Category: WWE

  • WrestleMania Attendence, Dark Match Live Notes, WM27

    – Yoshi Tatsu won the 26-man battle royal dark match prior to WrestleMania going live. Superstars competing in the match were Yoshi, Mark Henry, Cryme Tyme, Goldust, Santino Marella, Primo, Funaki, Jimmy Yang, Slam Master J, Chris Masters, Vladimir Kozlov, Finlay, William Regal, Luke Gallows, Carlito, Tyler Reks, Zach Ryder, Vance Archer, Mike Knox, Croft and Baretta, The Hart Dynasty, Hornswoggle and The Great Khali.

    – The NXT rookies watched the battle royal from the stage.

    – WWE opened the show with a Wrestlemania 25 music video.

    -  The attendance for this year’s show in Glendale, AZ was announced as 72, 219.

    – WrestleMania XXVII will take place on April 3, 2011 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

  • WrestleMania XXVI Results: March 28, 2010

    WrestleMania XXVI PPV Report
    March 28, 2010 from Glendale, Arizona

    Fighter jets fly overhead as Justin Roberts introduces Fantasia to sing America the Beautiful.

    We get a slick video package highlighting WrestleMania as a place where many superstars only get one shot at making history.  Lots of feuds of tonight are highlighted, specifically Sheamus/HHH, Taker/Michaels II, Vince/Bret, and both of the Championship matches.  Money in the Bank participants are also shown.  The package is amazing.

    The pyro hits in a pretty amazing display, and the crowd, of course, is hot.  Michael Cole welcomes us properly to the 26th installment of WrestleMania taking place at the University of Phoenix stadium.  The opening contes will be the match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championships.  R-Truth is out first, rapping his way to the ring to a lot of love from the crowd.

    Michael Cole just announced the Wrestlemania XXVI attendance as ‘over 70,000’

    WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Match
    Big Show and The Miz (c) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

    Matt Striker, Jerry the King Lawler, and Michael Cole are the announce team for tonight.  Big Show and Miz make their way to the ring, and this one is ready to begin.

    Morrison and Miz will be starting things out for their teams.  Morrison is able to get a hammerlock, but Miz fights out of it and stomps at Morrison.  Miz turns his back, only to turn around into a dropkick.  Morrison slams Miz and tags out to Truth, who comes in with a top rope leg drop on Miz that’s good for a two count.  Truth does the splits to avoid a punch from Miz, and gets Miz with a back kick, but Miz tags out to Show.  Truth tries to hit Show with a cross body, but he’s caught and hit with a fall away slam instead.  Show pushes Morrison off the apron and chops Truth’s chest.  Show climbs the ropes, but Morrison hits a kick that knocks Show down.  Miz and Morrison are back in and Morrison is dominating Miz with a flap jack and a kick to the face.

    Morrison tries for the starship pain but Show pulls him out of the ring. Miz tries for the SCF, but Morrison fights out. Show hits the knockout punch out of nowhere, tags in, and pins Morrison, getting the three count.

    Winners and STILL WWE Unified Tag Team Champions: Big Show and Miz

    Cole, Lawler and Striker run down some of the activites of WrestleMania week. John Cena on Jimmy Fallon is shown, footage of the art show, and some stuff from fan axxess is shown.

    Legacy Triple Threat Match
    Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase

    Ted Dibiase is the first man out to the ring, to a bit of heat, and Cole talks about his father’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame last night.  Cody Rhodes is the next man out to the ring, also to a bit of heat from the crowd.

    Randy Orton is the last man to the ring, to a big pop from the crowd. Dibiase and Rhodes are grouped together and talking to each other when Orton enters the match.  This match will be under triple threat rules where every man is in the ring at the same time.  The bell rings, and Cody and Ted begin to stalk Randy.

    Orton is able to fight off both men, keeping Rhodes on the outside with a lariat over the top, and then stomping away at Dibiase.  Orton turns his attention to Rhodes and he eats a dropkick from Ted.  Rhodes and Dibiase pound away on Orton to the displeasure of the crowd.  Rhodes and Dibiase continue, stomping away methodically, before double teaming Orton.  Dibiase holds Orton while Rhodes pounds on him, then the two switch roles for a bit.

    Orton hesitates but finally puns Cody Rhodes in the head with DiBiase out of the ring.  DiBiase sneaks up from behind him but Orton hits him with the RKO.  Orton gets the cover for the win.

    Winner: Randy Orton

    Vickie Guerrero just cut a heel promo with the members of the heel Divas.  She drew a tremendous amount of heat.

    They did a comedy segment with Santino Marella and ‘Mean Gene’ Okerlund in a towel.  Injured Diva Melina appeared, making her return to WWE TV.

    Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Evan Bourne vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston

    The Money in the Bank ladder match is up next.  Kofi Kingston out followed by MVP, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre,  Kane and Christian. They have ladders on the ramp.  Hardy drew a huge reaction. The Money in the Bank briefcase is hanging above the ring but the ladders remain outside the ring followed up and setup on the ramp.

    The match starts with chaos with action going in and outside of the ring.  Kane had control but Drew McIntyre started beating him down.  McIntyre sets the first ladder up in the ring.  Hardy pushes it over with him on it.  Evan Bourne comes in as Hardy gives McIntyre Twist of Fate.

    All the participants battle on the ladder.  Evan Bourne just touched the briefcase but Kane, Hardy and Swagger fight him off.  Kane tosses Bourne to the outside onto Shelton Benjamin.  Hardy and Swagger battle it out on top of the ladder.

    Evan Bourne has his hands on the briefcase, but everyone else is there and things break down pretty quickly.  Kane tosses Bourne to the outside.  Kingston tosses a ladder into Swagger and Hardy who are on another ladder.  Christian throws a ladder into Hardy and Swagger who are trapped in the corner before monkey flipping Kingston into the ladder, sandwiching Swagger and Hardy.  Ziggler pulls Christian off the ladder with a big backstabber, and tries to climb himself, but he’s pulled off by MVP, who’s in turn pulled off by Kane.  Shelton and Kofi sandwich Kane with a ladder, and he and MVP and Shelton use a ladder to sandwich Kane in the corner,  Kofi runs up the ladder, but he’s powerbombed by Kane.

    Benjamin is close to gaining the briefcase, but Swagger puts him down with a ladder, before slamming the ladder into several other participants.  Bourne comes out of nowhere with a double knees to Swagger and the ladder to take him out.  Swagger is in the middle of the ladder, and Hardy and Christian both use ladders to sandwish Swagger’s midsection.  Hardy and Christian climb the ladder, while Bourne climbs the side.  Swagger pulls the ladder out from under Hardy, and Bourne kicks Christian off the other ladder before hitting Air Bourne from off the ladder onto Christian.

    Bourne tries for the briefcase, but Hardy is there and he throws Bourne off the top.  Hardy is almost able to grab the briefcase, but Swagger comes up from behind, and pushes him off the top of the ladder, on top of the ladder propped up in the ring.  Swagger also falls off onto another ladder propped against the ropes.  MVP and Shelton are up on the ladder now and Shelton sends MVP off.  MVP retaliates, trying to powerbomb Shelton, but Benjamin retaliates with a hurricarana to the outside.  Kane is outside with a ladder and he hits both MVP and Shelton.  Kane is in the ring and he tries to climb the ladder, but Ziggler is in, climbing over Kane.  Kane pushes over the ladder to knock Ziggler off before throwing the ladder at Ziggler, Ziggler ducks but eats a right hand.

    Kane chokeslams Ziggler on the ladder before sandwiching him in between and slamming the ladder up and down on top of Ziggler.  Kane ends up ripping the ladder apart.  Kofi sends Kane to the outside, and uses both pieces of the ladder as stilts, trying to climb all the way to the top.  McIntyre is in, knocking one of the legs away, and pushing the other, with Kofi on it, into the ropes.  McIntyre grabs a ladder and climbs, but Matt Hardy is in on the other side.  Hardy and McIntyre fight at the top with McIntyre sending Hardy to the mat.  Hardy retaliates, pushing the ladder into the ropes where McIntyre crotches himself.

    Hardy climbs the ladder and gets his hands on the brifcse, but Kane pushes another ladder, with Christian on it, into Hardy’s ladder.  Kane climbs the other side, opposite Hardy and Christian, and he tries for a double chokeslam, but Christian and Hardy fight him off, only to turn their attention to each other.  Hardy tries for a twist of fate, but Christian reverses with into a reverse DDT from the top of the ladder.  Christian climbs both ladders in the middle of the ring, but Swagger pulls one away.  Christian climbs the other ladder, but Swagger is up after him.  Both men fight at the top of the ladder, but Swagger uses the briefcase, slamming it into Christian’s face.  Swagger goes for the briefcase but he has trouble unhooking it.  After what seems like forever, Swagger gets the briefcase down, and he is Mr. Money in the Bank.

