2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is now advertised to appear at WWE’s upcoming live event from Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, July 12th.

Daniel Bryan, who had been advertised to wrestle Triple H in a Street Fight on the show, has been removed from the lineup.

With those changes, here’s the updated lineup for the 7/12 WWE MSG show:

• John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
• Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio for the United States Championship

Ric Flair and Triple H will also be in attendance.

Tickets start at only $25. For discounted seats, visit Ticketmaster.com and use the code “Slam”.You can also contact Cameron Nichols at (212) 631-5238 and cameron.nichols@msg.com.

Madison Square Garden has announced several huge matches the upcoming “SummerSlam Heatwave Tour” live event from  New York City on Saturday, July 12th.

Tickets start at only $25. For discounted seats, visit Ticketmaster.com and use the code “SLAM.” You can also contact Cameron Nichols at (212) 631-5238 and cameron.nichols@msg.com.

Matches announced for the show include:

Street Fight for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship:
– Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Triple H

– John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt

United States Championship:
– Sheamus (c) vs. Randy Orton

Other stars advertised to appear include Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, The Usos, Ryback, Fandango, Big E and Santino.

For whatever this is worth, in the investment community, many have interpreted Vince McMahon’s comments in the recent Forbes article to mean that he’s willing to either sell WWE, or at least a major ownership stake in the company. The speculation is he would structure a deal that would see him remain in charge, but monetize his ownership value for his family before he passes away.

Those in the investment community seem to feel that McMahon should recognize the need to strike a deal where he can retain control, but also have the company in the hands of someone who can create a suitable successor for him.

Even if McMahon sells an ownership stake in his company, the feeling is that nobody would actually replace him as the guy in charge, unless of course he’s simply too old to function at his job at that point in time.

For those wondering, the companies most speculated regarding media partners who would be the best fit in a situation like this are Madison Square Garden and Liberty.

WWE has denied rumors of merger talks, however the speculation has resulted in some of the stock increases we have seen over the past week.

SEScoops.com reader Buzzard Follower sent in this live report from Saturday night’s WWE live event from Madison Square Garden in New York City:

– They were still selling CM Punk merchandise and a few chants broke out, but not for long.

1. The Usos def Rybaxel and The Brotherhood. The Usos pinned Ryback. After the match the Rhodes brothers shook hands and rose the Usos hands in victory. Ryback then cut a promo about how New York sucks and he was going to turn his career around. Lots of Cody and Uso chants, Goldust was hardly in the match and this was the best match of the night.

2.The  Miz and Justin Gabriel ended in a no contest after Ryback attacked both of them. After the match, Gabriel hit a 450 splash on Ryback. Miz got a great ovation during his entrance but other than the 450 by Gabriel crowd was silent the whole time.

3. AJ Lee w/Tamina def Cameron to retain the Divas title with a Shinning Wizard. Originally scheduled as a dance off which drew massive boos from the audience, AJ attacked Cameron pre match then left Cameron called her back and the match started. Notes: Some boring chants and one guy yelling “your father is a murder” to Tamina.

4. Kofi Kingston def Damien Sandow with the Trouble in Paradise. Sandow came out to boos and got on a mic and said he was going to come back out to the ovation us “underachieving degenerates are supposed to give him” he then came out to a loud chorus of boos. Sandow got a mixed reaction at first and Kofi got a decent pop too. During the match crowd was still quiet no one could follow that opening match. Also a kid in a yellow shirt around 10-11 ran up and punched Sandow on the back. he was not thrown out but security stayed in front of him the rest of the night.

