Today is the last day of the Superstars For Hope fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com and WWE has already raised well over the $200,000 target they initially set when the campaign launched earlier this month.
853 different funders have raised $215,522 and the WWE and the San Francisco 49ers matched $50,000, for a grand total of $265,522 collected so far.
WWE created different perks for funders with some going up to $15,000, some of which were claimed. You can donate by going to superstarsforhope.com.
The appearance of Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania gave WWE a lot of free publicity on mainstream media websites that usually don’t cover WWE at all. But thanks to the baddest woman walking on God’s green earth, the media suddenly all jumped on the Rock/Rousey/WrestleMania bandwagon.
Outlets such as CNN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, Washington Post, E!, and several prominent MMA websites all covered the story. ESPN showed footage of what happened and even covered WrestleMania on SportsCenter, something which very, very rarely happens.
The news also spilled onto anime and Dragon Ball Z websites since the UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion was wearing a Dragon Ball Z t-shirt.
Former WWE Diva Eve Torres revealed yesterday that is pregnant with her first child.
“I’m growing love, life, and Renergy in my belly!! @renergracie and I couldn’t feel any happier,” she wrote on Twitter.
The former WWE Divas champion married Rener Gracie of the famous Gracie MMA family in April of last year. The two will welcome their newborn in September.
Torres started working for WWE in May 2007 after winning the 2007 WWE Diva Search contest. She remained with the company December 2012 when she asked to leave. She only made one appearance on WWE television since then, a year later to present the Slammy Award to the Bella Twins.
A new WWE simulation game from 2K is being developed for iOS and Android devices and will be released this Spring for $7.99 with the title of WWE 2K.
Key features of WWE 2K currently include: playable roster of WWE Superstars, including John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Triple H, Undertaker, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt; authentic WWE action, including three match types, full WWE Superstar ring entrances and comprehensive move sets; create-a-Superstar; career Mode; live multiplayer matches; and unlockable rewards. Are you absolutely sick and uninterested in your teammates ruining your games? does one want to play, learn and improve at a better bracket? Dota 2 MMR boosters can assist you with this dota boost for all servers regardless of the MMR. Their professional services are 100% Safe, Fast, and Secure.
“WWE 2K marks a great milestone in 2K’s partnership with WWE, as we bring the first authentic WWE simulation experience to market for mobile devices,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “WWE gaming enthusiasts will soon experience WWE action and several fan-favorite modes inspired by the WWE 2K flagship console series in an engaging new way.”
During one of the intermissions of last night’s Raw, Lilian Garcia announced that WWE will be returning to San Jose for Monday Night Raw on August 3.
Ticketmaster.com has a pre-sale going already with the code SANJOSEVIP and it will run though April 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 29. Ticket prices are $20, $30, $45, $55, $75, $95, and $125.
The crowd, which was mostly International, didn’t care about the announcement and in typical fashion started chanting “We don’t live here.”
Post-WrestleMania Raws are now famous for the rabid, crazy, and unpredictable crowds. With several International visitors, the show has a mix of local and overseas fans and when mixed together, well, it makes for a fun show, or a nightmare for production.
Brock Lesnar was the most over guy on the show and him F5ing Michael Cole was all he needed to turn face. The crowd noise in the arena for Lesnar was off the hook according to people who were there and Cole departed on a stretcher to “Thank You Lesnar” chants.
John Cena and New Day got the “sucks” treatment with fans signing along to Cena’s theme and singing sucks at the end and chanting “New Day…Sucks” in rhythm. Roman Reigns, as expected, was not a loved man in the building and despite not winning the title, he was still booed to hell and back.
Kalisto and Neville, along with Damien Mizdow, Paige, and Ryback’s Shellshock on the Big Show also got huge pops from the crowd.
Other chants from the crowd included the hilarious “You look stupid” to Sheamus, “Worse than Cena” to Reigns, the usual “Boring,” several NXT-related chants, “Same old shit,” “Please retire,” and a few x-rated chants during the Divas tag match which WWE production obviously wasn’t thrilled of.
