving him the Scorpion Death Drop.
* The announcers added on that the future for Sting is uncertain.
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* Young started off by telling Sting that he finally got his WrestleMania moment and asked him what he thought about it. The crowd started chanting “Thank You Sting” and Sting said it all felt natural and amazing. He thanked the fans and said he was thankful that he got to be at WrestleMania.
* Young then asked him about his future. The crowd started up an “Undertaker” chant. Sting said he didn’t know what the future holds and is not sure what opportunities WWE will give him. He said if WWE opts to not give him any opportunities, it’ll be a shame as far as he’s concerned.
* Bo Dallas came out and called Sting “Steve” and that he was a favorite of his growing up. Bo recalled having his face painted up like Sting’s when he was a kid and not washing it for days. Bo then said that Sting lost his entire legacy at WrestleMania, and to succeed in WWE, he needed to Bo-lieve. Sting responded by grabbing Bo and giving him the Scorpion Death Drop.
* The announcers added on that the future for Sting is uncertain.
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Tag Team Match Set for Smackdown
WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus and Bad News Barrett is being advertised for this week's 4/2 WWE Smackdown on Syfy. Also announced to appear is WWE U.S. Champion John Cena, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns.
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3/30 WWE Raw Report
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman come out and Heyman talks about how Brock destroyed Roman Reigns, and in his client’s words, he took Reigns to “suplex city, bitch.” Heyman says all was well until Seth Rollins weaseled in and stole the title, and Heyman says he could take legal action, but Brock doesn’t want that. Heyman says Brock wants to invoke his rematch clause tonight, but Stephanie McMahon cuts him off and talks about how great last night was. Stephanie says Rollins is on his way back from the Today show, and she thinks he’ll be up to the challenge whenever he lands. Heyman says this is not a prediction but a promise, and his client with wrestle on RAW, and deliver a beating that allows him to call Brock champion once again.
Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Bryan and Dolph trade strikes before they fight near the ropes, and Bryan sends Dolph outside but ends up hitting the floor as we go to a break. We get back to see the two try to reverse each other’s backslide pin attempts, then Dolph sends Bryan into the ringpost. Bryan blocks a Zig Zag and shoves him, but Dolph turns and catches him with a superkick for two. They trade punches before they start headbutting each other repeatedly, then Dolph headbutts Bryan into the corner but Bryan rebounds with Knee Plus for the win.
Winner – Daniel Bryan
Bad News Barrett runs in from commentary and hits Bryan from behind, then he sets up for a Bullhammer but Sheamus makes the save! Sheamus rushes the ring and Wade retreats, but Sheamus turns and Brogue Kicks Bryan! Sheamus picks Dolph up and pummels him in the corner, then Dolph fights back but Sheamus drops him with White Noise. Sheamus hits Dolph with a Brogue Kick and mocks the crowd for booing him, then he says “I’m back” and walks out.
Lucha Dragons & The New Dayvs Cesaro, Tyson Kidd & The Ascension
Cesaro takes Cara down but Cara comes back with a hurricanrana, then Cesaro stomps him and Kalisto tags in. Cesaro hits him but Kalisto leaps from the turnbuckles, then Cesaro catches him but Kalisto backflips off of Cesaro’s shoulders and hurricanranas him! The crowd goes nuts as Cesaro regroups, then Big E tags in and Konnor takes him down and hits him in the corner as we go to a break. We get back to see Kidd and Viktor argue about a tag, then Kalisto hits Viktor with some quick offensive moves before E takes Cesaro and Konnor down. Cara backdrops Kofi onto everyone on the floor, then Kalisto hits the Solida del Sol for the win.
Winners – Lucha Dragons & The New Day
Paul Heyman gets word that Seth Rollins has arrived, so he and Brock Lesnar head right for the ring. Rollins, with Mercury and Noble, heads right to the ring and holds the title in Brock’s face as Lillian does the introductions and they ring the bell.
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipBrock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs Seth Rollins (c) (w/ J&J Security)
Rollins gets out of the ring and says he spoke with Stephanie already, and he’s feeling a bit jet lagged tonight. He says his foot hurts from Curb Stomping Brock and Roman Reigns last night, and he’s a fighting champion, but not tonight. Brock chases him down and hits him a few times, then Rollins runs through the ring but Brock hits him and suplexes him. Rollins floats over and kicks him, then he runs through the crowd and Brock tears the commentary area apart, knocking out the commentary team in the process. Brock whips Michael Cole in the ring and F5’s him, then he tries to F5 a cameraman but Stephanie runs out and pleads with him to stop. Stephanie and Heyman both try to stop him, but Brock smiles and F5’s the guy, so Stephanie screams that he’s suspended indefinitely. Heyman tries to get Brock to stop, but he F5’s the cameraman again and leaves as they bring a stretcher to ringside.
Result – No Contest
Stardust vs Damien Mizdow
The two trade offense before Mizdow gains control and hits a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz runs out and attacks him from behind, and screams that Mizdow is nothing without him.
Winner – Damien Mizdow
Curtis Axel vs Adrian Neville
Axel rushes at Neville on the apron, but Neville pulls the ropes down and sends Axel to the floor. Neville dives on him before rolling him in, then Neville whips Axel and does a back handspring into an elbow smash. Neville connects with some kicks to the head, then Neville connects with a rolling uppercut before he hits the Red Arrow for the win.
Winner – Neville
John Cena comes out and issues an open challenge, which is answered by Dean Ambrose!
United States ChampionshipDean Ambrose vs John Cena (c)
Cena and Ambrose go back and forth, getting a few pin attempts on each other before Ambrose sends Cena outside and splashes him from the top turnbuckle. Ambrose rolls Cena in and gets caught with an Attitude Adjustment for two, then Cena sets up on the top rope but Ambrose flips back and hits a powerbomb. Cena rolls through into the STF, but Ambrose counters and slams him down before Ambrose applies a STF! Cena breaks and kicks him back, sets up an AA, but Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds for two and they fight to get back up. The two go punch for punch before Ambrose blocks an AA, then they block a few finisher attempts before Cena counters a rollup with an Attitude Adjustment for the win.
Winner – John Cena
Renee Young welcomes Seth Rollins backstage and asks what he thinks about Brock Lesnar’s suspension. Rollins says it’s a good thing because Brock is a bad representative of the company, and he put his hands on the wrong people. He says he hopes Brock gets a big fine, and he outsmarted the champion and Roman Reigns, and doesn’t want to hear about them anymore.
Rollins says the important part is he earned this title, and he is keeping it for a long, long time. Randy Orton walks in and says Rollins still has him to deal with, because he nearly took Rollins’ head off right before he won that title last night. He says he is still owed his title shot that he never got last year, and he wants what he earned and deserves too. Kane and Big Show walk over and Rollins says he now has three problems, so Orton has until the end of the night to find two partners, if he can.
Paige, AJ Lee & Naomi vs Natalya & The Bella Twins
Nattie slams Naomi down and hits a seated dropkick for two, then Brie dropkicks Naomi for two before she punches her in the chest. We get back from a break to see AJ fight out of a headlock by Brie, but Nattie gets the tag and kicks her in the head. Nattie stretches AJ and they keep her isolated in the corner, but AJ knees Brie in the back and finally gets the tag. She slams Nikki into the turnbuckles as she leaves, and Naomi hits Nikki with a crossbody before Nattie hits a suplex and everyone ends up fighting in the ring. Things spill outside, and Naomi ends up taking Brie out, then she hits Nikki with the Rear View for the win.
Winners, Paige, AJ Lee & Naomi
Goldust vs Rusev
Rusev repeatedly stomps Goldust in the corner, then he punches him in the back a few times and rams Goldust with his shoulder. Rusev taunts Goldust and stomps him, then he makes him tap out to the Accolade.
Winner – Rusev
Randy Orton, Ryback & Roman Reigns
vs Seth Rollins, Kane & Big Show
Reigns tackles Rollins as he stalls for time, then we see Orton trading punches with Rollins before Rollins hits an enziguiri. Kane applies a headlock and Orton fights back, then the cameras take notice of the crowd doing the wave. (The camera actually pans around several times and watches the wave go around). The crowd continues some chants as Show spears Reigns, then Ryback hits Shell Shocked, and Rollins Curb Stomps Ryback and kicks him outside. Rollins leapfrogs a spear and Kane tries to chokeslam Reigns, but Orton runs in and RKOs him, and Reigns spears Kane to win.
Winners – Randy Orton, Ryback & Roman Reigns
Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Bryan and Dolph trade strikes before they fight near the ropes, and Bryan sends Dolph outside but ends up hitting the floor as we go to a break. We get back to see the two try to reverse each other’s backslide pin attempts, then Dolph sends Bryan into the ringpost. Bryan blocks a Zig Zag and shoves him, but Dolph turns and catches him with a superkick for two. They trade punches before they start headbutting each other repeatedly, then Dolph headbutts Bryan into the corner but Bryan rebounds with Knee Plus for the win.
Winner – Daniel Bryan
Bad News Barrett runs in from commentary and hits Bryan from behind, then he sets up for a Bullhammer but Sheamus makes the save! Sheamus rushes the ring and Wade retreats, but Sheamus turns and Brogue Kicks Bryan! Sheamus picks Dolph up and pummels him in the corner, then Dolph fights back but Sheamus drops him with White Noise. Sheamus hits Dolph with a Brogue Kick and mocks the crowd for booing him, then he says “I’m back” and walks out.
Lucha Dragons & The New Dayvs Cesaro, Tyson Kidd & The Ascension
Cesaro takes Cara down but Cara comes back with a hurricanrana, then Cesaro stomps him and Kalisto tags in. Cesaro hits him but Kalisto leaps from the turnbuckles, then Cesaro catches him but Kalisto backflips off of Cesaro’s shoulders and hurricanranas him! The crowd goes nuts as Cesaro regroups, then Big E tags in and Konnor takes him down and hits him in the corner as we go to a break. We get back to see Kidd and Viktor argue about a tag, then Kalisto hits Viktor with some quick offensive moves before E takes Cesaro and Konnor down. Cara backdrops Kofi onto everyone on the floor, then Kalisto hits the Solida del Sol for the win.
Winners – Lucha Dragons & The New Day
Paul Heyman gets word that Seth Rollins has arrived, so he and Brock Lesnar head right for the ring. Rollins, with Mercury and Noble, heads right to the ring and holds the title in Brock’s face as Lillian does the introductions and they ring the bell.
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipBrock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs Seth Rollins (c) (w/ J&J Security)
Rollins gets out of the ring and says he spoke with Stephanie already, and he’s feeling a bit jet lagged tonight. He says his foot hurts from Curb Stomping Brock and Roman Reigns last night, and he’s a fighting champion, but not tonight. Brock chases him down and hits him a few times, then Rollins runs through the ring but Brock hits him and suplexes him. Rollins floats over and kicks him, then he runs through the crowd and Brock tears the commentary area apart, knocking out the commentary team in the process. Brock whips Michael Cole in the ring and F5’s him, then he tries to F5 a cameraman but Stephanie runs out and pleads with him to stop. Stephanie and Heyman both try to stop him, but Brock smiles and F5’s the guy, so Stephanie screams that he’s suspended indefinitely. Heyman tries to get Brock to stop, but he F5’s the cameraman again and leaves as they bring a stretcher to ringside.
Result – No Contest
Stardust vs Damien Mizdow
The two trade offense before Mizdow gains control and hits a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz runs out and attacks him from behind, and screams that Mizdow is nothing without him.
Winner – Damien Mizdow
Curtis Axel vs Adrian Neville
Axel rushes at Neville on the apron, but Neville pulls the ropes down and sends Axel to the floor. Neville dives on him before rolling him in, then Neville whips Axel and does a back handspring into an elbow smash. Neville connects with some kicks to the head, then Neville connects with a rolling uppercut before he hits the Red Arrow for the win.
Winner – Neville
John Cena comes out and issues an open challenge, which is answered by Dean Ambrose!
United States ChampionshipDean Ambrose vs John Cena (c)
Cena and Ambrose go back and forth, getting a few pin attempts on each other before Ambrose sends Cena outside and splashes him from the top turnbuckle. Ambrose rolls Cena in and gets caught with an Attitude Adjustment for two, then Cena sets up on the top rope but Ambrose flips back and hits a powerbomb. Cena rolls through into the STF, but Ambrose counters and slams him down before Ambrose applies a STF! Cena breaks and kicks him back, sets up an AA, but Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds for two and they fight to get back up. The two go punch for punch before Ambrose blocks an AA, then they block a few finisher attempts before Cena counters a rollup with an Attitude Adjustment for the win.
Winner – John Cena
Renee Young welcomes Seth Rollins backstage and asks what he thinks about Brock Lesnar’s suspension. Rollins says it’s a good thing because Brock is a bad representative of the company, and he put his hands on the wrong people. He says he hopes Brock gets a big fine, and he outsmarted the champion and Roman Reigns, and doesn’t want to hear about them anymore.
Rollins says the important part is he earned this title, and he is keeping it for a long, long time. Randy Orton walks in and says Rollins still has him to deal with, because he nearly took Rollins’ head off right before he won that title last night. He says he is still owed his title shot that he never got last year, and he wants what he earned and deserves too. Kane and Big Show walk over and Rollins says he now has three problems, so Orton has until the end of the night to find two partners, if he can.
Paige, AJ Lee & Naomi vs Natalya & The Bella Twins
Nattie slams Naomi down and hits a seated dropkick for two, then Brie dropkicks Naomi for two before she punches her in the chest. We get back from a break to see AJ fight out of a headlock by Brie, but Nattie gets the tag and kicks her in the head. Nattie stretches AJ and they keep her isolated in the corner, but AJ knees Brie in the back and finally gets the tag. She slams Nikki into the turnbuckles as she leaves, and Naomi hits Nikki with a crossbody before Nattie hits a suplex and everyone ends up fighting in the ring. Things spill outside, and Naomi ends up taking Brie out, then she hits Nikki with the Rear View for the win.
Winners, Paige, AJ Lee & Naomi
Goldust vs Rusev
Rusev repeatedly stomps Goldust in the corner, then he punches him in the back a few times and rams Goldust with his shoulder. Rusev taunts Goldust and stomps him, then he makes him tap out to the Accolade.
Winner – Rusev
Randy Orton, Ryback & Roman Reigns
vs Seth Rollins, Kane & Big Show
Reigns tackles Rollins as he stalls for time, then we see Orton trading punches with Rollins before Rollins hits an enziguiri. Kane applies a headlock and Orton fights back, then the cameras take notice of the crowd doing the wave. (The camera actually pans around several times and watches the wave go around). The crowd continues some chants as Show spears Reigns, then Ryback hits Shell Shocked, and Rollins Curb Stomps Ryback and kicks him outside. Rollins leapfrogs a spear and Kane tries to chokeslam Reigns, but Orton runs in and RKOs him, and Reigns spears Kane to win.
Winners – Randy Orton, Ryback & Roman Reigns
Monday, March 30, 2015
Impact Wrestling Viewership Goes Up Again
Friday’s episode drew 444,000 viewers and . Those numbers are up from last week’s 403,000 viewers
The numbers represent the highest for the show since the February 20th episode did 453,000 viewers. The replay did 164,000 viewers.
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The numbers represent the highest for the show since the February 20th episode did 453,000 viewers. The replay did 164,000 viewers.
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WWE Planning for Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 32?
According to the Wrestling Observer, last night’s appearance of Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania is, as many have speculated, the start of a potential match next year at WrestleMania 32.
The site reports that according to backstage sources, the early word is that there are two potential plans: either Rock vs. Triple H with Rousey and Stephanie McMahon in their respective corners or a mixed tag team match with Rousey and Rock taking on Stephanie and Triple H. Obviously the latter is something Dana White would be hesitant to approve, so the singles match is more likely.
WWE is hoping to set a new attendance record next year, so they are expected to pull out all the stops and Rousey would definitely help with that.
Opinionated View- I knew this was coming. I am willing to bet money the UFC won't let her do it. But for the next year we are gong to see reports like this.
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The site reports that according to backstage sources, the early word is that there are two potential plans: either Rock vs. Triple H with Rousey and Stephanie McMahon in their respective corners or a mixed tag team match with Rousey and Rock taking on Stephanie and Triple H. Obviously the latter is something Dana White would be hesitant to approve, so the singles match is more likely.
WWE is hoping to set a new attendance record next year, so they are expected to pull out all the stops and Rousey would definitely help with that.
Opinionated View- I knew this was coming. I am willing to bet money the UFC won't let her do it. But for the next year we are gong to see reports like this.
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Sheamus Advertised To Return on Raw
WWE.com is advertising that Sheamus will be making his official return to WWE at RAW tonight live in San Jose on the USA Network starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern (7:00 CT).
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WrestleMania Time Issues
The Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns main event was supposed to run over 35-minutes (including entrances) last night. The PPV was running long, so they cut an Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt video package and the PPV went off the air at 10:59PM ET.
Opinionated View- Well that is what happens when you have a pointless song performance. And than the big long dead segment with Stephanie's ego trip. I know the big defense for it is "That stuff with Rousey got press." You still could have cut it down to a five minute segment instead of a 30 minute ego trip for Stephanie.
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Opinionated View- Well that is what happens when you have a pointless song performance. And than the big long dead segment with Stephanie's ego trip. I know the big defense for it is "That stuff with Rousey got press." You still could have cut it down to a five minute segment instead of a 30 minute ego trip for Stephanie.
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Update On Sting's WWE Status
As of last night, WWE officials had not decided on whether or not Sting will be wrestling going forward. This is why the angle with the nWo and DX last night may have seemed like a sendoff for The Stinger. Sting is open to working more dates if WWE wants him to.
Opinionated View- Given its WWE and they just keep putting legends all over the shows I'm sure they will do something for Sting.
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Opinionated View- Given its WWE and they just keep putting legends all over the shows I'm sure they will do something for Sting.
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How Bad Was Bray Wyatt's Pre-WrestleMania Injury?
