WWE has announced that “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus will be making his return at tonight’s post-WrestleMania 31 edition of RAW.

Sheamus, who was expected to take part in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal last night but never showed up, is also rumored to turn heel upon returning to television.

WWE tweeted the following on Monday afternoon confirming Sheamus’ return tonight.

TONIGHT: The #CelticWarrior @WWESheamus returns to #RAW LIVE at 8/7c on @USA_Network! http://t.co/tT6bRpVshc pic.twitter.com/JZZDw88TcA

— WWE (@WWE) March 30, 2015

• REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

– WWE reportedly had trouble locking down Arnold Schwarzenegger to do the voice-overs for Triple H’s “Terminator” entrance at WrestleMania 31. WWE officials were scrambling all week to try and get Schwarzenegger to do them, which they didn’t manage to do until the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony on Saturday night. The delays in getting Schwarzenegger to do the voice-overs caused major stress among the workers on the WWE production team.

– Following the announcement of the WWE Network subscriber count on Monday, WWE stock dropped $2.66 per share to $13.86.

– Part two of Roddy Piper’s interview with WWE Hall Of Fame Jake “The Snake” Roberts is featured on the latest edition of his “Piper’s Pit” podcast, which is available for download right now at PodcastOne.com.

• REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

– The original plan for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 31 on Sunday night was for the match to go about 35 minutes long, including entrance. Because the pay-per-view ran long, WWE ended up cutting some time off of the match. They also cut out a Bray Wyatt vs. Undertaker video out of the broadcast.

– It was rumored that Kevin Nash suffered an injury during the nWo and D-X run-in spot in the Triple H vs. Sting match at WrestleMania 31 on Sunday night. Nash addressed the rumor on social media, joking that the only injury he suffered was to his feelings because Billy Gunn can still “go.” Below is a tweet Nash posted after the show that deals with the subject.

Injury update it appears my feelings were hurt that Billy can still move like a freight train. Great main event -show pic.twitter.com/Y4h6dqmh3C

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) March 30, 2015

• REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

(Partial Credit: PWInsider.com)

Jim Ross updated the blog section of his official website on Monday to share his thoughts on Sunday’s WrestleMania 31 pay-per-view. Below are some highlights.

On the Sting vs. Triple H match and the D-X and nWo involvement: “Sting vs. HHH was a grand production with a ‘cast of thousands’ specifically the nWo and DX. So happy that Sting got his WrestleMania Moment which was well deserved. Those that think that the Moment was ruined because Sting lost might not understand the business as well as they think. I don’t know if Sting is done with WWE or not but I do hope that he gets a nice retirement sendoff and that he’s in the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame class. If the plan is to have a Summer Slam or sooner rematch between the two then HHH winning makes even more sense.”

On Ronda Rousey possibly wrestling in WWE: “I’ve been pushing a Ronda Rousey-Stephanie McMahon storyline for weeks on the Ross Report Podcast and I was elated with what went down Sunday between Rousey, Steph, the Rock and HHH. I thought the ladies stole the segment from the men and sill feel that a Rousey vs. Steph match with a stacked deck in Steph’s favor will be a giant hit in Texas at WM32 if the trigger can be pulled.”

On Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt: “Thought Taker returned to WM in great shape and looking physically better than he has in the past several years. Bray Wyatt being competitive, kicking out of a Tombstone Piledriver was great for the young, 3rd generation talent. Anyone who thinks that Wyatt took a step back because he did not win needs to re-evaluate their opinion. Just saying…Nonetheless Taker appears to still have some gas in the tank and I hope that the is a major part of the Texas WrestleMania which would be a great place for him to hand it up if that’s what the Phenom wants to do.”

On the main event: “The booking of the ending of the impromptu Triple Threat Match for the WWE world title was brilliant. Lesnar was protected, Reigns showed his toughness and passion to survive the early, Lesnar onslaught, and Rollins cashing in the MITB contract, which was no real surprise but how it was executed was, is a WWE Champion that on any given night can lose the title ala Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels back in their days. Loved the Japanese strong style aspects of the match and enjoyed the finish even more. ”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

• REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

As we reported late Sunday afternoon, Bray Wyatt suffered an injury while preparing for his match against The Undertaker in the ring at Levi’s Stadium before WrestleMania 31 began.

Wyatt suffered a sprained ankle, which was so bad that he couldn’t stand or walk on it for a long time backstage during the day.