Towards the end of the show, the fans decided to do a Mexican wave and while WWE cameras tried to avoid it it became impossible to as the whole building was standing up. Eventually WWE lit up the crowd so the cameras get a better picture and the action stopped in the ring with Rollins acknowledging what was going in.
The Mexican wave was topped with the customary “We are awesome” chant from the crowd.
In a boost to keep viewers checking out the WWE Network, WWE decided to have Sting in a segment after the show that only played on the Network rather than on Monday Night Raw.
Renee Young hosted the short interview in the middle of the ring which started with fans chanting “Thank You Sting.” The Icon said that it was an amazing feeling to wrestle WrestleMania and thanked the fans for their support. He came up short, but still happy he did it.
When asked what’s in Sting’s future, the fans immediately started chanting for The Undertaker. Sting said he doesn’t know what the future holds for him but if WWE throws an opportunity he will take it and if they don’t, well, it will be a shame.
The inspirational Bo Dallas then interrupted and addressed “Steve” and said that Sting painted his face once when he was a kid. He told him that he lost his legacy when he lost at WrestleMania but all he has to do is…Bo-lieve!
At that point, Sting had enough and Bo Dallas was the recipient of the Scorpion Death Drop.
It is a new year in WWE tonight after a pretty good WrestleMania. We have a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and he wasn’t even in the match to begin with! Seth Rollins cashed in his Money In The Bank contract, successfully, and pinned Roman Reigns to become the “top dog” of WWE.
Also, Triple H took back full-control after beating Sting, and Rusev is no-longer undefeated since John Cena pinned him too. All of this and much more, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for March 30th, 2015 – “The Future Starts Now!”
Introduction Segment: Welcoming
The regular Raw video plays and the pyro goes boom in the arena!
Segment #2: Arena Promo
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion kicks off Raw, battered and bruised from his stiff-bout with Roman Reigns last night at WrestleMania! Paul Heyman is by is side and has the microphone. “Ladies and gentleman, and I am the advocate for the most ‘non-PG-ass-kicker of the PG-era,’ Brock Lesnar!” Heyman recaps the brutality that Brock gave Reigns, naming the numerous suplexes he performed. The crowd yells out “suplex city” repeatedly, and Paul E. responds with “or as my client said, ‘suplex city, BITCH!” He says that Lesnar was “bitch-slapping” Roman around the squared circle, then eventually “got bored.” In Heyman fashion, he continues to review what happened in the match. Heyman threatens to reverse the decision, via an injunction because Rollins pinned the challenger, not the champion when he wasn’t even a part of it to begin with. However, Lesnar is not going to do that, as all he wants is the WWE World Heavyweight Championship back with a rematch, which he wants to have tonight!
Instead of Reigns or Rollins to respond, the Principal Of The WWE, Stephanie McMahon, walks out. she puts over WrestleMania and the Reigns/Lesnar contest. During her speech, the fans now chant “Ronda Rousey,” so she teases them on if they want the rematch or not. She announces that new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is not in the building right now, as he was doing a New York television appearance; but he will be here later. Paul follows up and confirms that Lesnar will be wrestling Rollins, then declaring “the winner, and once again, reigning and defending undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BROCK LESNAR!”
Lesnar’s music plays and he and Heyman walk away. John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Booker T., and Michael Cole run down Raw, which includes three championship matches – John Cena will put his United States Championship on the line in an Open Challenge, and Daniel Bryan will defend his newly-won Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler, and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!
Commercials.
Still-photos of WrestleMania are shown, with the show’s theme song in the background.
