– As reported over the weekend, Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler is expected to be the opening match at WrestleMania 31. Like last year, the original plan was for Bryan to wrestle Sheamus at WrestleMania. Daniel Bryan requested to fight Ziggler instead and their discussion on Twitter about a potential match has been part of the updated storyline plans. Expect to see Bryan and Ziggler discussing a WrestleMania match on WWE TV as soon as tonight.

– The upcoming WWE Fast Lane pay-per-view on February 22nd will have some stiff competition, with the 87th Academy Awards and UFC’s Fight Night Brazil live event both taking place on the same night.

– WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos are expected to defend against Cesaro and Tyson Kidd at Fast Lane.

– Speaking of Cesaro and Kidd, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was backstage for this weekend’s WWE live event from Calgary and took a photo with the team:

#WWE Hall of Famer @BretHart brought some "attitude" to the "Cattitude Era" in #WWECalgary! @WWECesaro @KiddWWE pic.twitter.com/OMIjAvcWHM

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2015

– Tickets for WrestleMania AXXESS VIP signings are mostly sold out, unless you’re looking to meet Roman Reigns. Signings for Daniel Bryan, Hulk Hogan, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Shawn Michaels, Sting and Triple H are all sold out. However, there are still tickets available for the Roman Reigns signing.

– The following footage has surfaced online from last Monday, with Daniel Bryan and Renee Young rehearsing Bryan’s sit-down interview.

Dolph Ziggler continues to campaign for a match against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania.

After the Royal Rumble, Ziggler tweeted Bryan saying, “Yo DB, was pulling for you, brother. but if you really want to steal the show #WrestleMania Im here & angrier.” Bryan simply responded, “I’m in!”

@WWE has since re-tweeted Bryan’s response to Ziggler.

Rumored Card For WWE WrestleMania 31

Using the hashtag #DBvsDZ, Ziggler tweeted the following on Wednesday:

“WE signed our lives away… you have no idea, but it’s always been there. introduced as afterthoughts, repeatedly forced to prove why WE belong, told the sky was the limit yet knowing there was no chance… 1 broke through that ceiling after an unprecedented fight, 1 has been banging his head against it for years. 1 is a nice guy with a killer instinct, 1 is not afraid to rub people the wrong way to get what it is his. 1 is thankful & smiles, 1 smirks & says damn right. 2 different, yet legitimate backgrounds. 2 stars who became super purely bc they weren’t supposed to. Stealing the show is a catchphrase. Get over IT! WE sure as hell did! I dare you to take IT away from US! WE already own that RING. WE are the saints…”

Comment below and tell us if you think this is the best possible matchup for both men at WrestleMania.

– WWE Diva Emma recently took part in a Q&A on her official website. During the Q&A session, Emma noted that her favorite matches of all time were her NXT matches against fellow WWE Diva Paige. Emma also noted that her WrestleMania dream opponent would be Paige. You can check out more from Emma’s Q&A at TenilleDashwood.com.

– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which features a Royal Rumble review from Jericho and a new interview with WWE Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett, is now online. The official description for the show reads as follows:

TIJ – EP112 – Royal Rumble analysis & WWE IC Champ Wade Barrett

“Y2J’s protege, Wade Barrett’s in the hot seat, but at least he’s not getting big-leagued like the first time they met! That story, details on their NXT pairing, and the tale of his WWE tryout all covered. You’ll also hear the evolution of Bad News Barrett, and the Patrick Swayze movie that gave Wade his name! Plus, Y2J and Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter break down last Sunday’s Royal Rumble! And yes, Chris is throwing his support behind Roman Reigns & you’re gonna have to listen to find out why!”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

• PHOTO: BROCK LESNAR Gets A New “TRAMP STAMP” Tattoo!

– WWE is reportedly no longer branding WrestleMania with numbers, at least with the logo. Instead, symbols are being used to distinguish each event.

