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WWE WrestleMania 32 Results – April 3, 2016

WrestleMania 32 took place on April 3rd in Dallas, Texas at the AT&T Center with an attendance of 101,763.

WrestleMania 32 Kickoff pre-show

– The WrestleMania 32 Kickoff pre-show opens up our evening with a shot of the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Renee Young welcomes us along with Lita and Booker T. Corey Graves is outside with fans pumping up the crowd.

Kalisto def. Ryback to retain the WWE United States Championship: They taunt each other before the action starts and Ryback dominates the early moments of the match. Kalisto gets in a top rope bulldog for a 2 count before Ryback sends Kalisto back down to the ringside floor. Ryback gives Kalisto a ringside beatdown, throwing him into the ring post and the fan barrier. Ryback throws Kalisto back into the ring as the crowd chants “Goldberg.” Ryback continues using his size advantage to dominate Kalisto as fans file into the AT&T Stadium for the main show. Kalisto mounts a comeback with a big DDT and some kicks to the grounded Ryback. Ryback nails a spinebuster on the U.S. champ and takes him into a corner with an exposed turnbuckle. Kalisto ends up hitting the Salida Del Sol into the exposed turnbuckle for the pinfall victory.

Eva Marie, Brie Bella, Alicia Fox, Paige and Natalya def. Lana, Naomi, Tamina Snuka, Emma and Summer Rae: On commentary, Jerry Lawler acknowledges that there are still lines of fans outside trying to get in. The story in the opening moments of the match is between Eva and her partners not wanting to work together. Several minutes in, Paige gets the tag from Natalya and they double team Naomi with an old school Hart Foundation move. Emma gets the tag and hits a wheelbarrow on Paige and tags in Lana. Lana hits some kicks on Paige to continue the beat down. The heels go for a double-team superplex on Paige but Natalya makes the save. Paige hits a cross-body splash off the top onto the heels on the floor at ringside. Brie and Noami get the tags and Brie lays her out with a series of kicks and an X-Factor. After a series of run-ins from the non-legal teammates, Brie taps out Naomi to secure the win for her team. Nikki Bella comes out to celebrate after the match.

– Lita comes out to the ring unveil the new WWE Women’s Championship. She unveils a white belt with a red plate and a diamond WWE logo in the center.

The Usos def. The Dudley Boyz: The Dudleys start off on the offensive and Bubba talks trash before eating a superkick. D-Von gets the tag and they hit the Wassup diving headbutt. Bubba pushes D-Von like he’s going to ask for the tables, but The Usos hit simultaneous superkicks on the Dudleys to end their party. The Dudleys hit an inverted 3-D on Jimmy, but then Jey slides in the ring and hits a superkick on D-Von for the 1-2-3.

After the match, The Dudleys get the tables. The Usos lay them out with a couple superkicks, then both of them go up top and hit frogsplashes on the Dudleys through both tables.

WrestleMania 32

– WrestleMania 32 has officially begun! The 7-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship is up first.

Zack Ruder def. Kevin Owens vs. The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn vs. Stardust vs. Sin Cara: Owens and Zayn are left alone in the ring while everyone else is on the outside getting the ladders. Owens hits a big back body drop on Zayn into a ladder, then Zack Ryder runs in and lays out Owens. Ryder starts climing the ladder and Ziggler joins him. Stardust pushing them both off to the outside, then Sin Cara takes Stardust t the outside. Zayn hits a suicide dive onto everyone on the outside, then a big tornado DDT on Owens onto the floor at ringside. Sin Cara hits a springboard suicide dive onto everyone on the outside, and everyone is down. Ziggler hits superkicks on Ryder, Sin Cara and Zack Ryder, then Ziggler and Owens superkick eachother and are both down. Stardust pulls out a polka dot ladder from under the ring to pay homage to his father, the late Dusty Rhodes. Stardust lays out everyone with the polka dot ladder except The Miz, who runs in and hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Stardust face-first into the ladder. Owens lays out Miz then throws the polka dot ladder to the outside. Owens sets up Zayn on a ladder propped up against the ropes, then hits frogsplash off the top rope onto him. The Miz comes in and brawls with Owens until Zayn lays out Owens. Zany goes up on a huge ladder and hits an elbow onto The Miz. Zayn heads back up the ladder, but Ziggler meets him 3/4 up and takes him down to the mat with a facebuster. Stardust is laid out on a ladder propped up between the ring and the fan barricade. Sin Cara climbs the ladder and Owens pushes him off and through Stardust on the ladder outside. Owens climbs up and almost gets the ladder, but Zayn meets him up top and they trade right hands. They pull each other off the ladder, then Zayn hits a huge half-nelson suplex on Owens who smashes his head hard on a ladder. The Miz climbs the ladder but Ryder pushes him off and grabs the title.

