WWE has published a video looking at Rusev’s training for WrestleMania titled, “Preparing for War.”
Step inside the gym with United States Champion Rusev and witness the brutal physical preparation he’s going through for his WrestleMania showdown against John Cena.
– Tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network will feature two big title matches:
– WWE sent out the following press release on Tuesday anouncing the WWE Network’s availability in the Middle East and North Africa via OSN:
New OSN WWE® Network HD launches today
DUBAI, UAE and STAMFORD, CONN., March 24, 2015 – Beginning today, WWE Network will be available in the Middle East and North Africa exclusively through OSN , the leading pay-TV network in the region, as a premium, linear channel co-branded as OSN WWE Network HD. The launch of the channel, included in OSN ‘s Platinum HD package, comes just before WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania®, which airs live on Monday, March 30, at 3am GST.
OSN WWE Network HD offers one-of-a-kind programming including all 12 WWE pay-per-view events live at no additional charge, groundbreaking original series, including Legends’ House and Monday Night War® and reality shows including Total Divas™. Additional programming includes documentaries, classic matches and exclusive coverage of special events.
“OSN has a long-standing relationship with WWE, and we are now expanding that relationship further by launching OSN WWE Network HD exclusively in the region,” said Andy Warkman, OSN Vice President, Sport and Production. “This is great news for WWE fans in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“As WWE’s popularity continues to soar, we have expanded our footprint in the region, adding more live events, television programming and now, OSN WWE Network HD,” said Gerrit Meier, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “WWE is committed to growing our brand globally and bringing the WWE experience to our many passionate fans around the world.”
The all-new OSN WWE Network HD channel will be available free of charge beginning today through Sunday, March 29, via OSN . On Monday, March 30, subscribers to the OSN Platinum HD package will automatically receive the channel. Non-Platinum HD package subscribers will have the option to upgrade to the package to enjoy the channel, or they can select it as an add-on for only US$9.99 per month. In addition, all subscribers to OSN WWE Network HD will have access to special WWE video-on-demand programming in their OSN Plus HD Box.
ABG AND WWE® LAUNCH TAPOUT™ JOINT VENTURE
NEW YORK AND STAMFORD, CONN., March 25, 2015 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) and Authentic Brands Group, LLC (ABG) today announced a joint venture for Tapout™, a newly repositioned fitness lifestyle brand. Tapout™ is now the official fitness and training partner of WWE, and will be integrated across WWE’s global platforms including TV programming, WWE Network, pay-per-view broadcasts, live events, digital, and social media.
“Tapout was ABG’s first acquisition and it continues to be a global brand with strong sales and blue chip partners all over the world. We have a very strong commitment to the brand’s ongoing success,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABG. “WWE is a media and entertainment force and we are excited to partner with them on Tapout’s future growth.”
“WWE is always looking for new opportunities to partner with best-in-class organizations, develop new products for our fans and drive shareholder value,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “This joint venture aligns with our strategic approach, and we look forward to building the Tapout brand.”
As part of this strategic partnership, WWE will create new content featuring its Superstars and Divas in Tapout™ apparel and market the brand across all platforms. Tapout™ branding will also be featured at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and all performers, trainers, and staff will be outfitted in Tapout™ workout apparel.
“WWE’s expansive reach provides a global platform to broaden Tapout’s presence and consumer base,” said Nick Woodhouse, President and Chief Marketing Officer of ABG. “This is a powerhouse pairing given the synergy between Tapout’s brand promise to be the premiere hard-body fitness brand, and WWE’s commitment to training and fitness.”
“Combining ABG’s strengths in retail brand development, licensing and distribution with WWE’s marketing expertise, global reach and passionate fan base, makes for a powerful partnership,” said Michelle D. Wilson, WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer. “The Tapout brand will enable us to expand into new product categories and further grow our current $1 billion consumer product retail business.”