It was announced last week that WrestleMania will come to AT&T Stadium in Texas on April 3, 2016 and “32” is nowhere to be seen on the logo. It instead features a star to represent the “Lone Star State.” On top of that, the logo for this year’s WrestleMania features a “Play” button to represent Silicon Valley’s Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

This is according to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, who said on Wrestling Observer Radio today that the events are no longer being branded with numbers “because Vince thinks it makes it sound too old.”

– E! has released this preview clip of the next all-new episode of Total Divas, which airs two weeks from now on Sunday, Feb. 8. It is centered on Alicia Fox and Cameron, who dislike each other.

The synopsis of the episode is as follows: “The future of the Bella Twins is in question after Brie’s admission that she doesn’t use protection; Nattie is forced to work with TJ even though they are separated; and Ariane makes a disastrous attempt to find out why exactly Alicia hates her.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r96QwmWlVXM

– Bray Wyatt granted his first wish to Jovanni of Marty Lyons Foundation before the Royal Rumble on Sunday. The official WWE website has published a photo gallery from their meeting.

• The Rock “pissed” after Royal Rumble appearance

– Many fans sent in word that they could hear Roman Reigns being fed lines last night on RAW during his sit-down interview with Michael Cole and later in the show when he went face to face with Brock Lesnar.

If you watch the clips from RAW that WWE uploaded to Youtube (View Here), there are portions where the audio feed cuts out, which is when the lines he was being fed got picked up by the microphones.

– With Daniel Bryan apparently shut out of the top matches at WrestleMania, Dolph Ziggler has offered to tear the house down with the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

https://twitter.com/heelziggler/status/559904939276009472

Daniel Bryan responded to Ziggler, saying that he’d gladly take him up on that offer.

https://twitter.com/wwedanielbryan/status/559931023296053248

As of this weekend, the feeling within WWE is that The Undertaker will be wrestling at WrestleMania 31. Top WWE officials likely already know for sure if he’ll be there and we should get some sort of official word in the next several weeks.

His opponent is likely to be Bray Wyatt, which is one of the main reasons Wyatt had such a strong showing in the Royal Rumble match.

Mr. Money In The Bank Seth Rollins is expected to wrestle Randy Orton, which leaves Daniel Bryan out in the cold. Wrestling Observer Radio host Bryan Alvarez thinks WWE will be going to the Bryan vs. Sheamus match that was originally scheduled to last year, before those plans got hijacked by the WWE Universe.

Of course, with the unprecedented fan backlash coming out of the Royal Rumble, this card is subject to change. But as of Monday morning, the tentative WrestleMania card will feature:

• Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
• Sting vs. Triple H
• John Cena vs. Rusev
• Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton
• Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan

(Information from Wrestling Observer Radio was used in this report. Visit f4wonline.com for subscription information)

Roman Reigns was the last man standing in the 2015 Royal Rumble match and earned a WrestleMania title shot against Brock Lesnar, who retained the World Heavyweight Championship in a phenominal 3-way match with John Cena and Seth Rollins.

During the WWE Royal Rumble Fallout post-show on the WWE Network, Rusev interrupted John Cena’s interview with Renee Young, leading to the two going nose-to-nose and being kept apart by other Superstars. This is the kickoff to a Cena vs. Rusev WrestleMania feud.

CHAOS backstage as @RusevBUL and @JohnCena go nose-to-nose in the interview area!! #RoyalRumble #Fallout pic.twitter.com/MSY4dhFXs5

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) January 26, 2015

With those two matches set and Triple H vs. Sting all but announced, the top of the card is starting to take shape.

• VIDEO: Girlfriend Catches Cops On Tape Attacking And Tasering UFC Fighter

WWE Superstar Roman Reigns was interviewed this week by Chuck Carroll of the Turnbuckle Weekly to hype Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. You can listen to the full interview at Washington.CBSLocal.com. Here are some highlights:

– Reigns is excited at the prospect of facing Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania, calling it a “million dollar dream” come true. “I think it would be one of the hardest hitting matches of all-time,” Reigns said. “It’d be extremely aggressive. I think you’d see a level of intensity you’ve never seen before.”