    Winner: Jack Swagger

    Swagger poses with his briefcase at the top of the ladder, smiling and laughing.

    Cole, Lawler and Striker re-cap the Hall of Fame induction ceremony the took place last night.  We get a little bit of footage, that includes highlights of the inductions of Wendi Richter, Mad Dog Vachon, Stu Hart, Gorgeous George, and Antonio Inoki.  We get a little more footage of the inductions of Bob Uecker, which was extremely funny, and Ted Dibiase, which was extremely deserved.

    Howard Finkel introduces the newest inductees to the WWE Hall of Fame. A good portion of the Hart family is out to represent Stu Hart. Wendi Richter, Mad Dog Vachon, Antonio Inoki, Bob Uecker, and Betty Wagner (representing Gorgeous George), as well as Ted Dibiase are announced. Fink announces them as the Hall of Fame class of 2010, and deservedly, they get a huge pop from the crowd.

    Triple H vs. Sheamus

    Video package airs airs recapping their feud.  Sheamus is the first man announced, and he makes his way to the ring to a decent amount of heat from this giant crowd. Triple H is out next, to a huge pop from the crowd.  We get an awesome view of Hunter from the ramp that includes a wide shot of the arena, and it just gives you a small idea of how huge this event is.

    Based on entrances alone, I don’t know how anyone could think Sheamus has a chance, since Hunter got a freaking light show and tons of pyro, and a crazy in-ring video screen, while Sheamus didn’t even have a sparkler.

    Sheamus and Hunter lock up, and Sheamus backs Hunter up into the corner, where he breaks with a shove.  He tells Hunter that he’s the future and he’s the Celtic Warrior.  Hunter puts Sheamus in the corner, but also doesn’t break clean, slapping Sheamus across the face.  Hunter hits a series of right hands and he tries for the pedigree early, but Sheamus is able to fight out of it.

    Sheamus sends Hunter into the corner, but quickly eats a dropkick.  Hunter hits a suplex, and follows up with a knee, but a cover only yeilds a two count for Triple H.  Sheamus rolls to the outside, and Hunter follows, slamming his head into the barricade and sending him back into the ring.  Back in the ring, Hunter goes to work on Sheamus’ legs, locking in the figure four.  Sheamus is able to get to the ropes to break the hold and he rolls back to the outside.

    Sheamus beats on Hunter in the corner, slamming his thigh into Hunter’s head before choking and stomping away at Hunter.  Sheamus poses for the crowd to a lot of heat.  Sheamus continues the beatdown in the corner on Hunter, being pulled away by the ref.  Sheamus and Hunter trade right hands, with Sheamus getting the upper hand with an axe handle to the head.  Sheamus tries for the cover but he only gets two.

    Hunter is back up and out of the sleeper with a back body drop.  Sheamus charges Hunter in the corner but eats a couple of his boots for his trouble.  Hunter fights out of a slam and hits a DDT to change the momentum.  Hunter and Sheamus trade right hands in the center of the ring, and Hunter gets the upper hand.  Hunter hits the high knee and he’s back in this one.  Face buster from Hunter is good for a near fall.Hunter ducks a clothesline and tries for a pedigree but Sheamus counters.  Hunter hits a neckbreaker that’s good for a two count.

    Hunter puts Sheamus on the top turnbuckle and he climbs up, hitting Sheamus.  Sheamus ducks out of it, and he tries for the razor’s edge but Hunter fights out.  Sheamus tries for his big kick, but Hunter fights out.  Pedigree attempt but Sheamus fights out again and he hits his huge kick.  Sheamus goes for the pin but Hunter kicks out.

    Sheamus picks Hunter up off the mat, and he puts him up on his shoulder, but Hunter fights out and connects with a big spinebuster.  Hunter goes for the pin but Sheamus kicks out at two.

    Sheamus tries to roll to the outside, but he only gets to the apron.  Hunter tries to pick him up, but Sheamus fights him off and connects with a big kick to Hunter’s temple.  Sheamus crawls back into the ring and he picks up Hunter.  Hunter is playing possum, and out of nowhere he hits the pedigree.  Hunter pins Sheamus and he gets the three count.

    Winner: Triple H

    They show a video package recapping the CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio feud.

    CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

    CM Punk is the first man out to the ring, with Serena and Luke Gallows in tow, and of course, a mic in hand.  Punk still gets a decent reaction from the crowd, probably due to his stellar work.  Punk says there’s over 70 thousand weak minded individuals that are so hopped up on pills, they think Rey Mysterio is a super hero.  They think their super hero will make the monster go away, but Punk isn’t a monster, he’s a savior, and he can lead everyone to a better place.  He can lead by example because he chooses to be drug free, and he chooses to be better than everyone.  Mysterio doesn’t have a choice.  He will be forced to join the SES, and everyone will have to accept him.  One nation, under Punk, with integrity and sobriety for all.

    Mysterio’s music hits, and Punk stares down the entrance ramp.  Mysterio is finally out, with some crazy contacts that look like cat eyes or something.  Mysterio also has a long ponytail hanging from his mask and he’s dressed in baby blue gear with some neon orange streaks. Apparently Mysterio’s attire is inspired by Avatar.

    The bell rings and we’re ready to start this one.  Gallows and Sarita are stalking around the outside, it distracts Mysterio, and Punk is able to use that to catch Mysterio, sending him to the mat and stomping away on him.  Mysterio tries to come back and jumps to the top, but Punk sweeps his feet out from under him.  Punk distracts the ref and Serena chokes Mysterio.  Punk tries for a baseball slide, but Mysterio flips up, and Punk crotches himself on the ring post.  On the outside, Punk gets even by slamming Mysterio into the steel ring steps.

    Back in the ring, Punk pounds away on Mysterio and he tries for a pin, but Mysterio kicks out at two.  Punk locks in a rear chin lock while the SES cheers on from ringside.  Mysterio is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold where he catches Punk with a quick kick.  Mysterio tries for a headscissors, but Punk fights it off, only to eat a springboard seated senton from Mysterio.  Mysterio hits a kick to Punk’s face, but Punk is able to surprise Mysterio with a roll up for two.  Punk catches Mysterio with a giant kick to the side of the head, but a pin is only good for two.

    Punk tries for a series of pins, but it ends with Mysterio flipping out and up onto the ropes, where he comes back with a crazy springboard DDT.  Mysterio tries for the pin, but he only gets two.  Mysterio kicks Punk into the ropes and tries for the 619, but Punk catches him.  Punk tries for the GTS, but Mysterio fights out.  Mysterio springboards off the ropes, but Punk catches him in GTS position.  Mysterio fights out again and kicks Punk in the head.  Mysterio goes to the top and tries for a frog splash, but he misses.  Punk tries for the cover but he only gets two.

    Punk hits the high knee in the corner, but Mysterio fights out of the bulldog and sends Punk into the ropes.  Mysterio tries for the 619, but Serena and Gallows distract him.  Punk almost hits the 619, but Mysterio fights out, hits the 619, the springboard splash, and pins Punk.

    Winner: Rey Mysterio

    We get a video package recapping the 12+ year Bret Hart and Vince McMahon storyline.

    No Holds Barred Street Fight: Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon

    Vince McMahon is the second entrant in the match.  He enters wearing a short sleeved shirt, and he looks pretty damn good for his age.  Vince is also carrying a mic in his hand.  Vince says Bret is in his ring, at his greatest creation, WrestleMania.  Vince says Bret deserves a WrestleMania sized screwing.  Vince says he shelled out a lot of bucks and as a result, he bought himself a lot of lumberjacks, and one of them will be a guest referee.  Vince says to just remember that Bret screwed Bret, and Vince screwed Bret, and now Vince and Hart’s entire family screwed Bret.  The Hart Dynasty makes their way out, along with Hart’s family make their way to the ring with Vince.

    The Hart family surrounds the rings, but this is pretty ridiculous since everyone but the Hart Dynasty is in their formal wear from earlier.  The women are all in heels and formal dresses, and most of the guys are wearing tuxes, I think only Bruce is wearing jeans.  Bruce is in the ring, and he takes off his shirt to reveal a referee shirt.

    Bruce Hart doesn’t even take off his sunglasses.  Bret can’t believe that his whole family agreed to this.  He says there isn’t much he can do, what’s done is done.  He says there’s one thing he knows about the Hart family, they got paid up front and their money is already in the bank.  Hart says there’s one thing he learned from the Montreal screwjob, and that’s a good old fashioned double cross.  The Hart family is united.  Hart knew about this coming in, and tonight, at Vince’s greatest creation, it’ll be forever remembered as the night Bret screwed Vince.  Bruce and Bret hug, and Bruce starts the match, finally with his glasses off.