5. Daniel Bryan def Kane with his Knee Plus running knee. Triple H came out before the match to loud boos and CM Punk chants. He cut a promo on how MSG was the worlds most famous arena (got a pop) and how the greats like Sammartino, Morales, Backlund, Hogan, Hart, Micheals, Austin and himself have all headlined this arena (all the names got cheers except for himself). He then said Daniel Bryan will never headline MSG or Wrestlemania and that he would never be WWE Champion. Kane came out to boos. Bryan came out to the loudest pop of the night the building felt like it was shaking with all the Yes! chant. Triple H knocked out 2 refs to help Kane. This was also the 2nd match the crowd was invested in the whole match. Post match, they teased Bryan and Triple H would get into an altercation. Stephanie came out (w/Fit Finlay and Dean Malenko) and said it will never happen and Finlay pushed Bryan around before Bryan kneed him and then hit a suicide dive on Hunter and Kane who looked like fell into Steph. More yes chants and some Punk chants. Also some Iceman chants for Malenko.

Intermission

6. The Ascension w/ Vickie Guerrero def Los Matadores w/El Torito. This match was very boring the crowd was not into much. The Ascension hit a clothesline chopblock combo for the win. Vickie and El Torito had some run ins with each other outside. Post match, El Torito hit Vickie with the “gore” to her ass.

7. Dolph Ziggler def Alberto Del Rio w/the Zig Zag. This match got some response and it was a fun match with a few false finishes. Both men hit their signatures and Del Rio would go into a tirade every time Ziggler kicked out. Ziggler got the 2nd loudest pop of the night.

8. John Cena and Batista def Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt with the after Cena hit Orton with the Attitude Adjustment. Batista came out to massive boos and Bryan chants and got into a few fans faces sticking his figure out to one of them he looked PISSED. Orton came out to a decent reaction that was mixed Wyatt came out alone to a nice response the arena never went fully dark as he had an Undertaker like blue light (not the lantern but he did have that) on his way to the ring. Cena got a mixed reaction similar to Orton. Cena pushed Orton into Wyatt and Wyatt landed on the guardrail. Cena went for a tag but Bastista stepped down and flexed. He came back in and hit Cena with the Batista Bomb. Orton went for the pin and Cena kicked as Dave walked out he came back out to get into a fans face before leaving again. Orotn went for the punt and ran right into a sister Abigail from Wyatt. Wyatt went to attack Cena but Cena through him out of the ring and hit Orton with the AA. After the match, Cena went around and high-fived some fans as the show ended.

It was a good show but the crowd was quiet for half of it. Orton and wyatt had promos on the screen early in he show. Pictures of Hogan and Sheamus got loud cheers even though they were not there. No bad chants but Batista seemed to get into it with a few fans. WWE returns to MSG on July 12th.

– WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair turns 65 years old today. He was born on February 25th, 1949.

– The latest episode of The Steve Austins Show podcast is now online with this week’s guest, William Regal. You can listen now at PodcastOne.com.

– WWE has updated the lineup for the March 8th live event from Madison Square Garden,w ith Triple H now advertised to appear at the show.

* The main event will feature John Cena & Batista vs. Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt.

* Daniel Bryan will wrestle Kane, with Triple H in Kane’s corner.

* The New Age Outlwas will put the WWE tag titles on the line against The Rhodes Bros. and The Usos in a three-way match.

Also scheduled to appear are Divas Champion AJ Lee, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, The Miz, Kofi Kingston and Damien Sandow.

– WWE NXT talent Bryan Saxton handled the ring announcing for the company’s live event on Thursday in Chicago, Illinois.

– As previously reported, WWE will be returning to Madison Square Garden for a live event on March 9th with Batista advertised to appear. The pre-sale for tickets to that show is ongoing with the password of WWEMSG.

Here are some live notes from Thursday night’s WWE show from Madison Square Garden:

– WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Goldust defeated Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger in a steel catch match. Goldust tweeted after the show:

https://twitter.com/DUSTIN_RHODES1/status/416406982023974912

– John Cena defeated Randy Orton by disqualification after Orton low-blowed Cena. This was described as a very exciting match with a lot of near falls towards the end. After the match, Randy Orton was going to skull punt Cena, but he got out of the way and gave Orton an Attitude Adjustment.