– Reigns admitted that his hernia surgery left him with a lot of uncertainty, but at no time did he think it was a career-threatening injury. He said he had a lot of support during his time away, which made recovery easier.

– Reigns spoke about working with an acting coach in Los Angeles during his time away from the ring. Interestingly, he said the acting coach wasn’t working with him on promos.  They worked on his ability to channel the emotions of a real life experience into his delivery on-camera and in the ring. “It’s really connecting with any type of emotions and connecting with triggers,” he said.

– When asked about part-time wrestlers like The Rock and Brock Lesnar holding the WWE Championship, Reigns said WWE deserves a full-time champion, but Rock and Lesnar have earned the positions they’re in.

• Who is Paige dating? (Photo)

WWE’s Vice President of Digital Media Content Joey Styles has made a bold prediction for Sunday’s Royal Rumble match. Despite not even being an announced participant, Styles thinks that reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will win the 30-man battle royal.

WWE.com has published a new “Editor’s Choice” feature with predictions for the Rumble match, with Styles laying out the most outlandish scenario. Here’s how he thinks it will go down:

“After losing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship without being beaten when Rollins pins John Cena, Lesnar will take another Superstar’s spot in the Royal Rumble Match after beating him into unconsciousness backstage. The enraged former UFC Heavyweight Champion will then leave battered and broken bodies strewn about ringside behind him as he starts his Road to WrestleMania — and revenge.”

Comment below and tell us what you think of Styles’ prediction.

Poll: Who Will Win The 2015 WWE Royal Rumble?

– WWE’s upcoming Daniel Bryan autobiography will be released on Friday, April 3rd to coincide with WrestleMania.

– Tickets are sold out for NXT’s first-ever live event outside of Florida, which takes place on March 5th from Columbus, Ohio at the LC Pavilion.

– Goldust is denying reports that he’s planning to retire after WrestleMania:

https://twitter.com/goldust/status/558654287912656899

There’s talk in WWE this week about Goldust retiring soon and making the transition back to a full-time producer/agent.

WWE is looking at fading away the team of Goldust and Stardust. Stardust would go back to being a singles wrestler. No word on if he’ll go back to being Cody Rhodes or if he’ll keep the Stardust gimmick. Both Dustin and Cody Rhodes were trying to get a brother vs. brother match for last year’s WrestleMania. There’s no word on if the company is planning on doing it this year but it’s a possibility.

Mark Henry hinted at retirement this week at the WrestleMania press conference in Dallas and seemed to indicate that next year’s WrestleMania 32 might be his last.

• Roman Reigns has something to say to his “haters”

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

– The advertised dark match main event for next week’s WWE SmackDown television taping, which takes place in Boston, is John Cena, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Kane, Seth Rollins, Big Show and Bray Wyatt.

– WWE returns to Austin, Texas, which was the site of this past Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping, on April 6th for a live RAW show. The pre-sale code for tickets to the event is WWEAUSTIN.

– Philly.com is reporting that the city of Philadelphia is still interested in hosting a future WrestleMania event. Philadelphia was unable to make a bid for WrestleMania 31 or WrestleMania 32 due to scheduling conflicts with local venues, but claims they will be bidding on future events.

• UFC Already Discussing Opponents For BROCK LESNAR’s MMA Return! Find Out Who He Might Be Fighting HERE!

ARLINGTON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Arlington Mayor Robert N. Cluck, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, the City of Arlington, the City of Dallas, The Dallas Cowboys, the Stadium Events Organizing Committee and WWE® are proud to announce that AT&T Stadium will host WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania 32, on Sunday April 3, 2016.

“We look forward to making history at WrestleMania, while adding AT&T Stadium to the list of iconic venues that have hosted our annual pop-culture extravaganza.”