The next generation of Tapout™ preserves the original brand essence and drives a hard-body, fitness-centric message positioned around motivation, discipline and determination. An all new line of men’s and women’s performance apparel and accessories will launch at retail in Spring 2016. New Tapout™ branding and packaging will roll out in key categories throughout 2015 starting with beverages, supplements and fitness centers.
Roman Reigns appeared on ESPN 2’s Sports Nation with Michelle Beadle on Tuesday afternoon to hype WrestleMania 31 and was interrupted by Paul Heyman. Here are some highlights from the segment:
– Beadle asked about the “tug of war” segment with Brock Lesnar that ended Monday’s “go home” episode of WWE RAW. Reigns said he wanted to make a statement that he will walk right in and do what nobody else does – take the title right off Brock Lesnar’s. Reigns said that’s his goal this Sunday.
– Reigns said The Rock and his father have been the people who have influenced his career the most. When asked if he wants to crush Hollywood like his cousin, Reigns said he just wants to crush Brock Lesnar and bring the belt back where it belongs.
– When asked if he’s nervous to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, Reigns said he gets nervous before every performance. He said he’s been training for this moment and is ready to roll.
– Paul Heyman interrupted the segment and shook Reigns’ hand. Heyman introduced himself, gave Michelle Beadle a “Paul Heyman Girl” t-shirt and wished Reigns good look on Sunday. After they went to commercial, Paul Heyman joined the Sports Nation panel and talked sports.
The big news of the day is obviously Brock Lesnar announcing on ESPN’s SportsCenter that he has signed a new contract with WWE and is officially retired from MMA. (Video Of The Announcement).
Lesnar declared, “My legacy in the Octagon is over. However, my legacy at WrestleMania this Sunday will not be my last” and told fans, “I’m going home with that damn belt!”
Triple H revealed on Twitter that Lesnar has signed a multi-year deal.
.@BrockLesnar is a global attraction. Happy to have him re-sign a multi-year contract with @WWE. @espn @MichelleDBeadle
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 24, 2015
It’s expected that he will continue to work a part-time schedule. Lesnar told ESPN’s Michelle Beadle that Vince McMahon made him an offer he couldn’t refuse last night at RAW from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Vince tweeted:
"Brock re-signs with @WWE." #CongratsToUs pic.twitter.com/nltmx4UCsp
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) March 24, 2015
WWE sent in the following on Tuesday evening:
We are excited to let you know that the official WWE WrestleMania App is now available! Fans will have the ability to upgrade theirWrestleMania, AXXESS and WWE Hall of Fame experiences by downloading the ultimate guide to WrestleMania week in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The WWE WrestleMania App allows fans to:
For more information on the WWE WrestleMania App, click here.
On Monday night, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley stated on Twitter that he’ll be the person to induct Kevin Nash into the Hall of Fame this Saturday night.
https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/580244461969485824
Foley got a lot of responses from fans, who were under the impression that it would be Shawn Michaels inducting his longtime friend. Foley responded:
https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/580437304331907074
https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/580439949075439617
On Tuesday afternoon, Foley revealed that he hasn’t actually been offered the opportunity to induct Nash:
https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/580433445043728385
Lucha Underground has unveiled the new Lucha Underground championship belt, which will be up for grabs on this week’s episode when Prince Puma defends against the man who destroyed the last belt, Cage.
Plus, AAA Champion Alberto El Patron will defend against Texano and Son Of Havoc dukes it out with Angelico. Here’s another look at the new hardware:
– The latest edition of the Steve Austin Show podcast features a WrestleMania 31 preview from “Stone Cold” and former WWE writer Court Bauer. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Below is the promotional video package for the Sting vs. Triple H match at this Sunday’s WrestleMania 31 pay-per-view.
– Scott Hall posted the following on Twitter after the announcement was made on RAW that Kevin Nash will be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame 2015 class during WrestleMania 31 weekend this year.
https://twitter.com/SCOTTHALLNWO/status/580242027293634560
WWE issued a press release and a video to announce their support of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with comments from Stephanie McMahon, after last night’s WrestleMania 31 “go-home” edition of WWE RAW.