Chris Jericho def. AJ Styles: AJ hits a hurricanrana early on and clotheslines Jericho to the outside. Jericho takes out his frustration by kicking the ring steps. Back in the ring, AJ hits a springboard dropkick sending Jericho back to the outside. Styles goes to hit a splash on Jericho to the outside, but he flies right into a kick from Jericho. AJ hits a series of strikes on Jericho ending with a big dropkick. Jericho manages to get Styles in the Walls of Jericho, but AJ reaches the ropes. He hits his flying reverse DDT on Jericho for a 2 count. AJ hits a reverse suplex on Jericho off the top for a 2 count. AJ escapes a Walls from Jericho and gets him in the Calf Crusher. Jericho elbows him in the back of the head and rolls out of the Calf Crusher. AJ goes for a Styles Clash but Jericho gets out and drops AJ on the apron. AJ goes for the Phenomenal Forearm but misses, and turns around into a Codebreaker for a 2-count. Jericho goes to attempt a Styles Clash of his own on AJ, but AJ gets out and hits a suplex on Jericho for a 2 count. AJ reverses a Tiger Bomb attempt and hits a Styles Clash for 2-count. AJ springboards off the top with a 450 splash for another 2 count. AJ goes back to the apron and springboards in for a Phenomenal Forearm, but he flies into into a Codebreaker in midair and Jericho pins him for the 1-2-3.

– Zack Ryder cuts a promo in the back about winning the Intercontinental Championship. He says he’s going to take a picture with Razor Ramon with his new IC title.

– There’s a huge 20-foot box of Booty-O’s on the stage. It falls over, some cereal falls out, then out come the The New Day. They cut a promo on the stage before heading to the ring.

The League of Nations vs. The New Day: Sheamus is in first and The New Day overpowers him with quick tags. Del Rio gets the tag and goes to work on Xavier. Kofi and Sheamus get the tags, and Kofi lays him out with a series of kicks. Rusev runs in but Kofi lays him out too, then hits a big leg drop on both of them. Big E comes in and suplexes everyone who comes at him, then spears Sheamus, Rusev and Barrett off the apron to the outside. Del Rio hits a double foot stomp on Kington to the outside, then throws him in the ring where he walks into a big boot from Sheamus. Sheamus gets the pinfall victory.

– After the match, The League cuts a promo but they’re interrupted by Shawn Michaels. Michaels is wearing his wrestling gear. While Michaels is still on the stage, Mick Foley joins him. The glass shatters and Stone Cold Steve Austin comes out and flips off the crowd. They head to the ring and beat down the League. Foley introduces Sheamus to Mr. Socko. Michaels lays out Del Rio with a superkick. Austin pays homage to Dusty Rhodes then lays out Rusev with the Stunner. Barrett goes in the ring and the Hall of Famers all hit him with their finishers. The New Day comes back in the ring and starts dancing. Shawn Michaels and Foley join him. Austin joins for a moment with a Carlton Banks dance, but then hits a Stunner on Xavier and The New Day flees the ring.

Brock Lesnar def. Dean Ambrose: Lesnar starts off the match with some serious suplexes. Ambrose gets a kendo stick from the outside and works on Lesnar, but Lesnar keeps coming back with suplexes. Lesnar breaks the Kendo Stick in two and continues working on Ambrose. Amrbsoe gives a thumbs up to Paul Heyman, then receives some more suplexes. Ambrose tries to mount a comeback, but Lesnar gives him a German suplex that gets some serious air. Lesnar stands over Ambrose taunting him, and Ambrose drops him with a low bow then beats him down with a Kendo Stick. Ambrose grabs a chainsaw from under the ring but it wont start. Lesnar gives him a belly to belly suplex onto the floor at ringside, which JBL informs us is the 10th suplex of the match. Ambrose blasts Lesnar with a fire extinguisher then smashes him with a steel chair. He dropkicks the chair into Lesnar’s face in the corner. He comes off the top with the steel chair and smashes it on Lesnar on the mat. Ambrose throws a bunch of chairs in the ring into a pile, but when he’s back in the ring he gets caught with a German Suplex from Lesnar. Ambrose reverses an F-5 into the Dirty Deeds for a 2-count. Ambrose goes to hit Lesnar with a barbed wire bat, but Lesnar gives him a German suplex into the pile of chairs. Lesnar then hits the F-5 on Ambrose into the pile of chairs for the 3-count.

– Ric Flair is in the back giving a pop talk to Zack Ryder. Dolph Ziggler joins Flair in trying to teach Ryder to properly “Whoo.” Ryder eats the Snickers and transforms into Charlotte.

– They show a recap video of last night’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and the inductees come out to the stage. Snoop Dogg is wearing a blue robe.

