As previously reported, several past WWE Superstars have been contacted to appear in cameo-type roles at Sunday’s WrestleMania XXX show in New Orleans. Some of the names contacted include The Rock, Steve Austin, Jim Ross, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Roddy Piper.

According to one report, there’s a decent chance The Rock will appear on the show, however it’s unknown whether or not he’ll be there live or in a pre-taped interview type segment.

As far as Austin is concerned, he had noted in the past that he wouldn’t go to New Orleans unless WWE had something for him, and wouldn’t simply go to sit in the crowd at the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony, noting that if that was the case, he’d just watch it at home on the WWE Network.

We do know, and have reported in the past, that WWE had pitched some ideas to Austin for WrestleMania XXX, and based on reports that he will be in New Orleans this weekend, many are under the impression that he accepted one of them.

On the latest edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast, WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin predicted and said he hopes CM Punk returns at this Sunday’s WrestleMania XXX show, which takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, and airs live on the WWE Network.

“I’m telling you, I’m going to stick to my prediction that CM Punk is going to make his return at WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans,” Austin said. “I made this prediction two months ago here on the show. It’s been a long time, I think he’s cooled his jets, he’s got some rest, and I think it’s time to get back to work.”

Austin continued, “I don’t see him participating in a match but it would be great to see him in a run-in to establish himself, to entrench himself immediately in a memorable and just a great moment, and I would say plant himself firmly in the middle of an angle, because he would be the angle, by attacking whoever he sees fit to attack or asserting his presence rather, whatever the case may be.”

“The Rattlesnake” concluded, “But I see CM Punk coming back at WrestleMania 30. Who knows if it will happen. We will know in about six short days when WrestleMania actually happens.”

Check out the latest edition of Austin’s show at PodcastOne.com.

– The following is a look at the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy being made:

Photo of the #WrestleMania trophy #WWE #WrestleMania30 @MBoone420 @RyanClarkWZR #AndreTheGiantMemorialBattleRoyal pic.twitter.com/QpV9Ky0O7U

— Jorge Romero (@Jromer0) April 2, 2014

– WWE used their official CM Punk Facebook page to promote a new WWE Network show, complete with a photo of AJ Lee. Check it out below:

#WWE uses #CMPunk Facebook page to plug their New #WWENetwork show (with AJ lee pic) @MBoone420 @RyanClarkWZR pic.twitter.com/btax3gBEpo

— Jorge Romero (@Jromer0) April 2, 2014

The following are clips from today’s WrestleMania XXX press conference, which was held in New York City today and aired live on the WWE Network.

Hulk Hogan discusses the future of WWE: WrestleMania 30 Press Conference

Hulk Hogan talks about his impressive history in WrestleMania, as well as the future of WWE.

Daniel Bryan is living his dream: WrestleMania 30 Press Conference

Daniel Bryan is ready to realize his dream at WrestleMania 30.

Triple H discusses the dreams of WWE Superstars: WrestleMania 30 Press Conference

Triple H talks about the dreams of WWE Superstars to be apart of WrestleMania.

John Cena discusses why Wrestlemania is special: WrestleMania 30 Press Conference

John Cena shares a memorable story about what makes WrestleMania moments so special.

Batista and Randy Orton are set for the main event: WrestleMania 30 Press Conference

Batista mocks his critics and Randy Orton makes a big claim at the WrestleMania 30 Press Conference.

The following is a preview for this week’s “WWE Countdown,” show, which looks at the top ten most memorable moments in WWE RAW history, and airs tonight on the WWE Network.

This week’s “WrestleMania Rewind” looks at Triple H’s return from injury to challenge Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania X-8. For whatever reason, WWE didn’t release a video preview for that show on YouTube this week.

– It was announced on the RAW Pre-Show on the WWE Network that Brad Maddox has been officially added to the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at this Sunday’s WrestleMania XXX pay-per-view.

– Vickie Guerrero revealed on commentary during RAW that the Vickie Guerrero Diva Invitational, where AJ Lee will be putting her Divas Championship on the line, will be a one fall match.

The New York Times recently ran a featured article regarding the WWE Network and the upcoming WrestleMania XXX event, which takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, April 6th.