As noted, Bray Wyatt suffered a badly sprained ankle while preparing for WrestleMania 31 on Sunday afternoon. The sprain was so bad that Wyatt couldn't stand or walk on it for a long time backstage. He ended up wearing a cast on his ankle for the rest of the evening until it was time for the match with The Undertaker.
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Backstage Note On Triple H's WrestleMania Entrance
Regarding Triple H's "Terminator" entrance at WrestleMania last night, word is that WWE officials were scrambling all week to lock Arnold Schwarzenegger in for the voiceovers, according to PWInsider. Arnold didn't do them until Saturday night at the WWE Hall of Fame. The delays with getting Arnold to do the voiceovers caused some major stress among people in WWE production.
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Early Preview For Tonight’s Monday Night Raw
- Here is the preview for tonight’s edition of WWE Monday Night Raw…
* New WWE Champion Seth Rollins makes his first appearance as champion.
* Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns react to Seth Rollins cashing in during their match
* New US Champion John Cena and new IC Champion Daniel Bryan appear.
* What repercussions will come from The Rock and Ronda Rousey standing up to the Authority?
* Are Nikki Bella’s days as champion numbered?
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* New WWE Champion Seth Rollins makes his first appearance as champion.
* Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns react to Seth Rollins cashing in during their match
* New US Champion John Cena and new IC Champion Daniel Bryan appear.
* What repercussions will come from The Rock and Ronda Rousey standing up to the Authority?
* Are Nikki Bella’s days as champion numbered?
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Update on April’s Lucha Underground TV Tapings
Lucha Underground is set to tape TV on April 11th & 12th and then on April 17th and 18th. This will reportedly complete their initial 39-week order, taking then through August. They will likely tape more TV in September if they are picked up for a second season.
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Note on Sting’s Request For His WM Match
Word is that Sting specifically requested Charles Robinson to be the referee for his match last night against Triple H. The two go back to their WCW days, and Robinson is reportedly very well respected.
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Global Force Wrestling to Debut on 7/24
Global Force Wrestling just issued the following.
Global Force Wrestling Shows to debut at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas July 24
Nashville, Tenn. – The glitz and glamour of Sin City will meet the hard-charging, high energy of professional wrestling when Global Force Wrestling brings its brand to Las Vegas for the first taping of its broadcast event shows on Friday, July 24 at the Orleans Arena.
The gaming and “Entertainment Capital of the World” has been the site for some of the biggest boxing and MMA fights in history. Now, Las Vegas has another major sporting event to add to that list.
“This time, what happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas,” said Jeff Jarrett, GFW founder and CEO. “Global Force Wrestling is looking forward to bringing the freshest brand of professional wrestling to fans from all over the world; and, it all starts right here in the fight capital of the world.”
GFW’s first three shows at the Orleans Arena will take place on Friday, July 24; Friday, August 21 and Friday, October 23. GFW has alliances with 13 affiliates on five continents, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mexico’s AAA and federations in Europe, Australia and Africa.
“Las Vegas hosts some of the world’s best entertainment and sporting events – we are thrilled to be the home of the GFW brand and introduce fans to the next great wrestling franchise,” said Darren Davis, Executive Director of the Orleans Arena. “Jeff Jarrett and Global Force Wrestling promise to bring something new and exciting to the sport.”
Jarrett, a third-generation wrestling promoter, has been laying the groundwork for GFW for the past year. In addition to international partnerships, the former wrestling champion has been scouring North America for the newest and freshest talent professional wrestling has to offer.
Details about tickets, special VIP opportunities and other important information about the inaugural GFW tapings will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.GlobalForceWrestling.com or www.OrleansArena.com. Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #GFWVegas.
About Global Force Wrestling
Global Force Wrestling is a privately owned professional wrestling and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2014, Global Force Wrestling is changing the wrestling and entertainment industry with an innovative and groundbreaking approach to fan interactivity, storytelling and overall entertainment to engage audiences across television, digital and social media platforms.
About Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena). Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com. Boyd Gaming and Orleans Arena press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.
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Global Force Wrestling Shows to debut at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas July 24
Nashville, Tenn. – The glitz and glamour of Sin City will meet the hard-charging, high energy of professional wrestling when Global Force Wrestling brings its brand to Las Vegas for the first taping of its broadcast event shows on Friday, July 24 at the Orleans Arena.
The gaming and “Entertainment Capital of the World” has been the site for some of the biggest boxing and MMA fights in history. Now, Las Vegas has another major sporting event to add to that list.
“This time, what happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas,” said Jeff Jarrett, GFW founder and CEO. “Global Force Wrestling is looking forward to bringing the freshest brand of professional wrestling to fans from all over the world; and, it all starts right here in the fight capital of the world.”
GFW’s first three shows at the Orleans Arena will take place on Friday, July 24; Friday, August 21 and Friday, October 23. GFW has alliances with 13 affiliates on five continents, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mexico’s AAA and federations in Europe, Australia and Africa.
“Las Vegas hosts some of the world’s best entertainment and sporting events – we are thrilled to be the home of the GFW brand and introduce fans to the next great wrestling franchise,” said Darren Davis, Executive Director of the Orleans Arena. “Jeff Jarrett and Global Force Wrestling promise to bring something new and exciting to the sport.”
Jarrett, a third-generation wrestling promoter, has been laying the groundwork for GFW for the past year. In addition to international partnerships, the former wrestling champion has been scouring North America for the newest and freshest talent professional wrestling has to offer.
Details about tickets, special VIP opportunities and other important information about the inaugural GFW tapings will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.GlobalForceWrestling.com or www.OrleansArena.com. Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #GFWVegas.
About Global Force Wrestling
Global Force Wrestling is a privately owned professional wrestling and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2014, Global Force Wrestling is changing the wrestling and entertainment industry with an innovative and groundbreaking approach to fan interactivity, storytelling and overall entertainment to engage audiences across television, digital and social media platforms.
About Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena). Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com. Boyd Gaming and Orleans Arena press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.
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The Fight Network Brings TNA Impact Wrestling Back to Canada
The Fight Network just issued the following.
Fight Network Signs Exclusive Multi-Year TV Deal with TNA Wrestling; to Air IMPACT WRESTLING, Xplosion, Greatest Matches in Canada
TORONTO (Mar. 30, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced a multi-year deal with TNA Wrestling to broadcast exclusive shows and series across Canada.
Beginning next Friday, April 3, Fight Network will premiere TNA’s two-hour flagship weekly program IMPACT WRESTLING every Friday night at 9 p.m. ET. The roster features such greats as Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Lashley, Bobby Roode, MVP, EC3, James Storm, the high flying X Division, Gail Kim and the lovely and lethal Knockouts, and many more.
Premiering on Saturday nights at 11 p.m. ET, TNA Xplosion features explosive exclusive matches, a look back at historical matches, as well as pop culture roundtable discussions, plus recaps of IMPACT WRESTLING.
TNA Wrestling’s Greatest Matches, premiering Fridays at 8 p.m. ET leading into IMPACT WRESTLING, is a series looking back at the greatest feuds, match types and highlights from the careers of individual wrestlers from the past and present TNA Wrestling roster.
“TNA has been a staple and innovator in the professional wrestling business for the past decade, providing countless memorable matches and moments, while spawning the careers of new stars and showcasing all-time greats in the industry,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Content at Fight Network. “We’re excited to become the official exclusive Canadian broadcast partner. In addition to airing the popular IMPACT WRESTLING weekly show, we’ll be reliving some of the organization’s unforgettable history on the Greatest Matches series.”
“We can’t wait to be back in living rooms across Canada starting this Friday. Our fans across Canada have been vocal and incredibly patient as we worked to find a fantastic broadcast partner for IMPACT WRESTLING,” said Dixie Carter, president of TNA Wrestling. “The good news is Fight Network has picked up other TNA programming like Xplosion and Greatest Matches, so fans in Canada will now have more access than ever to the best pro wrestling entertainment in the world, including TNA Superstars and Canada’s own Bobby Roode, Gail Kim and Eric Young.”
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet
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Fight Network Signs Exclusive Multi-Year TV Deal with TNA Wrestling; to Air IMPACT WRESTLING, Xplosion, Greatest Matches in Canada
TORONTO (Mar. 30, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced a multi-year deal with TNA Wrestling to broadcast exclusive shows and series across Canada.
Beginning next Friday, April 3, Fight Network will premiere TNA’s two-hour flagship weekly program IMPACT WRESTLING every Friday night at 9 p.m. ET. The roster features such greats as Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Lashley, Bobby Roode, MVP, EC3, James Storm, the high flying X Division, Gail Kim and the lovely and lethal Knockouts, and many more.
Premiering on Saturday nights at 11 p.m. ET, TNA Xplosion features explosive exclusive matches, a look back at historical matches, as well as pop culture roundtable discussions, plus recaps of IMPACT WRESTLING.
TNA Wrestling’s Greatest Matches, premiering Fridays at 8 p.m. ET leading into IMPACT WRESTLING, is a series looking back at the greatest feuds, match types and highlights from the careers of individual wrestlers from the past and present TNA Wrestling roster.
“TNA has been a staple and innovator in the professional wrestling business for the past decade, providing countless memorable matches and moments, while spawning the careers of new stars and showcasing all-time greats in the industry,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Content at Fight Network. “We’re excited to become the official exclusive Canadian broadcast partner. In addition to airing the popular IMPACT WRESTLING weekly show, we’ll be reliving some of the organization’s unforgettable history on the Greatest Matches series.”
“We can’t wait to be back in living rooms across Canada starting this Friday. Our fans across Canada have been vocal and incredibly patient as we worked to find a fantastic broadcast partner for IMPACT WRESTLING,” said Dixie Carter, president of TNA Wrestling. “The good news is Fight Network has picked up other TNA programming like Xplosion and Greatest Matches, so fans in Canada will now have more access than ever to the best pro wrestling entertainment in the world, including TNA Superstars and Canada’s own Bobby Roode, Gail Kim and Eric Young.”
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet
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Full Details on New WWE Network Programming
WWE issued the following press release, giving full details on the new shows coming to the WWE Network this year:
WWE Network Partners with Seth Green, Jerry Springer and Jeff Tremaine on Three New Original Series .
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer.
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:
CAMP WWE – COMING LATE 2015
WWE, in partnership with Seth Green's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, will debut a new, animated short-form comedy series entitled Camp WWE. Imagine WWE Superstars and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp...which happens to be run by none other than Mr. McMahon – add in shock-value, slapstick humor and social satire – and you have WWE's first adult comedy, which will debut later this year.
"We're insanely excited about this collaboration," said Green. "WWE is one of the most heartfelt and professional organizations I've worked with. We're beyond happy to help them realize this vision."
SWERVED – COMING IN MAY
WWE teams up with the Director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, to give you the hilarious original series, Swerved. Swerved is a half hour series and will premiere in May.
"I'm excited to combine my brand of entertainment with the world of WWE," said Tremaine. "It will be the ultimate mash-up."
DIVA SEARCH – COMING THIS FALL
WWE spans the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women to find the next stunning WWE Diva. This competition will give viewers the opportunity to witness the challenges, trials, drama and rewards that accompany the journey of these women, as they vie for superstardom. Coming this Fall.
JERRY SPRINGER PRESENTS WWE TOO HOT FOR TV – COMING IN APRIL
Hosted by legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, this series will re-introduce the WWE Universe to the most outrageous stunts and cringe-inducing moments in TV history. The series will be chock full of insane situations and racy romps from WWE's past that will have members of the WWE Universe asking, "Did they really do this?!" Springer will inject his own brand of humor into each episode with themes such as "Love Hurts," "All in the Family" and "Weddings and Funerals."
The half-hour series will be available beginning in April in WWE Network's video-on-demand library with new episodes weekly.
"I suspect 25 years of The Jerry Springer Show qualifies me to comment on outrageous behavior," said Springer. "And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun."
LIVE! WITH CHRIS JERICHO – DEBUTS MONDAY, APRIL 6 WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CENA
Podcast host Chris Jericho challenges his guests in provocative, candid conversations about their careers, their lives, past controversies and the overall state of WWE. The monthly series kicks off Monday, April 6 immediately following Raw, with its first one-hour episode featuring WWE Superstar John Cena.
"I'm stoked to bring my show to WWE Network and give Jerichoholics worldwide more of what they've come to expect - humor, questions that have never been asked before and the best conversations that any podcast host has ever delivered," said Jericho. "No matter who the guest is, whether it be WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends, executives or icons from the entertainment world, I guarantee to deliver the best, most entertaining interview you have ever heard from each and every one of them."
UNFILTERED: WITH RENEE YOUNG – DEBUTS IN MAY
WWE announcer Renee Young interviews WWE Superstars and other pop-culture celebrities, covering just about everything, except what they are famous for. In this short-form series, Renee's guests include Grammy Award winner Wiz Khalifa, five-time Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Unfiltered will debut in May.
CULTURE SHOCK: WITH COREY GRAVES – PREMIERING IN JUNE
WWE commentator Corey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food and people as WWE's tour travels around the world. From Marvel comic headquarters to a tattoo shop on the lower east side of Manhattan, Graves examines the local culture with his unique perspective and style. This short-form series will premiere in June.
WWE THE LIST – COMING IN JUNE
WWE The List is the best, the worst, the most bizarre and interesting of everything and anything WWE. If it's amazing, outrageous, sexy or just plain fun, it just made #TheList.
NEW EPISODES:
In addition to the eight new original series, WWE Network will also debut new episodes of the highly-acclaimed docu-series WWE 24 as well as WWE Countdown and Rivalries. WWE will also add more children's programming by bringing back the popular 1980s animated series, Hulk Hogan's Rock 'N' Wrestling. In addition, WWE Network will produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content.
WWE 24
The acclaimed 30-minute docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE's most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.
WWE COUNTDOWN
WWE Countdown settles the great debates across WWE history. Who was the most dangerous Diva? Who had the best catchphrase? This one-hour series allows the WWE Universe to determine the top 10 in each category and have the final word on who tops each list.
RIVALRIES
This docu-style series takes a look at the greatest rivalries in WWE history, as never told before. Get the real stories behind WWE's most exciting matches and entertaining feuds through the eyes of the Superstars who created them. Each one-hour episode leaves no story untold.
HULK HOGAN'S ROCK 'N' WRESTLING
Harkening back to 1985, this Saturday morning cartoon, which originally aired on CBS, features Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Captain Lou Albano, and Roddy Piper in a series that is both nostalgic and entertaining, 30 years later.
SPECIALS:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. THE BIG SHOW: THE BIGGEST VS. THE BEST – PREMIERES MONDAY, APRIL 27
WWE Network will look back at this epic David vs. Goliath encounter at WrestleMania 24 (2008) and its shocking conclusion coming just in time for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing matches in history.
NXT TAKEOVER – LIVE! – AIRS MONTHLY ON WEDNESDAYS
The future is here. WWE's hottest up-and-coming Superstars compete to prove they've got what it takes. More than just evolution, it's a revolution! Witness these WWE Superstars of tomorrow as they take over WWE Network with live two-hour specials.
Opinionated View- The new shows sound awful
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WWE Network Partners with Seth Green, Jerry Springer and Jeff Tremaine on Three New Original Series .
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer.
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:
CAMP WWE – COMING LATE 2015
WWE, in partnership with Seth Green's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, will debut a new, animated short-form comedy series entitled Camp WWE. Imagine WWE Superstars and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp...which happens to be run by none other than Mr. McMahon – add in shock-value, slapstick humor and social satire – and you have WWE's first adult comedy, which will debut later this year.
"We're insanely excited about this collaboration," said Green. "WWE is one of the most heartfelt and professional organizations I've worked with. We're beyond happy to help them realize this vision."
SWERVED – COMING IN MAY
WWE teams up with the Director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, to give you the hilarious original series, Swerved. Swerved is a half hour series and will premiere in May.
"I'm excited to combine my brand of entertainment with the world of WWE," said Tremaine. "It will be the ultimate mash-up."
DIVA SEARCH – COMING THIS FALL
WWE spans the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women to find the next stunning WWE Diva. This competition will give viewers the opportunity to witness the challenges, trials, drama and rewards that accompany the journey of these women, as they vie for superstardom. Coming this Fall.
JERRY SPRINGER PRESENTS WWE TOO HOT FOR TV – COMING IN APRIL
Hosted by legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, this series will re-introduce the WWE Universe to the most outrageous stunts and cringe-inducing moments in TV history. The series will be chock full of insane situations and racy romps from WWE's past that will have members of the WWE Universe asking, "Did they really do this?!" Springer will inject his own brand of humor into each episode with themes such as "Love Hurts," "All in the Family" and "Weddings and Funerals."
The half-hour series will be available beginning in April in WWE Network's video-on-demand library with new episodes weekly.
"I suspect 25 years of The Jerry Springer Show qualifies me to comment on outrageous behavior," said Springer. "And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun."
LIVE! WITH CHRIS JERICHO – DEBUTS MONDAY, APRIL 6 WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CENA
Podcast host Chris Jericho challenges his guests in provocative, candid conversations about their careers, their lives, past controversies and the overall state of WWE. The monthly series kicks off Monday, April 6 immediately following Raw, with its first one-hour episode featuring WWE Superstar John Cena.
"I'm stoked to bring my show to WWE Network and give Jerichoholics worldwide more of what they've come to expect - humor, questions that have never been asked before and the best conversations that any podcast host has ever delivered," said Jericho. "No matter who the guest is, whether it be WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends, executives or icons from the entertainment world, I guarantee to deliver the best, most entertaining interview you have ever heard from each and every one of them."
UNFILTERED: WITH RENEE YOUNG – DEBUTS IN MAY
WWE announcer Renee Young interviews WWE Superstars and other pop-culture celebrities, covering just about everything, except what they are famous for. In this short-form series, Renee's guests include Grammy Award winner Wiz Khalifa, five-time Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Unfiltered will debut in May.
CULTURE SHOCK: WITH COREY GRAVES – PREMIERING IN JUNE
WWE commentator Corey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food and people as WWE's tour travels around the world. From Marvel comic headquarters to a tattoo shop on the lower east side of Manhattan, Graves examines the local culture with his unique perspective and style. This short-form series will premiere in June.
