WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

The WWE Title Picture:

“The WWE Title picture certainly became even more interesting Monday night when reigning Champion @CMPunk found himself with a bull’s eye on his chest not only from the challenge last week of Mark Henry but also from the renewed pursuit of Chris Jericho @IAmJericho, @TheRock who said that he would be WWE Champion again, @JohnCena who always has his sights set on the top prize in WWE plus Brock Lesnar who certainly feels that he is the alpha male in WWE but to validate such must be WWE Champion.”

Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return Last Week:

“Many fans are still buzzing about the return of the enigma known as Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is a complex, dominating and driven athlete who made an immediate impact last week when he F5’ed John Cena without warning.”

“I find it odd that many fans can’t understand why Brock Lesnar came back to WWE after retiring from MMA competition. I always thought that Brock would return to WWE but the timing of his return did somewhat surprise me. Lesnar is a businessman, a competitive athlete and knows a potential, golden opportunity when he sees one.”

“‘The Next Big Thing’ returns to WWE a little older, although he is still young, and likely wiser this go around which makes the former NCAA National Champion and WWE Champion that much more dangerous”

Damien Sandow’s WWE Debut:

“Keep an eye on Damien Sandow who debuted on Smackdown Friday night. He’s bright, athletic and motivated. I fully expect him to be successful at the next level. I love his ‘Lou Thesz-like’ robe and towel combo. I have high expectations for Sandow who’s got a solid work ethic and is a student of the game notwithstanding a well spoken individual.”

Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania:

“I don’t have a crystal ball but I’d be surprised to see HHH, @ShawnMichaels and the Undertaker, all together, ever being in the ring as participants at a WrestleMania or any other WWE event ever again. The final chapter of an amazing book was seemingly written and the book closed on Sunday in Miami.

Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

After his surprise appearance at the end of last week’s RAW, returning superstar Brock Lesnar will be on RAW tonight to discuss why he’s back. John Cena will also address Brock Lesnar’s return – and the devastating F5 that Lesnar delivered to him last week. Cena will also show off his new “Dream Machine” custom car, which is being done to promote the new Dream Machines show on SyFy that premiers after tomorrow night’s live SmackDown special.

WWE diva Eve Torres tweeted over the weekend that she’s ready to make some “serious career moves” – which in her case, probably means making out with any top superstar she can find.

SmackDown stars advertised for RAW include World Heavyweight champion Sheamus, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Daniel Bryan (YES!), Cody Rhodes, Intercontinental champion the Big Show, Alberto Del Rio and Christian.

Hardcore legend Mick Foley has been advertised for RAW as well.

Tonight’s RAW will also feature an appearance by the stars of the new Three Stooges movie.

The advertised dark match main event will see WWE Champion CM Punk and John Cena teaming up against Kane and Chris Jericho.

WWE Champion C.M. Punk appeared on FOX DC on Monday to promote tonight’s RAW from the Verizon Center. CM Punk, who was arguably the most high-profile member of the WWE locker room that was unhappy about The Rock returning to WWE, said he now feels differently about the situation.

“The Rock has proved me wrong, and him coming back is great.”

Since his views on The Rock have changed in the past several weeks, he is going to take a “wait and see” attitude before commenting on Brock Lesnar’s return to the company.

“Brock, unfortunately, has that cloud over his head of him kind of cracking under the pressure of being WWE Champion and splitting before, so we’ll have to wait and see what he does.” 