– Alberto Del Rio returned to action (from a concussion), losing to Rey Mysterio.

– Ricardo Rodriguez teamed up with Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal of 3MB at the show, losing to Los Matadores (with El Torito). 3MB and Rodriguez came out dressed as ‘Reindeer Men.’

– Thursday marked 30 years since Bob Backlund lost the WWE Title to The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden. Backlund at last night’s show and Backlund greeted fans in the lobby, taking photos on a green screen for $30 each.

– They announced that WWE will return to Madison Square Garden for a live event on March 8th – and advertised that Batista will be at the show.

– Rap legend DMC, who regularly attends WWE events, attended the show with his family. Here he is backstage with Alicia Fox and Naomi:

Kicking it with my girl Fox and the McDaniels family always a pleasure @THEKINGDMC @thefoxxyone pic.twitter.com/UmhFZdXJSt

— Trinity (@TheTrinity_Fatu) December 27, 2013

WWE kicks off the annual Holiday Live Events tour tonight with shows in New York City (Madison Square Garden) and Chicago.

Here’s the lineup for tonight’s MSG show:

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship match Randy Orton vs. John Cena (Booker T will serve as guest referee)
• WWE Tag Team Champions The Rhodes Brothers vs. The Real Americans (Steel Cage match).
• Big Show vs. Kane.
• Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio

Also appearing are the Bellas and Zack Ryder.

Richardo Rodriguez mentioned on Twitter that he’ll be teaming with 3MB (replacing Heath Slater) at tonight’s WWE Live Event from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Slater has been off the road dealing with a personal issue.

Tonight’s show from Chicago will feature CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Shield, The Wyatt Family, Big E. Langston, Mark Henry, Damien Sandow and Dolph Ziggler.

WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino and current WWE executive Triple H will be featured in part two of “The Garden Transformed: Year Three,” a five-part series airing on MSG. The episode featuring Sammartino and HHH is scheduled to air on Saturday at 10:30pm E.T.

“Even around the world, this is how they know me,” said Sammartino. “In Argentina, in Brazil, I remember going to Australia, all the trips I did in Japan, you know how they’d advertise me? ‘From Madison Square Garden, Bruno Sammartino.’”

For more information, visit Newsday.com.

(Thanks to Joshua Stewart from Newsday for passing along the link.)

As noted, WrestleMania 31 will be in Santa Clara in 2014. As a result, the annual WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view, which is generally hosted in Los Angeles at the Staples Center, could see a venue and location change to the east coast.

With WrestleMania 31 on the west coast, SummerSlam, which is viewed within WWE as the second largest annual event, is now rumored for Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2014.

Additionally, the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view in 2015 is rumored to be held in either the Staples Center in Los Angeles or the Honda Center in Anaheim.

– Rey Mysterio turns 39 years old today. He was born on December 11, 1974.

– Jake Roberts noted on Twitter that he’s had no contact at all from WWE regarding a return at the Royal Rumble or a Hall of Fame induction.

– The latest JBL & Michael Cole radio show can be downloaded here. Topics discussed include the passing of Nelson Mandela, the World Cup, President Obama and unemployment.

– WWE is running a deal on “Living Social” December 26th live event at Madison Square Garden. For $85 you get one center 2nd level ticket. For $149 you get two 1st level tickets and a WWE goodie bag. There’s also a $199 package with four 2nd level tickets and two goodie bags. The goodie bags include a WWE DVD, a WWE kids’ magazine and a signed Superstar photo.

WWE return to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on December 26th as part of their annual holiday season tour. Here’s the updated card for the show, including a Steel Cage match for the WWE Tag Team Championships:

– World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. WWE Champion Randy Orton with Booker T as the guest referee.

* Steel Cage Match: Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Real American.

* Big Show vs. Kane.

*Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio.

Also advertised to appear are the Bella Twins, Zack Ryder and Santino Marella.