Match #1: Single for the Intercontinental Championship – “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler (Challenger) VS. Daniel Bryan (Champion)
After formal in-ring introductions, it is made-known that Barrett. Back in the ring, both Ziggler and Bryan scout each other, then engage in a test-of-strength. Daniel wins that mini-battle with wristlocks, then rolls over with punches. Ziggler hits back with the same, then both measure up again. They tie-up again, then Dolph hits Daniel hard. Bryan turns it around with kicks-in-the-corner, then drags Ziggler to the middle of the ring and locks him in a surfboard-stretch. “The Show-Off” get out of it with a poke-to-the-eye, but Daniel slings him back into the corner. He whips him into the opposite one and flips over him, but his hit hard with a dropkick by Ziggler! They both end up on the floor for a break.
Ads.
“The Show-Off” is in firm control until Bryan counters and runs at him in the corner with two front-dropkicks. He leaps on Ziggler but Dolph tosses him up and Daniel lands crotch-first on the ring post. They reverse roles, then Bryan gets impressive height with a backdrop! Both now trade different covering positions, and struggle back-and-forth with a backslide! Bryan runs at Dolph but is met with a superkick and a two-count! The fans (and I) are LOVING this! Both slug it out from the canvas to their feet, then deliver headbutts. Daniel take a hard-shot, sending him into the corner, but he quickly sprints back with the running knee and covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan
Post-match, Bad News Barrett immediately attacks Daniel, until a returning and new-look (mohawk and braided-beard) Sheamus charges out! He makes the save, then suddenly Brogue-Kicks Bryan! He turns his attention to Ziggler and beats him up too, finishing with White Noise and another Brogue Kick. Amid chants of “asshole,” and “you look stupid,” then takes the microphone to announce “I’m back.” Sheamus drops the stick and walks off.
It is made official that Brock Lesnar will get his rematch tonight for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Commercials.
More photos from WrestleMania are depicted.
Segment #3: Video Promo
Recap of the Hall-Of-Fame Ceremony is aired.
Match #2: Eight-Man Tag-Team – The Ascension (Connor and Viktor) and Tag-Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd VS. The New Day (Big E. and Kofi Kingston) and The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) (Non-Title)
Cesaro and Sin Cara begin with a little mat wrestling before Cesaro turns Cara’s high-flying into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Cara spins Cesaro around with an armbar slam, then tags in Kalisto. He tries a hurricanrana and a sunset flip, but both are turned around by Cesaro. Kalisto tornadoes Cesaro with a of couple headscissors, then tags in Big E. Connor also comes in and is shoulder-rammed in the corner. Kofi gets the tag and flies in over Connor, then switches with Sin Cara. Connor takes over, and slaps hands with his partner Viktor. Both he and Connor slam Cara for a two-count.
Ads.
Tyson is now in and continues to control Cara. Cesaro swings him around, but Calisto breaks up the pin attempt. Cara gets the hot-tag to Kofi who flies all over Kidd until Cesaro is in and uppercuts him. Viktor tags himself in, which Cesaro is displeased with. This allows Kofi to roll-up Viktor for two! Kalisto is tagged in and flies around Viktor with a 360-springboard crossbody and grounding-hurricanarana. The bout breaks down, leaving Cara and Viktor in the ring. Kalisto comes back in and drives down Viktor with a flipping stunner/reverse-facebuster combo for the finish!
Winners via Pinfall: The New Day (Big E. and Kofi Kingston) and The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) (Non-Title)
Segment #4: Locker Room Promo
Paul Heyman walks into Brock Lesnar’s locker room and tells him “you won’t believe this. He’s here. Let’s go.” They walk away together.
Segment #5: Video Promo
Highlights of NXT Superstar, Adrian Neville, are shown with just his last name at the end.
Commercials.
Another montage of stills from WrestleKania is shown.
Match #3: Single for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) (Champion) VS. Seth Rollins (with J & J Security, Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (Champion)
Right away, Rollins gets into Lesnar’s space with the title. Once again, formal intros start, but this time, Rollins hops out of the ring and grabs the microphone. He makes a couple of excuses for not wrestling tonight.