Charlotte def. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: Snoop performs for Sasha’s entrance. All three women go back and forth with takedowns and pins in the opening moments. Charlotte hits a Rude Awakening on Becky off the top rope for a 2 count. Becky comes back and gets Charlotte in an arm bar, but Sasha breaks it up. Becky throws Sasha to the outside, then Charlotte drops Becky and puts her in the Figure Four. Sasha comes out of nowhere with a Frog Splash on Charlotte for a 2 count. Becky hits a big German suplex on Sasha that sends her to the outside. Becky hits a Rock Bottom on Charlotte for a 2 count. Sasha somersaults through the middle ropes onto Charlotte on the outside. Ric Flair gets in Sasha’s face: Woooo! Becky comes out of nowhere with a suicide dive on Flair through the ropes onto The Nature Boy.

Charlotte hits a moonsault off the top rope onto Becky and Sasha all the way down on the ringside floor. Charlotte hits a double Natural Selection on both women for a 2 count on each of them. Becky comes back and gets Charlotte in another arm bar. Sasha breaks it up with a backbreaker into the Banks Statement. Charlotte breaks that up with a Figure Four on Sasha. Becky pulls it apart and all three women exchange right hands. Becky hits a fisherman suplex on Charlotte off the top. Sasha gets Becky in the Banks Statement again, but Charlotte throws Sasha to the outside and gets Becky in the Figure Four. Flair holds Sasha back from rolling in the ring to break it up, and Becky taps out.

The Undertaker def. Shane McMahon: The Hell in the Cell lowers and Shane McMahon comes out with his three sons. They come down to ringside with him and he seats them in the front row before entering the cage. They trade punches in the opening moments but Taker gets the better of him and beats him down both inside and outside the ring, throwing him into the cage multiple times. Undertaker throws the ring steps into the ring. Taker lays Shane McMahon’s head over the side of the ring apron and gives him a big leg drop. Taker gives him a Last Ride in the ring, but Shane gets his shoulder up at 2. Undertaker goes to grab Shane but Shane locks him in a triangle choke. Taker gets out and chokeslams Shane onto the ring steps. He pins Shane ontop of the steps for another 2 count. Undertaker goes to elbow drop Shane ontop of the steps, but Shane rolls away and Taker is hurt. Shane sits on the ring steps in the ring and taunts Taker to come get some. Taker walks towards him, then Shane jumps up and DDTs Undertaker into the ring steps. Both men are down, then Undertaker gets Shane in the Hell’s Gate, but he gets out and puts Taker in a sharpshooter. Taker gets out and Shane beats him down in the corner. He goes outside and grabs a trash can and sets it up in front of Taker in the corner. Shane goes up top on the opposite turnbuckle and goes flying with a dropkick driving the trash can into Taker. Shane gets bolt cutters from under the ring and cuts some parts of the cage. Undertaker picks him up and gives him a spinebuster through the side of the cage, breaking out of it onto the floor at ringside. Taker beats Shane all over ringside then goes to Tombstone him through an announce table. Shane gets out and puts Taker in a sleeper hold, so Undertaker jumps through the table back-first ontop of Shane. Shane hits Undertaker in the head with a toolbox and the tools go flying. He puts Taker on the table and bashes him in the head with a TV monitor. Shane climbs all the way to the top of the cage and stands at the ledge. Shane jumps down for an elbow drop but Undertaker rolls out of the way and Shane crashes through the table to the floor. After a couple minutes, Shane gets up and asks Undertaker for more. Taker brings him back to the ring and gives him a Tombstone for the 1-2-3.

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: All the competitors walk out to the ring together except Mark Henry, Kane & The Big Show, who get their own entrances. It’s me, it’s me, it’s D.D.P.! Diamond Dallas Page is a surprise entrant. Just when you think the match is about to start, it’s Shaq! Shaquille O’Neal comes out and enters the match. Tatanka is in the match too. Shaq and Big Show double chokeslam Kane, then all the other wrestlers gang up on them. Shaq and Big Show clear the ring. They grab each other by the throats until the other wrestlers get back in the ring and successfully eliminate both Shaq and Big Show by ganging up on them. The story of the match is The Social Outcasts teaming up to eliminate the other competitors. Kane, Corbin and Mark Henry eliminate all of the Outcasts. Kane and Darren Young team up to eliminate Mark Henry, but then gets eliminated by Kane. Baron Corbin comes out of nowhere and flips Kane over the top rope to win the match.

– A video airs promoting WrestleMania 33 next year in Orlando, Florida.

– The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders come out to dance to Thunderstruck by AC/DC.

– Finally… The Rock has come back to Dallas! The Rock comes out with a flamethrower and sets a giant sign of his name on fire. The Rock cuts a promo about 100,000 people being in the arena for WrestleMania 32. He reveals that they’ve officially broken the WrestleMania attendance record with 101,763. The Wyatt Family comes out and interrupts The Rock. They come down to ringside and Bray cuts a promo on Rock. Bray says The Rock represents a lie. The Rock mocks Bray and tells him he looks like he’s been hitting the bong for 8 days straight. He says clearly their parents are related and that Strowman looks like he was breastfed until he was 26. The Rock says he wants a match right now at WrestleMania. He tears his pants off and reveals he has his ring gear on. He puts his elbow pad on and will now face Rowan.