Punk also talked about bridging the gap between ‘old school’ wrestlers and today’s generation and talks about a potential dream match against WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Here’s video footage of Punk’s appearance on FOX DC this morning:

Scott Steiner, who recently parted ways with TNA, went on another Twitter rant against Hulk Hogan on Sunday night – absolutely trashing Hogan, TNA’s current booking regime as well as Hogan’s daughter Brooke and Bischoff’s son Garrett. Steiner wrote:

U R a fool Hogan-U n bischoff arrogantly came into Tna n disrespected n shit on evrybdy bhind closed doors n in the media

N u didnt think u were going to piss ppl off

U unprofessional mothrfuck’rs attackd AJ,Roode,Angle n Borash n the media,but to attack Angle professionally n personally was bullshit

Which i will address later,YOU,bischoff n pritchard book the show,tell me how u lobbying yurself to get me back,U lying piece of shit

No believes yur bullshit,U see money n talent in me really,U also think bitchoffs son is the future of wrestling Fuck U

Yur an idiot,U intro me to yur family n im nice doesnt mean i give a fuck about u N and yur bust-out family

Put yur daughter on the corner n see if she can earn money on her back bcuz she cant sing or dance

U dont know….u dont know who i am and what im capable of..yur creative control wont help u in real life situations

Check out this video footage of FCW star Dean Ambrose confronting WWE legend Mick Foley at the WWE hotel in Miami over WrestleMania weekend.

WWE Champion CM Punk and NXT’s William Regal are both talking about the confrontation on Twitter – giving Ambrose his first real exposure among the WWE universe. Punk encouraged his followers to “cast judgement” on the video and called it the only thing he finds interesting lately.

Many superstars have commented on Brock Lesnar’s WWE return on Twitter. Here are what several past and present WWE superstars tweeted:

Goldberg: “Great for Brock and the business. Happy for him…….”

Dolph Ziggler: “brock lesnar is back/cena cant catch a break! can he go like ME? ps: his gear isnt even bedazzled, uggg! #newkicks?”

Kevin Nash: “@DCBROCKLESNAR It’s Nash want to talk to you,remember all of us, me included bought every fight you had.You’re the baddest man on this planet”

Roddy Piper: “I think Lesner coming back is great. When a man like him takes Pro Wrestling serious it makes a statement of what it takes!”

Joey Styles: “I think we need @OfficialTaz saying ‘Here comes the pain!’”

Smith Hart: “Amazing re-launch of the Brock Lesnar brand. The audience made it quite clear this is what they want… Brock Lesnar is clearly the best debut since WM. Aside from him who do you think has the best chance to make an impact of all the new debuts”

Mason Ryan: “@RobNash81: @WWE_MasonRyan Wrestle Brock Lesnar get some tats to look badass” I don’t need tats to be badass…”

Chuck Palumbo: “I think WWE is on to something hiring guys back as part timers….long over due…Heard Brock signed a 5 million dollar deal for 40 dates.”

– SmackDown newcomer Damien Sandow, who debuted in a backstage vignette on Friday’s show, is on Twitter @TheDamienSandow. The account is being managed by Sandow’s “personal scribe” – Ignatius. The account wrote on Friday after Sandow’s debut:

“THAT WAS AMAZING!!!! We will remember this day for a long time. Please, share your thoughts on Mr. Sandow’s words. Sincerely, Ignatius #wwe”

Video: Damien Sandow’s WWE Television Debut

– Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley is reportedly in talks to fight Fedor Emelianenko on June 21st in St. Petersburg, Russia.

– With Brock Lesnar signed on to wrestle at next year’s WrestleMania 29, there is buzz in WWE that Lesnar’s wife, former WWE diva Sable, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year.

– WWE officials are expecting Brock Lesnar will help pop a big rating for tonight’s RAW. Lesnar is not expected to travel overseas to the UK this week for WWE’s annual post-WrestleMania live events tour, which will include a rare taped UK RAW next week.

– Several readers emailed us saying that the song WWE is using to promote WrestleMania 29 is called “Surrender” by the band Angels & Airwaves.

– WWE Superstar Yoshi Tatsu continues to taunt  Lord Tensai and Sakamoto on Twitter. Speaking of Tatsu, fans started a #SaveYoshiTatsu campaign this weekend as WWE releases are expected soon. Tatsu actually told his fans not to join the “#SaveYoshiTatsu” movement because he thinks it makes him look weak.

– Larry Zbyszko’s son Tim Zbyszko made his professional wrestling debut on Saturday night for the I Believe In Wrestling promotion out of Orlando, Florida. Tim Zbyszko defeated Gorilla Hanley in his first match.