Photos from WWE’s WrestleMania 32 Announcement

The historic announcement was made at a press conference held at AT&T Stadium. Mayor Cluck, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson and three-time Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Ed “Too Tall” Jones joined WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President of Special Events John P. Saboor in making the announcement. WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan™, WWE Superstars John Cena®, Big Show®, Mark Henry®, WWE Divas Brie Bella™, Nikki Bella™, Natalya™ and Alicia Fox™ also made special guest appearances at the event.

“On behalf of the city of Arlington, we thank WWE for choosing AT&T Stadium to host their biggest event of 2016,” said Arlington Mayor Robert N. Cluck, M.D. “We look forward to fans from around the world converging on our beautiful city for WrestleMania Week.”

“The city of Dallas is proud to team with Arlington to bring WrestleMania 32 to AT&T Stadium,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “The week-long series of events will provide an economic boost to our region, while giving visitors a chance to experience all the great things Dallas has to offer.”

“On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we’re excited to welcome WrestleMania 32 and fans from around the globe to AT&T Stadium,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “An iconic entertainment extravaganza like WrestleMania and its fans deserve a world-class venue like AT&T Stadium that will redefine the WrestleMania experience and set a new precedent for future events.”

“WWE thanks the city of Arlington, city of Dallas and the Dallas Cowboys for their tireless efforts to bring WrestleMania to AT&T Stadium,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “We look forward to making history at WrestleMania, while adding AT&T Stadium to the list of iconic venues that have hosted our annual pop-culture extravaganza.”

WrestleMania is more than just a one-day event; it’s a week-long celebration that will stretch throughout the Dallas/Arlington region. In addition to WrestleMania 32, other activities will include: WrestleMania Axxess – WWE’s four-day interactive fan festival at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas; the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at American Airlines Center; Monday Night Raw® at American Airlines Center; Be a STAR™ anti-bullying rallies; hospital visits and other community outreach initiatives designed to give back to the host community. The event will be broadcast live on WWE Network and pay-per-view in more than 170 countries. Last year, WrestleMania 30 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome generated more than $142 million in economic impact for the New Orleans region. This year, WrestleMania 31 takes place Sunday, March 29 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

On Tuesday morning, WWE held a press conference to announce that WrestleMania 32  is coming to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016. Check out these photos from the event:

The following are highlights of the latest blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On Brock Lesnar and this Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV: “After all this speculation wouldn’t it be interesting if Lesnar retains Sunday in Philly and then headlines WM31 against either Bryan or Reigns? Lots of balls in the air it seems which kee many fans like me on our toes trying to figure out what’s going on. I’ve found that it’s much easier to simply not over think these matters and just enjoy the events as they happen and then evaluate what one has seen.”

On the “Road to WrestleMania”: “The Rumble has the potential to really jump start the Road to WrestleMania and I’m anxious to enjoy it on the WWE Network. This is a great opportunity for WWE to get people talking about the Royal Rumble which in turn helps promote WM31.”

On Alberto El Patron’s Lucha Underground debut: “Saw Where Alberto El Patron made his debut on Lucha Underground which seems to be a good ‘get’ for the fledging promotion.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s BBQ products online at WWEShop.com.

• Josh Mathews Takes Some STIFF Shots At Jim Ross, JR Fires Right Back At Him …

BREAKING NEWS: @ATTStadium to host @WWE @WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016. Details: http://t.co/IFLLf9gCdL pic.twitter.com/y6DtPZA0aD

— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) January 20, 2015

WWE announced late Monday evening that AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, will host WrestleMania 32 on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016.

A media event will take place later today to confirm the news.

The all-time attendance record for the stadium is 108,713 for the 2010 NBA Allstar Game.

Here’s the official announcement.

AT&T Stadium to Host WrestleMania 32

WrestleMania 32 will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

Later today, a media event will be held at the stadium featuring WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, WWE Superstar John Cena and other WWE Superstars and Divas, to celebrate the announcement.

Promoting SmackDown moving to Thursday nights, Daniel Bryan spoke to Joshua Stewart of NewsDay.com. During the interview, Bryan reveals that he was originally not scheduled to compete in the main event of WrestleMania 30. Rather, he was supposed to face Sheamus in the fifth or sixth match on the card.