    Vince begs off, but Hart hits him with a right.  Hart beats McMahon all around the ring, in the corner, stomping away at him.  Hart chokes McMahon with his foor in the corner.  Vince rols outside into the Hart Dynasty, who go to work with a couple of forearms.  Hart family members are in to join, and Natalya hits Vince with a big slap.  Kidd and DH Smith stomp away at Vince, and Kidd locks in a guillotine choke before hammering away on Vince.  DH Smith picks Vince up and Kidd climbs up to the apron.  DH Smith picks Vince up, and Kidd goes all the way to the top turnbuckle.  Kidd leaps off and hits a top rope Hart attack all the way to the floor, sending Vince McMahon crashing down.

    The Harts roll Vince back into the ring, and Bret goes right to work on Vince’s leg.  Vince rolls back to the outside, and he tries to crawl under the ring to avoid things, but Kidd and Smith pull him out.  Vince has a crowbar in hand when he comes back out and the Hart’s scatter.  Everyone calls Vince a coward.  Vince rolls back into the ring and he tries to hit Bret with the crowbar, but Bret ducks it, and sends McMahon to the mat, where he continues to beat him down with big elbows.  Hart grabs the crowbar and he uses it to clobber McMahon, just wailing away on him.

    Hart uses the crowbar to whack McMahon right in the throat, and the Hart family rallies Bret on from the outside, banging on the mat.  Hart grabs McMahon’s legs, and the crowd goes NUTS.  Hart goes for it, but decides against it, and goes for the crowbar again.  Hart whacks McMahon a couple more times before grabbing the legs again.  Hart kicks McMahon right in the crotch, and then does it again.

    McMahon pleads with Bret, but all it gets him is a couple more kicks to the groin.  someone slides a chair into Bret, and he uses it to sit down.  Bruce comes over, and Bret actually calls a time out, just to catch his breath.  McMahon crawls up to his hands and knees, and Hart is up behind him.  Hart picks up the chair, and whacks McMahon across the back, then a second time.  The crowd chants for one more, and Bret obliges with another big chair shot.  Three more, then another, and another, and Bret is just working Vince over.  Three more, another, a thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth all on Vinces legs.  Another, and another, and another, jeez, this is crazy.  Another, and Vince is just moaning and panting.

    Hart grabs the leg and everyone goes crazy.  Hart wraps up the legs and pulls McMahon over, successfully locking in the Sharpshooter, which is just a beautiful sight.  McMahon immediately taps, but Hart keeps it locked in just for a bit.

    Winner: Bret Hart

    After the match, all the Harts get in the ring to celebrate with Bret.

    The live attendance is announced as 72,219.

    We get a video package about the history between these two men, all the way back to when these two became the WWE Unified Tag Team Champs and Edge injured himself.  It also covers Edge’s surprise return at the Royal Rumble (a story broken here at WNW), and the past few weeks that have led up to this match, with Jericho winning the World Heavyweight Championship, and Edge cashing in his Royal Rumble title shot.

    WWE World Heavyweight Title Match
    Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge

    The World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho, is out to the ring first with an impressive pyro display.  It’s great to watch such a talented wrestler like Jericho walk into WrestleMania with the WHC.

    Edge is the next man to make his way out, to a huge pop from the crowd and an impressive pyro display of his own.  This match is set to begin, and Canada is extremely proud right now.

    Edge and Jericho lock up and start out with some chain wrestling.  Jericho locks in a headlock, and when Edge fights out, he hits a shoulderblock.  Jericho ducks a couple of clotheslines, but Edge comes back with a big flying lariat.  Edge stomps on Jericho in the corner, but when the ref breaks it up, Jericho is able to mount a comeback, putting Edge in the corner and beating on him for a bit.  Edge comes back with a back body drop, and he tries for a spear, but Jericho sees it coming and he rolls out to the floor.  Edge follows, beats on Jericho for a bit and rolls him back into the ring.  On his way back into the ring, Jericho catches Edge with a slap, and a baseball slide to send him to the floor.

    Edge rolls back into the ring, and Jericho grabs right for Edge’s legs, hitting a slingshot, slamming Edge’s neck into the bottom rope.  Jericho hits a back body drop, and he tries for a cover, but Edge kicks out at two.  Jericho locks in a modified rear chin lock, and tells the referee to ask him, but Edge refuses to give up.  Edge fights up to his feet, but Jericho slams him back down to the mat head first.  Jericho kicks and slaps away at Edge’s head.

    Jericho sends Edge into the corner, but when he charges in, Edge moves and Jericho’s shoulder connects with the ring post.  Edge hits a big dropkick, and tries for a back body drop, but Jericho blocks it and hits a front suplex, sending Edge into the ropes.  Jericho tries for a springboard dropkick, but Edge dodges it, and sends JEricho crashing into the announce table.  Edge launches himself off the ring apron onto Jericho with a big diving clothesline.  Edge rolls Jericho into the ring and he tries to go to the top, but Jericho catches him and the fight on the turnbuckle.  Edge is able to come out on top when he hits a front suplex from the middle rope that’s good for a two count.

    Edge ducks a big boot from Jericho and slides to the outside where he sweeps Jericho’s legs.  Edge hits a crossbody from the top, but Jericho rolls through into a pin attempt for a two count.  Jericho tries for the walls of Jericho, but Edge fights it off.  Both men get a quick near fall, but a kick to the head from Jericho puts Edge down.

    Jericho tries for the codebreaker, but Edge counters, catches Jericho and slamming him into the corner.  Edge goes for the spear, but Jericho counters, jumping over and rolling Edge straight into the walls of Jericho!

    Jericho takes control with a blow to the back of Edge’s head.  Jericho teases the spear, setting up for it.  Edge is back on his feet, but when Jericho goes for the spear, Edge gets his foot up for a big boot.  Edge psyches himself up, and gets the crowd going.  Edge tries for the spear, but Jericho counters with the codebreaker.

    Jericho crawls over and pins Edge, but it’s only good for two, another pin, another two count.  Jericho argues with the ref for a bit, but then turns back to Edge.  Jericho kicks at the back of Edge’s leg, before just stomping on the ankle.  Edge avoids another kick and he gets back to his feet, but Jericho takes him right back down into the walls of Jericho.

    Edge tries to crawl to the ropes, but Jericho pulls him right back into the middle of the ring and turns it into a single leg crab, focusing on Edge’s injured leg.  Edge is finally able to crawl to the ropes, and surprise Jericho with a roll up that’s good for a two count.  Edge clotheslines Jericho over the top rope and both men go out to the floor.  Jericho is back to his feet first and he grabs his title.  Edge slams Jericho’s head into the ring apron, and Edge ends up accidentally elbowing the ref.  Jericho hits Edge with the belt, and goes for the pin, but Edge kicks out!

    Jericho hits the codebreaker, and he pins Edge.  The referee counts three, and this one is over.

    Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Jericho

    After the match, Jericho goes after Edge’s leg again, but Edge fights him off and sends him into the announce table.  Edge takes apart the Spanish announce table, of course, and sets Jericho on it.  Edge climbs on the other announce table, and waits for Jericho to get to his feet, running from one table, to the other, and spearing Jericho off the table and through the ringside barricade.

    They show highlights from the 26-man battle royal that took place before WrestleMania went on the air. Yoshi Tatsu won.

    10 Diva Tag Match: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Michelle McCool, Layla and Alicia Fox

    Layla, Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, and Michelle McCool are out first. Eve Torres, Mickie James, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, and Beth Phoenix are the next team out to the ring, and this one should be a mess.  Hopefully it’s kept fairly short as there wasn’t even a video package, because there’s really no history to this match.

    Gail Kim and Vickie are going to be starting things out.  Guerrero bumps Kim back, so Kim tags in Phoenix.  Vickie finds herself in the corner, where she eats a couple of shoulders.  Eve tags in and gives her a couple more shoulders.  Kim tags in and James tags in, followed by Kelly, and they all pretty much do the same thing, beating on Vickie.  Vickie is unfazed though, screaming at Kelly Kelly.  A big slap and step up leg drop takes down Vickie, but McCool is in with a Styles Clash.  Mickie comes in and hits her big DDT, layla comes in and hits a backbreaker, Kim comes in with a sole food.  Everyone is coming in now.  Phoenix hits a giant implant buster type move on Alicia, then turns her attention to Vickie.

    Phoenix puts Guerrero in the tree of woe, but McCool comes in and clocks Phoenix out of nowhere.  McCool sets it up, and talks Vickie into doing a frog splash on Kelly Kelly.  Vickie does it, and connects, but has trouble pinning Kelly.  She’s finally able to do it, and she gets a pin, scoring the win for her team.

    Winners: Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Michelle McCool, Layla and Maryse

    WWE Championship Match
    Batista (c) vs. John Cena

    We get a video package detailing the events of the past few weeks, beginning at last month’s PPV, that led up to this match.