– Randy Orton wrote the following on Twitter in response to fan comments after he was pulled from The Marine 3.

“I respect our military. That’s why I’ve gone to Iraq or Afghan 3 times and met thousands of soldiers. Funny that’s not mentioned.”

– The WWE website is continuing its new feature looking at ‘potential contenders’ for certain superstars .. After looking at who might be upcoming challengers to Brock Lesnar and Sheamus, the latest feature looks at possible opponents WWE Tag Team Champions Primo and Epico. Among the teams listed are Alex Riley & Mason Ryan, The Miz & David Otunga and Brodus Clay & Santino Marella.

– Alberto Del Rio earned a shot at Sheamus’ World Heavyweight Title after defeating the champion by disqualification on Friday’s SmackDown. WWE did not announce whether the match will take place at Extreme Rules. Both Christian and Daniel Bryan are also due for title shots in the coming weeks.

– Rey Mysterio says he’s trying to return to the ring within the next few weeks. He wrote on Twitter Sunday night:

“I really miss performing for all of u & thank u 4 all the LUV,i am pushing myself to come back from my injury by May! Almost their!1 LUV!”

– Despite losing his job as the General Manager of SmackDown, Teddy Long will remain on WWE television as the new lackey to RAW & SmackDown GM John Laurinaitis.

– With development of the upcoming WWE ’13 video game well underway, THQ is reportedly revamping the Create a Superstar mode. WWE ’13 will allow players to create 64 wrestlers, up from 32 in last year’s game.

Speaking of THQ, video game blog JoyStiq.com has an article up looking at the recent financial troubles the company has been dealing with. Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of video game publisher Take Two, predicts THQ might not be in business by the end of the year:

“THQ has had some good games, but their quality levels aren’t even remotely … the quality hasn’t measured up. THQ won’t be around in six months.”

[vsw id=”sB74TaqoPiU” source=”youtube” width=”600″ height=”335″ autoplay=”no”]
Former WWE superstar Skip Sheffield made his return to television on Friday’s SmackDown, returning as Ryback. WWE has already added Ryback’s bio to the SmackDown roster page – and is said to be in line for a big push. His bio reads:

“One only needs to observe how Ryback’s fellow Superstars study him to understand his ruthless reputation. They stare in awe as if they’re watching disaster footage, looking on in shock as Ryback’s ferocity both impresses them and leaves them fearful of being his next target.

How can anyone measure such an intimidating beast in comparison to the rest of his WWE competition? Few words may deem suitable as he starts to make his mark in the ring, but Ryback will eventually unleash more of his overwhelming power on his adversaries — and will not stop until he has left a long line of battered opponents in his wake.”

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The WWE Youtube channel has posted several video highlights from Brock Lesnar’s WWE career:

A painful look at the dominant career of Brock Lesnar:

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Brock Lesnar’s Entrance Video:

[vsw id=”Brock Lesnar Entrance Video” source=”youtube” width=”600″ height=”335″ autoplay=”no”]

Brock Lesnar Attacks Steve Austin

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Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle from WrestleMania XIX

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Brock Lesnar Wins The Royal Rumble

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Brock Lesnar vs. Hulk Hogan

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Brock Lesnar vs. Ric Flair

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Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show:

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Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton

[vsw id=”_6RNviVBWNA” source=”youtube” width=”600″ height=”335″ autoplay=”no”]

– There is a lot of talk in both WWE and TNA that Ric Flair will be back with WWE some time next year. Flair’s current TNA contract expires at the end of the year and WWE reportedly wants to use Ric Flair’s star power to help push the WWE Network when it launches. Flair is still very popular with wrestling fans of all ages and WWE owns the footage to most of Flair’s career, so it’s a natural fit.

Flair did an interview for a Charlotte radio station earlier this week where he claimed his last wrestling match was the retirement match against Shawn Michaels. He also spoke highly of Vince McMahon and The Rock and had a great time hanging out with the WWE crew during WrestleMania weekend.