“I can tell you 100 percent for a fact that I was not supposed to be in the main event at WrestleMania 30,” Bryan said. “That is one of the coolest things about WWE and wrestling in general. The fans have this very unique voice, and this very unique power, and in no other sport and no other form of entertainment can the fans make their voices heard and it affect change.”

Bryan also talked about believing that his neck injury may end his wrestling career, the sessions that fixed him and more. The full article is available here.

• Vince McMahon wants to stop pushing two WWE stars – details

The simple assault charges filed against WWE Superstar Heath Slater (aka Heath Miller) have officially been dropped.

MyFoxAtlanta.com reports that the charges against Slater were dropped because the statute of limitations had expired.

The charges alleged against Slater stemmed from a female security guard who claimed that she was assaulted by the WWE performer at the WrestleMania after-party in 2011.

Slater has not appeared on WWE television since an arrest warrant was issued for him back in December of 2013. He issued a statement shortly after the news of the arrest warrant surfaced, claiming that the charges and civil suit brought against him were “completely frivolous.”

• PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee In Their Private Time, Hanging w/ Celebrities, Partying & MORE! [View Here >>]

The following are highlights of a new U.K. Mirror interview with Chris Jericho:

On WWE inducting Randy Savage into the Hall Of Fame: “Well, absolutely it’s one of the guys that needed to go in there to make it a legitimate Hall of Fame. They’ve done a great job over the last few years, putting in those last few guys like Bob Backlund, Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart, and now Savage, those were the holdouts that needed to be in there to give that Hall some semblance of credibility. Now that Savage is going in, it’s kind of closing the book on the outstanding that needed to be in there – like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame needs to put Deep Purple in there before I can ever take it seriously. Until they do, it’s kind of a joke to me. The fact Savage is finally going in is great.”

On returning to WWE for the next two months, but not working TV or PPVs: “Just for January and February, working the live events – no TV matches, no pay-per-view matches. I happen to have January and February off because in March I’m going back to the UK with Fozzy, so it was a good time to go back to WWE for a few matches. It’s based around Fozzy’s schedule, and it’s been that way since 2010. You see me come and go for a month here, a month there, that’s why I didn’t want to do any TV this year in January or February because it’s too short of a timeframe. Considering it’s WrestleMania time, there’s really no reason to come back [on TV] because I’m not available for WrestleMania, nor do I want to be around just for a couple of months. It’d be too quick.”

On Vince McMahon’s “brass ring” speech: “I grabbed it so I don’t really have … he’s right, it’s all up to him, and whatever mood he’s in and whoever he decides has it at the moment will get a chance. It’s Vince, he says things and whatever is in his head. When I’m not in WWE, I don’t watch a lot of WWE. There’s guys there grabbing the brass ring and others will over time, and there’s people you never expected to make it huge that will make it huge – that’s the nature of the business. Look at Daniel Bryan, the company never expected him to get as big as he got and probably didn’t even want him to get as big as he got, but some guys just do.”

Check out the complete interview at Mirror.co.uk.

• PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee In Their Private Time, Hanging w/ Celebrities, Partying & MORE! [View Here >>]

WWE issued the following today …

2015 WrestleMania Reading Challenge Launches Today

Stamford, Conn., January 12, 2015 – WWE® and First Book today announced the launch of the 2015 WrestleMania Reading Challenge, giving students ages 4-18 the chance to win a trip to WrestleMania® 31 on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the new Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Beginning today through Sunday, February 22, students can register for the WrestleMania Reading Challenge at WWEReadingSuperstar.com. Through WWE’s partnership with First Book’s digital reading initiative, We Give Books, children between the ages of 4-12 can select a WWE Superstar Reading Buddy and read digital books to participate, while teens ages 13-18 can select a WWE Superstar Pen Pal, read a book and write an essay.