Below is the press release that was issued:
WWE® TO SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES
STAMFORD, Conn., March 23, 2015 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced it has become a Promotional Partner for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, a global sporting event taking place throughout Los Angeles from July 25 – August 2, 2015. The announcement was made on stage tonight at Monday Night Raw® at Staples Center with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games (LA2015) Patrick McClenahan joined by Special Olympics Global Messengers and USA athletes who will be competing at the Games.
WWE will utilize all its platforms including WWE Network, TV and pay-per-view broadcasts, live events, and digital and social media to generate awareness and support of LA2015. WWE Superstars and Divas will participate in various events in conjunction with the promotion of LA2015 and WWE will develop and produce public service announcements (PSAs), which will air during WWE live events, on WWE Network and WWE TV broadcasts as well as LA2015 digital and social media assets. WWE Superstar Big Show will serve as a Global Ambassador for LA2015, participating in various events including the Opening Ceremony, awarding medals to athletes and providing support through social media.
The 2015 World Games will celebrate Special Olympics’ global movement that unleashes the human spirit through sports. LA2015 will be the largest event held in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. Special Olympics anticipates 7,000 athletes representing 177 countries competing in 25 Olympic-style sporting events with the support of 3,000 coaches, 30,000 volunteers and as many as 500,000 spectators.
“There are no bigger fans of WWE than our athletes and we are thrilled to be part of the organization’s growing commitment to Special Olympics around the world,” said Patrick McClenahan, President and CEO of LA2015. “We thank the McMahon Family, WWE Superstars and Divas for sharing the World Games’ mission of acceptance and inclusion with its worldwide audience of fans.”
“WWE is proud to continue our support of Special Olympics through this new partnership with the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, and use the power of our global brand to shine a light on these inspirational athletes, as well as the message of acceptance and inclusion,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The passion and dedication of each athlete motivates WWE Superstars and Divas, and people all around the world. We look forward to cheering them on in Los Angeles this summer.”
WWE’s relationship with Special Olympics extends beyond LA2015. WWE was a Founding Partner for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, a national sporting event that took place in New Jersey last June where WWE served as the Official Production Partner of the Games, producing daily recaps of the sporting competitions and special events, and WWE Superstars and Divas attended the Games. In addition, WWE produced an hour-long television show, Celebrating Champions: 2014 Special Olympics USA Games that aired on FOX Sports 1. WWE is also a Corporate Partner of Special Olympics Connecticut, and actively provides support for the organization through promotion, talent appearances and employee volunteering. In advance of WrestleMania 31, WWE launched Superstars for Hope, a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo to benefit Special Olympics.
Jim Ross is back with the latest edition of his online blog, sharing his thoughts on the WrestleMania 31 “go-home” edition of RAW and more. Below are highlights:
On Kevin Nash’s WWE Hall Of Fame Induction: “Congrats to my friend Kevin Nash on getting the nod to go into the WWE HOF This Saturday where he will be inducted by Mick Foley. Back in the early days of Kevin’s career in WCW many of the politically charged power brokers would not give the athletic 7 footer the time of day. I put him on my WSB Radio Show that aired on Sunday nights and he made an impact because he could talk, was glib and highly intelligent. It was at that point that the higher up’s discovered a side of Kev that they never took the time to to know and the rest is history. Kevin was one of the best “attraction wrestlers” of his generation and made an impact in front of and behind the camera in both WWE and WCW. I’m proud of him and even prouder to call him my friend.”