– WWE has changed their scheduled lineup for their post-Christmas event in Madison Square Garden. The new main event will feature John Cena vs. Randy Orton in what is being billed as a “title unification match.” Also added to the show is a WWE Tag-Team Championship match featuring Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. The Usos vs. The Real Americans.

– Jim Cornette has announced a tour of the United Kingdom in February of 2014. The dates and venues are as follows:

2/18 in Manchester at the Comedy Store
2/19 in Birmingham at the Glee Club
2/22 in Nottingham for a fans dinner at Restaurant 88
2/23 in Dagenham for a booking and managing seminar
2/23 in London at the Leicester Square Theater
2/25 in Cardiff, Wales at the Glee Club

For more information, visit WrestleTalk.tv.

-WWE Superstar John Cena, who will be returning to challenge Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship at the WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view, appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday morning. Cena promoted the WWE involvement with the Susan G. Komen campaign, noting that the company has raised over $1 million for the charity last year. Cena also showed off the scar on his elbow from his recent surgery and promoted his return at the upcoming pay-per-view on October 27th. You can check out Cena’s appearance on the show online at GMA.Yahoo.com.

-WWE returns to Madison Square Garden in New York on December 26th. The pre-sale password for tickets to the event is PREWWE.

BACKSTAGE Reason For John Cena’s EARLY WWE In-Ring Return — CLICK HERE!

The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Hall Of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase:

On being the first wrestler to work with Hulk Hogan at Madison Square Garden: “At that time Hulk was just coming into the business and I had been in the business longer than him. At that particular time Hulk Hogan wasn’t the babyface he was the heel managed by Fred Blassie and I was the babyface. I was having my last match in the WWF at the time and they wanted me as his first opponent. I was very grateful to Vince for his faith in me, when I went to him and asked him what he wanted to do he told me to do anything because he knew I would do it right. I put Hogan over as a heel in his first match at the Garden and he never forgot that.”

On Vince McMahon as a boss: “I got along fine with Vince (laughs). It was kind of like a love hate relationship at times, and Vince said this to me a long time ago and I think he says it to everybody, ‘we can agree to disagree’, he doesn’t expect people to be yes men, if you don’t agree with him it’s not going to piss him off and he’s not going to fire you, but he added, ‘because we’re spending my money whether you like it or not we’re going to do what I want to do.’ I haven’t always agreed with what Vince did, I was not a big fan of the Attitude Era, but for the most part we wouldn’t be having this conversation if it wasn’t for what Vince McMahon did for me and did for wrestling.”

Check out the complete interview online at Wrestling101.com.

HUGE Update On Hulk Hogan’s Future In Wrestling — WrestleMania XXX?! [READ HERE >>]

-Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho appeared on the Opie & Anthony radio show on Friday morning. Jericho talked about the usual topics, including his recent program in WWE with Fandango, his band Fozzy, etc. The show will be replayed at 3pm and 8pm on SIRIUS/XM satelitte radio.

-Triple H and Bruno Sammartino will be going to Madison Square Garden in New York today for a show about the history of MSG. Triple H commented about the appearance on his official Twitter account, writing:

“NYC this am with @SammartinoBruno ,going to @TheGarden for a show on the history of the worlds most famous arena.”

-WWE Superstars Edge and Christian reunited on the latest edition of the JBL & Cole show. You can check that out below:

WWE NEWS

– The final episode of Chris Jericho’s “Rock of Jericho” show aired on SiriusXM over the weekend.