– Following Randy Orton’s removal from the upcoming WWE Studios film, The Marine 3, WWE is currently considering CM Punk, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, JTG and Kofi Kingston for the role.

Because the movie is co-promoted with 20th Century Fox, WWE wants a big named star in the movie and the number of performers with Orton’s star power is limited. T

The Marine 3 begins filming in June so we should hear something soon.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

As we reported earlier this week, Brock Lesnar’s contract with WWE is said to be a 1-year deal that pays $5 million and is for approximately 30-40 appearances, including matches.

Even before Brock Lesnar’s final UFC fight against Alistair Overeem in December, there was talk in the MMA world that Lesnar had a $5 million deal waiting for him in WWE. Vince McMahon was said to be “agreeable” on the idea of shelling out $5 million to bring Lesnar in, however there was a lot of negotiating before the two parties agreed on the number of appearances Lesnar would be obligated to make.

The Rock has also signed a 1-year contract with WWE that will see him wrestle a few times this year and at WrestleMania 29. With 12 months to go until next year’s big event, WWE already has its sights set on a Rock vs. Lesnar main event. WWE is looking to sell out WrestleMania the day that tickets go on sale, something the company hasn’t done since 2007.

WrestleMania 29 Matches: Early Plans for Lesnar, Rock, Austin

Something WWE has to consider with a Rock vs. Brock main event is the possibility of fans turning on both wrestlers, which happened during the infamous Brock Lesnar and Goldberg at WrestleMania 20. Back then, word got out that both Lesnar and Goldberg were leaving the company immediately after their WrestleMania match – and the New York crowd was merciless. Fast forward 9 years – and we could see another big Lesnar match at WrestleMania in front of a New York crowd that is aware both participants are making their final appearances for WWE.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Wade Barrett is targeting August for his return after recently undergoing shoulder surgery. As we noted a few weeks ago, WWE decided to pull Money in the Bank from the WrestleMania lineup when Barrett got injured, as he was booked to win the match. The latest is that Money in the Bank could take place at SummerSlam, when Barrett would be healthy to return.

– Morale is said to be low among some of the WWE writers after several were not  invited to the WrestleMania 28 after party. Top writers Brian Gewirtz, Ed Koskey and Michael Hayes were there, but most of the creative staff was not. A Twitter account parodying Vince McMahon posted several messages this week posing as Vince and complaining about th writers who were upset about not being invited.

Related News: Twitter Account Parodying Vince McMahon Leaking WWE Info?

– WWE is looking at producing a new one-hour Spanish television show.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– WWE is advertising Brock Lesnar for Monday’s Raw SuperShow (from the Verizon Center in Washington D.C), the April 23rd RAW Supershow from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan as well as Extreme Rules on April 29th from the AllState Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

– The WWE website has posted an article looking at “Five Superstars Bracing For Brock.” The article names Randy Orton, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Big Show and Kane as potential challengers for Lesnar in the coming months.

– Paul Heyman has posted a new video featuring Brock Lesnar, but it’s probably not what you’re expecting. Heyman, who was Brock Lesnar’s on-air manager/agent during Brock’s famous rise up the ladder in 2002, and co-authored Brock’s autobiography last year as well, has posted an exclusive video of Lesnar on The Heyman Hustle website. But it’s not a wrestling video. It’s a farming video. Seriously. One of Lesnar’s biggest sponsors when he fought in UFC was CASE IH farming equipment, coupled with Rocky Mountain Dealerships. Lesnar’s new video, released this week to coincide with his WWE return and destruction of John Cena on Monday Night Raw, really is a farming video. Check it out:

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Calling Hell In A Cell at WrestleMania:

“Calling the epic, memorable HIAC match was one of my career highlights.  I’ve been blessed to be a part of many WrestleMania events but WM28 will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Broadcasting with Michael Cole and The King was great. I thought both guys really had a stellar night. I sincerely appreciated Michael Cole’s handshake welcoming me to the announce table. Very classy.”