Winner: No Contest due to No Official Start
Lesnar takes not-to-kind to this and goes to destroy the new champion! He tries a German-Suplex in the ring, but Seth lands on his feet and enziguri-kicks him! Lesnar doesn’t go down, so Rollins slides out. Brock catches him again, just before he enters the crowd. He positions for an F-5, but J & J pull Rollins down. Lesnar dismantles them with a double-clothesline, but Seth escapes through the fans.
Lesnar becomes fierce and furious, chucking J & J over one announce table, then tipping over the other on Booker and Layfield, then F-5ing Cole! He yanks a cameraman over the ropes and puts him on his shoulders too, but Stephanie marches out, screaming at him to “put him down.” He does so with an F-5, so McMahon indefinitely suspends him for the carnage he left. Once again infuriated, Lesnar F-5’s the cameraman then walks away with Heyman.
EMTs now bring out a stretcher to attend to Cole.
Ads.
Cole, Booker, and Bradshaw are all being tended to by EMTs and referees.
Segment #6: Backstage Promo
Rene Young interviews Stephanie about what just happened, wondering her reasoning for suspending Brock. McMahon cites the destruction he just let, then decides to go further and fine Lesnar. She knows now that with his new contract, “I own that son of a bitch!”
Commercials.
Round #4 of WrestleMania photos.
Match #4: Single – Stardust VS. Damien Mizdow
Damien finishes this one quickly with the Skull-Krushing Finale.
Winner via Pinfall: Damien Mizdow
Post-match, The Miz comes out and attacks his former friend/assistant/stunt-double. He berates an out-cold Mizdow, telling him he’s “nothing” and insinuates it was all him that took Damien to stardom.
Ads.
Segment #7: Photo and Video Recap
Still-pictures of The Rock, Triple H, Stephanie, and Ronda Rousey’s confrontation at ‘Mania is shown. As well, the events that lead up to WrestleMania are shown with video footage.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
“Don’t change the channel. The entire WWE roster is jealous of Axelmania!” Curtis then proclaims “the road to Axe-streme rules starts now.” It doesn’t take long for another debut, as Neville’s music plays to a loud pop! He walks out in a new cape and pyro, then immediately goes after Axel with a top-rope springboard-moonsault to the floor! We have a match!
Match #5: Single – “Axelmania” Curtis Axel VS. “The Man That Gravity Forgot” Neville
Neville completely dominates Axel, hitting all of his signatures then completing this bout with the top-turnbuckle Red Arrow Corkscrew Splash!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Man That Gravity Forgot” Neville
Up next, the U.S. Championship Open Challenge!
Commercials.
WrestleMania pictures.
Match #6: Single for the United States Championship – John Cena (Champion) VS. ???
Cena has the microphone and talks about “WrestleMania moments.” He then puts over the fans being “the greatest WWE audience of the year.” They continue to chant “John Cena sucks,” then Cena says is “not out here to run away from a fight.” “If any warm body behind that giant LED board wants some, it’s a hell of a time to come get some!” The challenge is answered by … Dean Ambrose!
They lockup and Cena takes Dean down with a side headlock. Dean shoves off, but Cena takes him down with another side headlock. They both even out for a break.
Ads.
Cena now has Ambrose clamped in a grounding rear-chinlock. “The Lunatic Fringe” begins a comeback with a clothesline in the corner then a bulldog out of it. Dean ascends the top rope, but misses the move. Cena spins him around with a backdrop, then signals for the 5-Knuckle-Shuffle Fistdrop. Ambrose counters with a kick and feisty punches. Cena moves out of the way of a clothesline, then nails the Five-Knuckle-Shuffle. He sets up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Dean slides out. He goes for the STF too, but Ambrose kicks off that and clotheslines Cena! 1 – 2 – Cena gets the shoulder up! Dean attempts the Dirty Deeds DDT, but Cena counters into a A.A. attempt. Ambrose gets out of it, and the two slug it out.