– Here are some upcoming WWE DVD release dates:

* The Best Of Madison Square Garden – August 27th
* Legends of Mid-South – September 10th
* Summerslam 2013 – September 17th
* Triple H: Thy Kingdom Come – September 24th
* Goldberg: The Ultimate Collection – October 8th
* WWE Night of Champions 2013 – October 15th
* Money in the Bank Anthology – October 29th
* WWE Battleground 2013 – November 12th
* History of WWE – November19th
* WWE Hell in A Cell 2013 – November 26th

– With WWE’s “Best of Madison Square Garden” DVD/Blu-Ray set going on sale tomorrow, here’s footage of Shawn Michaels talking about his experiences working at the legendary venue:

WWE will release The Best of WWE at Madison Square Garden on DVD and Blu-Ray on 8/27. You can pre-order the DVD & Blu-Ray copies now at Amazon.com. Here’s the official content listing:

DISC ONE:

50 Years of History

Ivan Koloff

WWE Championship Match
Ivan Koloff vs. Pedro Morales
8th February, 1971

Bruno Sammartino

WWE Championship Match
Superstar Billy Graham vs. Bruno Sammartino
27th June, 1977

Bob Backlund

Texas Death Match for the WWE Championship
Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera
19th May, 1980

Harley Race

Match for the Undisputed Heavyweight Wrestling Championship
WWE Champion, Bob Backlund vs. NWA Champion, Harley Race
22nd September, 1980

The Iron Sheik

WWE Championship Match
The Iron Sheik vs. Hulk Hogan
23rd January, 1984

Sgt. Slaughter

Boot Camp Match
Sgt. Slaughter vs. The Iron Sheik
16th June, 1984

DISC TWO:

A Date Forever Etched in History

Vince McMahon

Hulk Hogan & Mr. T vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff
WrestleMania – 31st March, 1985

Bob Uecker

Andre the Giant & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Cowboy” Bob Orton
10th August, 1985

The Miz

Intercontinental Championship Match
Honky Tonk Man vs. The Ultimate Warrior
SummerSlam – 29th August, 1988

Bret Hart

Intercontinental Championship Match
Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. Mr. Perfect
SummerSlam – 26th August, 1991

Howard Finkel

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon
WrestleMania X – 20th March, 1994

Kevin Nash

WWE Championship Match
Bob Backlund vs. Diesel
26th November, 1994

DISC THREE:

Under The Iconic Lights

The Rock

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Rocky Maivia, “Wildman” Marc Mero, The Stalker, & Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Crush, Goldust, & Jerry “The King” Lawler
Survivor Series – 17th November, 1996

Vince McMahon

Stone Cold Stuns The Boss
Raw – 22nd September, 1997

Mick Foley

Falls Count Anywhere Match
Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Cactus Jack
Raw – 22nd September, 1997

Jim Ross

1st Ever Tag Team Tables Match
The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
Royal Rumble – 23rd January, 2000

Daniel Bryan

#1 Contender Triple Threat Match
Triple H vs. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho
Raw – 7th August, 2000

Booker T

Booker T Attacks Mr. McMahon
Raw – 25th June, 2001

Triple H

Triple H Returns
Raw – 7th January, 2002

Big Show

United States Championship Match
Big Show vs. John Cena
WrestleMania XX – 14th March, 2004

Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James
Raw – 11th September, 2006

John Cena

John Cena Returns in the Royal Rumble Match
Royal Rumble – 27th January, 2008

Shawn Michaels

Triple Threat Tag Team Match
D-Generation-X vs. Jeri-Show vs. John Cena & The Undertaker
Raw – 16th November, 2009

Great Moments Happen Here

BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES:

Gerald Brisco

Steel Cage Match
Bruno Sammartino & Tito Santana vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage & “Adorable” Adrian Adonis
12th July, 1986

Ted DiBiase

Intercontinental Championship Match
Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
29th December, 1991

Alberto Del Rio

WWE Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk
Survivor Series – 20th November, 2011

Extra Stories:
Trish Stratus
Ken Patera
Mr. Fuji
Road Warrior Animal
Barry Windham
Koko B. Ware
Ricky Steamboat
Sika
Rocky Johnson
Edge
Brooklyn Brawler

Vince McMahon MSG Walk of Fame Induction

The New York Times reports that the current building housing the world famous Madison Square Garden arena is closing in 10 years.