WWE THE LIST – COMING IN JUNE
WWE The List is the best, the worst, the most bizarre and interesting of everything and anything WWE. If it's amazing, outrageous, sexy or just plain fun, it just made #TheList.
NEW EPISODES:
In addition to the eight new original series, WWE Network will also debut new episodes of the highly-acclaimed docu-series WWE 24 as well as WWE Countdown and Rivalries. WWE will also add more children's programming by bringing back the popular 1980s animated series, Hulk Hogan's Rock 'N' Wrestling. In addition, WWE Network will produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content.
WWE 24
The acclaimed 30-minute docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE's most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.
WWE COUNTDOWN
WWE Countdown settles the great debates across WWE history. Who was the most dangerous Diva? Who had the best catchphrase? This one-hour series allows the WWE Universe to determine the top 10 in each category and have the final word on who tops each list.
RIVALRIES
This docu-style series takes a look at the greatest rivalries in WWE history, as never told before. Get the real stories behind WWE's most exciting matches and entertaining feuds through the eyes of the Superstars who created them. Each one-hour episode leaves no story untold.
HULK HOGAN'S ROCK 'N' WRESTLING
Harkening back to 1985, this Saturday morning cartoon, which originally aired on CBS, features Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Captain Lou Albano, and Roddy Piper in a series that is both nostalgic and entertaining, 30 years later.
SPECIALS:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. THE BIG SHOW: THE BIGGEST VS. THE BEST – PREMIERES MONDAY, APRIL 27
WWE Network will look back at this epic David vs. Goliath encounter at WrestleMania 24 (2008) and its shocking conclusion coming just in time for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing matches in history.
NXT TAKEOVER – LIVE! – AIRS MONTHLY ON WEDNESDAYS
The future is here. WWE's hottest up-and-coming Superstars compete to prove they've got what it takes. More than just evolution, it's a revolution! Witness these WWE Superstars of tomorrow as they take over WWE Network with live two-hour specials.
Opinionated View- The new shows sound awful
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Updated WWE Network Numbers
The following was issued by WWE on Monday morning.
WWE® NETWORK SURPASSES 1.3 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS
FULL YEAR BUSINESS OUTLOOK REAFFIRMED WHILE Q1 2015 CURRENTLY PROJECTED TO EXCEED GUIDANCE
STAMFORD, Conn., March 30, 2015 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that WWE Network surpassed 1.3 million subscribers following WrestleMania® 31, making it the most viewed WrestleMania in history. WrestleMania was broadcast around the world last night on WWE Network as well as on pay-per-view from a sold-out Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The results represent a 97% increase from April 7, 2014 – the day after WrestleMania last year and a 31% increase since January 27, 2015, when the network surpassed the 1 million subscriber milestone. Recent growth was driven by the success of our February free promotion and the iconic attraction of the Company’s WrestleMania event.
“We believe that exceeding 1.3 million subscribers reflects the successful execution of our strategy and puts us on the path to transformative growth through WWE Network,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “We remain focused on driving subscriber value by delivering the most compelling user experience and new content, evidenced by our new original series and partnerships with Seth Green, Jeff Tremaine and Jerry Springer.”
“We are pleased with our short-term results and, for the first quarter, we currently project to exceed our most recent public guidance associated with an estimated average of approximately 918,000 paid subscribers,” said George Barrios, WWE Chief Strategy & Financial Officer. “We are also confident in the long-term potential and understand subscriber growth could take many different paths. For example, Network subscribers might show consistent sequential quarterly gains or the quarterly adoption curve could exhibit seasonality with year-over-year growth. Regardless, over the long-term, we believe WWE Network has the potential to drive significant economic returns.”
Based on data to date, WWE Network attracted an average of approximately 918,000 paid subscribers over the first quarter 2015, representing a 27% increase from the fourth quarter 2014 average.1 The network’s February free promotion contributed to that growth, attracting approximately 201,000 trial subscribers, of which 154,000, or 77%, converted to paying subscribers in March. WWE Network reached an average of 982,000 total subscribers during the first quarter 2015, including both free trial and paid subscribers. To date, WWE Network has attracted nearly 1.8 million unique subscribers.
1 Average paid subscribers are calculated based on the arithmetic daily mean over the relevant period, and may differ substantially from paid subscribers at the end of any period due to the timing of paid subscriber additions. Trial subscribers acquired during a promotional period are not counted as paying subscribers until they convert after the end of the free period.
WWE Network: Growth Strategy
To grow WWE Network, the Company is executing a five-part strategy, including creating new content, implementing high impact customer acquisition and retention programs, introducing new features, expanding distribution platforms, and entering new geographies. Over the coming year, the Company is focused on expanding the network’s line-up of compelling original content as a critical element of this strategy.
Programming: In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer. In addition, in the new show, Diva Search, WWE will span the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women in the world to find the next stunning WWE Diva. WWE Network will also produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content. (For more details of WWE Network’s programming line-up see the Company’s March 30, 2015 press release).
Promotions: Based on the successful execution of the network’s free trial offerings, all new subscribers who register for the network in April will receive the network free in that month, including Extreme Rules live on Sunday, April 26.
Features/Distribution: Other important elements of the Company’s network strategy include improving the user experience and content discovery across devices, while continuing to expand distribution platforms.
Geographies: The Company is developing plans for geographic expansion to India, China, Germany, Japan, Italy, Thailand and Malaysia.
Paths to Potential Subscriber Growth
The Company believes its strategy will facilitate long-term subscriber growth of WWE Network. There are, however, different paths that culminate in the realization of WWE Network’s subscriber potential. For example, achieving consistent subscriber growth over sequential quarters could result in a path that approximates an upward sloping straight line. (See Exhibit 1)
Alternatively, it is possible that WWE Network subscriber growth could follow the more seasonal pattern of the Company’s historic pay-per-view business. The latter path could yield an upward sloping trajectory over time, but could result in sequential quarterly declines while still delivering year-over-year growth. Any potential seasonal variations that might occur could be reduced over time as the Company continues to bring compelling new content to the network throughout the year.
The Company believes WWE Network will continue to make progress toward its subscriber potential, and management is agnostic to the pattern of growth.
Business Outlook
The level of WWE Network subscribers is a critical determinant of the Company’s projected future financial performance.
In 2015, the Company expects year-over-year adjusted OIBDA growth in every quarter, with growth driven by the performance of WWE Network as well as the escalation of television rights fees, and continued innovation across all of the Company’s businesses. For the first quarter 2015, the Company currently projects its adjusted OIBDA will exceed the high end of its most recent public guidance associated with the quarter’s actual average of 918,000 paid subscribers.2 The most recent public guidance implied a range of adjusted OIBDA of approximately $3 million to $8 million associated with that average.
The table below outlines ranges of potential Company performance for the full year 2015 at different subscriber levels. The Company is maintaining its 2015 Business Outlook at various subscriber levels as released on February 12, 2015. The 2015 Adjusted OIBDA table (below) is consistent with the previously provided business outlook. (The Company’s previous business outlook as well as reconciliations of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA can be found in the Company’s Q4 2014 Earnings Release – February 12, 2015).
About WWE Network
WWE Network launched on February 24, 2014 in the U.S., was subsequently made available in more than 170 countries and secured broad distribution across web, mobile, streaming devices, gaming consoles and Smart TVs. Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to sign up for WWE Network online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TVs through connected devices such as Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku streaming devices as well as Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung. WWE Network’s one-of-a-kind programming includes all 12 WWE pay-per-view events LIVE at no additional charge plus groundbreaking original series, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more than 3,000 titles in its video-on-demand library.
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), 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 entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
WWE® NETWORK SURPASSES 1.3 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS
FULL YEAR BUSINESS OUTLOOK REAFFIRMED WHILE Q1 2015 CURRENTLY PROJECTED TO EXCEED GUIDANCE
STAMFORD, Conn., March 30, 2015 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that WWE Network surpassed 1.3 million subscribers following WrestleMania® 31, making it the most viewed WrestleMania in history. WrestleMania was broadcast around the world last night on WWE Network as well as on pay-per-view from a sold-out Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The results represent a 97% increase from April 7, 2014 – the day after WrestleMania last year and a 31% increase since January 27, 2015, when the network surpassed the 1 million subscriber milestone. Recent growth was driven by the success of our February free promotion and the iconic attraction of the Company’s WrestleMania event.
“We believe that exceeding 1.3 million subscribers reflects the successful execution of our strategy and puts us on the path to transformative growth through WWE Network,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “We remain focused on driving subscriber value by delivering the most compelling user experience and new content, evidenced by our new original series and partnerships with Seth Green, Jeff Tremaine and Jerry Springer.”
“We are pleased with our short-term results and, for the first quarter, we currently project to exceed our most recent public guidance associated with an estimated average of approximately 918,000 paid subscribers,” said George Barrios, WWE Chief Strategy & Financial Officer. “We are also confident in the long-term potential and understand subscriber growth could take many different paths. For example, Network subscribers might show consistent sequential quarterly gains or the quarterly adoption curve could exhibit seasonality with year-over-year growth. Regardless, over the long-term, we believe WWE Network has the potential to drive significant economic returns.”
Based on data to date, WWE Network attracted an average of approximately 918,000 paid subscribers over the first quarter 2015, representing a 27% increase from the fourth quarter 2014 average.1 The network’s February free promotion contributed to that growth, attracting approximately 201,000 trial subscribers, of which 154,000, or 77%, converted to paying subscribers in March. WWE Network reached an average of 982,000 total subscribers during the first quarter 2015, including both free trial and paid subscribers. To date, WWE Network has attracted nearly 1.8 million unique subscribers.
1 Average paid subscribers are calculated based on the arithmetic daily mean over the relevant period, and may differ substantially from paid subscribers at the end of any period due to the timing of paid subscriber additions. Trial subscribers acquired during a promotional period are not counted as paying subscribers until they convert after the end of the free period.
WWE Network: Growth Strategy
To grow WWE Network, the Company is executing a five-part strategy, including creating new content, implementing high impact customer acquisition and retention programs, introducing new features, expanding distribution platforms, and entering new geographies. Over the coming year, the Company is focused on expanding the network’s line-up of compelling original content as a critical element of this strategy.
Programming: In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer. In addition, in the new show, Diva Search, WWE will span the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women in the world to find the next stunning WWE Diva. WWE Network will also produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content. (For more details of WWE Network’s programming line-up see the Company’s March 30, 2015 press release).
Promotions: Based on the successful execution of the network’s free trial offerings, all new subscribers who register for the network in April will receive the network free in that month, including Extreme Rules live on Sunday, April 26.
Features/Distribution: Other important elements of the Company’s network strategy include improving the user experience and content discovery across devices, while continuing to expand distribution platforms.
Geographies: The Company is developing plans for geographic expansion to India, China, Germany, Japan, Italy, Thailand and Malaysia.
Paths to Potential Subscriber Growth
The Company believes its strategy will facilitate long-term subscriber growth of WWE Network. There are, however, different paths that culminate in the realization of WWE Network’s subscriber potential. For example, achieving consistent subscriber growth over sequential quarters could result in a path that approximates an upward sloping straight line. (See Exhibit 1)
Alternatively, it is possible that WWE Network subscriber growth could follow the more seasonal pattern of the Company’s historic pay-per-view business. The latter path could yield an upward sloping trajectory over time, but could result in sequential quarterly declines while still delivering year-over-year growth. Any potential seasonal variations that might occur could be reduced over time as the Company continues to bring compelling new content to the network throughout the year.
The Company believes WWE Network will continue to make progress toward its subscriber potential, and management is agnostic to the pattern of growth.
Business Outlook
The level of WWE Network subscribers is a critical determinant of the Company’s projected future financial performance.
In 2015, the Company expects year-over-year adjusted OIBDA growth in every quarter, with growth driven by the performance of WWE Network as well as the escalation of television rights fees, and continued innovation across all of the Company’s businesses. For the first quarter 2015, the Company currently projects its adjusted OIBDA will exceed the high end of its most recent public guidance associated with the quarter’s actual average of 918,000 paid subscribers.2 The most recent public guidance implied a range of adjusted OIBDA of approximately $3 million to $8 million associated with that average.
The table below outlines ranges of potential Company performance for the full year 2015 at different subscriber levels. The Company is maintaining its 2015 Business Outlook at various subscriber levels as released on February 12, 2015. The 2015 Adjusted OIBDA table (below) is consistent with the previously provided business outlook. (The Company’s previous business outlook as well as reconciliations of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA can be found in the Company’s Q4 2014 Earnings Release – February 12, 2015).
About WWE Network
WWE Network launched on February 24, 2014 in the U.S., was subsequently made available in more than 170 countries and secured broad distribution across web, mobile, streaming devices, gaming consoles and Smart TVs. Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to sign up for WWE Network online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TVs through connected devices such as Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku streaming devices as well as Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung. WWE Network’s one-of-a-kind programming includes all 12 WWE pay-per-view events LIVE at no additional charge plus groundbreaking original series, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more than 3,000 titles in its video-on-demand library.
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), 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 entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
WrestleMania 31 Highest Grossing WWE Event Ever
WWE just sent out the following.
WRESTLEMANIA® SHATTERS RECORDS
SANTA CLARA, CA – March 29, 2015 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) announced tonight that WrestleMania 31 became the highest grossing live event in its history and broke the attendance record for Levi’s Stadium. WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza grossed $12.6 million, as 76,976 fans from all 50 states and 40 countries converged on the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
The previous attendance record for Levi’s Stadium was 70,799, and WrestleMania 29 at MetLife Stadium in 2013 held WWE’s prior record for gross revenue at $12.3 million.
“On behalf of the cities of Santa Clara and San Jose, we would like to thank all the fans that came from around the world to be part of WrestleMania 31,” said Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews. "We congratulate both WWE and Levi’s Stadium on their historic achievement."
“We are thrilled that WrestleMania 31 has set the standard for all future events held at Levi’s Stadium. None of this success would have been possible without the support of Mayor Matthews, Mayor Liccardo and the San Francisco 49ers, as well as our public and private sector partners that worked tirelessly to support all of our regional WrestleMania Week activities," said John P. Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. "We now turn our attention to the Dallas/Arlington region for what will surely be a historic WrestleMania 32.”
WrestleMania 32 takes place on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, Ticket information will be announced later this year.
Top Ten All-Time Attendance Records at WrestleMania:
1. 93,173: WrestleMania 3, Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, March 29, 1987
2. 80,676: WrestleMania 29, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, April 7, 2013
3. 80,103: WrestleMania 23, Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan, April 1, 2007
4. 78,363: WrestleMania 28, Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida, April 1, 2012
5. 76,976: WrestleMania 31, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, March 29, 2015
6. 75,167: WrestleMania 30, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA, April 6, 2014
7. 74,635: WrestleMania 24, Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida, March 30, 2008
8. 72,744: WrestleMania 25, Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, April 5, 2009
9. 72,219: WrestleMania 26, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, March 28, 2010
10. 71,617: WrestleMania 27, Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia, April 3, 2011
Opinionated View- Inflation
https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews
WRESTLEMANIA® SHATTERS RECORDS
SANTA CLARA, CA – March 29, 2015 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) announced tonight that WrestleMania 31 became the highest grossing live event in its history and broke the attendance record for Levi’s Stadium. WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza grossed $12.6 million, as 76,976 fans from all 50 states and 40 countries converged on the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
The previous attendance record for Levi’s Stadium was 70,799, and WrestleMania 29 at MetLife Stadium in 2013 held WWE’s prior record for gross revenue at $12.3 million.
“On behalf of the cities of Santa Clara and San Jose, we would like to thank all the fans that came from around the world to be part of WrestleMania 31,” said Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews. "We congratulate both WWE and Levi’s Stadium on their historic achievement."
“We are thrilled that WrestleMania 31 has set the standard for all future events held at Levi’s Stadium. None of this success would have been possible without the support of Mayor Matthews, Mayor Liccardo and the San Francisco 49ers, as well as our public and private sector partners that worked tirelessly to support all of our regional WrestleMania Week activities," said John P. Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. "We now turn our attention to the Dallas/Arlington region for what will surely be a historic WrestleMania 32.”
WrestleMania 32 takes place on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, Ticket information will be announced later this year.
Top Ten All-Time Attendance Records at WrestleMania:
1. 93,173: WrestleMania 3, Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, March 29, 1987
2. 80,676: WrestleMania 29, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, April 7, 2013
3. 80,103: WrestleMania 23, Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan, April 1, 2007
4. 78,363: WrestleMania 28, Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida, April 1, 2012
5. 76,976: WrestleMania 31, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, March 29, 2015
6. 75,167: WrestleMania 30, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA, April 6, 2014
7. 74,635: WrestleMania 24, Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida, March 30, 2008
8. 72,744: WrestleMania 25, Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, April 5, 2009
9. 72,219: WrestleMania 26, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, March 28, 2010
10. 71,617: WrestleMania 27, Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia, April 3, 2011
Opinionated View- Inflation
https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews
Sunday, March 29, 2015
WrestleMania 31 Report
Notable notes from the pre-show:
* Lana is back and will be in Rusev's corner for his United States Title match tonight against John Cena.
* Backstage skit took place with J&J Security and the Stooges (Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco) over coffee.
Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships: "The Swiss Superman" Cesaro & Tyson Kidd w/"The Queen of Harts" Natalya vs. The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) w/Naomi vs. Los Matadores (Fernando & Diego) w/El Torito vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E.) w/Xavier Woods
All 4 teams rocking new entrance attire. Tag rules apply. Cesaro & Kofi start. Uppercut early by Cesaro. Cesaro misses 2 clotheslines, dropkick by Kofi. Diego in, Cesaro sends Jey Uso off the apron and into the barricade, re-injuring his previously injured shoulder. Back in the ring, monkey flip by Kofi to Diego for 2. Medical attendants tend to Jey Uso on the outside as Diego with a slingshot senton bomb to Kofi. Cesaro in, chinlock to Kofi. Trainer takes Jey to the back as it looks like he cannot continue. Kidd in, Cesaro Swing/Basement Dropkick to Kofi, Matadores break up the pin. Chinlock by Kidd. Kofi slips out of a back suplex, but Kidd with a back kick. Jimmy in, savate kick, throat thrust, alley-oop Samoan Drop to Kidd. Superkick to Cesaro, Superkick to Big E, Superkick to Fernando. Jimmy leads an "USO" chant, Samoan Bulldozer Butt Smashes to Kidd, Cesaro, Fernando and Big E! Kofi avoids a Jimmy superkick, plancha wipes out Diego! Another superkick by Jimmy to Cesaro for a close 2. Jimmy runs into Kidd, Cesaro tags in, Jimmy knocks Kidd off the apron. Jimmy with a head of steam, but Cesaro catches him with an uppercut. Big E in, big splash to Cesaro. Big E aley-oops Kofi onto Cesaro for a close 2. Fernando in, Kofi meets him up top. Cesaro grabs Big E from the apron, DEADLIFT SUPERPLEX!! Jimmy with a big splash to Cesaro. Matadores hit Kofi with a double team, Kidd breaks up the pin. Kidd uses Natalya as a shield on the outside, PK to one of the Matadores. Kofi catches Torito off a dive, but he ranas Kofi into the barricade! Sharpshooter by Natalya to Torito! Naomi & Jimmy with a head of steam in the ring, EVERYONE WIPED OUT WITH DIVES!!! Rear View by Naomi to Natalya on the outside. In the ring, New Day with the Midnight Hour to Diego, Cesaro breaks up the pin. Diego rolls up Big E, but the ref waves off the pin as Big E isn't legal. Belly-to-Belly by Big E to Diego. Big E lifts up Kidd & Diego, superkick by Jimmy. Superkick by Kidd to Jimmy. 3D-Style Uppercut by Cesaro & Kidd to Diego. Double Knees by Kofi to Cesaro. Cesaro catapults Fernando into Kofi on the turnbuckles. Cesaro sent outside, Matadores head up top with Kofi. Cesaro & Big E have the Matadores in Electric Chairs, DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM SUPERPLEXES!!!! Jimmy heads up top, USO SPLASH TO BIG E!!
Cesaro throws Jimmy outside, covers Big E to retain the titles.
Winners and still WWE Tag Team Champions: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd by pinfall
Kidd & Cesaro celebrate their title retention afterwards.
20-Man Second Annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: "The A-Lister" The Miz vs. #AxelMania Curtis Axel vs. "The Big Guy" Ryback vs. Fandango w/Rosa Mendes vs. Adam Rose vs. "Long Island Iced Z" Zack Ryder vs. "The All-American American" Jack Swagger vs. "The Big Deal" Titus O'Neil vs. "Mr. No Days Off" Darren Young vs. "The World Largest's Athlete" The Big Show vs. "The Big Red Machine" Kane vs. "Big Red" Erick Rowan vs. Damien Mizdow vs. Sin Cara vs. Goldust vs. Heath Slater vs. "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry vs. Konnor vs. Viktor vs. NXT's Hideo Itami vs. Cesaro vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Diego vs. Fernando vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Big E vs. Xavier Woods vs. Alex Riley vs. Bo Dallas
Everyone already in the ring, no entrances. Axel rips off his Axelmania t-shirt, EVERYONE ELIMINATES AXEL!!! Adam Rose & Fandango eliminate each other. Big Show with huge overhand chops to Itami. Riley tries to reason with Mizdow about Miz, but Mizdow goes after Riley. Mizdow eliminates Riley. Bo Dallas eliminates Zack Ryder. Itami eliminates Dallas. Itami works over a few guys, then goes after Show. KO punch by Show eliminates Itami. Los Matadores eliminated by Kane. Sin Cara eliminated by Cesaro. Kidd eliminated by Henry. Ascension eliminates Mark Henry. Ryback eliminates Darren Young and Heath Slater. Rowan & Goldust eliminated. Double chokeslam by Kane to Mizdow & Miz. Kane eliminated by Cesaro. Cesaro teases eliminating Show, but Show eliminates him. Ryback eliminated by Big Show. Down to Miz, Mizdow & Show. Miz barks orders at Mizdow. Crowd chants for Mizdow. Miz walks up to Show, but Mizdow doesn't and shakes his head "no" at Miz. Miz talks down to Mizdow, but Mizdow still refuses to help him. Miz throws a fit at Mizdow, Mizdow eliminates Miz! Referees have to hold Miz back, getting him to the back. Down to Mizdow & Show. Show smiles at Mizdow, tells him to bring it. Mizdow obliges, Show throws him over, Mizdow skins the cat. Mizdow with more shots, Show runs him over. Show charges, Mizdow pulls down the top rope. Show is tettering, goes onto the apron. Mizdow tries to get him outside, but Show knocks him back. Show goozles Mizdow, gets back in. Show goes for a chokeslam, but Mizdow with a front gulliotine. Show puts Mizdow on the apron, but Mizdow still has the front facelock. Show then lifts up Mizdow and eliminates him to win the battle royal.
Winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: The Big Show
We go live to Levi's Stadium where Aloe Blacc sings "America the Beautiful."
A video package runs featuring LL Cool J hyping the history of WrestleMania.
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Ladder Match
Bad News Barrett (c) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan
Luke Harper and Daniel Bryan get tossed out early. Ambrose with a suicide dive to Harper. Stardust with a big dive backwards. Harper tosses Ziggler out and Ziggler nearly lands on the top of his head. Harper with a big suicide dive. Ambrose climbs up a tall ladder at ringside and takes everyone out with a flying elbow. R-Truth starts setting up a smaller ladder inside the ring. Barrett cuts him off. Ambrose with a top rope dropkick taking out Barrett who was holding the ladder. Bryan with a dropkick to Stardust in the corner. Bryan eats a shot from the ladder when Harper tosses it at him. Bryan gets Harper down in a tree of woe in the ladder and gets in some big chest kicks. Ziggler with a big superkick on Bryan. Ziggler has his hands on the title when Stardust dropkicks the ladder over. Stardust goes under the ring and pulls out a bedazzled ladder laughing. Barrett gets tossed down with the ladder over him and Ambrose drops a small ladder over it. Ambrose and Harper exchange shots back inside the ring. Truth gets a tall ladder setup in the ring. Stardust climbs up it and Barrett cuts him off. Barrett with a HUGE superplex on Stardust off the tall ladder! Bryan and Ziggler are exchanging shots at the top of the ladder when Ambrose pushes it over to knock them off. Harper with a HUGE powerbomb on Ambrose through a ladder! Harper climbs up the tall ladder and Ziggler jumps on his back applying a sleeper. Ziggler with a Zig Zag on Harper off the ladder! Doctors are attending to Ambrose at ringside after taking that big powerbomb. Ziggler has his hands on the title. Barrett pulls Ziggler down and hits a big Bull Hammer. Bull Hammer to Stardust. Truth is up and Barrett nails him with a Bull Hammer knocking him off the ladder. Bryan is up and nearly gets it. Barrett pushes that ladder over to clear things up in the ring. Bryan with a running knee to Barrett! Bryan is climbing back up the ladder when Ziggler cuts him off. They exchange headbutts at the top of the ladder. More headbutts! Bryan gets the best of Ziggler knocking him off the top of the ladder. Bryan has the title.
Winner and new WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan
A video package runs hyping Orton vs. Rollins tonight.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins w/ J & J Security
Orton with a big dropkick on Rollins early and goes for a quick RKO that Rollins quickly avoids bailing out of the ring. Rollins with kicks to Orton in the corner. Orton fires back with some uppercuts. Rollins with a powerbomb to Orton in the corner and Orton quickly follows it up with a clothesline. Orton with a double DDT on J & J Security from the ring apron. Rollins follows with a big suicide dive taking out Orton. Rollins with a quick snap suplex into a headlock to keep Orton grounded. Rollins drives Orton face first into the turnbuckle. Rollins with a big jumping splash to Orton in the corner as well. Orton with clotheslines. Orton counters a Curb Stomp into a snap powerslam. Orton with a modified t-bone suplex. Rollins counters a DDT through the ropes with a kick to the head. Rollins with a big moonsault catching Orton at ringside. Both brawl to the top turnbuckle. Orton back drops Rollins back inside the ring. Orton with a cross body that Rollins rolls through. Orton with his DDT through the ropes on Rollins. RKO counter by Rollins with a superkick. Orton with a second attempt and connects with an RKO. Rollins kicks out! RKO on Noble and Mercury who both jump in the ring. Rollins is able to pull off a Curb Stomp. Orton kicks out. Orton avoids Rollins' twisting splash from the top rope with Rollins landing on his feet. Rollins sets up Orton for another Curb Stomp and Orton pops up with an RKO out of no where! Orton hooks the leg of Rollins to get the pinfall.
Winner: Randy Orton
UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey is shown at ringside.
A video package runs hyping Sting vs. Triple H.
Sting vs. Triple H
Sting had a Japanese themed entrance with live instruments. Triple H's entrance was all based around the new Terminator film coming out this year.
The bell rings and here we go. Sting strikes first with a quick shoulder block. Triple H with a quick headlock takedown and a shoulder block of his own to drop Sting. Sting with a hip toss and dropkick that drops Triple H back. Triple H comes back with some big rights. Sting eats a knee to the face and stays up trying to lock Triple H in the Scorpion Deathlock. Triple H quickly bails to the outside. Back in the ring, Sting launches Triple H to the corner and Triple H falls out fast. Back in the ring, Triple H connects with a big vertical suplex. Sting is starting to slow down as Triple H plays around with him with a few shots and a headlock. Triple H with a big spinebuster. Sting has Triple H down and locks in the Scorpion Deathlock!
DX's music hits. Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and X-Pac hit the ring. Sting fights them all off. Triple H with a kick, attempts a Pedigree, Sting counters and tosses Triple H over the top rope. Sting goes up to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and takes out DX! Michael Cole quickly reminds us that this match is under No DQ rules. Sting tosses Triple H back inside the ring. Sting with another shot on Billy Gunn. Sting turns around and eats a Pedigree. Sting kicks out! Triple H leaves the ring and grabs a sledgehammer.
The nWo music hits! Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall walk out. Hogan, Hall and Nash go after DX taking them out. Triple H can't believe it. Sting grabs Triple H and drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop! Triple H kicks out. Sting applies the Scorpion Deathlock again. Triple H is reaching out and trying to grab his sledgehammer. Hogan takes it away and throws it down at ringside. X-Pac pushes Hogan over. Nash clotheslines X-Pac. Gunn takes out Nash. Road Dogg and Scott Hall brawl at ringside. Triple H is still in the Scorpion Deathlock. Triple H gets to the bottom rope to break it up.
Shawn Michaels is now in the ring and drops Sting with Sweet Chin Music! Triple H covers Sting and Sting gets a shoulder up after two. The crowd starts a "THIS IS AWESOME" chant. DX hands Triple H the sledgehammer at ringside. Scott Hall hands Sting his bat. Triple H and Sting have a stare down holding their respective weapons. Sting with a bat shot to the gut of Triple H. Sting cracks the bat over the sledgehammer cracking it in half. Sting with big shots to Triple H in the corner. Stinger Splash! Sting backs up and goes for another, but Triple H catches Sting on the head with the top of the sledgehammer. Triple H covers Sting and gets the pinfall. The crowd in attendance seems surprised.
Winner: Triple H
After the match, DX helps up Triple H and the nWo helps up Sting. Triple H walks forward and extends his hand to Sting. Sting shakes his hand.
Backstage, Maria Menounos is with the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan. Pat Patterson walks up congratulating Bryan. Roddy Piper walks up and does the same. Ricky Steamboat is next to congratulate Bryan. Ric Flair walks up and lets out a WOOOOO. Bret Hart is in the house and shakes Bryan's hand. Ron Simmons walks up with a DAMN.
Skylar Grey, Kid Ink and Travis Barker perform the WrestleMania theme live.
Paige & AJ Lee vs. The Bella Twins
We start with Paige and Nikki Bella. Paige tackles Nikki quick. Nikki sends Paige to the corner and tags in Brie Bella. Brie comes off the top rope with a big missile dropkick. Brie pulls back on the neck of Paige. We see a shot of AJ Lee down who was knocked off the ring apron by Nikki earlier in the match. Brie with a big knee to AJ just recovering and then a big knee to Paige. Tag to Nikki as The Bella's hit a double suplex on Paige. Nikki dropkicks AJ off the ring apron as Paige gets a close roll up. Nikki with a spinebuster on Paige. Nikki with her Rack Attack on Paige for a two count. Paige with a superkick to Nikki when Nikki accidentally caught Brie in the corner. Paige flips off the ring apron and takes out both of The Bella's at ringside. The referee starts the count. He gets to 7 when Nikki rolls in. Hot tag to AJ. AJ with elbows to Nikki. AJ follows with a clothesline and tackle. AJ with a kick to the face and then a cross body catching Nikki. Paige is in to drop Nikki. Brie jumps in and goes after Paige. AJ with a DDT countering off the shoulders of Nikki. Black Widow on Nikki that gets broken up. Brie grabs the leg of AJ and Nikki drops AJ. AJ kicks out. Paige kicks Brie away and sends her into the steel ring steps. AJ with the Black Widow on Nikki. Nikki taps.
Winners: Paige & AJ Lee
A video package runs hyping Rusev vs. John Cena.
WWE United States Championship
Rusev (c) w/ Lana vs. John Cena
Rusev's entrance featured Russian soldiers, Lana walking down the ramp with soldiers holding the WWE United States Championship and Rusev arriving in a tank. Cena had an American history themed entrance to counter Rusev.
Cena with a huge clothesline on Rusev early. Rusev responds with a big spinning heel kick. Rusev with a big side hip toss on Cena and splash in the corner. Rusev grabs his Russian flag and Cena kicks him in the face. Cena with his two shoulder blocks and twisting powerbomb setup on Rusev. Five Knuckle Shuffle on Rusev. Rusev misses a big kick, Cena with a drop toe hold and Rusev fights off an STF attempt. Rusev plants Cena with a spinning side slam for a two count. Cena with a leg drop to the back of Rusev's neck off the top turnbuckle. Rusev catches Cena with a big kick to the face. Cena with a tornado DDT on Rusev. Rusev and Cena exchange right hands. Rusev with a big jumping knee to the head of Cena. Cena drops Rusev down and locks in the STF. Lana throws one of her shoes at Cena. Rusev reaches the ropes and Cena is forced to break the hold. Rusev with a fallaway slam on Cena. Rusev goes up to the top turnbuckle and connects with a flying headbutt! Rusev stomps on the lower back of Cena and applies the Accolade. Cena springboards off the second rope and hits Rusev with a Stunner! Rusev with a huge kick to the chest of Cena. Rusev picks up Cena and drops him down face first. Rusev stomps the lower back of Cena again and locks on the Accolade. Cena tries to fight out, Rusev hangs on and pulls back even more with the Accolade. Cena starts standing up and drops Rusev in the corner. Cena with a drop toe hold and gets the STF locked on. Cena breaks it up and Rusev accidentally knocks Lana off the ring apron when she jumped up. Cena with an AA on Rusev for the win.
Winner and new WWE United States Champion: John Cena
After the match, WWE officials help Lana to the back as Rusev storms off. We then see a shot of John Cena celebrating in the ring with the WWE United States Championship.
We see footage earlier tonight of the WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal Four Way with Cesaro and Tyson Kidd retaining. Footage is also shown of the second annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with Big Show getting the win.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring and announce a new attendance record at Levi's Stadium with 76,976 fans in attendance tonight. Stephanie talks about how they should take the credit for the success of WrestleMania. The crowd boo's this. Triple H says they must not have liked that very much huh - just like how they didn't like how he beat Sting tonight and how it feels like he defeated anyone in attendance or watching tonight.
The Rock's music hits to interrupt. Big reaction inside Levi's Stadium. "You see, you don't own them...and you damn sure don't own The Rock." The Rock says he is an east bay boy and talks about being born in the east bay. He tells Triple H he can dress up like Terminator again or they can create a WrestleMania moment right here, right now. Triple H gets in The Rock's face. Triple H says they had a hell of a ride and he remembers "kissing his ass for most of it." Triple H adds he has nothing left to prove to The Rock. The Rock said he may have left his heart in San Francisco, but it appears Triple H left his balls in Stamford. Stephanie says without the McMahon's, The Rock wouldn't exist. The Rock said she jokes about The Johnson's and The McMahon's, but said she wouldn't be in power without Vince's Johnson. Stephanie slaps The Rock and asks what he will do about it. Stephanie said this is her house, her stadium and her people. Stephanie tells him to leave. The Rock exits the ring and starts circling around it. The Rock stands near Ronda Rousey at ringside who hops the guard railing. She fists bumps with The Rock and gets in the ring with him.
Stephanie tells Ronda that this isn't the Octagon, this is the Squared Circle. Ronda is staring down Stephanie when The Rock tries to warn Stephanie. The Rock with some shots on Triple H in the corner. Ronda with a judo throw on Triple H! Ronda grabs Stephanie by the arm and Stephanie starts screaming. Ronda throws Stephanie down and rolls out. The Rock tells Stephanie and Triple H that they just got owned.
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt's entrance featured people dressed up as scarecrows.
The Undertaker with a big boot to Bray Wyatt dropping him immediately. Taker with shots to Wyatt in the corner. Taker with shoulder shots to Wyatt. Taker with Old School on Wyatt. A loud "YOU STILL GOT IT" chant starts up. Wyatt responds with a big clothesline that drops Taker. Taker drapes Wyatt over the ring apron and drops a leg over his throat. Wyatt falls to the outside. Back in the ring, Wyatt counters Taker and starts working in shots in the corner. Wyatt with a big uppercut and more rights. Wyatt with knees to Taker. Wyatt with a quick splash in the corner and keeps Taker grounded with a head lock. Wyatt breaks the lock and throws big elbows to the back of Taker's head. Wyatt pulls Taker out to the steel ring post and splashes against Taker's head. Wyatt with a big kick to the face. Taker reaches up and locks Wyatt in Hell's Gate. Wyatt with rights to break it up. Taker pulls himself back up and Wyatt quickly plants him. Wyatt with a big body splash over Taker. Wyatt grabs Taker looking to hit Sister Abaigail. Taker counters with a chokeslam. Taker signals for the Tombstone. Taker has Wyatt up and connects with the Tombstone Piledriver! Taker covers Wyatt and Wyatt kicks out! Taker is back up signaling for another Tombstone. Wyatt counters and connects with Sister Abaigail. Taker kicks out! Both men are down and the referee starts the count. Wyatt crawls backwards. Taker sits up and stares him down. Wyatt and Taker exchange rights. Taker counters another Sister Abaigail attempt. Taker with another Tombstone Piledriver. Taker crosses the arms of Wyatt and gets the pinfall.