Its hard to name a more physical, compelling bout than HIAC as HHH and Undertaker brought amazing physicality and immense passion. They beat the heck out of each other and took us all on an unforgettable ride. A truly awesome performance. Shawn Micahels contributions to the bout were huge. HBK is so gifted in any role he’s in and Sunday was no exception. It was the best, guest ref work I can ever recall.”

Brock Lesnar’s Return To WWE:

“Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE is significant to say the least. I’m excited to see where the future takes the former WWE & UFC Champion. In mere minutes, Lesnar became a force to be dealt with in WWE. Interesting days certainly lie a head for the F5 machine.”

Developmental Talent Getting Called Up:

“I covet my time in WWE’s developmental program. Been here all week. Working with the enthusiastic, talented young athletes is so rewarding. Great things are on going on Dale Mabry in Tampa. Tonight is the FCW TV taping and I can’t wait. Several FCW talents are either being introduced or on the cusp of such on a WWE roster. Expect to see several new personas in the coming weeks on RAW & Smackdown. Congrats to all who’ve earned an opportunity.”

As always, you can (and should) purchase Jim Ross’ delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

TNA and SpikeTV issued the following press release today, announcing a contract renewal that will keep TNA’s flagship Impact Wrestling show on Spike for years to come. According to a TNA source, the contract extension is for 2 years.

SPIKE TV AND TNA ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION TO ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The Highly-Rated “Impact Wrestling” Maintains Its Home On Spike TV On Thursday Nights

New York, NY – April 5, 2012 – Spike TV and TNA Entertainment have agreed upon a multi-year extension on their strategic partnership, maintaining Spike TV as the exclusive U.S. television home of the emerging sports-entertainment property.

The deal was announced today jointly by Kevin Kay, Spike TV President and Dixie Carter, TNA Entertainment President. TNA wrestling debuted on Spike TV in July, 2005. Over the last seven years, the ratings for TNA’s “IMPACT Wrestling” have grown from an average of 700,000 viewers at launch to nearly two million today.

“Dixie Carter and her team at TNA have done a phenomenal job in developing stars for an exciting, high-action brand that resonates with Spike’s audience,” said Kay. “We are excited to further our partnership and will continue to build and invigorate the franchise together.”

“We are thrilled that Spike TV will be IMPACT Wrestling’s home for years to come,” said Carter. “The dedication that Kevin Kay and the network have shown us in building our brand is what makes this announcement even more meaningful for me. And look for some exciting things to happen on IMPACT in the near future.”

TNA’s flagship series, “IMPACT Wrestling,” airs weekly on Spike TV and is one of the network’s top-rated series. The show has evolved into must-see-tv on Thursdays with young men and currently ranks among the top shows on cable in its timeslot with Men 18-34.

The roster features many of the biggest names in wrestling including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Booby Roode, Sting, James Storm, Rob Van Dam the lovely and lethal Knockouts.

On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Gus Ramsey wrote on Twitter that he heard the preliminary buyrate for WWE WrestleMania 28 came in at 1.9 million buys, which would make it the most profitable WrestleMania event by a longshot.

Ramsey has posted several follow-up tweets regarding the WrestleMania 28 buyrate:

“I trust who I heard it from, but again no confirmation.”

“just something I heard. I’m not a reporter. Just a guy who likes wrestling and knows some people. Could very well be wrong”

“Re: WM28 buy rate. 1- I work at espn, not a reporter. Not the same thing. 2- I heard the number but have no confirmation.”

“haven’t seen anything in writing. so maybe the # is wrong, or I misheard it, but pretty sure that was the # + WWE very happy”

WrestleMania 29 is still a year away, but the planning for next year’s top show is already well underway.  While things certainly can (and likely will) change in the next year, the current lineup for next year’s WrestleMania is looking like Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. CM Punk and The Undertaker vs. Jonh Cena.