New York City Council voted on Wednesday (47-1) to extend the Garden’s special operating permit for only 10 more years before the venue shuts down to make way for the extensive renovations to Penn Station (and the surrounding neighborhood), which is housed below the arena.

James L. Dolan, who controls the Garden, was pushing for the permit to be extended in perpetuity (indefinitely), while Mayor Bloomberg’s administration had been pushing for a 15 year extension.

Madison Square Garden has been located at it’s current location for 45 years. This is the 5th location for the “World’s Most Famous Arena” since it opened in 1879.  The venue has hosted three WrestleMania events (1, 10 & 20) as well as the first SummerSlam as well as more WWE title changes than any other venue in history.

“This is the first step in finding a new home for Madison Square Garden and building a new Penn Station that is as great as New York and suitable for the 21st century,” said Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker. “This is an opportunity to reimagine and redevelop Penn Station as a world-class transportation destination.”

The Garden is still in the process of a $968 million renovation, which will be finalized this fall.

“Madison Square Garden has operated at its current site for generations, and has been proud to bring New Yorkers some of the greatest and most iconic moments in sports and entertainment,” Mr. Dolan’s company said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon. “We now look forward to the reopening of the arena in the fall of 2013.”

WWE’s The Best of Madison Square Garden will be released as a three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray August 27th, according to WWEDVDNews.

Among the DVD’s highlights will be WrestleManias 1 and 10, John Cena’s 2008 Royal Rumble victory and the career of Bruno Sammartino. Sammartino recently took part in an interview with WWE that will be featured on the Best of MSG project.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“For nearly 50 years, Madison Square Garden has been the home of WWE. From sell out crowds cheering on Bruno Sammartino’s incredible championship run to the birth of Hulkamania, the inaugural WrestleMania, a stunner heard round the world and several legendary moments in between, WWE presents the moments that have helped legitimize the moniker World’s Most Famous Arena.

This collection showcases over 20 of the greatest matches and moments at MSG spanning all generations of WWE. Along with interviews from several WWE legends and Superstars, fans will relive several of the key moments in history that shaped the WWE of today.”

– During his appearance on this week’s Busted Open Radio show, Damien Sandow revealed two new matches for tonight’s WWE Holiday live event from Madison Square Garden in New York City:

* The Shield vs. Kane, Daniel Bryan, and The Miz.

* The New Age Outlaws vs. Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes.

Already announced for the show are John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler in a steel cage match and Ryback vs. Paul Heyman. Plus, there will be an announcement made regarding the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame, with a ticket pre-sale beginning after the show.

Yours truly will be attending tonight’s WWE MSG show and will have a live report up tomorrow, so make sure to check back for that.

– ESPN.com has recognized THQ’s WWE ’13 video game in their “Best of 2012” video game awards. Specifically, the game’s Attitude Era mode was awarded the “Best New Feature” in a video game. Here’s their description:

Best new feature: WWE 13’s Attitude Era

It’s one thing to have the Montreal Screwjob in a video game. But THQ takes the Attitude Era story mode to unheard-of levels for a wrestling video game, even delivering details like Bret Hart’s polygonal spit smacking Vince McMahon in the face. The Rock, D-X, the Brothers of Destruction, and even Mike Tyson make appearances, bringing wrestling fans back to their happy place of crotch chops and beer baths.

* POLL: Will THE ROCK Will Win The WWE Title At The ROYAL RUMBLE? (VOTE HERE)

Here are some live notes from Tuesday night’s WWE live event from Madison Square Garden in New York City:

– John Cena defeated Kane by DQ in the main event, their first match since Kane’s return. The match did not last long and was called off when Kane hit Cena with a chair. Kane left the ring, returned and got hit with the Attitude Adjustment.

– FCW Heavyweight Champion Leo Kruger was in action and lost a match to Aalex Riley. Kruger worked as a heel. The match was described as boring, not a great sign for the developmental star.