Winner: The Undertaker
After the match, The Undertaker takes a knee as pyro goes off.
Chris Jericho brings his podcast to the WWE Network live on 4/6 following RAW with special guest John Cena.
A promo for Extreme Rules on 4/26 airs.
A video package runs hyping Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns tonight.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Roman Reigns
WWE setup huge fireworks for both entrances.
Paul Heyman grabs the microphone and does the introduction for Brock Lesnar.
The bell rings and Roman Reigns goes after Brock Lesnar right away. Lesnar grabs Reigns in a bear hug and then quickly tosses Reigns with a release german suplex. Reigns with an F5 immediately to Reigns! Lesnar is busted open under his left eye. Lesnar with big knees and a release northern lights suplex. Reigns fights back with rights, attempts a clothesline, Lesnar stays up, another, Lesnar remains up, Lesnar ducks and connects with another huge release german suplex! We see a shot of Reigns smiling in the corner. Lesnar with another release german suplex on Reigns yelling, "Suplex City bitch!" Reigns with elbows. Lesnar cuts it off with a knee to the gut and another german suplex. Lesnar with more big knees to the gut of Reigns. Lesnar with another release german on Reigns. Lesnar drops Reigns over the top rope and then connects with more high knees. Lesnar knocks Reigns off the ring apron and Reigns hits the ring barricade with force. Reigns with knees including one that nails Lesnar clean in the face. Lesnar fires back with a huge clothesline that drops Reigns out of the ring to the outside. Lesnar is now busted open on his lip. Lesnar with a big snap suplex on Reigns that sends Reigns flying out of the ring. Lesnar with an overhead release belly-to-belly suplex on Reigns over the top rope from the ring apron. Lesnar with another F5. Lesnar hooks the leg and Reigns kicks out! Lesnar removes his gloves and slaps Reigns across the face. Reigns is laughing. Lesnar with another release german. Lesnar picks up Reigns and does this again. Lesnar connects with a third F5. Lesnar hooks the leg and Reigns once again kicks out. Lesnar can't believe it. On the outside, Reigns sends Lesnar face first into the steel ring post. Lesnar is busted open. The referee starts the count as Reigns rolls in. Lensar barely rolls in at 9. Superman Punch on Lesnar. Reigns with a second Superman Punch! Reigns misses a third punch attempt. Reigns with headbutts to Lesnar. Reigns lands with a third Superman Punch. Reigns connects with a spear. Lesnar is already getting back up on his feet. Lesnar eats another spear from Reigns. Reigns hooks the leg and Lesnar kicks out! Lesnar counters Reigns and connects with an F5.
Seth Rollins runs out. He is cashing in his briefcase. Lilian Garcia announces that this will now be a triple threat match. Rollins kicks Reigns out of the ring. Rollins with a Curb Stomp on Lesnar. Rollins attempts a second Curb Stomp. Lesnar has Rollins up. Reigns with a spear on Lesnar. Rollins with a Curb Stomp on Reigns. Rollins gets the cover!
Winner and new WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Seth Rollins
After the match, Seth Rollins runs up the ramp and holds up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as a huge display of fireworks goes off.
* Lana is back and will be in Rusev's corner for his United States Title match tonight against John Cena.
* Backstage skit took place with J&J Security and the Stooges (Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco) over coffee.
Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships: "The Swiss Superman" Cesaro & Tyson Kidd w/"The Queen of Harts" Natalya vs. The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) w/Naomi vs. Los Matadores (Fernando & Diego) w/El Torito vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E.) w/Xavier Woods
All 4 teams rocking new entrance attire. Tag rules apply. Cesaro & Kofi start. Uppercut early by Cesaro. Cesaro misses 2 clotheslines, dropkick by Kofi. Diego in, Cesaro sends Jey Uso off the apron and into the barricade, re-injuring his previously injured shoulder. Back in the ring, monkey flip by Kofi to Diego for 2. Medical attendants tend to Jey Uso on the outside as Diego with a slingshot senton bomb to Kofi. Cesaro in, chinlock to Kofi. Trainer takes Jey to the back as it looks like he cannot continue. Kidd in, Cesaro Swing/Basement Dropkick to Kofi, Matadores break up the pin. Chinlock by Kidd. Kofi slips out of a back suplex, but Kidd with a back kick. Jimmy in, savate kick, throat thrust, alley-oop Samoan Drop to Kidd. Superkick to Cesaro, Superkick to Big E, Superkick to Fernando. Jimmy leads an "USO" chant, Samoan Bulldozer Butt Smashes to Kidd, Cesaro, Fernando and Big E! Kofi avoids a Jimmy superkick, plancha wipes out Diego! Another superkick by Jimmy to Cesaro for a close 2. Jimmy runs into Kidd, Cesaro tags in, Jimmy knocks Kidd off the apron. Jimmy with a head of steam, but Cesaro catches him with an uppercut. Big E in, big splash to Cesaro. Big E aley-oops Kofi onto Cesaro for a close 2. Fernando in, Kofi meets him up top. Cesaro grabs Big E from the apron, DEADLIFT SUPERPLEX!! Jimmy with a big splash to Cesaro. Matadores hit Kofi with a double team, Kidd breaks up the pin. Kidd uses Natalya as a shield on the outside, PK to one of the Matadores. Kofi catches Torito off a dive, but he ranas Kofi into the barricade! Sharpshooter by Natalya to Torito! Naomi & Jimmy with a head of steam in the ring, EVERYONE WIPED OUT WITH DIVES!!! Rear View by Naomi to Natalya on the outside. In the ring, New Day with the Midnight Hour to Diego, Cesaro breaks up the pin. Diego rolls up Big E, but the ref waves off the pin as Big E isn't legal. Belly-to-Belly by Big E to Diego. Big E lifts up Kidd & Diego, superkick by Jimmy. Superkick by Kidd to Jimmy. 3D-Style Uppercut by Cesaro & Kidd to Diego. Double Knees by Kofi to Cesaro. Cesaro catapults Fernando into Kofi on the turnbuckles. Cesaro sent outside, Matadores head up top with Kofi. Cesaro & Big E have the Matadores in Electric Chairs, DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM SUPERPLEXES!!!! Jimmy heads up top, USO SPLASH TO BIG E!!
Cesaro throws Jimmy outside, covers Big E to retain the titles.
Winners and still WWE Tag Team Champions: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd by pinfall
Kidd & Cesaro celebrate their title retention afterwards.
20-Man Second Annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: "The A-Lister" The Miz vs. #AxelMania Curtis Axel vs. "The Big Guy" Ryback vs. Fandango w/Rosa Mendes vs. Adam Rose vs. "Long Island Iced Z" Zack Ryder vs. "The All-American American" Jack Swagger vs. "The Big Deal" Titus O'Neil vs. "Mr. No Days Off" Darren Young vs. "The World Largest's Athlete" The Big Show vs. "The Big Red Machine" Kane vs. "Big Red" Erick Rowan vs. Damien Mizdow vs. Sin Cara vs. Goldust vs. Heath Slater vs. "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry vs. Konnor vs. Viktor vs. NXT's Hideo Itami vs. Cesaro vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Diego vs. Fernando vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Big E vs. Xavier Woods vs. Alex Riley vs. Bo Dallas
Everyone already in the ring, no entrances. Axel rips off his Axelmania t-shirt, EVERYONE ELIMINATES AXEL!!! Adam Rose & Fandango eliminate each other. Big Show with huge overhand chops to Itami. Riley tries to reason with Mizdow about Miz, but Mizdow goes after Riley. Mizdow eliminates Riley. Bo Dallas eliminates Zack Ryder. Itami eliminates Dallas. Itami works over a few guys, then goes after Show. KO punch by Show eliminates Itami. Los Matadores eliminated by Kane. Sin Cara eliminated by Cesaro. Kidd eliminated by Henry. Ascension eliminates Mark Henry. Ryback eliminates Darren Young and Heath Slater. Rowan & Goldust eliminated. Double chokeslam by Kane to Mizdow & Miz. Kane eliminated by Cesaro. Cesaro teases eliminating Show, but Show eliminates him. Ryback eliminated by Big Show. Down to Miz, Mizdow & Show. Miz barks orders at Mizdow. Crowd chants for Mizdow. Miz walks up to Show, but Mizdow doesn't and shakes his head "no" at Miz. Miz talks down to Mizdow, but Mizdow still refuses to help him. Miz throws a fit at Mizdow, Mizdow eliminates Miz! Referees have to hold Miz back, getting him to the back. Down to Mizdow & Show. Show smiles at Mizdow, tells him to bring it. Mizdow obliges, Show throws him over, Mizdow skins the cat. Mizdow with more shots, Show runs him over. Show charges, Mizdow pulls down the top rope. Show is tettering, goes onto the apron. Mizdow tries to get him outside, but Show knocks him back. Show goozles Mizdow, gets back in. Show goes for a chokeslam, but Mizdow with a front gulliotine. Show puts Mizdow on the apron, but Mizdow still has the front facelock. Show then lifts up Mizdow and eliminates him to win the battle royal.
Winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: The Big Show
We go live to Levi's Stadium where Aloe Blacc sings "America the Beautiful."
A video package runs featuring LL Cool J hyping the history of WrestleMania.
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Ladder Match
Bad News Barrett (c) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan
Luke Harper and Daniel Bryan get tossed out early. Ambrose with a suicide dive to Harper. Stardust with a big dive backwards. Harper tosses Ziggler out and Ziggler nearly lands on the top of his head. Harper with a big suicide dive. Ambrose climbs up a tall ladder at ringside and takes everyone out with a flying elbow. R-Truth starts setting up a smaller ladder inside the ring. Barrett cuts him off. Ambrose with a top rope dropkick taking out Barrett who was holding the ladder. Bryan with a dropkick to Stardust in the corner. Bryan eats a shot from the ladder when Harper tosses it at him. Bryan gets Harper down in a tree of woe in the ladder and gets in some big chest kicks. Ziggler with a big superkick on Bryan. Ziggler has his hands on the title when Stardust dropkicks the ladder over. Stardust goes under the ring and pulls out a bedazzled ladder laughing. Barrett gets tossed down with the ladder over him and Ambrose drops a small ladder over it. Ambrose and Harper exchange shots back inside the ring. Truth gets a tall ladder setup in the ring. Stardust climbs up it and Barrett cuts him off. Barrett with a HUGE superplex on Stardust off the tall ladder! Bryan and Ziggler are exchanging shots at the top of the ladder when Ambrose pushes it over to knock them off. Harper with a HUGE powerbomb on Ambrose through a ladder! Harper climbs up the tall ladder and Ziggler jumps on his back applying a sleeper. Ziggler with a Zig Zag on Harper off the ladder! Doctors are attending to Ambrose at ringside after taking that big powerbomb. Ziggler has his hands on the title. Barrett pulls Ziggler down and hits a big Bull Hammer. Bull Hammer to Stardust. Truth is up and Barrett nails him with a Bull Hammer knocking him off the ladder. Bryan is up and nearly gets it. Barrett pushes that ladder over to clear things up in the ring. Bryan with a running knee to Barrett! Bryan is climbing back up the ladder when Ziggler cuts him off. They exchange headbutts at the top of the ladder. More headbutts! Bryan gets the best of Ziggler knocking him off the top of the ladder. Bryan has the title.
Winner and new WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan
A video package runs hyping Orton vs. Rollins tonight.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins w/ J & J Security
Orton with a big dropkick on Rollins early and goes for a quick RKO that Rollins quickly avoids bailing out of the ring. Rollins with kicks to Orton in the corner. Orton fires back with some uppercuts. Rollins with a powerbomb to Orton in the corner and Orton quickly follows it up with a clothesline. Orton with a double DDT on J & J Security from the ring apron. Rollins follows with a big suicide dive taking out Orton. Rollins with a quick snap suplex into a headlock to keep Orton grounded. Rollins drives Orton face first into the turnbuckle. Rollins with a big jumping splash to Orton in the corner as well. Orton with clotheslines. Orton counters a Curb Stomp into a snap powerslam. Orton with a modified t-bone suplex. Rollins counters a DDT through the ropes with a kick to the head. Rollins with a big moonsault catching Orton at ringside. Both brawl to the top turnbuckle. Orton back drops Rollins back inside the ring. Orton with a cross body that Rollins rolls through. Orton with his DDT through the ropes on Rollins. RKO counter by Rollins with a superkick. Orton with a second attempt and connects with an RKO. Rollins kicks out! RKO on Noble and Mercury who both jump in the ring. Rollins is able to pull off a Curb Stomp. Orton kicks out. Orton avoids Rollins' twisting splash from the top rope with Rollins landing on his feet. Rollins sets up Orton for another Curb Stomp and Orton pops up with an RKO out of no where! Orton hooks the leg of Rollins to get the pinfall.
Winner: Randy Orton
UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey is shown at ringside.
A video package runs hyping Sting vs. Triple H.
Sting vs. Triple H
Sting had a Japanese themed entrance with live instruments. Triple H's entrance was all based around the new Terminator film coming out this year.
The bell rings and here we go. Sting strikes first with a quick shoulder block. Triple H with a quick headlock takedown and a shoulder block of his own to drop Sting. Sting with a hip toss and dropkick that drops Triple H back. Triple H comes back with some big rights. Sting eats a knee to the face and stays up trying to lock Triple H in the Scorpion Deathlock. Triple H quickly bails to the outside. Back in the ring, Sting launches Triple H to the corner and Triple H falls out fast. Back in the ring, Triple H connects with a big vertical suplex. Sting is starting to slow down as Triple H plays around with him with a few shots and a headlock. Triple H with a big spinebuster. Sting has Triple H down and locks in the Scorpion Deathlock!
DX's music hits. Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and X-Pac hit the ring. Sting fights them all off. Triple H with a kick, attempts a Pedigree, Sting counters and tosses Triple H over the top rope. Sting goes up to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and takes out DX! Michael Cole quickly reminds us that this match is under No DQ rules. Sting tosses Triple H back inside the ring. Sting with another shot on Billy Gunn. Sting turns around and eats a Pedigree. Sting kicks out! Triple H leaves the ring and grabs a sledgehammer.
The nWo music hits! Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall walk out. Hogan, Hall and Nash go after DX taking them out. Triple H can't believe it. Sting grabs Triple H and drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop! Triple H kicks out. Sting applies the Scorpion Deathlock again. Triple H is reaching out and trying to grab his sledgehammer. Hogan takes it away and throws it down at ringside. X-Pac pushes Hogan over. Nash clotheslines X-Pac. Gunn takes out Nash. Road Dogg and Scott Hall brawl at ringside. Triple H is still in the Scorpion Deathlock. Triple H gets to the bottom rope to break it up.
Shawn Michaels is now in the ring and drops Sting with Sweet Chin Music! Triple H covers Sting and Sting gets a shoulder up after two. The crowd starts a "THIS IS AWESOME" chant. DX hands Triple H the sledgehammer at ringside. Scott Hall hands Sting his bat. Triple H and Sting have a stare down holding their respective weapons. Sting with a bat shot to the gut of Triple H. Sting cracks the bat over the sledgehammer cracking it in half. Sting with big shots to Triple H in the corner. Stinger Splash! Sting backs up and goes for another, but Triple H catches Sting on the head with the top of the sledgehammer. Triple H covers Sting and gets the pinfall. The crowd in attendance seems surprised.
Winner: Triple H
After the match, DX helps up Triple H and the nWo helps up Sting. Triple H walks forward and extends his hand to Sting. Sting shakes his hand.
Backstage, Maria Menounos is with the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan. Pat Patterson walks up congratulating Bryan. Roddy Piper walks up and does the same. Ricky Steamboat is next to congratulate Bryan. Ric Flair walks up and lets out a WOOOOO. Bret Hart is in the house and shakes Bryan's hand. Ron Simmons walks up with a DAMN.
Skylar Grey, Kid Ink and Travis Barker perform the WrestleMania theme live.
Paige & AJ Lee vs. The Bella Twins
We start with Paige and Nikki Bella. Paige tackles Nikki quick. Nikki sends Paige to the corner and tags in Brie Bella. Brie comes off the top rope with a big missile dropkick. Brie pulls back on the neck of Paige. We see a shot of AJ Lee down who was knocked off the ring apron by Nikki earlier in the match. Brie with a big knee to AJ just recovering and then a big knee to Paige. Tag to Nikki as The Bella's hit a double suplex on Paige. Nikki dropkicks AJ off the ring apron as Paige gets a close roll up. Nikki with a spinebuster on Paige. Nikki with her Rack Attack on Paige for a two count. Paige with a superkick to Nikki when Nikki accidentally caught Brie in the corner. Paige flips off the ring apron and takes out both of The Bella's at ringside. The referee starts the count. He gets to 7 when Nikki rolls in. Hot tag to AJ. AJ with elbows to Nikki. AJ follows with a clothesline and tackle. AJ with a kick to the face and then a cross body catching Nikki. Paige is in to drop Nikki. Brie jumps in and goes after Paige. AJ with a DDT countering off the shoulders of Nikki. Black Widow on Nikki that gets broken up. Brie grabs the leg of AJ and Nikki drops AJ. AJ kicks out. Paige kicks Brie away and sends her into the steel ring steps. AJ with the Black Widow on Nikki. Nikki taps.
Winners: Paige & AJ Lee
A video package runs hyping Rusev vs. John Cena.