On the final segment on Monday’s RAW: “@HeymanHustle was once again stellar. Some folks liked the closing foreshadowing of the TV show with Lesnar and Reigns struggling over the WWE Title while others did not. Not my hill to die upon but I’m pleased that we did not see any physicality between the two main event talents in this Sunday’s WrestleMania. The build to WM31 has been a mixed bag with both good and not so good but it also seems to have become a predictable mantra for many fans to discuss. I’m of the mindset to watch the event from home and then judge the show on it’s actual merits and not on what I perceive the build to be. Could the build have been better? Absolutely. Does the build mean the actual presentation Sunday on the WWE Network is doomed for failure? Absolutely, not.”
On the Sting/Triple H angle on RAW: “Thought the Sting/HHH business was just enough and fully expect this match to exceed expectations. Can’t express how happy that I am for Sting to be getting his WrestleMania Moment which is well deserved to one of the best guys in the business. We go back to his Blade Runner days in Mid South with Cowboy Bill Watts.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.
Vince Russo has added his name into the mix of WWE fans who were not satisfied with the “go home” segment of Monday’s RAW between WrestleMania challengers Roman Reigns and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.
Russo didn’t only vent about the angle, but he took it a step further, declaring that Vince McMahon is completely out of touch and needs to step down as the man who has the final say over what airs on WWE television.
Russo wrote:
Three hour build-up all leading up to two men having a tug-o-war. No thanks . . . glad I watched Teen Mom premiere.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2015
WWE should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for going into WM with lame !@#$% finish. Starts & ends w/Vince. You've lost it, boss. Sorry.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2015
What would I book as main for Mania? Vince taking of his loafers, leaving them in the middle of the ring, and retiring.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2015
To make clear-WWE problem IS NOT due to lack of effort of the talent's part-it's do to the Dr. Seuss mentality of writing/producing show.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2015
Could you imagine STONE COLD having a tug-o-war over his Title? Even though ATTITUDE is gone, can somebody at least have a freakin' TEMPER!
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2015
WWE taped a segment with The Bella Twins, AJ Lee and Paige for this week’s SmackDown after RAW last night, and the segment has some people talking.
The segment was described as one of the better Diva promo segments in quite a while. One line in particular that had a lot of people talking was when Nikki Bella told AJ Lee that Brock Lesnar defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on more shows than AJ did when she was the WWE Divas Champion.
It’s said that if the line makes it to the show this week, then it was a scripted line, however it’s also considered possible that Bella went off-script with the comment, something she and AJ have both done recently. If that’s the case, it likely won’t be on television this week.
Speaking of the verbal jab Bella took at AJ, there is said to be some backstage heat on AJ for how much time she took off from the company.
For complete WWE SmackDown spoilers for this week, click here.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Radio)
WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan appeared on ESPN’s Sports Nation on Monday and spoke about a number of topics.
During the appearance, Hogan said a John Cena heel turn could work on television, and also praised Cena for being a good person behind-the-scenes.
Hogan predicted Roman Reigns will win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31 this Sunday and said Reigns is destined to be a top guy.
Hogan also teased doing something with Curtis Axel at WrestleMania and said that this might not be The Undertaker’s last WrestleMania, noting that Undertaker can go as long as he wants.
https://youtu.be/XaEhB3Pf-Vo
Stephanie McMahon recently spoke with FastCompany.com to promote WrestleMania 31. Below are highlights from the interview.
On the perception that she slaps hard: “[Laughs] I’m aware that there is a perception about the strength of my slap. But let me just say, [WWE diva] Brie Bella can certainly give it back. It’s just all in the technique. I can’t give away my secret.”
On breaking character to console a fan during a January episode of RAW: “It’s not an unusual thing in terms of the little reactions that happens with fans ringside. There are any number of times that I’ll wink at somebody who’s really special in the crowd, or I’ll squeeze their hand as I walk by.
What happened was my husband was in character having a conversation with this little boy. He got scared and he started to cry. We felt so bad that we both just went right over to him. It was real quick and it wasn’t part of the show. But I think that WWE superstars and divas, the way we engage with our fans is to make them feel great about our show and to entertain them. When there’s a little kid in the audience who needs a little extra attention, we’re happy to give it.”