– Mick Foley was the official host for the night and wound up getting physical – giving Jack Swagger a taste of Mr. Socko after his match with Jerry Lawler.

– Among the notable names in attendance were rapper Run from Run DMC, Betty Skaaland (widow of WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Skaaland and Zack Ryder.

– WWE returns to Madison Square Garden with a Supershow on Sunday, March 18th. Tickets go on sale January 7th. The pre-sale begins January 4th and the code is WRESTLEMANIA.

UFC held a press conference in New York City on Thursday to raise awareness about their campaign to get the sport of Mixed Martial Arts legalized in New York.

New York remains one of only six states where professional MMA events are outlawed, and UFC makes a strong case for getting their way. Come on New York, you’ve got to “legalize it” …

Here’s the UFC’s official press release:

UFC® CHAIRMAN AND CEO LORENZO FERTITTA AND UFC PRESIDENT DANA WHITE COMMIT TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, PLAN AT LEAST TWO ANNUAL UFC EVENTS IN NEW YORK ONCE SPORT IS REGULATED IN THE STATE

New Economic Impact Study Finds Regulating Mixed Martial Arts in Empire State Would Bring Hundreds of Jobs, More Than $20 Million Annually

New York, N.Y.– UFC® Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and President Dana White today unveiled plans to bring at least two UFC events to New York within the first year the sport is regulated in the state, including one to be held at Madison Square Garden. Joined at a press conference at the world’s most famous arena by UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, and Scott O’Neil, President of Madison Square Garden, White expressed his desire to finally bring UFC to the Empire State. Watch the press conference

“It’s time to bring the fastest growing sport in the world to New York and Madison Square Garden,” White said. “We already know that New York is filled with UFC fans who want to see live UFC events in their home state. With the economic benefits that UFC would bring to New York, it’s time for UFC to do Madison Square Garden.”

“We are thrilled that Dana and the UFC are so committed to New York,” O’Neil said. “UFC and its passionate fans have a home here at the Garden and we look forward to welcoming them as soon as possible. We have no doubt that UFC will rival some of the most historic sporting events ever held at the Garden.”

In addition to announcing plans to hold two annual UFC events in New York, UFC officials released the findings of a new economic study today.

“We’ve done similar economic studies in major cities such as Boston, Las Vegas and Philadelphia and each showed the substantial positive impact hosting a UFC event has on the local economy,” Fertitta said. “This study shows that by regulating MMA, New York can reap the economic benefits statewide.”

The study found that holding two UFC events in the state (one at Madison Square Garden and one in Buffalo) will create roughly $16 million in new spending. Additionally, the study found smaller MMA operators will likely hold events that would bring an additional $4 million. In total, $20 million of annual new spending and hundreds of new jobs will be created in the local economy by regulating MMA.

Many UFC fans travel from surrounding states, stay for extended periods (at least one night at a hotel), and often arrive hours early for fights, which boosts merchandise and concession sales. New York-based MMA gyms and related industries are also expected to see an increase in revenue from the regulation of the sport. Likewise, local businesses will benefit greatly from MMA bouts, particularly outside of New York City where the economic influx is proportionally greater. This trend follows that of surrounding states which currently regulate MMA fights.

“By bringing UFC events to New York, the state will see a positive financial impact,” White said. “The arenas will get to host major UFC events and local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses will attract new customers. They’ll look forward to the times we bring UFC to New York.”

“I grew up in New Jersey, so fighting in New York City at Madison Square Garden has always been a dream,” Edgar said. “Some of the greatest sports events ever have been held at MSG and it would be an honor to fight in New York. I know the fans here are hungry for it.”

The full economic impact study is available at http://www.mmafacts.com/econstudy.

Legislation to allow the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate MMA was included in the Executive Budget, passed the State Senate, and passed the New York Assembly Tourism Committee and Codes Committee for the second year in a row. Currently 44 other U.S. states regulate MMA, including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, where UFC will host an event at the Prudential Center in Newark on March 19.