WWE United States Championship
Rusev (c) w/ Lana vs. John Cena
Rusev's entrance featured Russian soldiers, Lana walking down the ramp with soldiers holding the WWE United States Championship and Rusev arriving in a tank. Cena had an American history themed entrance to counter Rusev.
Cena with a huge clothesline on Rusev early. Rusev responds with a big spinning heel kick. Rusev with a big side hip toss on Cena and splash in the corner. Rusev grabs his Russian flag and Cena kicks him in the face. Cena with his two shoulder blocks and twisting powerbomb setup on Rusev. Five Knuckle Shuffle on Rusev. Rusev misses a big kick, Cena with a drop toe hold and Rusev fights off an STF attempt. Rusev plants Cena with a spinning side slam for a two count. Cena with a leg drop to the back of Rusev's neck off the top turnbuckle. Rusev catches Cena with a big kick to the face. Cena with a tornado DDT on Rusev. Rusev and Cena exchange right hands. Rusev with a big jumping knee to the head of Cena. Cena drops Rusev down and locks in the STF. Lana throws one of her shoes at Cena. Rusev reaches the ropes and Cena is forced to break the hold. Rusev with a fallaway slam on Cena. Rusev goes up to the top turnbuckle and connects with a flying headbutt! Rusev stomps on the lower back of Cena and applies the Accolade. Cena springboards off the second rope and hits Rusev with a Stunner! Rusev with a huge kick to the chest of Cena. Rusev picks up Cena and drops him down face first. Rusev stomps the lower back of Cena again and locks on the Accolade. Cena tries to fight out, Rusev hangs on and pulls back even more with the Accolade. Cena starts standing up and drops Rusev in the corner. Cena with a drop toe hold and gets the STF locked on. Cena breaks it up and Rusev accidentally knocks Lana off the ring apron when she jumped up. Cena with an AA on Rusev for the win.
Winner and new WWE United States Champion: John Cena
After the match, WWE officials help Lana to the back as Rusev storms off. We then see a shot of John Cena celebrating in the ring with the WWE United States Championship.
We see footage earlier tonight of the WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal Four Way with Cesaro and Tyson Kidd retaining. Footage is also shown of the second annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with Big Show getting the win.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring and announce a new attendance record at Levi's Stadium with 76,976 fans in attendance tonight. Stephanie talks about how they should take the credit for the success of WrestleMania. The crowd boo's this. Triple H says they must not have liked that very much huh - just like how they didn't like how he beat Sting tonight and how it feels like he defeated anyone in attendance or watching tonight.
The Rock's music hits to interrupt. Big reaction inside Levi's Stadium. "You see, you don't own them...and you damn sure don't own The Rock." The Rock says he is an east bay boy and talks about being born in the east bay. He tells Triple H he can dress up like Terminator again or they can create a WrestleMania moment right here, right now. Triple H gets in The Rock's face. Triple H says they had a hell of a ride and he remembers "kissing his ass for most of it." Triple H adds he has nothing left to prove to The Rock. The Rock said he may have left his heart in San Francisco, but it appears Triple H left his balls in Stamford. Stephanie says without the McMahon's, The Rock wouldn't exist. The Rock said she jokes about The Johnson's and The McMahon's, but said she wouldn't be in power without Vince's Johnson. Stephanie slaps The Rock and asks what he will do about it. Stephanie said this is her house, her stadium and her people. Stephanie tells him to leave. The Rock exits the ring and starts circling around it. The Rock stands near Ronda Rousey at ringside who hops the guard railing. She fists bumps with The Rock and gets in the ring with him.
Stephanie tells Ronda that this isn't the Octagon, this is the Squared Circle. Ronda is staring down Stephanie when The Rock tries to warn Stephanie. The Rock with some shots on Triple H in the corner. Ronda with a judo throw on Triple H! Ronda grabs Stephanie by the arm and Stephanie starts screaming. Ronda throws Stephanie down and rolls out. The Rock tells Stephanie and Triple H that they just got owned.
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt's entrance featured people dressed up as scarecrows.
The Undertaker with a big boot to Bray Wyatt dropping him immediately. Taker with shots to Wyatt in the corner. Taker with shoulder shots to Wyatt. Taker with Old School on Wyatt. A loud "YOU STILL GOT IT" chant starts up. Wyatt responds with a big clothesline that drops Taker. Taker drapes Wyatt over the ring apron and drops a leg over his throat. Wyatt falls to the outside. Back in the ring, Wyatt counters Taker and starts working in shots in the corner. Wyatt with a big uppercut and more rights. Wyatt with knees to Taker. Wyatt with a quick splash in the corner and keeps Taker grounded with a head lock. Wyatt breaks the lock and throws big elbows to the back of Taker's head. Wyatt pulls Taker out to the steel ring post and splashes against Taker's head. Wyatt with a big kick to the face. Taker reaches up and locks Wyatt in Hell's Gate. Wyatt with rights to break it up. Taker pulls himself back up and Wyatt quickly plants him. Wyatt with a big body splash over Taker. Wyatt grabs Taker looking to hit Sister Abaigail. Taker counters with a chokeslam. Taker signals for the Tombstone. Taker has Wyatt up and connects with the Tombstone Piledriver! Taker covers Wyatt and Wyatt kicks out! Taker is back up signaling for another Tombstone. Wyatt counters and connects with Sister Abaigail. Taker kicks out! Both men are down and the referee starts the count. Wyatt crawls backwards. Taker sits up and stares him down. Wyatt and Taker exchange rights. Taker counters another Sister Abaigail attempt. Taker with another Tombstone Piledriver. Taker crosses the arms of Wyatt and gets the pinfall.
Winner: The Undertaker
After the match, The Undertaker takes a knee as pyro goes off.
Chris Jericho brings his podcast to the WWE Network live on 4/6 following RAW with special guest John Cena.
A promo for Extreme Rules on 4/26 airs.
A video package runs hyping Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns tonight.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Roman Reigns
WWE setup huge fireworks for both entrances.
Paul Heyman grabs the microphone and does the introduction for Brock Lesnar.
The bell rings and Roman Reigns goes after Brock Lesnar right away. Lesnar grabs Reigns in a bear hug and then quickly tosses Reigns with a release german suplex. Reigns with an F5 immediately to Reigns! Lesnar is busted open under his left eye. Lesnar with big knees and a release northern lights suplex. Reigns fights back with rights, attempts a clothesline, Lesnar stays up, another, Lesnar remains up, Lesnar ducks and connects with another huge release german suplex! We see a shot of Reigns smiling in the corner. Lesnar with another release german suplex on Reigns yelling, "Suplex City bitch!" Reigns with elbows. Lesnar cuts it off with a knee to the gut and another german suplex. Lesnar with more big knees to the gut of Reigns. Lesnar with another release german on Reigns. Lesnar drops Reigns over the top rope and then connects with more high knees. Lesnar knocks Reigns off the ring apron and Reigns hits the ring barricade with force. Reigns with knees including one that nails Lesnar clean in the face. Lesnar fires back with a huge clothesline that drops Reigns out of the ring to the outside. Lesnar is now busted open on his lip. Lesnar with a big snap suplex on Reigns that sends Reigns flying out of the ring. Lesnar with an overhead release belly-to-belly suplex on Reigns over the top rope from the ring apron. Lesnar with another F5. Lesnar hooks the leg and Reigns kicks out! Lesnar removes his gloves and slaps Reigns across the face. Reigns is laughing. Lesnar with another release german. Lesnar picks up Reigns and does this again. Lesnar connects with a third F5. Lesnar hooks the leg and Reigns once again kicks out. Lesnar can't believe it. On the outside, Reigns sends Lesnar face first into the steel ring post. Lesnar is busted open. The referee starts the count as Reigns rolls in. Lensar barely rolls in at 9. Superman Punch on Lesnar. Reigns with a second Superman Punch! Reigns misses a third punch attempt. Reigns with headbutts to Lesnar. Reigns lands with a third Superman Punch. Reigns connects with a spear. Lesnar is already getting back up on his feet. Lesnar eats another spear from Reigns. Reigns hooks the leg and Lesnar kicks out! Lesnar counters Reigns and connects with an F5.
Seth Rollins runs out. He is cashing in his briefcase. Lilian Garcia announces that this will now be a triple threat match. Rollins kicks Reigns out of the ring. Rollins with a Curb Stomp on Lesnar. Rollins attempts a second Curb Stomp. Lesnar has Rollins up. Reigns with a spear on Lesnar. Rollins with a Curb Stomp on Reigns. Rollins gets the cover!
Winner and new WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Seth Rollins
After the match, Seth Rollins runs up the ramp and holds up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as a huge display of fireworks goes off.
Breaking News: Bray Wyatt Reportedly Injured Warming Up For WrestleMania
- According to a report by PWInsider, WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt suffered an ankle injury at Levi’s Stadium when he was preparing for his match with The Undertaker for WrestleMania 31. Wyatt was reportedly working out in the ring at the stadium when it appeared that he hurt and possibly sprained his ankle.
Wyatt was later taken in a cart to the backstage area of the stadium
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Wyatt was later taken in a cart to the backstage area of the stadium
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Tomasso Ciampa Leaving ROH
PWInsider reports that Tomasso Ciampa revealed that he’s leaving Ring of Honor. Ciampa said that both sides mutually agreed to split after they failed to come to terms on a new deal. Ciampa’s contract expired in February.
Opinionated View- Wow huge loss for ROH. Ciampa is easily one of there better young talents and he has tons of untapped potential. Of course if it comes down to money than shame on them when there are guys like, Strong, Whitmer, War Machine, The Briscoes, and Moose you could have cut to save money. Sadly though it's clear ROH is looking for cheap talent instead of good talent. That's why suddenly we are seeing guys like Dalton Castle or Moose green guys that aren't going to cost as much to book.
The good news for Ciampa is hopefully WWE, TNA, Lucha Underground, WWN Live, or a company in Japan or Mexico could use a great talent like him.
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Opinionated View- Wow huge loss for ROH. Ciampa is easily one of there better young talents and he has tons of untapped potential. Of course if it comes down to money than shame on them when there are guys like, Strong, Whitmer, War Machine, The Briscoes, and Moose you could have cut to save money. Sadly though it's clear ROH is looking for cheap talent instead of good talent. That's why suddenly we are seeing guys like Dalton Castle or Moose green guys that aren't going to cost as much to book.
The good news for Ciampa is hopefully WWE, TNA, Lucha Underground, WWN Live, or a company in Japan or Mexico could use a great talent like him.
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Pics of Nearly-Completed WrestleMania Set
Here are two new pics from this morning of the nearly-finished WrestleMania 31 set at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California:
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Update on the Rumored Winner for Reigns vs. Lesnar
PWInsider reports that there is a strong feeling within WWE that Lesnar will retain the title at WrestleMania tonight. The belief is that with Lesnar’s re-signing putting the sports world’s attention on WWE, discussion has been had of changing plans for the match and having Lesnar win.
The concern is that Reigns winning will cause a bigger issue with the fans and that Reigns can have a great match with Lesnar, which would earn him respect with the fans more than winning the belt would.
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The concern is that Reigns winning will cause a bigger issue with the fans and that Reigns can have a great match with Lesnar, which would earn him respect with the fans more than winning the belt would.
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Card For Tonight's WrestleMania 31
The following card is scheduled for WWE WrestleMania 31 tonight live from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California airing on the WWE Network.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Sting vs. Triple H
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
WWE United States Championship
Rusev (c) vs. John Cena
Rusev (c) vs. John Cena
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Ladder Match
Bad News Barrett (c) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan
Bad News Barrett (c) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan
AJ Lee & Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Kickoff Show Matches:
WWE Tag Team Championships - Fatal Four Way Match
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (c's) vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (c's) vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos
Second Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Names confirmed for the match:
Names confirmed for the match:
* The Miz
* Curtis Axel
* Ryback
* Fandango
* Adam Rose
* Zack Ryder
* Jack Swagger
* Titus O’Neil
* Darren Young
* Big Show
* Kane
* Erick Rowan
* Damien Mizdow
* Sin Cara
* Goldust
* Heath Slater
* Mark Henry
* Konnor
* Viktor
* Hideo Itami
* Curtis Axel
* Ryback
* Fandango
* Adam Rose
* Zack Ryder
* Jack Swagger
* Titus O’Neil
* Darren Young
* Big Show
* Kane
* Erick Rowan
* Damien Mizdow
* Sin Cara
* Goldust
* Heath Slater
* Mark Henry
* Konnor
* Viktor
* Hideo Itami
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Changes Could Be Coming To WWE Divas Division After WrestleMania
WrestleZone reports that WWE is planning a major change in how they handle the Divas division moving forward. The change has apparently been motivated by the #GiveDivasAChance movement which has caused some members of the WWE staff to re-evaluate how the Divas are being used on TV and in the ring.
WWE feels that Total Divas on the E! Network has been a big success and has attracted many viewers who do not otherwise watch WWE programming. That being said, some feel that WWE is not retaining these new viewers for their other programming because when these new fans turn to RAW or Smackdown and see the Divas having short matches that aren’t treated with a lot of importance, they tune out. As a result, changes may happen as soon as the next few weeks to try and appeal more to these viewers.
Opinionated View- You know I like good women's wrestling the problem is WWE doesn't do good women's wrestling. They have a few very talented woman but prefer to push models turned wrestlers. The idiots watching total divas are watching because it's a realty show they aren't going to start watching wrestling even if you do more with the divas. Giving more time to girls like The Bellas or Namoi is going to suck because they suck. You want to see good womens' wrestling watch, TNA, SHIMER, SHINE, or any indy company.
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WWE feels that Total Divas on the E! Network has been a big success and has attracted many viewers who do not otherwise watch WWE programming. That being said, some feel that WWE is not retaining these new viewers for their other programming because when these new fans turn to RAW or Smackdown and see the Divas having short matches that aren’t treated with a lot of importance, they tune out. As a result, changes may happen as soon as the next few weeks to try and appeal more to these viewers.
Opinionated View- You know I like good women's wrestling the problem is WWE doesn't do good women's wrestling. They have a few very talented woman but prefer to push models turned wrestlers. The idiots watching total divas are watching because it's a realty show they aren't going to start watching wrestling even if you do more with the divas. Giving more time to girls like The Bellas or Namoi is going to suck because they suck. You want to see good womens' wrestling watch, TNA, SHIMER, SHINE, or any indy company.
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WWN Supershow Results
Rich Swann comes out to start the show serenading the fans to that All Night
Long song from the 80s. The crowd sings along and chants "we are awesome" when
the song ends, then Swann informs the crowd that he's not cleared to wrestle
tonight. Swann says the match last night was ended because he was injured, but
at the April shows, if the Premier Athlete Brand is as good as they say, they
should put their Open The United Gate Title on the line against RONIN BABY! So
Cal Val comes out with the Premier Athlete Brand and says it must be so nice to
be him with the big entrance, but then he quits the match last night when he
gets a boo boo, and now he wants a title shot. Val tells Cage and Konley to give
him a title shot, so Cage jumps Swann and holds him so Konley can whack him in
the ribs with one of the title belts. Johnny Gargano and Ethan Page run in to
chase them off, and Page calls out Caleb Konley to start their match right now,
so I guess we're already into our first match...
Ethan Page vs Caleb Konley
Konley uses a distraction from Brian Cage to get an early advantage, but Page
quickly pops him over with a suplex and clotheslines Konley out to the floor.
Page goes for a dive, but Konley pulls Andrea in front to stop him in his
tracks, so Page goes to the floor instead and kicks Konley into the barricade.
Page continues beating Konley up all around ringside, but he tries to powerbomb
Konley on the apron and Konley counters to a vertical drop to turn the tide.
They head inside and Konley continues to maintain control, locking Page down
with a chinlock, but Page escapes a slam attempt and plants Konley in the mat
with a DDT. Page mounts a fiery babyface comeback: clothesline, elbow, backdrop,
and then he turns Konley inside out with a tilt-a-whirl slam and a high angle
powerbomb that makes my neck hurt. He only gets 2 off of that, so he lawn darts
Konley into the corner, comes through the ropes with an Ace Crusher, but still
only gets 2. Page with right hands in the corner on Konley, but Konley reverses
an Irish whip and walks off the ropes to deliver a tornado DDT. Konley with a
diving clothesline and a Lionsault for 2. Konley goes for the O Face, but Page
is fighting it and manages to slip free with the help of some boots to the face.
Page with a bicycle kick to the face of Konley, Konley catches him with a
jawbreaker, Page with a big kick to the skull, Konley with a leaping enziguiri,
and Konley hits a cradle shock for 2. So Cal Val is livid at ringside telling
Konley to go for the kill, but Konley is slow to pick Page up and Page is able
to start firing off right hands. Page backdrops Konley onto Cage, and Cage
catches Konley, but then Page takes the both of them out with a dive. They go
back inside where Page hits the Claudio facebuster, but so Cal Val is up on the
apron distracting the referee so Cage can come in. Cage goes for a roaring
clothesline, but Page ducks and Cage hits Konley. Page knocks Cage back out to
the floor, rolls Konley up with a handful of tights, and gets the win.
Winner: Ethan Page
Good match and a solid weekend for Page, who looked great in the two matches
I saw him in. Val isn't happy with Cage for screwing up and tells him this
wasn't part of the plan, prompting Andrea to low blow him so Konley can knock
him out with the belt. The PAB leaves without Cage, who gets a good ovation on
his way out.