    Batista is the first man out to the ring, and he gets what sounds to be a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd.  Batista’s entrance, of course, includes lots of pyro, and himself entering in a lone spotlight.

    Cena continues his tradition of overly impressive WrestleMania entrances with another doozie, not quite as impressive as his bajillion look-a-likes entrance though.  A group of soldiers, carrying rifles, go into a drill, spinning their rifles and doing all sorts of fancy stuff.  The soldiers form themselves into an aisle, and spin their rifles as another walks through them.  This happens a second, and third time.  Cena’s music hits, and the crowd goes nuts.  Cena walks down the aisle, with the air force honor guard air team spinning their rifles as he walks past.  Cena charges down to the ring and the crowd is still going wild.

    Someone made an awesome ‘South Park’ referencing ‘Batista likes fish sticks’ poster.  Batista and Cena lock up, and Batista turns it into a headlock.  Cena sends Batista into the ropes, and Batista responds with a big shoulderblock.  Cena is back up, and he takes Batista off his feet with a headlock takeover.  Batista fights back up to his feet and pushes Cena into the corner, forcing the break.  Batista goes right for a punch, but Cena ducks it and goes to work with a couple of blows to the body.  Batista responds with a big blow to the back of Cena’s head before picking him up and slamming him in the corner.  Batista beats on Cena in the corner, slamming him with a big boot to the head.

    Batista continues to work over Cena’s neck, clubbing away across Cena’s neck.  Batista tries for a suplex, but Cena blocks it and comes back with a suplex of his own.  Cena beats on Batista in the corner for a bit, and he hits a sort-of bull dog, but when he goes for the pin, he only gets two.  Cena tries for the AA, but Batista fights it off, countering with a big DDT.  Batista rolls right into the cover, but Cena kicks out at two.

    Batista sits Cena up and hits a big kick to Cena’s face, but it’s only good for another near fall.  Batista locks in a rear naked choke with a body scissors, trying to wear Cena down.  Cena is able to fight up, with Batista on his back, and he forces Batista off his back, and tries to break Batista’s grip.  Cena fights out of it, but gets a knee to the back.  Cena and Batista exchange right hands, with Batista getting the upper hand with a neckbreaker.  Batista gets a near fall.  There’s a lot of boos for Cena surprisingly.  Batista locks in a front chancery.”

    Cena is able to fight up to his feet, and suplexes Batista off of him to break the hold.  Batista charges Cena in the corner, but gets a big boot instead.  Cena hits a couple of big shoulder blocks, a side belly to back suplex, that gets a lot of heat, and he goes for the five knuckle shuffle, but he ends up eating a spinebuster from Batista instead.

    Batista calls for the Batista bomb, but Cena surprises him with the STF.  Batista is able to make it into the ropes to break the hold.  Batista hits a big spear, and he goes for the cover, but Cena kicks out at two.

    Batista puts Cena in the corner and buries his shoulder in Cena’s midsection before placing him on the top rope.  Batista goes for a superplex, but Cena fights it off, turning it into a test of strength.  Cena hits a couple of head butts, and punches Batista, sending him crashing to the mat.  Cena gets to his feet and jumps off, connecting with a top rope five knuckle shuffle.  Cena goes for the AA, but Batista grabs the top rope.  Cena pulls him back, but Batista counters into the Batista bomb.  Cover, but Cena kicks out at two and Batista is shocked.

    Batista is up on his feet, and he picks Cena up, trying for another bomb, but Cena counters into an AA.  Batista counters, and Cena counters into the AA again.  Cena connects with a big AA, launching Batista, but when he goes for the cover, Batista kicks out at two!

    Cena climbs up to the top turnbuckle, and he jumps off, right into a big spinebuster from Batista.  Batista picks him up and tries for the Batista bomb, but Cena rolls through and goes straight into the STF.  Batista tries for the ropes, but he’s eventually forced to tap.  The crowd, who’s been pretty hostile up to this point, cheers pretty loudly.

    Winner and NEW WWE Champion: John Cena

    After the match, Cena poses with the belt, with a big smile on his face.  They show big shots of the crowd, and I’m always just so amazed at how huge the whole event always looks.

    We get a video package that’s just extremely well put together, and I’m just as excited for this match as I was to see it last year.

    MAIN EVENT: Streak vs. Career: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (No DQ or Count Out)

    Shawn Michaels is out to the ring first, and he looks pumped up, and extremely excited for someone who could be entering the ring for his last match. The gong sounds, and the crowd goes wild.  There’s fire for the entrance, but so far it’s away from the entranceway, thankfully.  Taker is lifted up on a platform from the entrance ramp, with lighting from underneath.  It’s especially demonic.  Taker walks to the ring to a load of cheers, and the fire hits when he’s a good distance away.

    Michaels does not look intimidated as Taker gets into the ring and disrobes.  Taker and Micheals stare each other down. Michaels drags his thumb across his throat and infuriates Taker.  Taker charges Michaels, but Michaels dodges and catches Taker with a couple of chops.  Taker comes right back, hanging Michaels up on the top turnbuckle, and splashing Micheals in the corner.  Taker goes for old school, but Micheals fights it off.  Taker goes up again and he’s able to walk to ropes and connect this time.  Taker goes right for the chokeslam, but Micheals fights out of it and kicks at Taker’s knee.  Taker fights back with a big right hand.  Taker slams Michaels head into the turnbuckle, and he tries for a tombstone, but Michaels fights out and goes to work on Taker’s arm.

    Taker tries for a short arm clothesline, but Michaels ducks it, and counters with a not quite solid SCM.  Taker is a bit startled.  Michaels goes right back to work on Taker’s knee, stomping away at it in the corner.  Michaels hands Taker’s leg up on the ropes and just goes to work.  Taker fights him off and gets back to his feet, pounding on him in the corner, but HBK kicks right back at Taker’s knee.  Taker sends Michaels to the outside with a clothesline over the top ropes, and he teases a dive, but Michaels sees it coming and he comes back in with a shoulder to the knee.

    Michaels tries for the figure four, but Taker fights it off and sends Michaels to the outside.  Taker hits the crazy leg drop on the apron.  Back in the ring, Michaels is right back up and he goes for the figure four, locking it in.

    Michaels is wearing down the Undertaker, forcing him to put his shoulders to the mat every now and then.  Taker reverses the pressure, rolling himself and HBK over and forcing Michaels to break the hold.  Both men are back on their feet and they’re trading chops and punches.  Michaels kicks at Taker’s knee, and goes to work with chops, but Taker responds with big right hands.  Michaels ducks one and hits some more chops.  Michaels hits a flying forearm to Taker, and he kips up, but he walks right into a chokeslam.  Taker pins Michaels, but HBK kicks out at two.

    Taker tries for a tombstone, but Michaels slithers out of it and locks in the ankle lock.  Taker crawls toward the rope, but Michaels pulls him back into the ring and grapevines the leg to add more pressure.  Taker again is worn down to where he’s forced to put his shoulders on the mat and force a pinning predicament.  Taker is able to use his free foot to kick at Michaels and break the hold.

    A medic is down to check on Michaels, but Taker throws him away and tosses Michaels back in the ring for the pin.  Michaels kicks out at two! Taker kicks at Michaels and he goes for the Last Ride, kind of connecting, but Michaels gets the pin.  Taker kicks out at two.  Michaels climbs to the top rope, and he goes for his signature elbow drop, but Taker gets his knees up to block it.

    Taker locks in Hell’s gate out of nowhere, but Michaels counters into a pinning predicament, forcing Taker to break the hold.  Taker hits Michaels with a big right, but Michaels responds with sweet chin music.  Michaels goes for the pin, but Taker kicks out at two.

    Michaels tunes up the band again in the corner, but another attempt is blocked by Taker, but buries his boot in Michaels stomach and connects with a proper Last Ride.  Taker goes for the cover but Michaels kicks out!

    Taker is back to his feet and he immediately tosses Michaels out to the floor.  Taker begins taking apart the announce table, pulling out the monitors.  Taker is pounding on his knee, trying to knock feeling back in.  Taker sets Michaels up for the Last Ride, but Michaels gets out of it and hits SCM, sending Taker on top of the announce table.  Michaels goes up to the top turnbuckle, and he launches himself off, with a big moonsault, crashing through Undertaker and the table!

    Michaels crawls over toward Taker, and he rolls him back toward and into the ring.  Both men get back up to their feet, and Michaels connects with sweet chin music.  Michaels goes for the pin, but Taker kicks out at two!

    Michaels goes for SCM again, but it’s blocked and Taker hits a chokeslam instead.  Taker picks Michaels up, and connects with a big tombstone.  Taker pins Michaels, but Michaels kicks out at two!