WWE will make a financial contribution to First Book in order to support literacy initiatives and provide access to books for children across the United States. WWE and its Superstars and Divas will also continue to host reading celebrations, visiting kids at local schools and libraries to stress the importance of reading. Additionally, WWE will utilize all of its platforms, including WWE Network, TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media to promote literacy.

“The WrestleMania Reading Challenge celebrates the power and strength of being a reader,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book president and CEO. “First Book is thrilled to partner with WWE and bring more books to children in need across the country.”

“WWE is proud to partner with First Book and continue our long-standing commitment to education and literacy initiatives through the WrestleMania Reading Challenge,” said Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE. “Together, we are providing a fun and engaging experience to encourage children of all ages to read.”

For more information or to participate in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge, visit WWEReadingSuperstar.com.

• PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee In Their Private Time, Hanging w/ Celebrities, Partying & MORE! [View Here >>]

– Despite the fact that Triple H was reportedly down on the idea of doing a NXT show during WrestleMania weekend this year, there are in fact plans to have NXT matches during the weekend, likely as part of WrestleMania Fan Axxess.

– NXT Diva Devin Taylor was on the season opener of the popular reality television show “The Bachelor” on January 4th as a contestant under her real name — Brittany Fetkin. On the show, Fetkin was referred to as a “WWE Diva in training.” She ended up being eliminated from the show pretty early on in the season.

• MMA Fighter Who TRASHED CM Punk Talks About Training Him Now + PHOTOS Of CM Punk In The Gym With His MMA Team

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE is apparently not saying anything regarding Rey Mysterio. The word going around is that everything regarding Mysterio is being kept quiet on both sides.

As noted a few weeks ago, WWE originally had a script put together for Mysterio to do a storyline that was scheduled to begin at the Survivor Series pay-per-view and end at WrestleMania, but the feeling was he was on his way out of the company at that point, so they decided against it.

As things stand now, the Mysterio storyline has been completely dropped and there are no plans for him to be brought back in the sense that the WWE creative team has been told not to worry about coming up with any ideas or plans for him.

• MMA Fighter Who TRASHED CM Punk Talks About Training Him Now + PHOTOS Of CM Punk In The Gym With His MMA Team

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The following press release was issued today:

Stern Pinball Is Ready to Rumble

World’s Leading Maker of Arcade-Quality Pinball Games Introduces WWE Wrestlemania Pinball at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan to autograph Limited Edition Versions

MELROSE PARK, IL – January 5, 2015 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games, introduced today the new WWE Wrestlemania pinball machine at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2015) in Las Vegas, Nevada. WWE Wrestlemania will be available in both Pro and Limited Edition models.

WWE Wrestlemania calls players into the ring as WWE superstars embarking on a quest to become the WWE worldwide heavyweight champion. Players train their wrestlers and then compete in a series of matches leading them on the road to Wrestlemania.

The WWE Pro and the Limited Edition machines feature an innovative upper pinball playfield wrestling ring. With the flipper buttons, players control two “Slammer” slingshot-style kickers in the ropes of the ring. Completing the three drop target bank starts a wrestling match. Players rack up points and pin opponents in the ring by shooting into a kick out hole. Keeping the ball in the ring and hitting as many targets as possible will advance players through the match. Multiple ramps guide the ball throughout gameplay, while brilliant lightshows highlight the all LED playfield. Ten licensed songs include intro music for wrestlers that players choose. WWE announcers Jerry “the King” Lawlor and Michael Cole add play by play excitement.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan will individually autograph each of the numbered WWE Legends of Wrestlemania Limited Edition (LE) machines on a bottom arch mounted gold plaque. With only 400 autographs available, this collectible must be limited to that number of games. The LE game art features classic WWE stars, of course including Hulk Hogan. Actual WWE wrestling action is projected on the LE’s replica “Titantron” playfield level 5.7 inch LCD directly above the ring. The ball is always wild when it comes into contact with the LE’s exclusive “Chaos” spinning DISC while a third “Wham! Arm” flipper allows players to knock the ball off a wire ramp.