Regarding the Undertaker vs. Cena match, WWE.com has a video up with several superstars talking about the Hell in a Cell match from WrestleMania 28 and how it was truly the “end of an era.” Cena said this about the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak:

“I know he holds the streak near and dear but I don’t see any reason for him to try for 21st. After seeing the last four matches he’s had at WrestleMania, I am certainly not involved with throwing my name in that hat.”

Comment below and tell us how YOU would book WrestleMania 29.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

– Brock Lesnar signed a 1-year contract with WWE over the weekend – and the backstage buzz is that Lesnar received one of the most lucrative contracts in company history. After seeing what a juggernaut Lesnar was in terms of PPV sales for the UFC, WWE is rumored to have guaranteed Lesnar $5 million to work a limited schedule. Based on what we’re hearing, Lesnar is contracted to appear twice a month for the next 12 months.

– The Miz returned to MTV this week, hosting the “Challenge: Battle of the Exes” reunion show. During the episode, the official MTV Twitter account wrote that they would pay anything to get The Miz to come back for another Challenge show. Miz replied:  “ANYTHING???”

– In preparation of the upcoming WWE Network launch, WWE is considering reaching out to former announcers so they don’t put too much strain on current employees.

– WWE is looking to run more storylines on Twitter. The Twitter rants from Epico and Rosa Mendes about being left off WrestleMania 28 were an example of this recent company initiative.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

– Former WWE superstar Maven Hufffman was arrested on Monday after authorities were informed that the 2001 Tough Enough winner was “doctor shopping” and trying to obtain approximately 1,000 narcotic prescription pills. TMZ.com is reporting that WWE has reached out to Maven and offered to send him to rehab. A WWE rep told TMZ, “WWE is the only entertainment or sports organization that offers its former performers assistance with substance abuse issues.”

– Daniel Bryan announced on Twitter that WWE is capitalizing on the popularity of his “YES!” chant and will be releasing a “YES! YES! YES!” t-shirt as soon as Monday:

“The people have spoken, and @wweshop has listened. The #YesYesYes shirt may be out as soon as monday. Will keep you guys updated.”

Despite the unbelievable popularity of the catch phrase in Miami for WrestleMania and RAW the following night, some believe that the “YES!” chant is not going to remain popular for much longer.

The momentum behind the highly anticipated title-bout between UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos and devastating Dutchman Alistair Overeem ran smack dab into a brick wall this afternoon when the NSAC revealed “The Demolition Man” had shown an elevated level of testosterone in his blood stream and would not be licensed as things currently stand. He will need to appear before the commission and have a “B” sample cleared before being permitted to compete, a decision likely indicating his dance with Dos Santos is officially done for.

Overeem was subjected to random drug testing at a recent press conference promoting UFC 146 where he is/was scheduled to scrap with Dos Santos. All other fighters who submitted samples were cleared.

However, while Overeem’s status is up in the air, at least one heavyweight contender is willing to step in to face “Cigano” on short notice – Frank Mir. Mir is already booked to battle on the May 26 card and viewed as the closest thing to a #1 challenger after Overeem.

“I would be excited if given the opportunity to compete for the UFC’s heavyweight title at UFC 146,” said Mir in a press release from his management team. “I have been fortunate to be able to fight in the UFC for more than a decade, and it is a dream of mine to become the first three-time heavyweight champion in the UFC. Being able to fight Junior Dos Santos would put me one step closer to that dream.”

Early numbers for the WrestleMania 28 buyrate are coming in and preliminary estimates are showing that this year’s event could be the most-bought pay-per-view in WWE history. With one year to build up the blockbuster dream match between The Rock and John Cena, WWE was looking to surpass the annual benchmark of 1 million buys and had its sights on the record-holding WrestleMania 26 buyrate of approximately 1.25 million buys.

According to ESPN’s Gus Ramsey, WWE looks like they might shatter that record. Ramsey tweeted the following on Wednesday:

“… Rock and Brock each sign 1 year deals. WM28 did 1.9M buys. WWE was targeting 1.5M”