The Rock def. Eric Rowan: As soon as the bell rings, The Rock hits Rowan with a Rock Bottom for the win. He won in 6 seconds. After the match, the three Wyatt Family members surround The Rock. John Cena’s music hits and he hits the ring! They clear the ring and The Rock hits a Rock Bottom on Strowman. Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment and the 5 Knuckle Shuffle on Rowan. Bray goes for the Sister Abigail on Cena, but Rock breaks it up and hits the People’s Elbow. The Rock grabs a mic and welcomes back Cena, if ya smell what The Rock is cookin’.

Roman Reigns def. Triple H: Stephanie is on a platform and cuts a promo on a headset mic and a strange leather outfit about The Authority owning all the fans. Triple H comes down with a bunch of masked people in coats holding World Heavyweight Title belts. They go back and forth until Triple H throws him out of the ring then holds the ring ropes open to taunt him. There’s a “Roman sucks” chant. They stare each other down and Triple H slaps Reigns and they start brawling. Triple H gets the better of Reigns and keeps him grounded. Reigns comes back off the ropes with a flying clothesline. Reigns lays HHH’s head over the apron and dropkicks it. Steph distracts the ref and Triple H kicks Reigns in the groin, then hits two inverted atomic drops for a 2 count. The Game hits a spinebuster for another 2 count. HHH throws Reigns to the outside and throws Reigns onto an announce table, then gives Reigns a swinging neckbreaker off of the table. HHH lays Reigns over the second rope and hits a knee drop to the back of his head. Reigns comes back with a big boot and a clothesline in the corner, then a Samoan drop for a 2 count. On the outside, Reigns does a flying clothesline off the ring steps. Triple H throws Reigns over an announce table, but Reigns comes back and spears Triple H right through a fan barricade. Reigns goes for a Superman punch but Triple H takes him down with an armbar. Reigns gets out and powerbombs HHH for a 2 count before Triple H puts him in another armbar, which Reigns also powerbombs out of. Reigns goes for a spear but runs into a knee. Triple H goes for a pedigree but Reigns back body drops him out of the ring to the floor. Stephanie gets in and distracts the ref. Reigns sets up for a spear and Triple H tries to position the ref for Reigns to hit, but Reigns spears Stephanie instead. Reigns gets up and walks into a Pedigree from Triple H for a 2 count. Reigns comes back with a Superman punch, he goes for a spear but Triple H puts up his knee to block it. Stephanie hands Triple H the sledgehammer but Reigns hits him with two Superman punches and a spear for the 3 count. Reigns celebrates in the ring to close out the show.

Roman Reigns Says You Could Get Kicked Out Of WWE Events For Flipping Him Off

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns says that you might find yourself getting kicked out of a WWE event if you flip him the middle finger. Reigns says that the trademark hand gesture of WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin is no longer welcomed at family-friendly WWE events. Here’s what Reigns told the Orlando Sentinel today when asked about fans at live events still booing him:

“I think there’s a few different reasons why,” Reigns said of the negative crowd reactions. “You could name a bunch of them. I don’t think we could actually put a finger on one and say this is the reason why. Typically if you hear the boos, it generally is grown men my age and I’m not really in this business for the grown men. (laughs) I’m in this business for the families. That’s what we are; we’re a PG product. We’re a family-based product. We’re here to entertain families and give them enjoyment. If you’re a 30-year-old man and you want to flip me off at a kids show, then, hey, like I said, you paid your money but just be careful because you could get kicked out.”

Reigns says it doesn’t bother him when fans don’t like him, but he wants fans to be better role models for the children in the crowd.

“There’s nothing to complain about as far as reaction, because we’re storytelling here and not everybody is going to have the same opinion about the story. […] A lot of times, these pay-per-views and Monday Night Raws, they’re on school nights so it is a lot more of a grown-up feel. I think if you pick and choose and just think with logic, everything will be all right. That’s just one thing, you have to be concerned with the example we’re setting. At a show, I’m not the only role model. These kids are sitting next to these other grown-ups and they’re seeing how these people act. That’s just a reflection of what they see and they probably act the same way.”

You can read his full interview here.

Paul Heyman Hints At What’s Next For Brock Lesnar After WrestleMania 32

Paul Heyman will be in the house at WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, TX tonight as Brock Lesnar’s manager. Heyman recently spoke to Alexandra Irving of the Bleacher Report to promote tonight’s pay-per-view, and he talked about what’s next for his client Brock Lesnar. Heyman hinted at two possible targets for Lesnar after WrestleMania: The Wyatt Family, and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

“There is certainly unfinished business with the Wyatt Family, which will be addressed when Brock Lesnar feels like it, at his whim, at his leisure, and convenience and at his pleasure as well,” Heyman said when asked about Lesnar’s post-‘Mania plans.