Dean capitalizes with a Tornado-DDT from the corner for a near-fall, then climbs the turnbuckle; he elbow-drops Cena on the floor! Charles Robinson, the referee, counts to seven before both are back in the ring. Cena catches Ambrose with a sudden Attitude Adjustment and covers. 1 – 2- Ambrose raises his shoulder! Now Cena wants to go for an Attitude from the top rope, but Ambrose fends him off. He goes for a sunset-flip powerbomb, but slips and doesn’t bring Cena with him. Instead, Ambrose just regularly-powerbombs him, but is trapped in the STF. He crawls and makes it to the ropes for the break! Cena goes for another A.A., but Ambrose drops down and clutches on the STF! Cena also makes it to the ropes, and Ambrose drives him down with Dirty Deeds! 1 – 2 – Cena lifts his shoulder!
Both strike each other with fists, then trade finisher-counters. Ambrose runs off the ropes with a crossbody, but Cena rolls through and plants him with the A.A. for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall and STILL United States Champion: John Cena
Post-match, Cena stands over Dean, who slowly gets to his feet. Ambrose points at the U.S. Title and slaps hands with Cena in sportsmanship, still looking frustrated though.
More WrestleMania photos are shown, this time of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.
Segment #8: Backstage Promo
Rene Young welcomes WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins; she asks him about Brock Lesnar’s suspension. He agrees with the ruling, as Lesnar put non-wrestlers lives on the line tonight. Seth moves on to his biggest accomplishment, becoming the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. He vows to “keep this title for a very, long time.” He then faces off with Randy Orton, who walks in. He also wants his rematch, which he never got from WrestleMania last year. Big Show and Kane join in behind Rollins. The WWE World Heavyweight Champ says that Randy has more than one issue now, but gives him a chance to find two “friends” and him and Show/Kane later tonight.
A.J. Lee makes her entrance, and will be in Six-Diva Tag action next. (Note: she is wearing NXT Diva Bailey’s t-shirt, “I’m a hugger.” Foreshadowing?)
Commercials
Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania tweets and pics are shown.
Match #7: Six-Diva Tag-Team – A.J. Lee, Naomi, and Paige VS. Natalya, and The Bella Twins (Divas Champion Nikki and Brie) (Non-Title)
Natalya and Naomi start out, with Nattie taking Naomi down with a side headlock. Naomi counters into a headscissors, which Natalya hops up out of. During this, loud “we want Bailey” chants ring out. Natalya gives Naomi a shoulder-block and forearms. She whips Naomi into the corner, who hops onto the top turnbuckle and shakes her rear in Natalya’s race. Natalya slams Naomi back down and runs her over with a front-dropkick for two! She tags in Brie, who locks Naomi in a grounding wristlock. Naomi gets out of it and dropkicks Brie into the corner. Paige is tagged in, to a pop, headbutting Brie three times. She tries a kick, but is caught and slammed face-first. She trips up Brie, then tackles her to the outside. The rest of the Divas check on them.
Ads.
Brie is now tearing at A.J.’s head with a modified surfboard-stretch. Nattie is back in and gives Lee an actual surfboard-stretch, but A.J. kicks out of it. Natalya hits back with a couple of suplexes, then knees her in the corner after tagging Nikki. The Divas Champ takes over, mocking A.J. getting the tag then stomping on her hand. She stretches out A.J., then slams her down as A.J. tried another tag. Bella knocks Paige off the apron, then puts A.J. in an Indian Deathlock. Respectfully, loud “let’s go Divas” calls now blare. Nikki ties up A.J. over her knees again, then knocks her down and hits Paige again. She goes for Naomi too, but Jey Uso’s wife hops off the apron. A.J. manages the desperate-tag after driving Nikki into the middle turnbuckle.