“The WWE franchise features unique characters and fantastic action sequences that are captured in these pinball machines. WWE Wrestlemania pinball games will appeal to a very large and diverse group of both WWE and pinball fans,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball. “This game is unique with an innovative wrestling ring and other features that will captivate pinball players of all skill levels.”

WWE Wrestlemania is the first pinball machine to feature Stern’s recently announced SPIKETM electronics hardware system. The new technology reduces product complexity and simplifies

manufacturing, resulting in more reliable and easier-to-service games. SPIKETM is both modular and scalable, accommodating and supporting future designs. Players will quickly appreciate higher quality sound, enhanced illumination effects and a more engaging overall game experience.

At the CES 2015 Stern will also be showing its Star Trek, The Walking Dead, and Ford Mustang pinball machines.

Pricing and Availability:

WWE Wrestlemania Pro Model: $5,495 (MSRP)

• PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee Together In Las Vegas This Past Weekend

The following are highlights of a new WNS Podcast interview with Roman Reigns:

ON RETURNING TO IN-RING ACTION: “Man, I’m happy to do a lot of things. Having that hernia surgery and the first couple of weeks of recovery was something I had never experienced before. I’ve had some injuries in my day and I’ve been able to work through the rehab process but I mean the requirements for hernia surgery is sit on the couch and do nothing. Which you know, it sounds like what’s he complaining about? But for the first couple of weeks it was pretty cool. I’m not going to lie I did some pretty good couch work. Til about two and a half, three weeks oh man. You start getting so antsy you just want to get out. I want to get in the gym and I want to work ad sweat and I just couldn’t do anything like that. It’s nice to be able to move around. run, jump, wrestle, everything man. I’m very fortunate.”

ON WETHER OR NOT 2015 WILL BE HIS YEAR: “I think so. I think everyone’s thinking that. I think everybody goes into these type of matches thinking they’re going to be the guy. It can happen. Whether it’s 30, 40, 100 people in this match. Everybody should be going in with that mindset. “I’m the guy. I can change my whole career. I can change my whole life if I just dominate tonight and that’s what I’m going to do. Fortunately for me I have some experience with this match. I have a record of eliminations and I’m taking last year making it all the way to the end and coming up short as a mistake I can learn from. As a good experience. Hopefully, I can capitalize on it this year and correct that wrong and go onto the big one.”

ON BEING COMPARED TO JOHN CENA: “When I first started wrestling, I got a lot of comparisons to a lot of different people. Razor Ramon, The Rock. I had a bunch of different qualities and characteristics of former guys. I’m not trying to be the next anybody. I’m trying to be the very first Roman Reigns that’s all I can do. I’m not out to be somebody that I’m not. I know who I am and I know where I come from and I know where I want to go. It’s very flattering to be compared to someone who’s worked so hard and been so successful. I don’t want what he has, I want what I’m going to get.”

ON THE TRANSITION FROM BEING PART OF THE SHIELD TO SINGLES COMPETITION: “I was fine with it. People don’t realize that I was wrestling singles towards the end of The Shield’s run. I main evented a whole year of fighting Randy Orton while I was still in The Shield. I had multiple matches without the boys. It’s just one of those things, I’m a sports entertainer. I’m a wrestler. I’m a worker. I can wrestle in a team situation. Before I got in The Shield I was wrestling singles so you gie me a squared circle, ropes and someone to beat up and I can do it.”

ON ANY COUNTRY HE’S NOT YET GOT TO PERFORM IN BUT WOULD LIKE TO: “There’s quite a few places I’d like to go. I’ve been so lucky to go to so many different cool places all over the world. Places I never would have thought of going or even knew about. But I think the one continent that I haven’t been to would be South America. So, I would love to get down there and just do antour and go country to country and tear it up for the South American WWE Universe.”