According to PWInsider.co, Wyatt ended up wearing a cast on his ankle for the rest of the evening, which he didn’t take off until it was time for his match with The Undertaker on the show.

As of right now, there is no word as to whether or not he further injured himself by working on a bum ankle during the match, although when more information becomes available, we will be sure to update you.

• REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

As noted earlier, WWE announced a ton of new programming coming to the WWE Network soon.

In addition to the Divas Search returning and new shows like Jerry Springer’s WWE Too Hot For TV, the quarterly NXT TakeOver live specials will now be taking place every month.

With the NXT TakeOver shows getting unanimously rave reviews, this is awesome news for fans and another sign that NXT really is shedding it’s image as a developmental brand.

In addition to announcing the latest WWE Network subscriber count, the company unveiled a number of new original programs and specials planned for the WWE Network.

Below is the press release WWE issued with details on all of the new shows and specials.

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.

• VIDEO: COMPLETE Ronda Rousey & Rock Segment From WrestleMania 31!

WWE held the conference call on Monday afternoon to announce their new WWE Network subscriber count, as well as a number of new programs scheduled for the WWE Network.

Vince McMahon was on hand to announce the new subscriber count, which as of today is just over 1.3 million.

Below is the press release WWE issued to announce the subscriber count and the new WWE Network programs.

WWE® Network Surpasses 1.3 Million Subscribers

Full Year Business Outlook Reaffirmed While Q1 2015 Currently Projected to Exceed Guidance

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE® (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.

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. (See Exhibit 2)

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).

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.

2 These projections are preliminary and are subject to change based on the completion of the Company’s quarter-end financial reporting process.
Total Company – Adjusted OIBDA (in millions)

Average Paid

Subscribers 3,4

2015E
500 ($10) – $10
1,000 $45 – $65
1,500 $100 – $120
2,000 $155 – $175
2,500 $210 – $230

(3) Average paid subscribers shown in thousands. The average number of paid subscribers over the 12-months of 2014 was approximately 567,000. This 12-month average is below the average for the 2014 period in which WWE Network was operative (WWE Network was launched on February 24, 2014).

(4) The average paid subscribers the Company will achieve over the full year 2015 is unknown. The range of average subscribers over the full year 2015 has been provided for illustrative purposes rather than as guidance, and has not been updated or changed since it was initially presented (July 31, 2014)

• VIDEO: COMPLETE Ronda Rousey & Rock Segment From WrestleMania 31!

– WWE Hall Of Famer Amy “Lita” Dumas mentioned during her “#AskLita” segment on the WrestleMania 31 Kickoff Show that she and fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus have been in discussions with WWE about a possible show of their own on the WWE Network.

– WrestleMania 31 featured several title changes on Sunday night. Seth Rollins cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion after pinning Roman Reigns following a Curb Stomp. Daniel Bryan won the ladder match to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion, and John Cena handed Rusev his first loss via pinfall to become the new WWE United States Champion.

You can read our detailed WrestleMania 31 results by clicking here.

VIDEO: COMPLETE Ronda Rousey & Rock Segment From WrestleMania 31!

The Fight Network issued the following press release on Monday to announce a new television deal with TNA Wrestling.

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.

• VIDEO: COMPLETE Ronda Rousey & Rock Segment From WrestleMania 31!

Jeff Jarrett made his big announcement regarding the future of Global Force Wrestling on Sunday evening.

Jarrett announced that GFW will be holding three shows across three months, all of which will be taped for future television broadcasts.

While no cable partner was announced, it was confirmed that Global Force will be taping events at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 24th, August 21st and October 23rd.

• VIDEO: COMPLETE Ronda Rousey & Rock Segment From WrestleMania 31!

WrestleMania 31 was a smashing success for WWE, setting the all-time live event gross record for the company as well as the attendance record for Levi’s Stadium. Despite ongoing criticism of creative direction, WWE demonstrated once again that they can still knock it out of the park when it counts. Here’s their official press release touting the show’s success:

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

– WWE Superstar The Big Show won his first ever battle royal by becoming the second annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner. Big Show won the second annual match, last-eliminating Damien Mizdow during the “main event” of the WrestleMania 31 “Kickoff Show.”

– WWE announced an attendance of 76,976 fans at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California for WrestleMania 31 on Sunday night.

– During WrestleMania 31 on Sunday night it was announced that Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast will air live on the WWE Network on Monday, April 6th. The special will air live immediately after RAW on the WWE Network, with Jericho interviewing John Cena.