Naomi comes in and is all over Nikki until she gets Alabama-slammed. Nikki covers but is broken up by Paige. Natalya German-Suplexes Paige, and A.J. runs in and Lou Thesz presses Natalya! Brie and Naomi bump, then Naomi ducks and Nikki accidentally knocks out her sister! Naomi nails the Rear-view Rear-Bump to take this one!
Winners via Pinfall: A.J. Lee, Naomi, and Paige
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
Ryback walks up to Randy Orton and offers to be his partner for the Six-Man Tag Match.
Commercials.
Freeze-frames of the “Show Of Shows.”
Match #8: Single – Goldust VS. Rusev
Rusev totally owns Goldust, forcing him to give in to The Accolade.
Winner via Submission: Rusev
Ads.
The last collection of WrestleMania photos.
Match #9: Six-Man Tag-Team – Kane, The Big Show, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins VS. “The Viper” Randy Orton, Ryback, and ??? (Non-Title)
Orton and Ryback’s partner is to be … Roman Reigns! Ryback and Kane begin, with Kane kicking and punching Ryback. “The Big Guy” whips Kane back, then gives him a spinebuster. He gears up for the Meathook Clothesline, but Kane rolls out of the ring. Rollins, Kane, and Show gather, but are taken down by a rocketing Reigns!
Commercials.
Orton and Kane are now wrestling, with Randy in control. Ryback is in again, suplexing Kane for a two-count. Orton’s back in, but gets shoved into the heel corner. Rollins now takes over, kicking Orton repeatedly in the corner. He whips him into another corner, but Orton fires back with a clothesline. He uppercuts Rollins a few times on the opposite side, then gives him an eight-punch. He flips up Rollins, but Seth counters with an enziguri. The heels take over as Show comes in. The fans call something that amuses Show, but it is inaudible because of the commentary. When Rollins enters, the crowd starts a wave!
Rollins soon goes back to heel and is “frustrated,” but Orton backdrops him from the top rope, then tags in Roman (to huge boos, unfortunately.) Roman Samoan Drops Kane, then mount-punches him on the mat. He knocks Show to the floor, then clotheslines Kane numerous times in the corner.
Reigns locks up for the Superman Punch, but is caught by Show. He lifts Roman up in a chokeslam, but Reigns leaps out and Superman Punches Kane. Show spears Roman, but Ryback plants him with the Shellshock Samoan Drop! Rollins enters and immediately Curb-Stomps Ryback, then leap-frogs a potential spear. Kane clutches Roman’s throat, but Randy saves him by R.K.O.’ing “The Big Red Machine.” Reigns follows up with a Spear to get the victory!
Winners via Pinfall: “The Viper” Randy Orton, Ryback, and Roman Reigns
Reigns and Rollins have a stare-down, with Reigns still in the ring and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at the top of the stage to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was a fantastic Raw that begins the “new season!” From the opening promo, to the actual matches, to the fans, a well-done show almost all-around. Let’s “break it down!”
Excellence: Paul Heyman’s rant; as almost-always, it was gold and nothing more said. Also, Bryan/Ziggler and Cena/Ambrose gold; need I say more!? Loved Lesnar being the “legitimate destructive beast.” As well, as my Dad said with his “suspension,” “that’s one way to get around his contract.”
Aside from Damien/Stardust and Rusev/Goldust, the rest of the matches were awesomely-wrestled and entertaining! Speaking of entertaining, the debuts of Adrian Neville and The Lucha Dragons should bring more excitement to the main roster. All three wrestlers were stand-outs and champions in NXT, and fun to watch when I could. (Unfortunately, NXT was pulled from the airwaves here in Canada, so I didn’t get to see The Luchas as much, but I saw a lot of Neville, and he can be a big star!)
Absolutely loved Sheamus’ return and insertion to the I.C. Title picture; liking his new look too!
As it has been recently, loved the crowd. They really made Raw tonight, and I only wish that the commentator’s were silent for a while, especially during the main event, as the fans had some great chants and I would’ve liked to hear them.