The article features quotes from various WWE executives, pro wrestling insiders, as well as Vince McMahon himself. “I think any good entertainment product has to change with the times,” said McMahon in the article. “You have to have your fingers on the pulse of the marketplace.”

Check out the complete article at NYTimes.com.

– WWE announced today that the WWE Tag-Team Championship match between The Usos, The Real Americans, Los Matadores and Ryback & Curtis Axel has been moved to the WrestleMania XXX pre-show. The match, as well as the pre-show in general, will air live on the WWE Network.

– WWE has added a new “30 Greatest WrestleMania Moments” video to their official YouTube channel. You can check that out below:

March 31, 2014 STAMFORD, Conn., March 31, 2014 – WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, has unveiled its programming lineup for WrestleMania Week, which includes the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, an expanded two-hour WrestleMania pre-show and concludes with WrestleMania 30, all live from New Orleans. Fans can subscribe to WWE Network by signing up exclusively at WWE.com, clicking on the WWE Network button on the top right corner of the navigation bar and creating an account. Upon signing up, fans will instantly have access to live and scheduled programming as well as the most comprehensive video-on-demand library.

The WrestleMania Week programming line-up on WWE Network includes:

WrestleMania 30 – Sunday, April 6 at 7 pm ET

WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania 30, will air live on Sunday, April 6 at 7 pm ET. More than 70,000 fans from all 50 states and more than 30 countries are expected to converge on the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Current WWE Superstars will be joined by a host of WWE Legends for a celebration 30 years in the making. Featured matches include the first-ever Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, The Undertaker® defending his epic WrestleMania winning streak against Brock Lesnar™, John Cena® battling Bray Wyatt™ and Randy Orton® defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Batista® and the winner of a showdown between Daniel Bryan® and Triple H®.

WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Saturday, April 5 at 9 pm ET

For the first time ever, the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air live in its entirety on Saturday, April 5 at 9 pm ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. On the eve of WrestleMania 30, a new class of inductees will join WWE Legends from the past as they are enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include The Ultimate Warrior®, Jake “The Snake” Roberts™, Lita, Razor Ramon, Paul Bearer, Carlos Colon and Mr. T.

At 8 pm ET, one hour prior to the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, WWE Network will air a live red carpet arrival show hosted by Michael Cole and Renee Young. The show will consist of interviews with WWE Legends, Superstars and Divas as they arrive to celebrate history and welcome in the new inductees to the WWE Hall of Fame.

WrestleMania 30 Pre-Show – Sunday, April 6 at 5 pm ET

WWE has expanded its WrestleMania pre-show to two hours for the first time ever. The first hour will simulcast across all WWE platforms, including WWE Network, WWE.com, WWE App, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pheed beginning Sunday, April 6 at 5 pm ET. During the second hour, WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos™ will defend their titles in a Fatal 4-Way match against Los Matadores™, Ryback® and Curtis Axel™ and The Real Americans™, which can be seen exclusively on WWE Network.

WrestleMania Press Conference – Tuesday, April 1 at 11 am ET

Before WWE takes over New Orleans and Randy Orton defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a Triple Threat match against Batista and the winner of Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H, all four WrestleMania headliners will come face-to-face on Tuesday, April 1 at 11 am ET at the Hard Rock Café in New York City live on WWE Network. They will be joined by WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WrestleMania 30 host Hulk Hogan and WWE Superstar John Cena® to offer a preview of this year’s historic event.

WrestleMania Today LIVE – Thursday, April 3 – Saturday, April 5 at 6 pm ET

WrestleMania Today will premiere with three nights of live coverage on Thursday, April 3 through Saturday, April 5 at 6 pm ET originating from WrestleMania Axxess. Hosted by WWE’s Josh Mathews™, Booker T™ and Alex Riley™, the two-hour show will welcome in-studio guests including WWE Legends and Superstars as they analyze the biggest matches at WrestleMania 30. WWE reporters Renee Young, Byron Saxton and Tom Philips will cover all the action live from the Axxess floor.