“Obviously, the goal for Brock Lesnar is always to be the reigning, and here’s the key word defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the world so whomever comes out of the Triple H versus Roman Reigns match for the title is going to have Brock Lesnar breathing down their neck.”

We’ll have live coverage of WrestleMania 32 here tonight, and stay tuned after the event for all the latest backstage news & fallout from the biggest pay-per-view of the year.

Update On WWE Renaming The Divas Division & Unveiling New Title Belt

As noted, WWE has reportedly decided to drop the name “Divas” and rebrand their female division as simple the Women’s division. The official announcement will come on Monday’s RAW, which takes place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. We’ll have live coverage of RAW right here on Monday night.

Squared Sirens reports that a former women’s champion will be doing the honors of unveiling the new belt on Monday. Lita, Molly Holly and Madusa are all in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend, so it’s possible any number of them could be at RAW for the unveiling.

WWE has already created their new WWE Women’s Championship Belt, and will be retiring the current Divas Title introduced in 2008. It will reportedly resemble the gold WWE World Heavyweight Title more than the current purple Divas title.

Brock Lesnar Speaks On His Increased WWE Schedule

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is doing media appearances to promote tonight’s WrestleMania 32. In an interview with Dan Gelston of AP, Lesnar talked about his travel schedule with WWE and his thoughts on his job with the biggest pro wrestling company in the world.

“Vince (McMahon) got his checkbook out and he’s writing more checks,” Lesnar said of his increased work load. “But I have a limit and we’re at that limit right now.”

“This is a job and I’m not caught up into it like maybe I’m supposed to be,” he said. “I approach this as, I’m a skilled worker. I clock in, I clock out. People pay to watch me and, by chance, I guess they find me entertaining. … When I look back and what I’m proud of is the money in my bank account.”

Lesnar will face Dean Ambrose in a Street Fight at WrestleMania 32 tonight in Dallas, Texas with live play-by-play coverage all night here on SEScoops.com.

Update On When Randy Orton Will Be Returning

Randy Orton was in the house at Saturday night’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. On the pre-show, Orton said that he’s scheduled to return to action in 2 to 4 months. He explained that he wants to get back as soon as possible.

Orton has been out of action since last November with a shoulder injury. He’s scheduled to be part of the Middle East Film and Comic Con in Dubai, UAE from April 7th to April 9th.

WWE Holds Pre-WrestleMania Backstage Meeting With Their Roster

WWE officials reportedly held a big pre-WrestleMania meeting with their roster in Dallas this weekend. PWInsider.com reports that one of the big subjects at the meeting was the WrestleMania 32 Kickoff pre-show.

Company management reportedly wanted to make it clear to talent that just because their match is on the pre-show, that doesn’t mean they aren’t part of WrestleMania. Management says they view WrestleMania and the Kickoff show as one big event, rather than just another pay-per-view with a pre-show.

WrestleMania 32 goes down on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016 and we’ll have live play-by-play coverage all night here on SEScoops.com

Spoilers – 3 Weeks Of NXT Tapings Results (Airing April 6-April 20)

WWE was in Dallas, Texas for WrestleMania week, and at Saturday’s Axxess event they taped several episodes of NXT TV. Below are the spoilers for NXT from April 6th through April 20th.

Spoilers for April 6th:

– Asuka defeated Eva Marie. Post-match, Nia Jax had a staredown with Asuka.

– Dash and Dawson defeated two local wrestlers

– Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated Blake and Murphy. Post-match, The Revival attacked Ryder and Rawley.

– Carmella defeated Aliyah by submission.

– Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Elias Samson.

Spoilers for April 13th:

– Chad Gable and Jason Jordan defeated Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady.

– Nia Jax squashed Deonna Purrazzo.

– Levis “No Way Jose” Valenzuela defeated Alexander Wolfe.

– Samoa Joe defeated Apollo Crews by submission.

– Austin Aries defeated Angelo Dawkins.

Spoilers for April 20th:

– Alexa Bliss defeated Tessa Blanchard.

– Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano defeated The Vaudevillains

– Baron Corbin defeated Tucker Knight.

– Bayley defeated Liv Morgan.

– Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tye Dillinger.

Photo: First Look At The Stage For Tonight’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place tonight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX at 6:30 PM local time. We received this picture from a fan showing a first look at the stage for this year’s ceremony:

HOF

Here are the inductees for this year’s ceremony:

* Sting
* The Godfather
* The Fabulous Freebirds
* Big Boss Man
* Jacqueline
* Stan Hansen
* Joan Lunden (Warrior Award)
* Snoop Dogg (Celebrity inductee)

Make sure to check back at 8 PM ET. this evening for the best WWE Hall Of Fame induction ceremony live coverage on the web.