Seth Rollins as WWE World Heavyweight Champion is looking great and like he’ll work out. It was a great move/ending to ‘Mania last night and I hope he gets to have a long time with the championship.
Bogus: didn’t enjoy the commentary by King and Saxton; thought they talked and overtook too much (especially with the fans and their unique chants as mentioned above.) Also, why didn’t they put the table back together? That looked really stupid for them to be standing behind a tipped over desk the rest of the night.
Would’ve preferred to see a Rusev-angry promo instead of a quick squash match
Lastly, I think saving Sting for the Network was a huge mistake. I understand that they want it to be “exclusive” for their subscribers (which does include me), and/or entice new subscribers right away, but I also think that they have alienated a big audience that may not have/want the Network, but really want to hear what Sting has to say. He should’ve been on Raw, “bottom line.”
All-in-all, a superb Raw and really looking forward to the coming weeks if they continue to go like tonight! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
Former WWE champion Sheamus made his return on Monday Night Raw and turned heel, beating up Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler after he came out to save them from Bad News Barrett. There were rumors that he was written into the WrestleMania script but he never made an appearance at WrestleMania.
Sheamus has been off WWE television since November 3, the day he lost the United States title to Rusev on the WWE Network right after Raw. Sheamus underwent surgery during his time off.
The former champ now sports a mohawk and was greeted by the San Jose and International crowd with “You look stupid” chants.
It seems that the partnership between WWE and Ronda Rousey will go past last night’s epic WrestleMania moment.
“The night: Historic. The moment: Electric. The Rock, Ronda & the WWE Universe: Magic,” Rousey tweeted today.
And perhaps the most important comment that will send WWE fans in frenzy came right after that. “We’re just gettin’ started,” she said.
Fans at the Levi’s Stadium went absolutely bananas during her segment with The Rock, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon. Fans were chanting her name before they knew what was coming, and the combination of “This is awesome,” “Holy shit,” and “Ronda’s gonna kill you,” was enough to let everyone know what they thought of the segment.
Following a successful WrestleMania, record breaking gate, and 1.3 million subscribers to the WWE Network, Wall Street was still not happy and drove WWE stocks 15% in the red.
Just like what happened last year when the company announced the WWE Network subscribers count the day after Mania, investors were quick to sell off immediately as the news hit that “only” 1.3 million subs have the WWE Network. Last year, stocks went down more than 15%, nearly 50% to be exact.
Stocks closed the day at $14.09, a 14.74% decrease over Friday’s closing. Stocks hit a day low of $13.75 after opening at $17.44.
TNA Wrestling is finally back on the air in Canada as Fight Network has signed a multi-year deal with the company to broadcast Impact, Xplosion, and Greatest Matches.
Beginning next Friday, April 3, Fight Network will premiere Impact Wrestling every Friday night at 9PM EST. TNA Xplosion will air on on Saturday nights at 11PM EST while Greatest Matches airs on Fridays at 8PM EST and will serve as the lead-in to Impact.
“TNA has been a staple and innovator in the professional wrestling business for the past decade, providing countless memorable matches and moments, while spawning the careers of new stars and showcasing all-time greats in the industry,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Content at Fight Network. “We’re excited to become the official exclusive Canadian broadcast partner. In addition to airing the popular IMPACT WRESTLING weekly show, we’ll be reliving some of the organization’s unforgettable history on the Greatest Matches series.”
With NXT one of the most popular WWE brands, it was only a matter of time before more live specials are added to the schedule.
In the press release issued today, WWE announced that NXT Takeover specials will now be airing monthly rather than quarterly, giving NXT its own pay-per-view feel events every month. No other information was given but it’s likely that all shows will still be taped at Full Sail University, the home of NXT in Winter Park, Florida.
These live two-hour specials will be airing on a Wednesday on the WWE Network.
STAMFORD, Conn., Mar 30, 2015 (BUSINESS WIRE) — In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer.