    Taker pulls down the straps, and he almost jerks his thumbs across his throat, but he decides against it.  Michaels climbs up, and Taker tells him to stay down.  Michaels crawl up, using Taker to support himself.  Michaels drags his thumb across his own throat, and slaps Taker across the face.  Taker gets angry, and immediately connects with a tombstone.  Taker pins Michaels, and that’s all she wrote.

    Winner and 18-0, streak intact: The Undertaker

    After the match, Taker stumbles over to the ropes, and uses them to drag himself to his feet.  Taker poses in the center of the ring, while an 18-0 graphic comes up and fireworks go off.  Fireworks also go off around the top of the arena.  Taker starts to get out of the ring, but he stops.

    Refresh now for the Latest Update!

  • WWE Hall of Fame Videos Online & More Hall of Fame Notes

    — Among those in attendance at last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony were Bobby Heenan (sitting alongside “Mean” Gene Okerlund), Dan Spivey (a/k/a Waylon Mercy), Catalina White (girlfriend of Jack Swagger), Carlos Colón, Sr., Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Jim Ross and musician Richie Kotzen (boyfriend of Brie Bella).

    — You can view edited footage of WWE Hall of Fame inductees’ acceptance speeches at the following link. Among those not featured on USA were Stu Hart, Antonio Inoki, Wendi Richter and Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon.

    — Last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be replayed next Saturday on Universal HD at 9:00 p.m. EST and midnight.

  • HBK Talks About Flair Still Wrestling, Raw Preemption, More

    — In an interview with Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun, Shawn Michaels gives his feelings on Ric Flair continuing to wrestle despite losing a “career threatening” match against him two years ago at WrestleMania. HBK notes that Flair called him when he was going to sign with TNA to ask him if he was okay with it.

    “He did call me. He called me once to let me know he was going to do the [Hulk] Hogan match in Australia. He wanted to know if it was OK and I of course told him that it was. Then he called me again when he was going to sign with TNA and asked the same thing. There’s nothing you can say. I certainly don’t have what it takes to look at somebody and say, “Don’t go make a living.” I told him that, for me, nothing can take away that special moment. It will still always be to me that I had Ric Flair’s last match. I tried to do the best job I could for him. I think it was a special moment. Anything after that [pauses]. I feel for him, but I’m certainly not angry or disappointed or anything. I would like to think that Ric probably would have liked that to have been his last match, too. The fact that it couldn’t be, I understand. Those are circumstances that I certainly can’t control.

    “One of the things you have to understand is that if you’re going to be a friend of Ric’s, you sort of know that there’s some baggage that comes along with that. Certainly the older I get the more I’m learning about conditional situations, and the difference between that and unconditional — unconditional friendship, unconditional love. All those types of things we can talk about but it’s a whole other thing to put them into action. I do my best to put them into action. I want what’s best for Ric, even if Ric might not always be aware of what that is, I still want that for him. Nothing will take away from that moment. It’s sill truly special. I still wear my watch every day, so it’s still something I’m really proud of.”

    Among the other topics discussed were whether he is ready to legitimately walk away from the business, what his backstage meeting with Bret Hart in January was like, his match with Undertaker last year at WrestleMania, and more. To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

    — Due to the final game of the NCAA basketball tournament, The Score in Canada will not air Monday Night Raw at 9:15 PM (ET) on April 5th, 2010. Raw will be shown at midnight (ET) instead. This means that TNA iMPACT! on Spike TV is going unopposed in Canada that night. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

    — In the following video, Dolph Ziggler says he’s confident about his chances in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match tonight at WrestleMania.

  • Sound Off 105: WRESTLEMANIA PREDICTIONS AND MORE!!!

    Solomonster Sounds Off

    DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
    Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 105)

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    Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes

    It’s the third annual WrestleMania predictions show, plus surprising news on what may close the show, more on Goldberg and WWE, TNA moving to 8pm and another obese mailbag!

    Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

    Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

    Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

  • Divas Match Added To WrestleMania, Update On Mickie James

    — The WWE Divas have been officially added to Sunday’s WrestleMania card as WWE.com posted an official preview regarding the 10-Diva Tag Team Match tonight. The bout will see Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix team up to take on Women’s Champion Michelle McCool, Divas Champion Maryse, Layla, Alicia Fox and Vickie Guerrero. (Match preview)

    — Mickie James noted on her Twitter account she was unable to play in the company’s annual golf tournament due to her knee, so it appears she will be very limited in her WrestleMania match.

    — Fans can follow Vance Archer on Twitter at twitter.com/VanceArcher. He returned to action last weekend, working SmackDown live events.

  • Shawn Michaels Talks About Retiring From WWE (MP3)

    WWE RAW superstar Shawn Michaels, who puts his career on the line this weekend at WrestleMania against the Undertaker’s undefeated streak, appeared on Atlanta’s 790 The Zone Sports Radio this morning and spoke about reports from a popular news website that he plans on leaving WWE shortly after WrestleMania XXVI and thus, will be losing against the Undertaker on Sunday. Michaels said:

    “That’s the situation that I’m in. The career is on the line, so I guess I say ground breaking news by them I guess. That is the match at Wrestlemania, the career versus the streak. It’s one of those things that’s bitter-sweet. Obviously I want to be the one guy to beat the streak. I think that if anyone can, I’m the one, but you have to be willing to put it all out there. If things don’t go my way, I still have a great deal of peace and I can look back on a career that I’m very proud of.”

    It’s worth noting that in the new issue of WWE Magazine, there’s an interview with Shawn Michaels, who is asked about retirement. Michaels cryptically said, “I have my retirement set already. I have been thinking of my retirement for a long time now.”

    During the 790 The Zone interview, Michaels also spoke about his return to WWE back in 2002 after being out of action with a back injury for over 4 years. Despite the fact that he already had a Hall of Fame career before he left WWE in 1998, he was told that the new generation of WWE fans might not even know who he was and WWE felt they needed to reintroduce him to everybody.

    “Yeah, and that’s the sort of thing that as you’re doing it, I can remember coming back in 2002 and them informing me that ‘hey, you almost need to reintroduce yourself’, because there is a whole other generation. On one hand, you want to be a little offended by that. You say ‘come on, I’m not the end all, be all, but I’m Shawn Michaels.’ But to really understand that there is a whole other generation that you now have to appeal to and you do appeal to. When you see the little guys hanging over the rails at the show, you do realize that. You’ve got their dads who watched you, and now they’re watching you.”

    To listen to an MP3 of Shawn Michael’s appearance on 790 The Zone, click here.

  • WWE Hall of Fame TV Update, Bearer Previews Taker vs. HBK

    — Unlike previous years, World Wrestling Entertainment will not be streaming the Hall of Fame ceremony on WWE.com tomorrow night.

    “Not planned as of now,” responded a WWE web team member to a Twitter follower who asked if it would be shown on the website. “Only on USA Network.”

    — Paul Bearer joins Tommy Fierro on Who’s Slamming Who this week to preview The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26 this Sunday. He talks about a number of different topics, including his prediction for the Taker/HBK match, thoughts on Bret Hart returning to the WWE, Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon this Sunday, his first thoughts when hearing about The Undertaker/Paul Bearer gimmick, his first meeting with Vince McMahon, his favorite WrestleMania memories, Guest Hosts on Monday Night Raw, being inducted one day into the WWE Hall of Fame, the return of the Monday Night Wars, thoughts on today’s talent, NXT, and more. You can listen to it now at: WhosSlammingWho.podomatic.com.

    — Both Chris Jericho and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing on the Ministry of Slam radio show this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion will discuss Fozzy, Bret’s return to WWE & WrestleMania while Lilian will discuss her music and memories of working with Y2J, as well as WrestleMania. You can listen to the show at www.ministryofslam.com.

  • Warrior Reveals Why He Turned Down Vince’s HOF Offer

    The Ultimate Warrior has posted a blog on his official website detailing his decision to turn down induction into year’s WWE Hall of Fame after he felt Vince McMahon wasn’t willing to meet him in-person to talk about their issues over the years.

    On reports he was scheduled for induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year:

    Well, after months of silly speculation and rumor-mongering regarding an appearance by me at this year’s Hall of Fame, and with WM being this weekend, I suppose I should say something about it all. Actually, after first seeing how my decision to decline was reported, I had initially decided it wasn’t worth wasting time to say anything. Always the rumors. The silliness. The lies. The bulls***. Simply telling the truth is a high spot the bottom-feeders of internet wrestling news always find too tough to pull off.

    However, over the last couple of weeks I have received thousands of feverish emails from those of you who are absolutely convinced that my silence is absolute evidence that I will be making a surprise appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony. So, I thought I should let you know the truth: I am not. I will NOT be at Wrestlemania in any capacity.

    I did decline induction. Yes, I declined.

    I did not “back out” of anything. There was never anything to “back out” of. I never agreed to appear at the Hall of Fame to begin with. The rumor that I did is a lie; an easy one that fits the kooky, fictional groundwork the liars have been laying down for years. It sounded good, made me look bad, so they added it on.