Details On NXT’s Upcoming Tour Of The U.K. & Ireland

WWE issued a press release on Friday about NXT’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The U.K. shows will be part of the annual Download music festival. In a conference call with Mirror.co.uk, Triple H commented on the summer tour, saying “It’s going to be a very exciting U.K. tour that I think will continue to showcase what NXT does amazingly well. It’s an exciting time.”

Here’s WWE’s press release:

The hottest brand in sports-entertainment will join up with one of the biggest music festivals in the world to kick off NXT’s tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland this June.

From Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12, WWE NXT takes over the Download Festival at Derby’s Donington Park. Alongside some of the biggest names in rock, including Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Rammstein and Korn, Superstars like Finn Bálor, Bayley, Baron Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura will take to the ring to showcase their high-octane brand of competition. Festival-goers will also get the opportunity to meet the Superstars of NXT during autograph signings.

The NXT tour continues to Dublin’s 3Arena Monday, June 13, then travels to the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Tuesday, June 14. The Echo Arena in Liverpool plays host to live NXT action Wednesday, June 15, while the Bournemouth International Center will be treated to an action-packed evening on Thursday, June 16. The tour concludes on Friday, June 17, at Plymouth’s Pavilions Arena.

Tickets for the Download Festival are available now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets. Tickets for the rest of NXT’s tour of the U.K. and Ireland are available starting Friday, April 8. Don’t miss your chance to see NXT live and in-person this June!

Original Plans For Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor At NXT Takeover Dallas, Kota Ibushi Update

– There was a change of plans for last night’s main event at NXT Takeover: Dallas. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Samoa Joe was originally written to win the NXT Title from Finn Balor, but WWE officials changed their mind. Joe is set to make his debut on the WWE main roster soon, which may have had something to do with the decision not to give him the NXT Title.

– Dave Meltzer also reports that former NJPW talent Kota Ibushi has agreed to join NXT, but has likely not signed a contract yet. Ibushi was in the crowd at Takeover: Dallas last night. It’s expected that WWE will bring him in for more than just the Global Cruiserweight Series on WWE Network.

John Cena Teases Appearance At WrestleMania 32

John Cena continues to post WrestleMania 32 teasers on his official Twitter page. Here’s the latest from the frmer WWE World Heavyweight Champion:

As noted, Cena recently claimed in an interview with Complex that he’s ready to return to the ring. “If you ask me today, I should’ve been back two weeks ago,” Cena said. “I’ve logged almost 400 hours of physical therapy. […] I was given a nine-month quota to come back and after three months I can tell you that I am ready to do anything asked of me possible. It’s a matter of when they call me.”

It’s expected that Cena will appear at WrestleMania 32, but it’s unknown what his actual role will be on the show.

Video: AJ Styles Speaks On TNA “Making Themselves Look Like Crap”

In late 2015 TNA issued a statement claiming AJ Styles had backed out of an agreed & signed deal for their Pop TV debut, after they found out he was actually signing with WWE. In an interview with Brian Fritz to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32, The Phenomenal One commented on the contract situation with TNA. TNA had also claimed to sign Karl Anderson when they had not, which opens them up to a contract tampering lawsuit from NJPW.

“I had signed a letter of intent,” Styles said. “I agreed to ‘this is what you said you were going to pay me, so you can send it to legal,’ there was no contract whatsoever involved. What we signed was nothing. It was not a contract in any shape or form.”

Styles, who is booked to face Chris Jericho at Sunday’s event, says he feels he made the right decision by joining WWE. AJ made his WWE return on January 24, 2016, at the Royal Rumble, after previously appearing for the company on an episode of WWF Metal in 2002.

“I thought [TNA] did a great job of making themselves look like crap by putting out that statement,” Styles said. “Just let it go. Things didn’t work out. From what I’m hearing, man did I make a great decision coming here. I’m not shameful of what I’ve done in the past with another company, but I’m disappointed.”

We’ll have live play-by-play coverage of WrestleMania 32 right here on Sunday night, and live coverage of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony tonight.

Sting On Undertaker Dream Match: “If I Have My Way, It’s Gonna Happen”

Sting is not giving up his dream of getting in the ring with The Undertaker. The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion was interviewed by FOX 4 in Dallas on Friday to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32. When asked about his possible retirement, Sting said that it’s “just talk,” and he’s getting “mixed signals” from doctors about the status of his neck. He revealed that he has not yet undergone neck surgery, and he feels good enough for “another fight.”

Sting made it clear he wants one more match, saying, “I have a dream match that I’ve always wanted to do against The Undertaker. If I have my way it’s gonna happen.”

Sting says it’s the match wrestling fans have always wanted but could never have due to the two men previously being in competing companies.