Cherry Bomb, Kimber Lee & Mia Yim vs Nikki Storm & The Canadian
Ninjas
Plenty of women's gold represented here: Mia is the SHINE Champion, Kimber
and Cherry are the SHINE Tag Team Champions, and Nicole Matthews is the SHIMMER
Champion. Nikki Storm cuts a promo I couldn't quite make out before the match,
but obviously Andrea doesn't like it because she runs in, destroys Nikki Storm,
and kicks her out to the floor. So Cal Val gets a microphone and says never to
let a girl do a woman's job, and tells the Canadian Ninjas that Andrea is their
new partner, you're WELCOME! All heck breaks loose right away as all six girls
go at it right from the bell, and the SHINE team stacking the SHIMMER team (I'll
just call them that to save me some typing) up in the corner and hits a series
of charges, knocking them out to the floor. Mia takes the Ninjas out with a
dive, then kicks the crap out of Andrea and rams her into the post. things
finally settle down as Nicole and Cherry do some mat wrestling while everyone
goes back to their corners, and Cherry gets the advantage and traps the SHIMMER
Champion in their half of the ring. Nicole goes to the eyes and tags Portia in
to go at it with Kimber. Portia gets the advantage briefly, but Kimber starts
pummeling her with forearms. Val gets on the apron to distract the referee while
Nicole comes in and cheap shots Kimber, then holds her so Andrea can come in and
nail Kimber with a sick kick. Nicole with a hard DDT to Kimber for 2, then
Portia comes in and gets a neck vice on Kimber. Andrea comes in and Kimber
hammers her with some forearms, but Andrea just yanks her to the mat, picks up
her legs, and stomps on her hooha. That's not nice. Portia is back in and both
girls wipe one another out with a double clothesline. Kimber makes the hot tag
to Mia as Portia tags Nicole, and the two singles champions are finally in the
ring one-on-one. Mia destroys Nicole and hits a rolling front kick in the corner
to get a 2 count. Mia then takes out both Ninjas with a double running dropkick,
and then she starts beating Andrea up, too. Kimber and Cherry are in and double
teaming Andrea, then they double whip her into a missile dropkick from Yim.
Kimber German suplexes Andrea, then the Ninjas are in and dump Cherry and
Kimber, and Mia is left to fight both Ninjas. Ninjas with a double suplex to
Mia, but Mia fights Portia off. Kimber and Cherry drag Nicole out to the floor
and Mia rolls Portia up with a schoolgirl for the win.
Winner: Mia Yim, Kimber Lee & Cherry Bomb
So Cal Val gets in the ring and starts chewing the Ninjas out for blowing the
match, and Andrea is ready to do something about it, but Nikki Storm runs back
out and missile dropkicks Andrea out of the ring. Nikki says she isn't afraid of
Andrea, and challenges her to a match next Friday night at SHINE.
Drew Galloway comes out and says the titles are getting unified, and he wants to defend both titles the same way he's defended the EVOLVE Title, and he wants to do this right now. So I guess we're getting the main event already!
Unification Match: EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway vs Open The Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano Drew is like a foot taller than Johnny, but Gargano is using his speed to stick and move.Galloway hits the ropes and bowls Gargano over with a shoulderblock, then unloads with right hands in the corner. Gargano gets free, snapmares Galloway, and kicks him in the head. The stream drops out ofr a few second, and it comes back to Galloway giving Gargano a tilt-a-whirl slam onto the ring apron. That was nasty. Galloway picks Gargano up and tries to press slam him into the crowd, but Gargano slips free and clotheslines Galloway over the barricade. Gargano gets a running start and takes Galloway out with a dive over the barricade, and then they start brawling through the crowd. Gargano is standing there trading chops with Galloway, so Galloway picks him up and just flings him into the wall. Galloway looks for a piledriver on the floor, but Gargano blocks and hits atornado DDT off some lighting equipment, and both guys are down. No countouts because there must be a winner here, and indeed Gargano drags Galloway back toward the ring, dumps him over the rail, and rolls him inside. Gargano hits a slingshot spear through the ropes for 2, then unloads with left hands and chops in the corner. Gargano tries to boot Galloway, but Galloway catches the legs, turns around, and hits an inverted wheelbarrow bomb. Now Galloway is in control, and he starts hammering Gargano with chops, but he tries to go to the top and Gargano takes his legs out and crotches him. Gargano impresses the heck out of my by hauling Galloway all the way across the ring to hit the lawn dart for 2, and he tries the slingshot spear again, Galloway catches him and goes for the butterfly DDT, but Gargano plants his feet and backdrops Galloway to the floor. Gargano goes for a running dive, but Galloway drills him with a right hand as he comes out of the ring, then blasts him in the face with a pair of big boots. Galloway goes for a third, but Gargano catches him coming in with a superkick, then he goes back in the ring and tries the dive again, but Galloway moves and Gargano takes the referee out instead. Galloway rolls inside and Gargano tries the slingshot DDT, but Galloway catches him and hits an exploder into the corner. He makes a cover, but there's no referee. Gargano hits a leaping enziguiri and goes for Hertz Donut, but Page gets up on the apron and tries to hand Gargano a rope to choke Galloway out with. Gargano takes it, but throws it back out at Page and goe back to Galloway. Galloway had enough time to recover and kick Gargano's legs out and hit the butterfly DDT, and a second ref runs out to make the count but still only gets 2. Galloway charges in with the sick kick and this time Gargano moves and Galloway takes the second ref out. Gargano takes Galloway down and puts him in the Gargano Escape just as the first referee recovers, and Galloway rolls Gargano through into a cradle for 2. Gargano hits Galloway with another superkick, Galloway hoists Gargano up for a Tombstone, but Gargano drops out and rolls Galloway into the Gargano Escape again. Galloway again powers his way to his feet, pulls Gargano back up, and hits the Tombstone, but Gargano is out at 2. The crowd is going nuts as both men struggle to get back to their feet, Galloway is up first and carries Gargano to the top in a fireman's carry, turns Gargano over for a top rope tombstone, but Gargano counters in midair to a DDT. Somehow, Galloway kicks out at 2, and Page is outside the ring yelling at Gargano to finish Galloway. Gargano nails a superkick, but Galloway yells at him to give him more. Gargano with another superkick, but Galloway is still coming and makes it back to his feet. Gargano with two more superkicks and Galloway finally goes down, but he sturggles back up and gives Gargano a double bird. He avoids another superkick, hits a butterfly DDT, rolls through and hits another and makes a cover, and Gargano is still kicking out at 2. Gargano is firing forearms at Galloway that have nothing behind them, and Galloway pulls him up and hits another Tombstone to finally put Gargano away and unify the titles. Winner and New Unified Champion: Drew Galloway The unification of these titles was a big deal, and this is exactly the kind of match you would expect for the occasion. Both guys fought their hearts out and Galloway had to practically kill Gargano to beat him. Galloway gets a mic and says he's wearing the same gear he wore at Wrestlemania 26, but to him, this is his Wrestlemania moment. He wants to senda message to his people back there that there is life after WWE, and tonight, Drew Galloway has risen to the top. He thanks everyone for giving Drew Galloway a shot to show what he can do in this business, and he also puts over Gargano for carrying this place for six years and calls EVOLVE the house that Gargano built. He says Gargano gave him the best match of his life, and they said a lot of heated things coming into this, but this is both of their ring and he deserves this moment as much as he does and he wants Gargano to shake his hand. Gargano shakes Galloway's hand and Page is on one knee applauding, then Galloway hands the mic to Gargano and leaves with the belts so Gargano can have his say (plus Drew has a plane to catch). The crowd gives him a big reaction, but Page suddenly blindsides Gargano, drilling him with a right hand and putting the boots to him. Now Page has the mic and says that he doesn't know if Johnny has been paying attention, but he's been saying all weekend that he's been watching and has learned from Gargano and Ronin, and it's all about taking the top spot, and he promises Johnny that this is just the beginning because he isn't done with the Whole Shebang because he is ending his career in WWN. The crowd thanks Johnny as he staggers to the back. Biff Busick vs Drew Gulak vs TJ Perkins vs Tommy End Okay, this one is going to be tough to recap because everyone is just going nuts throwing one big shot after another at each other. Gulak dumps End to the apron and Busick slingshots him backward into the barricade, then Gulak picks Perkins up in a torture rack and just launches him at Busick, who drills him with a shot as he comes in. Now Gulak and Busick are double teaming Perkins while End recovers on the outside, and they pop Perkins up with a double delayed vertical suplex. End comes in and starts hammering both Busick and Gulak with hard kicks, but Busick lays him out with one big shot. End gets dumped out to the apron and tries a slingshot back in, but End catches him feet on the top rope coming in and Busick charges in on him with a shot before turning around and quickly laying Perkins out with a running Blockbuster. Busick with a half nelson suplex on End, but Gulak breaks the cover at 2 and gets into a staredown with Busick. Perkins comes in and takes them both out with a double dropkick, then End drills Gulak with a running kneestrike and then takes Busick and Perkins out with a moonsault and coming back in to come off the top rope onto Gulak for 2. Perkins gets End in a royal octopus, then turns it into an indian deathlock on End. Gulak kicks Perkins down, injuring End's legs in the process, but Perkins pops up and catches Gulak in a northern lights suplex for 2 while holding onto the indian deathlock. Perkins with a series of suplexes on Gulak and the double chickenwing onto the knees, tries a slide under End and gets double stomped, Busick comes in and lariats End, and Gulak missile dropkicks Busick, and all four men are down. Everyone is back up and going at it, and Perkins gets Gulak in a cross armbreaker for the tapout win. Winner: TJ Perkins
PJ Black vs AR Fox
They go at is fast right from the start, and a sequence of events that happens too fast for me to type ends with Black moonsaulting off the apron to avoid a shot from Fox, but getting taken out with a dive anyway. Fox tries to springboard off the guardrail, but Black superkicks him in the face, rolls him inside, and springboards in, but now Fox sees him coming and dropkicks him out of the air and covers for 2. Black is slumped over the middle rope, so Fox hits a flying ass slide, then tries to springboard back in and again Black counters, this time to a double knee for 2. I think they ought to stop trying springboard moves. Black is wearing Karate Kid skeleton tights, and that's appropriate as he and Fox stand in the middle of the ring trading forearms, chops and kicks. Fox comes out on top of that, nails Black with a leaping enziguiri, and tries a rolling type move that Black counters to a sitout powerbomb for 2. Black tries a springboard clothesline, but Fox catches him coming down and counters to a Koji clutch. NO MORE SPRINGBOARD MOVES! Fox headscissors Black out to the floor, then Black gets up to the apron and they fight over a suplex until Black just drops Fox on the top rope and then charges in with a lepaing kick. Black smartly avoids another springboard attempt, going to the top rope instead, but Fox dodges the 450 attempt and hits a shotgun dropkick that sends Black stumbling backward into the corner. Fox charges in with a cannonball, but Black moves and Fox hits hard. Black with a Lionsault for 2, hits an air raid crash over the knee for 2, then the lights go out as Black springs to the top for a moonsault. Fox knocks Black's legs out and leaps up to hit a lungblower, then pops back to the top and connects with a Swanton for 2. Fox hits Lo Mein Pain and then springs back to the top for a 450, but Black gets the knees up and small packages Fox for 2. Black goes to the top and Fox follows him up, Black blocks another Lo Mein Pain, and he hits a death valley driver onto the ring apron. Black picks Fox's shattered form up off the floor, rolls him inside, and hits the springboard 450 for the win. Winner: PJ Black There was a lot going on in this one, and I liked how the big spot (the death valley driver onto the apron) led directly to the finish and Fox wasn't up and hitting more spots ten seconds later. They shake hands after the match in a nice show of sportsmanship. The WWNLive Ambassador (whose name I didn't catch) comes out and thanks the fans for making this show possible, then plugs the SHINE event this Friday, which will feature two champion vs champion matches and the next EVOLVE event. Chris Hero vs Timothy Thatcher Thatcher is OVER with this crowd, and Hero plays into the cheers as he tries to mock his opponent before making contact. Hero offers the hand, and Thatcher warily shakes it before they start circling. The crowd chants "Thatcher's gonna kill you" as they tie up, and Thatcher tries to take Hero down, Hero sprawls and tries a takedown, but Thatcher steps through and comes out on top. Thatcher rolls Hero into a crucific, but Hero is out at 1 and back to his feet, taking Thatcher down with a single leg and going behind. Thatcher slips out and goes for an Olympic roll, Hero goes to his belly, and Thatcher again gains Hero's back. Hero backs Thatcher to the ropes and breaks clean, then gets Thatcher in a three quarter nelson that Thatcher escapes pretty easily and we go back to neutral. Thatcher blocks a rolling elbow from Hero, and they go back to circling, Thatcher tries shooting at the leg, Hero sprawls again and circles behind and rolls Thatcher forward into an O'Connor roll for 2. Thatcher catches Hero in a modified surfboard on the escape, but Hero is too close to the ropes and forces a break. Thatcher comes in and circles behind Hero, taking him down to the mat and going to the arm before hooking Hero's heel. Hero is again too close to the ropes and forces another break, and he fires off a couple of forearms at Thatcher, but Thatcher hammers back with a few forearms of his own and takes Hero back to the mat into a pin attempt for 2. Hero gets behind Thatcher and uses a waistlock to gutwrench Thatcher to his back for 2, Thatcher escapes and sits out to get behind Hero, and Hero reverses back and tries to crank Thatcher's arm back to try and turn him again. Thatcher won't go, so he tries to circle around across Thatcher's back and Thatcher uses a gramby to put Hero to his back. Hero counters out to a headscissors, Thatcher bridges up out of the move and gets Hero in a bow & arrow. Hero escapes and goes to the floor to catch a break for a few seconds before coming back in tie up again. He takes Thatcher to the corner, slaps Thatcher on the break, and comes in with shoulderblocks to the ribs and goes for a rolling elbow, but Thatcher hammers Hero with some European uppercuts. Thatcher whips Hero across the ring, but Hero comes out of the corner with a roaring Yakuza kick and covers Thatcher for 2. Hero finally has the advantage, and presses it with a diving boot for 2. Hero rides Thatcher and cranks on a NASTY looking wristlock that would dislocate every bone in his arm if this was a shoot. Thatcher takes Hero down out of nowhere with a double leg takedown and goes for a Kimura lock, but Hero makes it to the ropes and slides out to the floor again, then rolls inside when Thatcher comes out after him, and slides through the ropes with a dropkick that takes Thatcher out. Hero rocks Thatcher with a roaring elbow, and Thatcher grabs Hero's arm when he goes for another shot, and HERO literally runs back into the ring to get away. Hero blasts Thatcher with a diving boot as they come back inside, and Hero continues to unload as Thatcher tries to defend himself. Thatcher goes for another double leg, but Hero holds his ground, hooks around his waist and drops Thatcher with a Jerry Lynn cradle piledriver for 2. Hero goes for another one, but Thatcher goes behind and German suplexes Hero. Hero is right back up, hits a Yakuza kick, Thatcher with another German suplex and then headbutts Hero as he comes in with another roaring elbow, and both men are down. Hero repeatedly boots Thatcher in the face, but each shot gets Thatcher more fired up and he keeps coming until finally blocking a kick and pummeling Hero with shots. Thatcher hits the ropes and Hero follows him in with a big boot, more roaring elbows, and he takes the pad off for a fourth. Thatcher slumps to the mat, and Hero rolls his dead weight over and covers for 2, and Thatcher rolls into a Fujiwara armbar on the kickout and forces Hero to tap out! Winner: Timothy Thatcher What a terrific match! Awesome match, great finish, and I feel safe saying that Timothy Thatcher is THE breakout star of the weekend to me between what I'm seeing at EVOLVE and King of Indies. Hero gets in Thatcher's face after the match, they slap each other in the face, and they shake hands. It's main event time! Austin Aries & Roderick Strong vs Uhaa Nation & Ricochet Aries & Strong come out to the old Generation Next music and wearing Gen Next shirts from ten years ago in a nice nod to history. Roddy also has the FIP Title belt on, is this 2005 and just nobody told me? Roderick and Uhaa start us off and Strong outwrestles Uhaa, but Uhaa doesn't appreciate it and shoves him off to the ropes. Back and forth ends with Uhaa drilling Strong with a dropkick, then Aries and Ricochet tag in and go at it. Aries knocks Ricochet down with a shoulderblock, Ricochet springs back to his feet, Ricochet takes Aries down with a headscissors, and Aries springs out nad hits the dropkick. Ricochet connects with a dropkick of his own, and he seems to have rattled Aries with that one, but Aries quickly recovers and hits the kneebreaker suplex. Ricochet rolls to the floor, and Aries gives him no time to recover as he comes off the top rope with a Macho Man double axhandle. Roddy tags in, but so does Uhaa, and Uhaa quickly starts pounding on Roddy with forearms and elevates him with a delayed vertical suplex. Roddy is in peril as he winds up on the receiving end of some prolonged double teaming from Team Best Friends. Roddy suddenly nails Ricochet with a leaping enziguiri, tags Aries in, and Aries hits a slingshot senton, knocks Uhaa off the apron, and comes off the top with a missile dropkick to Ricochet for 2. Aries Olympic rolls Ricochet toward the Gen Next corner, Roddy puts the boot up, and Aries rams Ricochet into it before tagging Strong in to dish out some more punishment. Now Ricochet is caught in the wrong part of town, and Gen Next hit their trademark catapult/slingshot elbow combo for 2. Aries rolls Ricochet up for 2 and then gets the Last Chancery and Roddy comes in with a running boot to the face for 2. Strong with a BIG ASS backbreaker that bends Ricochet in half, but Ricochet makes it to the corner and tags in Uhaa, who cleans house on Gen Next and gets a spinebuster on Strong for 2. Uhaa pops Strong into the air and hits a powerslam for 2, Aries comes in and goes for a roaring elbow, but Aries blocks him with a quick missile dropkick. More double teaming from Ricochet and Uhaa, as Uhaa press slams Strong into an Ace Crusher from Ricochet. Aries breaks that cover, but Uhaa pitches him out to the floor and goes back to trading blows with Uhaa. Strong hits a cradle backbreaker, Aries comes in with an IED to Ricochet, then they hit the chop/brainbuster combo on Ricochet, a series of charging shots in the corner on Uhaa, and Strong hits a sick kick on Uhaa for 2. Aries goes to the top, but gets knocked to the floor as Uhaa suplexes Strong across the ring. Ricochet goes to the top, Strong nails him with a leaping enziguiri, and goes up to hit a big superplex, then rolls Ricochet back up for another suplex, but Ricochet counters to a Frankensteiner with a cradle for a REALLY close 2. Strong escapes a curtain call and counters another Frankensteiner attempt, holds the legs so Aries can hit Ricochet with a 450 splash and take out Uhaa with a dive to the floor, and Strong gets Ricochet in the Stronghold right in the middle of the ring. Ricochet tries to counter to a rollup, hits to Go To Sleep kick, and goes to the top. Aries holds Ricochet long enough for Strong to roll away from a shooting star press, hit a leaping kneestrike, and the vertical suplex backbreaker for the win. Winners: Generation Next Excellent main event to cap off a super weekend for the WWNLive crew. It was great to see Aries and Strong back together, and I hope this turns into a regular reunion for them. They seem to go in that direction when Strong thanks Uhaa and says it was an honor to work with him, then tells Aries how excited he was to wrestle with him again after all the years they spent going up and down the road. But then Strong says that things change, and he knocks Aries out with a leaping kneestrike and then lays Uhaa out as well. Strong gets the mic and says he destroyed Drew Galloway last time they faced, and he wants his title. Timothy Thatcher comes out and Strong leaves through the crowd, but Thatcher says the road to the World Title is through him. He says he may not be great at speeches, but they all thank the fans for coming out and making this weekend possible.