WrestleMania Weekend Marathon – Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 6

The weekend will be highlighted by a marathon of WrestleMania themed programming from Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6. On Friday, April 4, WWE Network will air a replay of WrestleMania 25 from Houston, TX at 2 pm ET. Then, on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, fans can see blocks of WrestleMania Rewind™ from 6 am – 9 am ET, a show that takes a comprehensive look back at the most groundbreaking matches and dramatic moments in WrestleMania history.

Immediately following WrestleMania Rewind on Saturday, WrestleMania 26 airs at 9 am ET and WrestleMania 27 at 1 pm ET. WrestleMania 28 and WrestleMania 29 air Sunday, April 6 at 9 am ET and 1 pm ET, respectively.

Legends of WrestleMania – Friday, April 4 at 10 pm ET

Legends of WrestleMania premieres on Friday, April 4 at 10 pm ET featuring a round table discussion with WrestleMania Legends as they look back at their greatest WrestleMania moments. Fans will hear never-before-told stories about WrestleMania as well as commentary on the biggest matches at WrestleMania 30.

WWE recently issued the following statement regarding fans who were mistakenly charged for their free trial of the WWE Network when the service first launched.

“WWE discovered a technical issue affecting some fans that signed up for a free trial of WWE Network while on a mobile device, which inadvertently resulted in a charge on their credit card. Those fans who were affected will get a free week of access added to the end of their WWE Network subscription.”

– This week’s edition of “WWE Countdown” on the WWE Network will look at the top ten moments in the history of RAW. The “WrestleMania Rewind” show will tell the story behind Triple H vs. Chris Jericho at WrestleMania X-8.

– The following is the latest edition of WWE’s “30 Second Fury,” which takes a look at Mickie James’ “Implant DDT.”

– WWE Network cameras are scheduled to follow several WWE Superstars during WrestleMania XXX weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the guys who will be followed, Daniel Bryan, noted in a recent interview that the camera crew will be filming what he does to get be prepared for WrestleMania.

Generally this type of footage is shot for the “WrestleMania Diary” features, which used to air on WWE.com, however this year they will be airing on the WWE Network.

– John Cena missed the WWE live event in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday evening because he was scheduled for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

Cena referenced his scheduled awards show appearance earlier in the day on Saturday by writing the following on Twitter:

Fun day planned with @nicoleandbri quite an unorthodox 'date' as we head to the slime filled @NickelodeonTV #KCA lets have some FUN!!!

— John Cena (@JohnCena) March 29, 2014

– Hulk Hogan, John Cena and Shawn Michaels are scheduled to appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday, April 1st to promote the WrestleMania XXX press conference, which takes place later that same day and airs live on the WWE Network, as well as the rest of the WrestleMania week festivities in general.

– The Hulk Hogan superfan documentary “Sadermania” is now available via digital streaming ($2.99) and digital download ($9.99) at Sadermania.com.

You can check out a trailer for the documentary below:

– The three featured names that are scheduled to air on the edited version of the WWE Hall Of Fame 2014 ceremony on the USA Network, which airs as a one hour special after RAW on April 8th, are The Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Lita.

– As previously reported, the big WrestleMania XXX press conference will take place in New York City this coming Tuesday. WWE recently confirmed that the presser will air live on the WWE Network. Michael Cole will serve as the host for the press conference.

– The return of the Legends Of Wrestling roundtable will air live on the WWE Network on Friday, April 4th from WrestleMania AXXESS.

– Michael Cole and JBL revealed on the latest edition of their radio show that WWE will be airing a live WrestleMania Today show on the WWE Network, which will also take place live from WrestleMania AXXESS on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (April 3rd-5th).

WWE.com just posted the following:

Breaking news: Christian will not compete tonight on WWE Main Event

WWE.com has received word from backstage at TD Garden in Boston that Christian will not be competing tonight against Intercontinental Champion Big E.

Last night on Raw, Christian won an opportunity to challenge for the powerful champion’s illustrious title in a fast-paced Fatal 4-Way Match. However, with the two-time World Heavyweight Champion not lacing up his boots, questions are already beginning to arise as to what will happen next.