• PHOTOS & DETAILED RECAP: Ronda Rousey & The Rock Steal The Show At WM31

WrestleMania 31
From Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Results by Matt Boone (@MBoone420)

WWE WrestleMania 31 Kickoff Show

The panel kicks off the “Kickoff Show” for this year’s WrestleMania, consisting of Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Booker T and Corey Graves. The guys talk about how excited they are for tonight’s show.

Backstage: Lana Returns

Backstage we see Lana and Rusev talking. Lana promises Rusev she will never show copassion again, basically apologizing to him for accepting the match with John Cena on his behalf a few weeks ago. Rusev promises to crush Cena tonight and kill America’s dreams.

More Kickoff Panel & Clips

Highlights are shown of John Cena’s recent appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. From there, we head back to the panel and the four talk in-depth about tonight’s U.S. title match between Cena and Rusev.

Backstage: Eden & Kane

We shoot backstage where Eden is outside Triple H’s locker room trying to secure an interview with “The Game.” As she knocks on the door, Kane walks up and warns her not to do that. He tells her to excuse him so he can prepare for the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. We head back to the panel.

Backstage J&J Security

Backstage, we see J&J Security — Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. Noble talks about how Seth Rollins is gonna kick Randy Orton’s ass tonight while Mercury stays silent. They try to get a cup of coffee, but there’s no sugar. In walks The Stooges — Pat Patterson and Gerald Briscoe, who say they used the sugar for “Mister Mac-Mahon.” J&J Security leaves as Patterson and Briscoe call them stooges.

WWE Tag-Team Championship
– The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. The New Day vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro

After more panel discussion, video packages and a quick check-in with Tom Phillips, who will be joined in the “Social Media Lounge” by Lita for a “#AskLita” segment later on in the Kickoff Show, we head to the commentary team of Michael Cole, JBL and Jerry Lawler for our first Kickoff Show match of the evening.

From there, The Usos, accompanied by Naomi, make their way to the ring. Out next are the Los Matadores, who come out with El Torito. From there, The New Day make their way to the ring. Finally, the WWE Tag-Team Champions, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro, accompanied by Natalya, make their way to the ring

The bell sounds and here we go. Almost from the very beginning, an angle was shot to explain why Jey Uso, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, won’t be able to do much in this one. Uso sells outside the ring for a while, with the announcers pointing out the fact that he’s working with a bum shoulder.

The action is all over the place from bell to bell, with bodies flying everywhere. El Torito, Naomi and Natalya all got involved at different points in the match. In the end, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro manage to score the pinfall and pick up the victory to retain the WWE Tag-Team Championships. We head back to the Kickoff Show panel.

Winners and STILL WWE Tag-Team Champions: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Monday Night Football’s Jon Gruden previews this year’s Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Back in the arena, while the panel hypes up the match, the wrestlers are filtering in the ring.

The bell sounds and here we go, as everyone starts going after each other. Almost immediately, Curtis “Axelmania” Axel is put on top of everyone, crowd-surfacing all the way to elimination. That fast, folks!

Early on, the fans in Santa Clara seem to be behind Hideo Itami, with “Hi-de-o” chants. Eventually, Itami is eliminated by the Big Show.

On commentary, the announcers hard-sell the fact that despite his size and obvious advantages, Big Show has never won a battle royal or Royal Rumble match. Is that a hint of things to come? We’ll find out soon enough!

Once Itami is eliminated, Damien Mizdow becomes the crowd favorite. Cesaro nearly does the same elimination to Big Show that he did last year, but no dice. Big Show turns the table and eliminates Cesaro. Everyone boo’s.

We’re down to the final three, which are Big Show, The Miz and Damien Mizdow. It’s obvious that the fans want Mizdow to win. The Miz and Mizdow stand on one side of the ring, while the Big Show stands on the other.

Miz tries bossing around Mizdow, with the fans urging Mizdow not to listen to him. Miz pushes Mizdow around one time too many, so Mizdow yells “I Quit” and eliminates The Miz. Miz is pissed, complaining on the outside as Mizdow watches on.

Big Show just stood back and watched as all that happens and now we’re down to the final two Mizdow and Big Show. They do a couple of teases of Mizdow winning, but in the end, Big Show eliminates him. The fans boo as Big Show celebrates with the big Andre statue.