Drew Galloway comes out and says the titles are getting unified, and he wants to defend both titles the same way he's defended the EVOLVE Title, and he wants to do this right now. So I guess we're getting the main event already!
Unification Match: EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway vs Open The Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano Drew is like a foot taller than Johnny, but Gargano is using his speed to stick and move.Galloway hits the ropes and bowls Gargano over with a shoulderblock, then unloads with right hands in the corner. Gargano gets free, snapmares Galloway, and kicks him in the head. The stream drops out ofr a few second, and it comes back to Galloway giving Gargano a tilt-a-whirl slam onto the ring apron. That was nasty. Galloway picks Gargano up and tries to press slam him into the crowd, but Gargano slips free and clotheslines Galloway over the barricade. Gargano gets a running start and takes Galloway out with a dive over the barricade, and then they start brawling through the crowd. Gargano is standing there trading chops with Galloway, so Galloway picks him up and just flings him into the wall. Galloway looks for a piledriver on the floor, but Gargano blocks and hits atornado DDT off some lighting equipment, and both guys are down. No countouts because there must be a winner here, and indeed Gargano drags Galloway back toward the ring, dumps him over the rail, and rolls him inside. Gargano hits a slingshot spear through the ropes for 2, then unloads with left hands and chops in the corner. Gargano tries to boot Galloway, but Galloway catches the legs, turns around, and hits an inverted wheelbarrow bomb. Now Galloway is in control, and he starts hammering Gargano with chops, but he tries to go to the top and Gargano takes his legs out and crotches him. Gargano impresses the heck out of my by hauling Galloway all the way across the ring to hit the lawn dart for 2, and he tries the slingshot spear again, Galloway catches him and goes for the butterfly DDT, but Gargano plants his feet and backdrops Galloway to the floor. Gargano goes for a running dive, but Galloway drills him with a right hand as he comes out of the ring, then blasts him in the face with a pair of big boots. Galloway goes for a third, but Gargano catches him coming in with a superkick, then he goes back in the ring and tries the dive again, but Galloway moves and Gargano takes the referee out instead. Galloway rolls inside and Gargano tries the slingshot DDT, but Galloway catches him and hits an exploder into the corner. He makes a cover, but there's no referee. Gargano hits a leaping enziguiri and goes for Hertz Donut, but Page gets up on the apron and tries to hand Gargano a rope to choke Galloway out with. Gargano takes it, but throws it back out at Page and goe back to Galloway. Galloway had enough time to recover and kick Gargano's legs out and hit the butterfly DDT, and a second ref runs out to make the count but still only gets 2. Galloway charges in with the sick kick and this time Gargano moves and Galloway takes the second ref out. Gargano takes Galloway down and puts him in the Gargano Escape just as the first referee recovers, and Galloway rolls Gargano through into a cradle for 2. Gargano hits Galloway with another superkick, Galloway hoists Gargano up for a Tombstone, but Gargano drops out and rolls Galloway into the Gargano Escape again. Galloway again powers his way to his feet, pulls Gargano back up, and hits the Tombstone, but Gargano is out at 2. The crowd is going nuts as both men struggle to get back to their feet, Galloway is up first and carries Gargano to the top in a fireman's carry, turns Gargano over for a top rope tombstone, but Gargano counters in midair to a DDT. Somehow, Galloway kicks out at 2, and Page is outside the ring yelling at Gargano to finish Galloway. Gargano nails a superkick, but Galloway yells at him to give him more. Gargano with another superkick, but Galloway is still coming and makes it back to his feet. Gargano with two more superkicks and Galloway finally goes down, but he sturggles back up and gives Gargano a double bird. He avoids another superkick, hits a butterfly DDT, rolls through and hits another and makes a cover, and Gargano is still kicking out at 2. Gargano is firing forearms at Galloway that have nothing behind them, and Galloway pulls him up and hits another Tombstone to finally put Gargano away and unify the titles. Winner and New Unified Champion: Drew Galloway The unification of these titles was a big deal, and this is exactly the kind of match you would expect for the occasion. Both guys fought their hearts out and Galloway had to practically kill Gargano to beat him. Galloway gets a mic and says he's wearing the same gear he wore at Wrestlemania 26, but to him, this is his Wrestlemania moment. He wants to senda message to his people back there that there is life after WWE, and tonight, Drew Galloway has risen to the top. He thanks everyone for giving Drew Galloway a shot to show what he can do in this business, and he also puts over Gargano for carrying this place for six years and calls EVOLVE the house that Gargano built. He says Gargano gave him the best match of his life, and they said a lot of heated things coming into this, but this is both of their ring and he deserves this moment as much as he does and he wants Gargano to shake his hand. Gargano shakes Galloway's hand and Page is on one knee applauding, then Galloway hands the mic to Gargano and leaves with the belts so Gargano can have his say (plus Drew has a plane to catch). The crowd gives him a big reaction, but Page suddenly blindsides Gargano, drilling him with a right hand and putting the boots to him. Now Page has the mic and says that he doesn't know if Johnny has been paying attention, but he's been saying all weekend that he's been watching and has learned from Gargano and Ronin, and it's all about taking the top spot, and he promises Johnny that this is just the beginning because he isn't done with the Whole Shebang because he is ending his career in WWN. The crowd thanks Johnny as he staggers to the back. Biff Busick vs Drew Gulak vs TJ Perkins vs Tommy End Okay, this one is going to be tough to recap because everyone is just going nuts throwing one big shot after another at each other. Gulak dumps End to the apron and Busick slingshots him backward into the barricade, then Gulak picks Perkins up in a torture rack and just launches him at Busick, who drills him with a shot as he comes in. Now Gulak and Busick are double teaming Perkins while End recovers on the outside, and they pop Perkins up with a double delayed vertical suplex. End comes in and starts hammering both Busick and Gulak with hard kicks, but Busick lays him out with one big shot. End gets dumped out to the apron and tries a slingshot back in, but End catches him feet on the top rope coming in and Busick charges in on him with a shot before turning around and quickly laying Perkins out with a running Blockbuster. Busick with a half nelson suplex on End, but Gulak breaks the cover at 2 and gets into a staredown with Busick. Perkins comes in and takes them both out with a double dropkick, then End drills Gulak with a running kneestrike and then takes Busick and Perkins out with a moonsault and coming back in to come off the top rope onto Gulak for 2. Perkins gets End in a royal octopus, then turns it into an indian deathlock on End. Gulak kicks Perkins down, injuring End's legs in the process, but Perkins pops up and catches Gulak in a northern lights suplex for 2 while holding onto the indian deathlock. Perkins with a series of suplexes on Gulak and the double chickenwing onto the knees, tries a slide under End and gets double stomped, Busick comes in and lariats End, and Gulak missile dropkicks Busick, and all four men are down. Everyone is back up and going at it, and Perkins gets Gulak in a cross armbreaker for the tapout win. Winner: TJ Perkins
PJ Black vs AR Fox
They go at is fast right from the start, and a sequence of events that happens too fast for me to type ends with Black moonsaulting off the apron to avoid a shot from Fox, but getting taken out with a dive anyway. Fox tries to springboard off the guardrail, but Black superkicks him in the face, rolls him inside, and springboards in, but now Fox sees him coming and dropkicks him out of the air and covers for 2. Black is slumped over the middle rope, so Fox hits a flying ass slide, then tries to springboard back in and again Black counters, this time to a double knee for 2. I think they ought to stop trying springboard moves. Black is wearing Karate Kid skeleton tights, and that's appropriate as he and Fox stand in the middle of the ring trading forearms, chops and kicks. Fox comes out on top of that, nails Black with a leaping enziguiri, and tries a rolling type move that Black counters to a sitout powerbomb for 2. Black tries a springboard clothesline, but Fox catches him coming down and counters to a Koji clutch. NO MORE SPRINGBOARD MOVES! Fox headscissors Black out to the floor, then Black gets up to the apron and they fight over a suplex until Black just drops Fox on the top rope and then charges in with a lepaing kick. Black smartly avoids another springboard attempt, going to the top rope instead, but Fox dodges the 450 attempt and hits a shotgun dropkick that sends Black stumbling backward into the corner. Fox charges in with a cannonball, but Black moves and Fox hits hard. Black with a Lionsault for 2, hits an air raid crash over the knee for 2, then the lights go out as Black springs to the top for a moonsault. Fox knocks Black's legs out and leaps up to hit a lungblower, then pops back to the top and connects with a Swanton for 2. Fox hits Lo Mein Pain and then springs back to the top for a 450, but Black gets the knees up and small packages Fox for 2. Black goes to the top and Fox follows him up, Black blocks another Lo Mein Pain, and he hits a death valley driver onto the ring apron. Black picks Fox's shattered form up off the floor, rolls him inside, and hits the springboard 450 for the win. Winner: PJ Black There was a lot going on in this one, and I liked how the big spot (the death valley driver onto the apron) led directly to the finish and Fox wasn't up and hitting more spots ten seconds later. They shake hands after the match in a nice show of sportsmanship. The WWNLive Ambassador (whose name I didn't catch) comes out and thanks the fans for making this show possible, then plugs the SHINE event this Friday, which will feature two champion vs champion matches and the next EVOLVE event. Chris Hero vs Timothy Thatcher Thatcher is OVER with this crowd, and Hero plays into the cheers as he tries to mock his opponent before making contact. Hero offers the hand, and Thatcher warily shakes it before they start circling. The crowd chants "Thatcher's gonna kill you" as they tie up, and Thatcher tries to take Hero down, Hero sprawls and tries a takedown, but Thatcher steps through and comes out on top. Thatcher rolls Hero into a crucific, but Hero is out at 1 and back to his feet, taking Thatcher down with a single leg and going behind. Thatcher slips out and goes for an Olympic roll, Hero goes to his belly, and Thatcher again gains Hero's back. Hero backs Thatcher to the ropes and breaks clean, then gets Thatcher in a three quarter nelson that Thatcher escapes pretty easily and we go back to neutral. Thatcher blocks a rolling elbow from Hero, and they go back to circling, Thatcher tries shooting at the leg, Hero sprawls again and circles behind and rolls Thatcher forward into an O'Connor roll for 2. Thatcher catches Hero in a modified surfboard on the escape, but Hero is too close to the ropes and forces a break. Thatcher comes in and circles behind Hero, taking him down to the mat and going to the arm before hooking Hero's heel. Hero is again too close to the ropes and forces another break, and he fires off a couple of forearms at Thatcher, but Thatcher hammers back with a few forearms of his own and takes Hero back to the mat into a pin attempt for 2. Hero gets behind Thatcher and uses a waistlock to gutwrench Thatcher to his back for 2, Thatcher escapes and sits out to get behind Hero, and Hero reverses back and tries to crank Thatcher's arm back to try and turn him again. Thatcher won't go, so he tries to circle around across Thatcher's back and Thatcher uses a gramby to put Hero to his back. Hero counters out to a headscissors, Thatcher bridges up out of the move and gets Hero in a bow & arrow. Hero escapes and goes to the floor to catch a break for a few seconds before coming back in tie up again. He takes Thatcher to the corner, slaps Thatcher on the break, and comes in with shoulderblocks to the ribs and goes for a rolling elbow, but Thatcher hammers Hero with some European uppercuts. Thatcher whips Hero across the ring, but Hero comes out of the corner with a roaring Yakuza kick and covers Thatcher for 2. Hero finally has the advantage, and presses it with a diving boot for 2. Hero rides Thatcher and cranks on a NASTY looking wristlock that would dislocate every bone in his arm if this was a shoot. Thatcher takes Hero down out of nowhere with a double leg takedown and goes for a Kimura lock, but Hero makes it to the ropes and slides out to the floor again, then rolls inside when Thatcher comes out after him, and slides through the ropes with a dropkick that takes Thatcher out. Hero rocks Thatcher with a roaring elbow, and Thatcher grabs Hero's arm when he goes for another shot, and HERO literally runs back into the ring to get away. Hero blasts Thatcher with a diving boot as they come back inside, and Hero continues to unload as Thatcher tries to defend himself. Thatcher goes for another double leg, but Hero holds his ground, hooks around his waist and drops Thatcher with a Jerry Lynn cradle piledriver for 2. Hero goes for another one, but Thatcher goes behind and German suplexes Hero. Hero is right back up, hits a Yakuza kick, Thatcher with another German suplex and then headbutts Hero as he comes in with another roaring elbow, and both men are down. Hero repeatedly boots Thatcher in the face, but each shot gets Thatcher more fired up and he keeps coming until finally blocking a kick and pummeling Hero with shots. Thatcher hits the ropes and Hero follows him in with a big boot, more roaring elbows, and he takes the pad off for a fourth. Thatcher slumps to the mat, and Hero rolls his dead weight over and covers for 2, and Thatcher rolls into a Fujiwara armbar on the kickout and forces Hero to tap out! Winner: Timothy Thatcher What a terrific match! Awesome match, great finish, and I feel safe saying that Timothy Thatcher is THE breakout star of the weekend to me between what I'm seeing at EVOLVE and King of Indies. Hero gets in Thatcher's face after the match, they slap each other in the face, and they shake hands. It's main event time! Austin Aries & Roderick Strong vs Uhaa Nation & Ricochet Aries & Strong come out to the old Generation Next music and wearing Gen Next shirts from ten years ago in a nice nod to history. Roddy also has the FIP Title belt on, is this 2005 and just nobody told me? Roderick and Uhaa start us off and Strong outwrestles Uhaa, but Uhaa doesn't appreciate it and shoves him off to the ropes. Back and forth ends with Uhaa drilling Strong with a dropkick, then Aries and Ricochet tag in and go at it. Aries knocks Ricochet down with a shoulderblock, Ricochet springs back to his feet, Ricochet takes Aries down with a headscissors, and Aries springs out nad hits the dropkick. Ricochet connects with a dropkick of his own, and he seems to have rattled Aries with that one, but Aries quickly recovers and hits the kneebreaker suplex. Ricochet rolls to the floor, and Aries gives him no time to recover as he comes off the top rope with a Macho Man double axhandle. Roddy tags in, but so does Uhaa, and Uhaa quickly starts pounding on Roddy with forearms and elevates him with a delayed vertical suplex. Roddy is in peril as he winds up on the receiving end of some prolonged double teaming from Team Best Friends. Roddy suddenly nails Ricochet with a leaping enziguiri, tags Aries in, and Aries hits a slingshot senton, knocks Uhaa off the apron, and comes off the top with a missile dropkick to Ricochet for 2. Aries Olympic rolls Ricochet toward the Gen Next corner, Roddy puts the boot up, and Aries rams Ricochet into it before tagging Strong in to dish out some more punishment. Now Ricochet is caught in the wrong part of town, and Gen Next hit their trademark catapult/slingshot elbow combo for 2. Aries rolls Ricochet up for 2 and then gets the Last Chancery and Roddy comes in with a running boot to the face for 2. Strong with a BIG ASS backbreaker that bends Ricochet in half, but Ricochet makes it to the corner and tags in Uhaa, who cleans house on Gen Next and gets a spinebuster on Strong for 2. Uhaa pops Strong into the air and hits a powerslam for 2, Aries comes in and goes for a roaring elbow, but Aries blocks him with a quick missile dropkick. More double teaming from Ricochet and Uhaa, as Uhaa press slams Strong into an Ace Crusher from Ricochet. Aries breaks that cover, but Uhaa pitches him out to the floor and goes back to trading blows with Uhaa. Strong hits a cradle backbreaker, Aries comes in with an IED to Ricochet, then they hit the chop/brainbuster combo on Ricochet, a series of charging shots in the corner on Uhaa, and Strong hits a sick kick on Uhaa for 2. Aries goes to the top, but gets knocked to the floor as Uhaa suplexes Strong across the ring. Ricochet goes to the top, Strong nails him with a leaping enziguiri, and goes up to hit a big superplex, then rolls Ricochet back up for another suplex, but Ricochet counters to a Frankensteiner with a cradle for a REALLY close 2. Strong escapes a curtain call and counters another Frankensteiner attempt, holds the legs so Aries can hit Ricochet with a 450 splash and take out Uhaa with a dive to the floor, and Strong gets Ricochet in the Stronghold right in the middle of the ring. Ricochet tries to counter to a rollup, hits to Go To Sleep kick, and goes to the top. Aries holds Ricochet long enough for Strong to roll away from a shooting star press, hit a leaping kneestrike, and the vertical suplex backbreaker for the win. Winners: Generation Next Excellent main event to cap off a super weekend for the WWNLive crew. It was great to see Aries and Strong back together, and I hope this turns into a regular reunion for them. They seem to go in that direction when Strong thanks Uhaa and says it was an honor to work with him, then tells Aries how excited he was to wrestle with him again after all the years they spent going up and down the road. But then Strong says that things change, and he knocks Aries out with a leaping kneestrike and then lays Uhaa out as well. Strong gets the mic and says he destroyed Drew Galloway last time they faced, and he wants his title. Timothy Thatcher comes out and Strong leaves through the crowd, but Thatcher says the road to the World Title is through him. He says he may not be great at speeches, but they all thank the fans for coming out and making this weekend possible.
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