    The issue of money never came up, either. I’m not even sure they pay inductees. I don’t think they do. I could be wrong. Don’t know. Don’t care. I never considered asking for any and it was never brought up in any of the discussions I had. Discussions, mind you, I had only with Vince, nobody else.

    On his discussions with McMahon regarding the WWE Hall Of Fame:

    Vince called me on December 23rd and left a voicemail saying, among other things, “let’s get you in the Hall of Fame where you belong.” After the holidays I returned his call, left a voicemail telling him to call me again when he found time. When we finally connected, I told him I would rather meet with him in person than talk over the phone. He said that would be great. He said he would find time on his calendar and call me back to set it up. When he called back a couple of weeks later he didn’t even mention finding a time scheduled to meet, and throughout the remainder of the conversation, further decided not to find one. So, given only the option to say either yes or no, my answer was quick and clear, I declined Vince’s invitation to headline this year’s HOF event.

    To read his post in its entirety, click here.

  • *Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

    SmackDown *SPOILERS*

    Thanks to Wrestling Nws World for these SmackDown spoilers from last nigh’s tapings after RAW in California:

    The rest of the show will be filled with footage from WWE’s WrestleMania Axxess.

    * The show opens with the 10-man Money in the Bank ladder match tag team match. The teams were Drew McIntyre, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Kane & Dolph Ziggler vs. Evan Bounre, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Jack Swagger & Christian. McIntyre got the pin on Christian to win the match for their team when Christian wasn’t looking as McIntyre tagged himself in for Dolph Ziggler. After the match, McIntyre got the ladder to climb to the briefcase. The other men came back in the ring and knocked him off.

    * Up next is Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero. But Vickie changed it to a 5-on-1 handicap match. It’s Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, Maryse joining Vickie to face Beth. Beth and Layla face off as Beth picks up Layla and hit McCool with her then went for the other four Divas. Layla held Beth’s feet and McCool kicked her out so Vickie came in and got the pin. After the match, Vickie got on the second rope. Vickie pretended to laugh it off and tried to leave. Beth grabbed her and pulled her back and ripped off her pants. Vickie tried to cover herself and eventually left.

    * Chris Jericho came out for a promo. He says Edge has all the qualities to beat him except for his DNA. Edge comes out and attacks him but Jericho rolls out before Edge can hit the Spear. Edge picks up the World Heavyweight Championship and looks at Jericho who is standing at the top of the ramp.

    * R-Truth vs. Big Show is next. John Morrison comes out first to introduce R-Truth. R-Truth says that was the best introduction he’s ever had so he introduces Morrison. They make fun of Unified WWE Tag Team Champion ShowMiz and why they want to tag with one another. The Miz tried to interfere but Morrison threw him into the steel ring steps. He went to help R-Truth and they turned Big Show’s chokeslam into a DDT. The referee called for the bell as they continued to beat on Big Show. The Miz tried to help again but was knocked out and hit with Starship Pain by Morrison.

  • Another Match Made For WrestleMania, Ex-WWE Stars Visiting

    — The official program for WrestleMania XXVI has a Divas match listed for the event: Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim and Mickie James vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Layla and Michelle McCool.

    — Former WWE wrestlers Luther Reigns and Gavin Spears are in Phoenix, Arizona visiting friends at WrestleMania XXVI.

    — Click here to see a video of Jerry “The King” Lawler sketching a few drawings of Bret Hart at the WrestleMania Art Expo.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Mysterio Still Needs Surgery, Original Punk Feud Plans

    The involvement of Rey Mysterio’s family in his storyline with CM Punk was proposed to the creative team by Mysterio and was the original idea of a fellow wrestler. Mysterio’s daughter Alliyah is actually a model and actress and has impressed everybody with her performing so far.

    According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original idea for the storyline with Rey’s family was to be something like the Raven-Sandman angle in the original ECW but a lot of that idea was nixed because of WWE being kid-friendly. Punk would have became friendly with Rey’s children and eventually turn them against their father. Another idea would have had Punk cut Rey’s daughter’s hair but that was nixed as well.

    Punk was pushing for a Mask vs. Hair match, but WWE wasn’t interested and didn’t think anybody would believe Mysterio would lose and remove his mask.

    Mysterio has been working with a bad knee for several months and it will require surgery after WrestleMania. Right now the plan is for Rey to stick around and work as long as possible before he needs the procedure. The feud with CM Punk is scheduled to go past WrestleMania.

  • Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can (and should) check out at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, Ross responds to a Twitter post made by former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg about negotiating with WWE and TNA “dropping the ball” on not signing him first. JR writes:

    “Bill Goldberg reports that he is negotiating with WWE but my best guess is that it’s not about a return to the ring. Bill is a smart entrepreneur and the former Tulsa Edison and University of Georgia football star likely is looking at doing a marketing deal with WWE that might include video games, possible WWE HOF Induction next year in Atlanta, and merchandise sales.”

    Despite the fact that Ross doesn’t believe Goldberg is negotiating to return to the ring on a full-time basis, he could see Goldberg getting back in the ring one more time if the right situation presented itself.

    “After being involved in several of these type deals, I can see where both parties can benefit from an arrangement. Goldberg gets the opportunity to earn additional cash without putting his body through hell and he gets some nice exposure for his various TV vehicles. The WWE could monetize Goldberg’s likeness in a variety of ways. Is it possible for Goldberg to come back and perform in a ‘farewell bout’ in the Georgia Dome next year at WM27? It’s possible one has to assume.”

  • Vince McMahon Rips On TNA, Says They’re Not Competition

    In an interview with Acorn-Online to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVI pay-per-view, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said that after 26 years, WrestleMania remains a very special event for him and his company. Most of the interview is fluff, however McMahon made some rare comments about the company now challenging WWE RAW on Monday nights, TNA Wrestling.

    McMahon says that despite TNA’s attempt to “go to war” with his company, it’s a losing battle, as he sees their companies to be in different industries all together. “We’re in different business. We’re in the entertainment business and they’re in the ‘pro wrasslin’ business. It’s different markets.”

    McMahon spoke about iMPACT! moving to Monday nights and said that even with all the big stars they’ve sign and their more adult-themed programming, they’re still nowhere near the product that WWE presents.  “When they moved to Monday nights they threw the kitchen sink at us and  only did a fraction of our audience. It doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re trying to present with the tawdry, blood-soaked action. I don’t think that’s what the culture wants these days.”

    McMahon added that a global entertainment empire like WWE is more similar to a company like Disney than TNA Wrestling. “We’re woven into the fabric of Americana,” Mr. McMahon said.

  • Update On WWE TV Network, Art Event Tonight, Jack Swagger

    — In an update on WWE’s plans for a television network, they are looking to launch it eighteen months from now. Furthermore, they are looking at original non-wrestling programming to air alongside the wrestling features.

    A number of names have been suggested including The WWE Network, WWE S&E (for Sports & Entertainment), WWE 365, WWE.tv, WWE Net and WWE 24/7/365. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — WWE will be holding its third annual art exhibition tonight at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale showcasing various artistic works of WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends. Vince McMahon, Bret Hart and Jerry Lawler, among other others, are advertised to appear at the event.

    — Today is Jack Swagger’s birthday as he turns 28 years old.

  • Undertaker’s Birthday, Wendy Richter, Dolph Ziggler

    — Today is Undertaker’s birthday as he turns 45 years old. While his age has been disputed over the years, the official website of S.P. Waltrip high school notes that he graduated from the school in 1983. Additionally, the March 2010 issue of WWE Magazine does not acknowledge his birthday.

    — Landing his first magazine cover, Dolph Ziggler is featured on the latest issue of Fighting Spirit magazine out of the UK. You can view the cover here. However, the article’s not actually about him, but rather WWE’s midcarder performers needing to promote themselves better. The synopsis reads: “Why WWE’s midcarders need to start promoting themselves Shawn Michaels and Triple H did it many years ago, so why aren’t more WWE midcard stars taking the reins of their careers and pushing themselves, rather than waiting for WWE to put them in the main event? FSM thinks it’s about time they did…”

    SLAM! Wrestling has an article on Wendi Richter, who is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this Saturday night by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. This will be her first business dealing with WWE since leaving the company in 1985 after losing the Women’s Championship in controversial fashion.

  • Lots Of WrestleMania News, Steamboat Injured

    – Most of the WWE talents and crew arrived yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona for the WrestleMania festivities this week.

    – At last word, approximately 15,000 tickets remain for Sunday’s WrestleMania pay-per-view at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

    – WWE still isn’t advertising who will induct Antonio Inoki into the Hall of Fame this weekend. It was reported back when the news of Inoki’s induction came out that Stan Hansen would be doing the honors.