Bobby Roode Posts WWE Teaser On Twitter

As noted, former TNA World Champion Bobby Roode was spotted at ringside for last night’s NXT Takeover: Dallas event. WWE’s official Twitter referred to Roode as a former World Heavyweight Champion. Roode briefly commented on the news on Saturday, cryptically telling fans to “stay tuned.”

As of right now, it’s believed that Roode has not officially signed with the company yet. According to F4WOnline.com, Roode could soon be added to the Global Cruiserweight Series.

Hulk Hogan Says It Feels “Really Weird” Not Being At This Year’s WrestleMania

With WrestleMania 32 coming up on Sunday and lots of legends getting involved, Hulk Hogan is feeling left out. The Hulkster Tweeted on Friday that it “seems weird” not being at WWE’s biggest event of the year.

“Thinking about it, it really seems weird not being at @WWE Wrestlemania,” Hogan wrote, “really weird, but I will be there in spirit, go Shane!!!!! only love HH.”

WWE released Hogan in July of 2015 after racist comments were released from one of his sex tapes. All mentions of Hogan were removed from WWE.com and the WWE Network after his release, including the Hall of Fame. In March it was reported that Hogan was making a push to get his job back with WWE after winning his lawsuit against Gawker.

Report: Which Match Will Be The Main Event At WrestleMania 32

There has been a lot of speculation on the internet on what the final main event of the evening will be at WrestleMania 32 on Sunday. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter now reports that as of Thursday night, the current plan is for the Hell In A Cell match between Shane McMahon & The Undertaker will close out the show. Take it for what it’s worth, as during WrestleMania week there are usually even more last-minute script changes than usual.

Triple H will be defending his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the second-to-last match of the evening on April 3rd at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Stay tuned to this site as we’ll have backstage news leading up to & following the event, and live play-by-play results on Sunday evening.

  • New Details On Backstage Drama Between Vince McMahon, Shane & Triple H

Goldust Speaks On Unveiling The Dusty Rhodes Statue At WrestleMania AXXESS

Goldust is doing media today in Dallas, TX to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion spoke to Sportsday about unveiling a bronze status honoring his father on Thursday night.

“My brother, Cody, and myself unveil a statue of my dad (the late Dusty Rhodes, former WWE Hall of Famer and NWA world champion). So that’s really cool,” Goldust said. “He passed last June and it’s been tough for us, but we’re persevering.”

The longtime WWE performer also discussed the difference between WrestleMania and a normal WWE event, saying this is like their Super Bowl.

“This is our Super Bowl. You take the Super Bowl and you have all the shows, the half time show, and the week-long events like the NFL Experience. WWE does the same thing. This is our show,” Goldust said of Sunday’s event. “This is our time to put on the biggest and best matches that we have and all the stuff that comes with it. That includes the backstage segments, the entertainment segments, the funny things, the songs and music. Everything is big. And this will be our biggest WrestleMania to date with 100,000-plus people. It’s going to be unreal.”

You can read Goldust’s entire interview on DallasNews.com.

Preliminary PPV Sales For WWE Royal Rumble & Fastlane 2016

WWE has released pay-per-view sales numbers for their Royal Rumble & Fastlane on their corporate website. This year’s Royal Rumble sales were down 37% from 2015’s Royal Rumble, and Fastlane was down 6% from the previous year’s Fastlane.

Here are the preliminary sales stats for both events:

Royal Rumble: 91,000 total buys (59,000 international; 32,000 domestic)

Fastlane: 43,000 total buys (25,000 international; 18,000 domestic)

These numbers don’t include viewers on the WWE Network. The 2014 Royal Rumble event drew 467,000 PPV sales.

WWE Executives Visit WWN/Evolve Tryout Seminar

Several WWE executives were scouting talent at Thursday’s WWN tryout seminar. WWN is the parent company of Evolve, Dragon Gate USA, and Full Impact Pro wrestling, and they have their own training center in Trinity, Florida. According to an announcement on WWNLive.com, William Regal was among WWE officials visiting the World Wrestling Network Academy to meet with WWN co-founder Gabe Sapolsky.

Here’s their statement about the visit from WWE in it’s entirety:

Top WWE Officials William Regal, Matt Bloom and Canyon Cemen made an unprecedented visit at yesterday’s WWN Seminar/Tryout. They each lectured the participants with invaluable knowledge. Regal even got involved with the in ring training. Bloom paid WWN Seminar/Tryout Head Trainer Drew Gulak the ultimate compliment by saying “Drew shows you the WWE way.”

Cemen, Regal and Bloom had a lengthy discussion with WWN’s Sal Hamaoui and Gabe Sapolsky about the future of the relationship. We can reveal now that many exciting and interest possibilities were put on the table. The next few months are going to be very interesting as the relationship moves forward. There is no telling what will happen next. We could see the ramifications as early as this weekend’s EVOLVE and WWN Supershow events.

We would like to thank Mr. Regal, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Cemen for their visit yesterday. This proves that WWE is proactive about strengthening the future of pro wrestling and the independent undercurrent.