ON THE MOST BIZARRE THING THAT’S HAPPENED WHEN HE’S WALKED OUT THROUGH THE CROWD: “There’s been a couple of situations. There’s one time a few months ago this little girl came out and wave slapped me. Just a big bear hug on me and I didn’t even notice. She was on me before I even knew so when I looked down this 7-8 year old little girl who was as cute as can be. Not too long ago, I think last week i saw those little short films they do on the internet some girl just feeling my arm up and holding my hand. There’s so many people and I’m trying to take in the crowd and see what I’m working with with the people that sometimes I don’t even notice things like that. We have an awesome job, they’re so fiesty and emotional and outspoken. But they’ve been awesome with me. They haven’t done anything too crazy to where we put the entrance in jeopardy.”

ON POSSIBLY BEING A COMIC BOOK FAN AND SOME OF HIS FAVOURITES: “As a younger kid, I’ve read comic books. I was really into the Spiderman vs Venom and the Superman comics and things like that. But I’m not one of those grown men comic book guys like a few people I know. I got a kid, I don’t do little kid stuff. I like to think I emulate a comic book character with the things that I do. My look, my gear, the moveset that I have. Try to emulate that of a Superman-Spiderman mix or something like that.”

ON FACING RUSEV IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS: “I think it’s a great opportunity. What better place to win the U.S Title then right there in Beaumont, Texas. I think he’s been on a bit of a hot streak. I don’t even think anyone’s beaten him thus far.”

ON THE EMOTIONS GOING THROUGH HIS DAY OF WRESTLEMANIA: “It’s unlike anything else in the world. Our first one one was in New York/New Jersey and last year down in N.O. and it was awesome and just the whole tour, the whole week we get to do a lot of different things at Axxess and do a lot of meet and greet and signings with the fans. So, to have. To be able to interact and hang out and have a lottle time not only with the fans but your family it’s almost like a bit of a vacation up until it’s time tomkind of get your game face on and remember why you’re there. To perform on the grandest stage of them all. For us it was cool because you can feel all those people and you know they’re out there. Fortunately for us, going through the crowd we legitimately got to walk through them.”

ON HIS FAVOURITE MATCH AND FANTASY OPPONENT HE’D LIKE TO FACE: “Yea, i’d have to say my favourite match wzas the first Wyatt match we had on pay per view. I still haven’t watched ot back. I want to leave it to what I remember. The vibe and the emotion we had out there. The reponse. The manipulation of the crowd just going in and out of stuff. All the different chants and things like that. It was an unbelievable match. Also, I gotta say for me personally. I really dig my match I had with Randy Orton at Summerslam. I thought we did some pretty cool stuff especially down towards the end of the match. Incredible exchanges, signature moves and stuff like that. He had an RKO caught me out of the Superman Punch no one’s ever done that and that just speaks to the type of competitor that guy is and not only that I had enough in me to beat a guy like that.”

ON FEELING PRESSURE BEING THE AMBASSADORS FOR NXT ALONG WITH DEAN AMBROSE AND SETH ROLLINS: “I don’t know if it was extra pressure. There’s always pressure. Pressure almost becomes like another emotion. Most people are happy, sad, angry just all the different emotions you can feel and pressure is just one of them. That time I’m alive. If i’m not nervous or feeling butterflies then like what am I doing. For me, it was a cool responsibility to be given, to take on. I think that’s just part of the process. Being the first few to come out of NXT, we felt it but everyone behind us all the way from The Wyatts to Rusev and the list is just going to continue to go on. You’ve got great talent down there that are going to come up and make a big name for themselves. The Ascension, sami Zayn, Adrian Neville. There’s even newer guys,international stars from the independant scene so it’s a good time to be a wrestling fan.”

ON HIS REACTION TO BEING NAMED SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR: “To be honest I was shocked. I didn’t even look at it like I was going to win. I was in The Shield for a little bit of the year. When I came out of there, I came out with a rocket on me and I was able to do some cool stuff with the Rumble and Survivor Series. What you saw on live TV, was what I was going through at the time.”

Check out the complete interview above.