Winner of the second annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Big Show

WWE Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett recently spoke with TheNational.ae to promote tonight’s WrestleMania 31 event. Below are highlights from the interview.

On wanting to be Britain’s first WWE World Heavyweight Champion: “It is great being Intercontinental champion, and I am very proud of it, but ultimately there has never been a British WWE World Heavyweight champion before, which I think is ridiculous so I think I am the man to change that. That will always be my aim until I leave the WWE. I want to be the World Heavyweight champion and that is what I am shooting for.”

On tonight’s WrestleMania and possibly stealing the show in the ladder match: “I’m really excited about it. There are two schools of thought when it comes to trying to steal the show. I know Dolph Zigger and Daniel Bryan have been very vocal about how they want to steal the show and put on the best match, but for me that is a losers mentality. I am all about the result. I will give you the most boring match in history if it means that I win the match. I just want to retain my title.”

On looking to make his mark in WWE history: “I still watch WrestleManias 1, 2 and 3 in my spare time, so I imagine in 30 years time will be watching what we do here on Sunday so this is where you want to put in your best performance, where you want to walk in as champion and walk out as champion, so if people are going to be watching this in 30 years I want them to be able to watch me at my best, which is what I will be aiming for here.”

Check out the complete interview at TheNational.ae.

• PHOTO: Ronda Rousey & Four Horsewomen Backstage At WrestleMania

Dean Ambrose spoke with TheNational.ae this weekend to promote tonight’s WrestleMania 31 pay-per-view. Below are highlights from the interview.

On his first WrestleMania as a singles star: “I am looking forward to walking out by myself and not having to worry about anyone else and not being part of a team. This is the first time that the kid who started this and wanted to be a wrestler will be out there by himself at WrestleMania so it is a good feeling.”

On hopes of becoming WWE Intercontinental Champion: “To be in an Intercontinental title match at WrestleMania that is the stuff dreams are made of. And for it to be a ladder match, on this big a stage, with so much adrenaline going on, for me it could not be a better situation.”

On being a popular act overseas: “You get a big reaction from a crowd like that in Abu Dhabi and I wonder how do these people in Abu Dhabi know who I am? It is hard for me to understand I am on television and people around the world watch me every week in a country I have never even been too. I assume when I go to a new country no-one will know who I am because I have never been to that country before so it is cool, like a surreal experience and it is very rewarded and appreciated.”

Check out the complete interview at TheNational.ae.

• PHOTO: Ronda Rousey & Four Horsewomen Backstage At WrestleMania

5Dimes has updated their online betting odds for tonight’s WrestleMania 31 event in Santa Clara, California.

It’s worth noting that the following odds are not the “smart money” odds, which aren’t available until minutes before the show starts.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Roman Reigns (-210) vs. Brock Lesnar (c) (+160)

Sting (-475) vs. Triple H (+325)

The Undertaker (-420) vs. Bray Wyatt (+300)

Seth Rollins (-175) vs. Randy Orton (+120)

United States Championship
John Cena (-900) vs. Rusev (+400)

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Daniel Bryan (-400) vs. Dean Ambrose (+600) vs. Dolph Ziggler (+1000) vs. Bad News Barrett (c) (+1250) vs. Luke Harper (+6000) vs. R-Truth (+7500) vs. Stardust (+7500)

AJ Lee & Paige (-190) vs. The Bella Twins (+150)

WWE Tag Team Championship
Tyson Kidd & Cesaro (c) (-320) vs. The Usos (+305) vs. The New Day (+2000) vs. Los Matadores (+2000)

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Top 5: Damien Mizdow (-125), Sheamus (+200), Ryback (+700), Hideo Itami (+900), TheBig Show (+1600)

• PHOTO: Ronda Rousey & Four Horsewomen Backstage At WrestleMania

– Deadline.com has an article up today about the ratings for last night’s Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by The Rock. The show did the lowest ratings of any episode this season.

– Our condolence go out to Kofi Kingston, whose sister passed away this past week.

– Those who saw the rehearsals for WrestleMania 31 said that the entrances for Triple H, Rusev, The Undertaker and Bray Wyatt are all spectacular. Triple H’s in particular is said to be amazing.

• PHOTO: Ronda Rousey & Four Horsewomen Backstage At WrestleMania

(Partial Credit: F4WOnline.com)

While preparing for his WrestleMania 31 match against The Undertaker, Bray Wyatt reportedly suffered an injury.