Tune in to WWE Main Event, LIVE tonight at 8:00 ET exclusively on WWE Network to learn more about this developing story surrounding the Intercontinental Title picture.

This week’s edition of WWE Countdown, which airs on the WWE Network on Tuesday night, will focus on wrestling’s “biggest blunders.” You can check out the official preview for the show below:

This week’s WrestleMania Rewind, which also airs on the WWE Network on Tuesday night, is set to feature Bret “The Hitman” Hart. You can check out a preview for that show below:

The following are highlights of a new Q&A update from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On Zack Ryder’s new YouTube show: “I have not but if he’s getting more serious then I feel that ‘s a good thing. Ryder is a good hand who I think still has a bright future but the time is now.”

On WWE buying out companies and acquiring their libraries: “The theory of buying them rather than beating them is inaccurate. The libraries were from companies that were already defunct. We were laying the foundation to build a WWE Network someday. Obtaining content was a key. Seems like the vision worked out well based on my experience with the WWE Network.”

On his trademark black cowboy hat: “I wasn’t crazy at first about the black hat but over the years I feel incomplete without it. It was another Vince McMahon good idea.”

On teaming up with Mick Foley for a live show: “I’m sure at some point we will play San Francisco or the Bay Area. Mick and I have casually discussed teaming up for a show or two down the road. TBD.”

Check out more JR Q&A updates at JRsBarBQ.com.

PrimeraCuerda.com is reporting that Canadian wrestler Sarah Stock (better known as Sarita in TNA and Dark Angel in Mexico’s CMLL promotion) had a tryout with WWE at the Performance Center back in December. She took part in a week-long tryout camp.

Stock was the only woman in this camp, which also featured Ricochet, Mexico’s Bestia 666, Heddi Karaoui (current WWA World Heavyweight Champion) and former CZW World Heavyweight Champion Drake Younger, who has already signed with the company and will be coming to WWE NXT in a few months.

It’s rumored that several of the wrestlers at the December tryout camp are being considered for a potential Cruiserweights show on the WWE Network.

As previously reported, WWE recently issued a survey to fans to gauge their interest level in a number of new potential WWE Network programs. One of them was “Blackman’s Bounties,” a reality show starring former WWE Superstar Steve Blackman.

The following is the official synopsis for the show:

“Eyelash Vizion’s presents Blackman’s Bounties a original series starring former WWF wrestling superstar Steve Blackman & Will Traynham. Watch as the duo travel around the country on recovery missions hunting down suspects who flee bail”

You can check out the official preview trailer for the show, which was actually shot back in 2012, above.

– Apparently one of the reasons for some of the missing pay-per-view events on the WWE Network is due to some copyrighted music issues, as well as some other editing that needs to be done to certain events.

– Chris Jericho recently noted on his official Twitter account that he filmed an interview for the upcoming “Blood Sucking Freaks” Blu-ray. Jericho wrote:

Filmed an interview for the upcoming #BloodSuckingFreaks blue ray! Discussed why I chose the name #Ralphus for my WCW sidekick @lloydkaufman

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) March 21, 2014

WWE sent out a survey to fans on Thursday to gauge interest in potential reality shows on the WWE Network:

– WWE Rescue – WWE talents visit to the homes of “super fans” to help with their personal and business challenges.

– NXT: Behind the Scenes – Following the NXT talents trying to make it out of the Performance Center and to the main roster.

– WWE Ultimate Challenge– WWE’s version of CBS’ Amazing Race with a 12-hour extreme scavenger hunt in different cities.

– Xtreme WWE Collector – Starring “Super fan” Michael Patterson – WWE’s version of Travel Channel’s Toy Hunter.

– Pros vs. Joes – Similar the old Spike TV series, pitting WWE talents against average people in physical and non-physical challenges.

– WWE Around the World – Following WWE stars as they take part in some of the scariest stunts and attractions around the world, such as shark diving and eating strange foods.

– WWE Dirty Jobs – Like the Discovery Channel show, WWE talents performing unpleasant jobs, including going into Chicago sewers and picking up garbage in NYC.

– WWE Prankdown – A practical joke show that features WWE stars pulling tricks on unsuspecting “superfans.” An example was John Cena and Randy Orton both wanting to buy an expensive car and getting into a fight at the dealership.