Last June there were reports of rumors that WWE was in talks with Evolve, either for a developmental deal or a buyout.

New Stipulation Advertised For Triple H vs. Roman Reigns

Several fans from the Dallas area have noted that local advertising and merchandise at the WWE Axxess events are listing Triple H vs. Roman Reigns as a no disqualifications match. This opens the door for outside interference in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between the two.

Triple H defends his World Heavyweight Title on April 3rd at WrestleMania 32, and we’ll have live play-by-play coverage right here on Sunday night.

https://twitter.com/TheFrayMovement/status/715657523655651328

Backstage Update On Plans For Braun Strowman

It sounds like the WWE creative team may have changed their mind regarding pushing Braun Strowman right away. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is getting cold feet after planning for months to push Strowman. There were apparently concerns within management after his match with Dean Ambrose at the recent RAW in Philadelphia.

Strowman was at one point considered a lock to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, but WWE is now reportedly working on different possible winners. Previous plans called for Strowman to win the battle royal and then face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

Despite the lumbering style he works on WWE television, we continue to hear that he’s actually a talented performer capable of a lot more than we’re currently seeing.

Kurt Angle Speaks On Shane McMahon, Creative For His Final TNA Matches, WWE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3zKJOyiZ5w

After wrestling Rey Mysterio at the URShow.TV Fight PPV Event in Phoenix, Kurt Angle plans to take a year off from in-ring action. The Olympic gold medalist was a guest on the Wrestling Compadres Slamcast, and revealed some behind-the-scenes details on his final TNA matches.

“Drew Galloway and Bobby Lashley , those two alone are the two most physical wrestlers I’ve wrestled since Brock Lesnar. And Bobby Roode and I had a pure wrestling match, and you just don’t see that much anymore,” Angle said. “That whole concept we did with the final three matches was my idea. I wanted Lashley to take out the whole locker room and have him face off with the new face of the company, EC III.”

One of Kurt Angle’s on-air rivals in WWE was Shane McMahon. Angle says Shane’s match with Undertaker has the ability to steal the show at WrestleMania, and both competitors still have “it.” Angle was also asked about possibly returning to WWE one day, which he didn’t rule out.

“I had a great career with WWE, but I won’t say I’m going to return to WWE or TNA,” Angle answered. “I have to keep my options open and see what the best situation will be in the future. I will be back in one of the two companies, I just don’t know where yet.”

You can listen to the full podcast with Angle here.

Bubba Dudley Wants His Old Entrance Music, Malenko Missing WrestleMania Week, Sasha Video

– Bubba Ray Dudley says that he and D-Von want their old entrance music back, for at least one night. According to Bubba on Twitter, the former Tag Team Champions put in a request to use their old entrance music at WestleMania 32, and the request was apparently denied. Here’s what Bubba said to a fan asking if anyone else wanted them to use their old music:

– WWE producer Dean Malenko will be missing WrestleMania week in Dallas as he recovers at home from a recent surgery. There’s no report on what kind of surgery the former WWE & WCW wrestler had.

– WWE posted a new “WrestleMania Diary” video on YouTube showing Sasha Banks training for her WrestleMania 32 match against Becky Lynch & WWE Divas champion Charlotte:

Join us here this Sunday for our live WrestleMania 32 coverage & discussion.

Shane McMahon Talks To ESPN About His In-Ring Career & The Undertaker

Shane McMahon was on ESPN SportsCenter on Wednesday night to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32 in Arlington, TX. The main topic of discussion was his Hell In The Cell match with The Undertaker. Shane also explained that being able to wrestle in front of his kids is his main reason for doing it.

“I’m really excited to be in there. I’m nervous to be in there. It’s a whole different atmosphere. When you’re against a guy that big… And I have so much respect for The Undertaker,” Shane said of his WrestleMania 32 opponent. “He’s the measuring stick of the business. He’s carried the business on his back for quite some time. I’ve known him a very long time. But when you’re in there it’s intimidating, so you just got to let it rip and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m kind of known for I will do anything, especially when the stakes are high, I will definitely do that just as I showed the other night, so I will give it everything I possibly have.”

Shane McMahon has been part of a lot of memorable moments on WWE pay-per-views and when asked, Shane couldn’t choose just one favorite moment from his in-ring career. Shane says it was never in the original plans for him to have multiple matches or become known for jumping from tall places.

“Gosh, I don’t know. I always thought I would have one match because it was never supposed to be a series of things, and then it kind of caught fire,” Shane explained. “And then everyone becomes accustomed to it and you have to start thinking about different things and then it starts to build, so I always thought I would have one match. I was like, let’s give them some cool stuff, and then that evolved and escalated and has grown into what it is today.”

We’ll have live play-by-play coverage of WrestleMania 32 right here on Sunday night, in addition to the latest backstage news before & after the event.