Wyatt, who was working out in the ring inside Levi’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon, apparently suffered a sprained ankle and had to be taken to the back by a car.

We will keep you updated on Wyatt’s condition if any new information surfaces.

Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com later this evening for the best WrestleMania 31 live results on the web!

• PHOTO: Ronda Rousey & Four Horsewomen Backstage At WrestleMania

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

– UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey, along with the rest of the Four Horsewomen, are in attendance for WrestleMania 31 tonight. For a photo of the four with WWE Diva Natalya, and notes on their possible involvement on the show tonight, click here.

– Sting recently spoke with the folks at ATHLEAN-X about his workout and training advice. Check out the video below to see Sting, without his face-paint, talking about his workout.

– Variety’s Marc Graser attended the WWE Business Partner Summit on Saturday. Graser posted the following tweets on his official Twitter account about some new WWE programming, as well as the return of Tough Enough.

#WWE to announce 8 new series for the #WWENetwork on Monday, including "Divas Search" and an animated show with Seth Green.

— Marc Graser (@marcgraser) March 28, 2015

#WWE's Tough Enough coming back with a new format on USA Network in June.

— Marc Graser (@marcgraser) March 28, 2015

• VIDEO: Security Footage Leaks Showing TOP UFC Fighter In Street Fight!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has arrived to California for tonight’s WrestleMania at Levi’s Stadium. A fan on hand for this weekend’s festivities in Santa Clara met the actor/sports entertainer this morning and posted this photo on Instagram.

https://instagram.com/p/00S76lR2dH/

Johnson acknowledged the fan on Twitter, thanking him for “waiting in the cold.”

@GuyInGreenWWE Pleasure bud. Thx for waitin in the cold. Enjoy Mania

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 29, 2015

• The Undertaker with Michelle McCool at the WWE hotel

There is said to be a feeling among many within WWE that because the company had WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar make the announcement that he has re-signed with WWE on ESPN’s SportsCenter earlier this week, it’s likely that he will retain the title when he defends it against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 31 tonight.

Another reason people think Lesnar is retaining is the belief that Roman Reigns becoming the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion would be a bigger issue among fans than Reigns losing his first WrestleMania main event. There’s a feeling within WWE that if they put the title on Reigns this early, it could be a situation that he can’t recover from in the long-term.

Speaking of tonight’s main event, there has been talk this week that WWE has made some creative changes to the match, although what those are remain to be seen.

Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com for live WrestleMania 31 play-by-play results coverage tonight.

• Security Footage Leaks Showing TOP UFC Fighter In Street Fight!

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

– SEScoops.com reader Jorge Romero sent along the following photo of the entrance way set up inside Levi’s Stadium for tonight’s WrestleMania 31 event.

– Sheamus took part in a Q&A inside the NXT ring at WrestleMania Axxess on Saturday. One fan in attendance noted that Sheamus came out to a huge pop from the fans, but teased a heel turn. Sheamus said that when he comes back, there will be no more jokes, unlike the way he conducted himself the last time we saw him on television. He also noted how much fun it was “knocking Daniel Bryan around” over the years, which was viewed as another hint at the fact that he could be returning as a heel.

• VIDEO: Security Footage Leaks Showing TOP UFC Fighter In Street Fight With Taxi Driver!

UFC Light Heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier and television personality Michelle Beadle were among the celebrities in attendance at Jim Ross’ “An Evening With Jim Ross” one-man show on Saturday night.

JR’s surprise on-stage guest for the show was former TNA star Samoa Joe.

A fan in attendance asked Joe if he would prefer to be on the main WWE roster, or if he would like to pass through NXT first. Joe gave a politically correct answer, saying that either option would be fine for him.

• VIDEO: Security Footage Leaks Showing TOP UFC Fighter In Street Fight With Taxi Driver!

– WWE posted the following video on their official YouTube channel, showing LL Cool J kicking off this year’s WrestleMania 31 event, which takes place tonight at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

– WWE posted a preview of ESPN’s “E:60” documentary on NXT called “WWE: Behind The Curtain.” Check out the preview for the special, which premieres on May 5th, below.

Get a sneak preview of @E60's look at @WWENXT: http://t.co/0H7Amp4FcV @WWEPerformCtr #May5 #WrestleMania

— WWE (@WWE) March 29, 2015

• VIDEO: Security Footage Leaks Showing TOP UFC Fighter In Street Fight With Taxi Driver!