On how WWE handles their Superstars using social media: “It’s really important that our superstars and divas use media in their own voice. They need to be authentic and real. We offer them guidelines—anything you put out on social media, you should assume it has the reach of a national television program. My number one rule that I think is important for everyone is don’t drink and tweet.”
On criticism of WWE Network under performing and how WWE can grow it: “We established the WWE Network because our fans wanted it. We evaluated a number of different models, and when we found that our fans consume five times the U.S. average of digital video content, we realized that there was a significant opportunity in the direct to consumer space. So we created the WWE Network.
We reached over a million subscribers in just 11 months after our launch. That’s a significant achievement. We actually became the fastest digital subscription service. In terms of our fans who watch the network, we constantly do research because we listen to our fanbase. We have a 90% satisfaction rate on the WWE Network. They are enjoying the content.
What they were not happy about, and what we listened to, was the six-month [subscription] commitment. Many of them cited that as a barrier to entry for them. So we changed that model. Now it’s $9.99 a month, cancel anytime.
It’s important to give our fans what they want. Given our subscriber base now, I would say that has been very successful.”
Check out the complete interview at FastCompany.com.
– Jey Uso has been cleared to wrestle in the Fatal 4 Way tag team title match on the WrestleMania Kickoff show this Sunday, according to f4wonline.com. Uso suffered a shoulder injury last week, but with 8 men in the match, he’ll be able to limit his involvement while still participating.
– As of last week, the plan for the IC title Ladder Match at WrestleMania is for Daniel Bryan to emerge victorious. Of course, plans could change by Sunday, but he’s the clear favorite headed into this weekend.
– WWE Diva Eva Marie posted an Instagram video documenting her first week back in the ring. She wrote:
My first week back @wwe in #RING training. I have a long road ahead, but excited to put the work in, and be the best I can be for the amazing #RedNation – I’m going to post video updates so you guys can come along on this journey with me:) Thank you everyone for your continued support and encouragement, it means the world to me #NowLetsGoToWork
– The Undertaker turns 50 years old today. He was born on March 24, 1965.
– This Saturday night, Kevin Nash will apparently be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Mick Foley, not Shawn Michaels as expected. Foley tweeted after RAW:
https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/580244461969485824
– WWE posted a sponsored tweet of Roman Reigns backstage at RAW eating a Snickers candy bar with Renee Young. So we made it better.
Hey Roman, you're not you when you're hungry #wwe #eatasnickers pic.twitter.com/IlPjplYZju
— SEScoops (@sescoops) March 24, 2015
Jeff Jarrett revealed on Monday night that his new Global Force Wrestling promotion is in fact headed to Las Vegas “this summer” for their first round of live shows.
It’s been rumored that these will be TV tapings, although the announcement makes no mention of that.
#GFWVegas RT @GFWWrestling: Global Force Wrestling is coming to Las Vegas! Watch: http://t.co/E37EpttXjV pic.twitter.com/hd2B4JBiVa
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) March 24, 2015
– WrestleMania main-eventer Roman Reigns will be appearing on “Conan” tonight on TBS.
– KISS rocker Paul Stanley and actor/former WWE Superstar Tiny “Zeus” Lister were both ringside at Monday’s RAW from Los Angeles and were seated behind the announce team. Michelle Beadle, Rick Rubin and Kid Ink were also at ringside.
– Here are the RAW Fallout videos from last night:
This week’s Raw was held in Los Angeles and was the last stop on the Road to WrestleMania. Sting once again made an appearance, Lesnar and Reigns finally came face-to-face, and the company did everything in its power to hype the biggest wrestling event of the year. With WrestleMania less than a week away, here are the pros and cons from this week’s episode of Raw.
Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler with Dean Ambrose as the special referee? Count me in any time, any day. When you get two ring generals together, expect a technical affair and that’s exactly what fans were treated to. The two tested each other’s strength at the beginning, with Bryan coming out on top after focusing on Ziggler’s elbow. The Show Off quickly turned the tables, however, dropping a big elbow onto Bryan’s chest for a one-count as the Intercontinental Championship hanged over the ring. This resembled a puroresu match with slaps to the face, stiff moves, and fast-paced action. The show went to commercial after both men toppled into the timekeeper’s area. After the break, Ziggler had Bryan locked into a sleeper before Bryan drove him into the corner to break the hold. Bryan nearly picked up the victory with an awesome German suplex pin before heading to the top rope – a decision that quickly backfired after Dolph hit the ropes but failed to connect with a superplex. He’d quickly recover and drive Bryan’s face into the mat from the top rope for another two-count. In the end, Bryan hit his signature dropkick into the corner and went for a second before Ziggler countered with one of the stiffest superkicks you’ll ever see and followed it up with the Zig-Zag for the win in a superb match. The Lunatic Fringe didn’t let him celebrate his victory for long though, hitting Ziggler with Dirty Deeds before pulling out a ladder and attempting to retrieve the title from above the ring before all of the competitors entered the ring to brawl. This match was the highlight of the night, and the ladder match on Sunday will probably be the highlight of WrestleMania.
They really needed to ditch the boring opening segments featuring The Authority, and thankfully they did so tonight by having Sting open the show. The Franchise discussed all of the ways Triple H snaked his way to the top of the company, but conveniently left out sleeping with the boss’s daughter. He made it clear that he wasn’t “fighting for WCW,” but simply to “take Triple H down.” Stephanie McMahon confronted Sting and the two went back and forth, hurling insults at one another in an entertaining segment. After Sting blocked Steph’s attempted slap, The Game came to the ring to confront his opponent on Sunday, with Sting warding off the sledgehammer-wielding Triple H with his signature black bat. Overall, it was a great way to open the show, hype the match for Sunday, and it was nice to see them finally cut Sting loose on the mic.
Snoop D-O-Double-Gizzle doing his best Godfather impersonation before being interrupted by #Axelmania. The man himself finally made a completely unexpected appearance to confront his imitator. It was an awesome, hilarious segment. #Hulkamania
The Intercontinental Championship match was once again prominently featured, as four of the participants in Sunday’s ladder match competed in the first match of the night. Ambrose and R-Truth teamed together to face Luke Harper and Stardust with Bad News Barrett on commentary. Harper and Ambrose worked very well together to start the match, with Ambrose hitting a nice bulldog before clearing the ring with the help of his partner. After the break, Stardust worked over Ambrose and hit an Alabama Slam before once again ceding control to his partner. The commentary team was surprisingly entertaining during this one with Barrett and Booker T trading barbs. After taking a beating and kicking out of multiple near-falls, Ambrose came back with a tornado DDT and hit up R-Truth with the hot tag. The faces dominated from there and R-Truth picked up the victory via pinfall after hitting his leaping reverse STO finisher. Ambrose and Truth danced together after the contest to conclude an entertaining opening half hour of the show.
Finally, Nikki Bella offered a Divas Championship match to either Paige or AJ Lee in an attempt to create a divide between her opponents on Sunday. After much debate, Paige decided she would take the title shot. The Divas have been putting on some decent matches over the past few weeks, and they continued their streak of quality matches this week. This one featured a few believable near-falls, they were given a lot of time (by Divas standards), and the ending at least did something to create intrigue for the tag match on Sunday by having AJ cost Paige the title.
WWE taped Thursday’s episode of SmackDown from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, after RAW. This week’s show will also feature footage from WrestleMania week in Santa Clara.
– Jerry Lawler got a big pop when they did the switch to SmackDown but fans are leaving the arena.
– Jimmy Uso defeated Cesaro, Big E and Fernando in a Fatal 4 Way match.
– AJ Lee came out and cut a promo on The Bella Twins, comparing them to the Kardashians. Paige came out and said she and AJ Made up. The Bella Twins interrupted and talked some trash. This was said to be a good segment.
– Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Mark Henry and Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, Kane and Big Show is the main event. For their entrances, Cena and Reigns actually got booed more than they did on RAW compared to what’s left of the crowd but the boos didn’t last. Bryan ended up getting the win for his team and they all celebrated. SmackDown ended with Bryan’s music playing and a few “yes!” chants.
Viewership for the Friday, March 20th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling bounced back on Destination America.
Friday’s Impact Wrestling drew 403,000 viewers and a 0.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic. Those numbers mark an increase of 19 percent and 25 percent from the previous week’s show, which drew 338,000 viewers and a 0.08 demo rating, continuing the shows pattern of bouncing up and down from week-to-week since switching over to the Destination America cable channel.
The replay edition of Impact Wrestling this past Friday night drew 143,000 viewers and a 0.04 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
During the WrestleMania 31 “go-home” edition of WWE RAW on Monday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, a big eight-man tag-team match was announced for this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown.
In what will be the final major television show before Sunday’s WrestleMania 31 pay-per-view, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Daniel Bryan and Mark Henry will team up to take on Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, Big Show and Kane in one of the main events of this week’s SmackDown.
Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Tuesday evening for live WWE SmackDown spoiler results coverage.
The following matches were taped prior to the WrestleMania 31 “go-home” edition of WWE RAW at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California for this week’s edition of WWE Superstars.
– The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy is shown sitting at ringside.
– Fandango (with Rosa Mendes) def. Heath Slater in singles action to kick off the taping. This was said to be a pretty decent opener, with a bunch of comedy spots to get the crowd warmed up for the evening. In the end, Fandango picked up the win via pinfall.
– Naomi def. Alicia Fox in Divas action in the final of the normal two matches for this week’s WWE Superstars taping. This was said to be a decent match, but for the most part, a pretty basic Divas contest. The finish saw Naomi pick up the “W” by way of pinfall after hitting her finish.
That finished the WWE Superstars taping for this week.
WWE recently announced the VIP signing schedule for this week’s WrestleMania AXXESS festivities in California.
Below is a full schedule of AXXESS signings scheduled for the end of this week.
Thursday:
8:00 PM – Hulk Hogan PREMIUM VIP signing
8:00 PM – Roman Reigns PREMIUM VIP signing
6:00 PM – Ric Flair VIP signing
General admission signing: The Prime Time Players, Rusev, Jack Swagger, Erick Rowan, Booker T, Luke Harper, Lita, NXT talents and more.
Friday:
6:00 PM – John Cena PREMIUM VIP signing
8:00 PM – Triple H PREMIUM VIP signing
General Admission Signings: Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, Kane, Ryback, Jerry Lawler, Eva Marie, Scott Hall, NXT talents and more.
Saturday:
10:00 AM – Sting PREMIUM VIP signing
8:00 AM – Daniel Bryan VIP signing
1:00 PM – Randy Orton VIP signing
3:00 PM – Bray Wyatt VIP signing
6:00 PM – Dean Ambrose VIP signing
8:00 PM – Seth Rollins VIP signing
General Admission signing 8:00 AM Session: The Usos, AJ Lee, Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, Kofi Kingston, Rosa Mendes, Boogeyman, NXT stars and more.
General Admission signing 1:00 PM Session: Ryback, Bad News Barrett, Santino Marella, Adam Rose, Sin Cara, Paul Heyman, Summer Rae, NXT stars and more.
General Admission signing 6 PM session: R-Truth, Kane, Damien Mizdow, Goldust, Big E, Xavier Woods, Los Matadores, El Torito, NXT stars and more.
Sunday:
8:00 AM – Shawn Michaels VIP PREMIUM signing.
10:00 AM – WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart VIP signing.
General Admission Signing: The Bella Twins, Big Show, Trish Stratus, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, Roddy Piper, NXT stars and more.