    – A number of the WWE stars have been hanging out at Baby’s Steak & Lemonade in Glendale, Arizona. The restaurant is owned by former WWE star Armando Estrada. Goldust and Dolph Ziggler will be appearing there today at 4pm.

    – WWE developmental wrestler Richie Steamboat suffered the first major injury of his career last week, a torn PCL. The second generation performer will be out of action for the next several months and likely need surgery.

    (Partial source f4wonline.com)

  • NXT Star Suffers Broken Nose, Update Win-Loss Records

    – NXT star Wade Barrett broke his nose at Monday’s Supershow taping from San Jose, California, according to a message he wrote on Twitter.

    – As noted earlier, the WWE NXT Rookies will be evaluated by the Pros on next Tuesday night’s show based on the criteria of win/loss records, strength of opponent, work ethic and whether they have that “it” factor. Here are the current win-loss records of the NXT Rookies going into next week’s evaluations:

    • Heath Slater – 4 wins, 0 losses
    • Darren Young – 3 wins, 1 loss
    • David Otunga – 3 wins, 1 loss
    • Justin Gabriel – 3 wins, 1 loss
    • Wade Barrett – 2 wins, 2 losses
    • Michael Tarver – 0 wins, 3 losses
    • Skip Sheffield – 0 wins, 3 losses
    • Daniel Bryan – 0 wins, 5 losses
  • WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! Ratings For 3/22

    The ratings are in for the 3/22 editions of WWE RAW and TNA iMPACT!, Week 3 of the Monday Night War.

    WWE RAW hosted by Pete Rose drew a 3.2 rating (down from last week’s 3.7) with 4.5 million viewers. The first hour of the show did a 3.04 rating and the second hour did a 3.44.

    TNA iMPACT! drew a 0.9 rating (up from last week’s 0.8) with 1.2 million viewers. The first hour did a 0.83 rating and the second hour did a 0.87.

  • WWE Stars Missing WrestleMania This Year, New DVD Release

    — It would appear that WWE has finalized its card for Sunday’s WrestleMania extravaganza as no additional matches were announced for the event at last night’s television taping in San Jose. With nine matches already booked — one more than last year — a Divas match appears highly unlikely at this point. On top of that, here is the list of male wrestlers not presently booked to compete in a match at the big show:

    Raw
    Carlito
    Chavo Guerrero
    Chris Masters
    Hornswoggle
    Mark Henry
    Primo
    Santino Marella
    Vladimir Kozlov
    William Regal
    Yoshi Tatsu
    Zack Ryder

    SmackDown
    Caylen Croft
    Curt Hawkins
    David Hart Smith
    Ezekiel Jackson
    Finlay
    Goldust
    Jimmy Wang Yang
    JTG
    Kung Fu Naki
    Mike Knox
    Shad
    Slam Master J
    The Great Khali
    Trent Barreta
    Tyson Kidd

    — Last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is out on DVD today. In case you missed it, you can view a clip of CM Punk taunting Undertaker outside his pod while cutting yet another classic “Straight-edge” promo here.

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle will be appearing on The Unrated Hour on Blog Talk Radio tonight at 9:00 p.m. Click here for more information.

  • American Idol Winner To Sing At WrestleMania, Bellas

    – Former American Idol winner Fantasia will sing “America The Beautiful” at the start of Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVI pay-per-view from Glendale, Arizona. She follows the Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, who performed at last year’s WrestleMania in Houston. Other past show-openers have included Aretha Franklin, John Legend and Ashanti. For more on her appearance, visit AZCentral.com.

    AZCentral.com also has an article looking at the Bella Twins, who were raised in nearby Scottsdale. The article includes quotes from the ladies, who talk about getting into the business, being ‘famous twins’ and more.

    – WWE’s decision to use current pop song “I Made It” as one of the WrestleMania 26 theme songs almost scored the company some beneficial mainstream publicity this week. Z100, the New York area’s most popular Top 40 radio station, has mentioned WWE several times before the song is played. Unfortunately, a play Monday night was preceded by a note that the song is the official theme song of “WWE SmackDown! 26”.

  • Matt Hardy Vows To Totally Reinvent Himself

    WWE star Matt Hardy posted his latest video blog after last night’s SmackDown TV taping from San Jose, California and vowed to reinvent himself this year and become the wrestling superstar that he’s destined to be. Hardy says:

    “I promise you – I promise you, I promise you! – in 2010, I’m going to get into the shape of my life. 2010 is going to be the year of Matt Hardy. I have so much more to contribute to the professional wrestling business. I would say sports entertainment, but to hell with that, it’s pro wrestling. That’s what I do. I’m a pro wrestler. I’m going to make a change. I’m going to blow everyone’s minds.”

    Hardy called out his “haters” and said he’s going to train harder than he’s ever trained before. “It’s time for me to totally reinvent myself; reinvent my moveset; reinvent my gameplan,” he said. “Special things are getting ready to happen.”

  • WWE RAW Results: March 22, 2010

    Report by Marc Middleton

    – We open tonight’s WrestleMania go-home RAW with the usual opening video. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcome us to RAW as they hype tonight’s Handicap main event. We go right to the ring where Shawn Michaels’ music starts playing.

    – Shawn Michaels makes his way out to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. We go to replays of last week’s SmackDown where Shawn laid out The Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music. HBK says he’s got that feeling before WrestleMania. The feeling that he can do anything, even beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. HBK says he will no longer be known as the Headliner, the Showstopper or the Main Event or any of those other names. He will be known as the man who ended Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. HBK keeps talking when the lights go out in the arena. A video starts playing showing clips of a young Shawn Michaels and his rise to the top in WWE.

    The video ends with Undertaker talking. It says “SHAWN MICHAELS CAREER 1985-2010.” We go back to the ring where Shawn Michaels is looking serious now. Shawn says that video won’t intimidate him. He tells Taker to come out and intimidate him in his face. Music hits and out comes tonight’s guest host and WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose.

    Pete wishes Shawn good luck at WrestleMania and says he’s the man to break Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania. Pete says he wants Shawn to compete tonight against Kane. Pete says he needs someone to get revenge on Kane for what he’s done to Rose over the years. Shawn says he will. Pete tells Shawn to go get ’em and wishes him a good night. Rose heads to the back while Shawn stares on. Kane vs. Shawn Michaels will be no countouts and no DQ’s tonight.

    – Cole and Lawler lead us into a video package hyping John Cena vs. Batista.

    The Miz vs. John Morrison

    Back from the break and out comes the Unified Tag Team Champions as The Miz, WWE’s US Champion, will compete in singles action. Big Show sits down for commentary. Out next is the team of R-Truth and John Morrison. Morrison will be the opponent here. Truth sits down to join Show, Cole and Lawler on commentary. The bell rings and here we go.

    Morrison and Miz taunt each other before starting the match and taking it to the corner. Miz slaps Morrison but gets knocked right back to the mat. Morrison dumps Miz to the floor and kicks him in the face. Morrison hits a moonsault from the apron onto Miz on the floor. We go to commercial.

    Back from the break and Miz has control of Morrison in the ring. During the break, Miz damaged Morrison’s neck and went to work on it. Miz continues to focus on the neck now. Morrison rolls Miz up out of nowhere but only gets a 2 count. Miz reverses a move and goes back to work on Morrison. Morrison turns things around and beats Miz down in the corner. Miz decks Morrison but gets dropped on his face. Morrison with the big leg drop for a 2 count. Morrison mounts Miz with right hands.

    Morrison goes to the top rope but Miz knocks him down to the turnbuckle. Miz goes for a superplex but Morrison counters and sends Miz to the floor. Morrison hits Starship Pain for the pinfall and the win.

    Winner: John Morrison

    – After the match, Big Show goes to get in the ring. R-Truth tries to stop him and then Morrison dropkicks him back into the announcer’s table. Morrison and Truth leave the ringside area as Big Show is pissed off in the ring.

    – We go backstage where Triple H is getting ready for tonight. Randy Orton comes in. Triple H says just because they have the same enemies doesn’t mean their past is gone. Triple H tells Orton he will drop him tonight if he gets in the way. Orton reminds Triple H that he still has to make it to WrestleMania and walks off. We go to commercial.

    Final Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Kofi Kingston vs. Vladimir Kozlov

    Jack Swagger joins us for commentary on this next match to determine the final Money in the Bank participant. Out first is Kofi Kingston followed by his opponent Vladimir Kozlov. The bell rings and Kofi tries for some kicks. Kozlov catches him and throws him to the mat. Kofi rolls out to the floor.

    Kofi drops Kozlov over the ropes but Kozlov brings him back in. Kozlov works over Kofi with headbutts and an overhead suplex. 2 count by Kozlov. Kozlov applies a torture rack type move but Kofi slides out. Kozlov catches Kofi with a big side slam. Kofi gets the win after the big kick to the head. Kofi is going to WrestleMania.