– Blackman’s Bounties – Following former WWE superstar Steve Blackman, who now has a bounty hunter firm based out of Harrisburg, PA.

The following are highlights of a new VOC Nation interview with former WWE backstage interviewer and commentator Ken Resnick:

On his work after leaving WWE in 1987: “After I left WWF, I was out of wrestling for a bit. I did the LPWA, which was a women’s league that foreshadowed today’s “divas”. It was a little ahead of it’s time; program directors back in that day weren’t warm to the idea of women beating up other women. I also did roller jam for a little while.”

On being back on TV with the WWE Network Archives: “A lot of people have reached out to me on Facebook, reminding me of things that I had long forgotten. Someone recently reached out to me about work that I did on commentary with Gorilla Monsoon; that was a nice trip for me down memory lane.”

On whether talent should be paid when they appear in WWE Network archives: “I thought about it just a little. I don’t have a copy anymore of the contract I signed back then, but I’m guessing that residuals aren’t in there because it wasn’t (relevant) back then. I give credit to our former Governor here in Minnesota (Jesse Ventura); he was really the only one who went head to head with Vince and beat him on residuals. At some point maybe that will resurface.”

On WWE going against the cable companies: “Showing the PPVs on WWE Network means that they aren’t going to have to share the revenue with the cable systems, who typically got fifty percent. They’re going against the grain, challenging cable providers who relied on that revenue stream from WWE; it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.”

On the differences between WWE and AWA: “Everything we did in the WWF was so focused on promoting the next house show, TV show, or merchandise. Vince was focused on bringing that revenue stream to the forefront (of production). In the AWA, we just went (week to week with no focus on marketing).”

On the differences between the 1980s and today: “Everything we did, there was so much spontaneity both in the ring and on the microphone. That part of the business is gone. On the other hand, some of the high impact moves that are part of today’s shows, the guys (in the 80s) wouldn’t have had the conditioning to do that.”

On the current product: “I didn’t like the bit between Triple H and Daniel Bryan, where Hunter was beating him up while he was handcuffed. The crowd was just watching; they weren’t really into it or reacting to it. The people writing aren’t in the business. The whole angle was a direct takeoff from Occupy Wallstreet. I just kind of scratched my head a little bit (at the choice of storyline).”

On watching the WWE grow: “The WWE has truly gone from a wrestling company to an incredible television production entity, producing 6 new shows a week, 52 weeks a year. That is truly astounding.”

On the lack of places for talent to work: “Not only is there nowhere else to go, but there’s nowhere else to go where they can come close to making what they make in WWE. Talent in the past had options, and because of that, they had a voice in the direction of their character. Because of the (WWE being a monopoly), the talent has no voice.”

On the WWE’s top star following Wrestlemania 30: “I would have thought Daniel Bryan, but based on the way they’ve handled him, it doesn’t look like he has the respect within the company that he probably should. If I was going to put money on it, I would say John Cena. I don’t know of anyone else that they’d feel (comfortable) with.”

Check out the complete interview at VOCNation.com.

– Despite the fact that we’ve seen a ‘reunited’ Shield on WWE television over the past several weeks, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that there are still plans to break up the dominant faction.

The current plan is for Roman Reigns to break off on his own, while Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose would remain as a tag team for the foreseeable future.

– WWE’s latest Five Things video focuses on Five Things You Will Discover On The WWE Network:

– 2014 WWE Hall of Fame inductee The Ultimate Warrior was at WWE headquarters on Wednesday. He tweeted:

Great day at WWE Tower. Thanks to everyone who made me feel welcome in returning home. See you all in New Orleans #HOF2014

— The Ultimate Warrior (@UltimateWarrior) March 20, 2014

– WWE announced on Wednesday that the problems involving the WWE Network on Xbox 360 have been resolved.

– The following is a preview for tonight’s WWE NXT on the WWE Network:

• Adam Rose vs. Danny Burch
• Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
• Mojo Rawley vs. Sylvester Lefort.
• Bo Dallas vs. Justin Gabriel.

(Partial Source: PWinsider.com)