    Winner: Kofi Kingston

    – Cole and Lawler hype Money in the Bank and tonight’s matches as we go to commercial.

    Legacy and Sheamus vs. Randy Orton and Triple H

    Back from the break and out comes Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for tonight’s handicap match. Cody takes the mic and talks about the Triple Threat with he, Ted and Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Cody talks about how he and Ted are finally free of Randy Orton. Cody goes on about Orton. Ted takes the mic and we get a little bit of tension between the two here. Their opponent Sheamus is out next. We go to commercial.

    Back from commercial and out comes Triple H first to a nice pop from the crowd. His tag team partner Randy Orton is out next. The bell rings and it’s Sheamus starting things out with Triple H. Or maybe not. Sheamus tags in Cody before the match starts. Triple H goes at it with Cody, sending him to the corner. Triple H with a splash in the opposite corner. Cody kicks HHH in the head and tags in Ted. Ted comes in but gets clotheslined by Triple H.

    Ted turns things around on Triple H. HHH comes back with an atomic drop on Ted and a cheap shot to Sheamus on the apron. Ted hits a dropkick on HHH. Sheamus pulls HHH to the floor and works him over. Sheamus is tagged in now and stomps on Triple H in the corner. They trade right hands in the corner now until Sheamus drops Triple H and mounts him with right hands. Ted comes in to continue the attack on Triple H. Cody comes right back in and keeps stomping on Triple H. Another tag to Ted and more stomps and chokes on HHH in the corner. Cheap shots by Sheamus.

    Cody is once again tagged in. Triple H starts fighting back but Cody hits him with a big right hand. Triple H catches Cody with the spinebuster. Sheamus and Orton are tagged in at the same time. Orton hits a big powerslam on Sheamus and drags Ted in the ring. He lays Ted and Cody out. Another powerslam on Cody. Orton with the backbreaker on Sheamus. Orton hits the mat and starts stalking Sheamus. Cody comes in from the apron and Orton goes for the DDT on the second rope. Sheamus stops it as he kicks Orton in the side of the head. Sheamus pins Orton for the pinfall and the win.

    Winners: Sheamus, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase

    – After the match, Triple H is in the ring trying to get up. Sheamus goes for the big kick but Triple H ducks it and clotheslines Sheamus out to the floor. Sheamus teases getting back in the ring to fight but doesn’t. Triple H’s music plays as we go to replays.

    – Cole and Lawler lead us into another video package hyping John Cena vs. Batista at WrestleMania.

    – Backstage we see Bret Hart headed to the ring as we go to commercial.

    – Back from the break and out comes Bret Hart to a nice pop from the crowd. The fans start chanting Bret’s name as he enters the ring. Bret says he never thought he’d get another shot to go to WrestleMania when he returned a few months ago. Bret says he’s been waiting for this for a long time. Bret says he can leave WWE with his head high now because he got what he wanted – a match against Vince McMahon. Bret warns Vince that there will be Hart family members all over town this weekend.

    Bret talks more about Vince and WrestleMania. He promises the fans that WrestleMania 26 will be the best there is, was and ever will be. Bret thanks the fans as his music hits. Out comes Vince McMahon to the ramp. Vince tells Bret that after this Sunday, one way or the other – he’s screwed. Vince smiles as his own music plays now and Bret looks on.

    – We see Shawn Michaels walking to the ring. Pete Rose walks up and wishes him good luck. We go to commercial.

    No DQ or Countout Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Kane

    Back from the break and out comes Shawn Michaels to a nice pop. The pyro goes off next and out comes Kane. The bell rings and they go at it. HBK with chops. Kane comes back with a big boot. Kane takes HBK to the corner and works him over. Kane with a big dropkick to the face and a 2 count on Shawn. Kane continues to keep control of the match and hits a big running clothesline and a right hand out of the corner, knocking HBK down.

    Kane hits more big rights and a big sideslam for a 2 count on Shawn. Kane goes to the top but HBK catches him coming off and locks a Crossface on. HBK walks into a Kane chokeslam attempt but rolls out of it and applies an ankle lock on Kane. Kane gets to the ropes and breaks the hold. Shawn hits an atomic drop and big chops to the chest. Shawn drops Kane again and goes to the top rope for the big elbow drop and he hits it. Shawn gets ready for Sweet Chin Music when the lights go off and Undertaker’s bells ring. The lights come back on and Taker is in the ring. He grabs Shawn by the throat and chokeslams him. Taker’s bell hits again, the lights go back out and when they come on, Taker is gone. Kane stands over Shawn and covers him but Shawn kicks out at 2.

    Shawn gets up and connects with Sweet Chin Music on Kane for the pinfall and the win.

    Winner: Shawn Michaels

    – After the match, Shawn sits in the ring and says something we can’t hear. He looks serious. We go to another video hyping Cena vs. Batista.

    – Back from the break and we get a WWE Hall of Fame video package announcing Bob Uecker as the next member of the 2010 class. Cole and Lawler run down the WrestleMania 26 card.

    – Pete Rose is backstage with Christian. Rose talks about finally getting his revenge on Kane after all these years. Christian walks off. Pete opens up his dressing room door and Kane’s music plays. Kane pulls Pete in the room and we hear things breaking. Back to commercial.

    Gail Kim, Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix vs. Layla, Michelle McCool and Maryse

    Back from the break and out comes the face Divas for a tag match. Mickie and Kelly stand at ringside. Vickie Guerrero comes to ringside with Alicia Fox as the next team comes down. Gail and McCool start things out and go back and forth with Gail mostly in control. Gail with a clothesline and a 2 count on McCool.

    Out of nowhere McCool hits her Styles Clash finisher for the pinfall and the win in a quick Divas squash. All the heel Divas celebrate with Vickie Guerrero before leaving.

    Winners: Michelle McCool, Maryse and Layla

    – We see Batista walking to the ring with security as we go to commercial.

    – Back from commercial and the WWE Champion Batista is introduced. Out he comes to the ring with security behind him. The lights go out and a spotlight follows Batista to the ring. Batista takes the mic and encourages the crowd to keep booing him. Batista tells the people to get used to him being WWE Champion. Batista says Cena will lose at WrestleMania because he can’t beat him. Batista says Cena will never beat him and tells the fans to get used to it. Batista says bad things happen to Cena when they are in the ring together and it will be the same ‘ol story this Sunday. The crowd starts chanting for Cena.

    Batista rips Cena’s fans and impersonates Cena. Batista says the fans mean nothing to him. He’s here to make money and win titles. He says when he looks at the fans all he sees is money. Batista continues to rip on the fans and thanks them for paying to see him. Batista says the fans pay to see him because he’s special and great. The Cena chants start up again. Batista says Cena will disappoint the fans again this Sunday at WrestleMania. Batista says he’s done talking. He knows the fans want Cena to come out and run his mouth. Batista calls Cena out.

    Cena’s music hits and out he comes. Batista has security stand between he and Cena. Cena says he’s already disappointed the fans and already let them down the second Batista became the WWE Champion. A “you can’t wrestle” chant starts up from the crowd. Cena says he’s lost confidence in himself and the people have lost it in him. Cena goes on and on. Batista says Cena is just like the fans – a loser. Cena says he is right, he’s just like the fans. And they’re all sick of Batista’s garbage. They go back and forth on the mic. Cena says Batista can be beat and at WrestleMania, he’s taking back the WWE Title. Cena says he’s done talking and goes to turn his back. This pisses Batista off. Batista calls Cena a corporate creation and a paper Champion. Cena decks Batista and they fight until security steps in. Security holds Cena back while Batista gets in a few shots. They brawl some more until Batista gets out to the floor. Cena starts fighting security off and clears the ring of them. WWE officials come in the ring to calm Cena down as Batista heads up the ramp. Cena stands in the ring fuming as his music hits and RAW goes off the air.

  • Another RAW Guest Host, Mickie James’ Album Delayed

    – WWE has announced that actor and comedian Wayne Brady will host the Monday Night RAW on May 3rd from Jacksonville, Florida. Brady hosts the Let’s Make a Deal gameshow and has appeared on shows such as Chappelle’s Show, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother and others. The upcoming Guest Host schedule looks like this:

    • March 29: “Hot Tub Time Machine” stars Rob Corddry and Clark Duke
    • April 12: David Hasselhoff
    • April 19: “MacGruber” stars Will Forte, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe
    • May 3: Wayne Brady

    – Due to Mickie James’ recent battle with a staph infection, her country music debut album has been pushed back to May 18th, 2010.

    To listen to the first song from Mickie’s new album, click here.

  • Sound Off 104: Eric Bischoff Gets Pwned by Vince McMahon!

    Solomonster Sounds Off

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    Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 104)

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    Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes

    Impact CRUSHED, awesome Bret/Vince angle, no love for Kofi, Savage reaches out to WWE and Eric Bischoff pays for his big fat mouth!

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