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:
CAMP WWE – COMING LATE 2015
WWE, in partnership with Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, will debut a new, animated short-form comedy series entitled Camp WWE. Imagine WWE Superstars and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp…which happens to be run by none other than Mr. McMahon – add in shock-value, slapstick humor and social satire – and you have WWE’s first adult comedy, which will debut later this year.
“We’re insanely excited about this collaboration,” said Green. “WWE is one of the most heartfelt and professional organizations I’ve worked with. We’re beyond happy to help them realize this vision.”
SWERVED – COMING IN MAY
WWE teams up with the Director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, to give you the hilarious original series, Swerved. Swerved is a half hour series and will premiere in May.
“I’m excited to combine my brand of entertainment with the world of WWE,” said Tremaine. “It will be the ultimate mash-up.”
DIVA SEARCH – COMING THIS FALL
WWE spans the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women to find the next stunning WWE Diva. This competition will give viewers the opportunity to witness the challenges, trials, drama and rewards that accompany the journey of these women, as they vie for superstardom. Coming this Fall.
JERRY SPRINGER PRESENTS WWE TOO HOT FOR TV – COMING IN APRIL
Hosted by legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, this series will re-introduce the WWE Universe to the most outrageous stunts and cringe-inducing moments in TV history. The series will be chock full of insane situations and racy romps from WWE’s past that will have members of the WWE Universe asking, “Did they really do this?!” Springer will inject his own brand of humor into each episode with themes such as “Love Hurts,” “All in the Family” and “Weddings and Funerals.”
The half-hour series will be available beginning in April in WWE Network’s video-on-demand library with new episodes weekly.
“I suspect 25 years of The Jerry Springer Show qualifies me to comment on outrageous behavior,” said Springer. “And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun.”
LIVE! WITH CHRIS JERICHO – DEBUTS MONDAY, APRIL 6 WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CENA
Podcast host Chris Jericho challenges his guests in provocative, candid conversations about their careers, their lives, past controversies and the overall state of WWE. The monthly series kicks off Monday, April 6 immediately following Raw, with its first one-hour episode featuring WWE Superstar John Cena.
“I’m stoked to bring my show to WWE Network and give Jerichoholics worldwide more of what they’ve come to expect – humor, questions that have never been asked before and the best conversations that any podcast host has ever delivered,” said Jericho. “No matter who the guest is, whether it be WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends, executives or icons from the entertainment world, I guarantee to deliver the best, most entertaining interview you have ever heard from each and every one of them.”
UNFILTERED: WITH RENEE YOUNG – DEBUTS IN MAY
WWE announcer Renee Young interviews WWE Superstars and other pop-culture celebrities, covering just about everything, except what they are famous for. In this short-form series, Renee’s guests include Grammy Award winner Wiz Khalifa, five-time Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Unfiltered will debut in May.
CULTURE SHOCK: WITH COREY GRAVES – PREMIERING IN JUNE
WWE commentator Corey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food and people as WWE’s tour travels around the world. From Marvel comic headquarters to a tattoo shop on the lower east side of Manhattan, Graves examines the local culture with his unique perspective and style. This short-form series will premiere in June.
WWE THE LIST – COMING IN JUNE
WWE The List is the best, the worst, the most bizarre and interesting of everything and anything WWE. If it’s amazing, outrageous, sexy or just plain fun, it just made #TheList.
NEW EPISODES:
In addition to the eight new original series, WWE Network will also debut new episodes of the highly-acclaimed docu-series WWE 24 as well as WWE Countdown and Rivalries. WWE will also add more children’s programming by bringing back the popular 1980s animated series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling. In addition, WWE Network will produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content.
WWE 24
The acclaimed 30-minute docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE’s most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.
WWE COUNTDOWN
WWE Countdown settles the great debates across WWE history. Who was the most dangerous Diva? Who had the best catchphrase? This one-hour series allows the WWE Universe to determine the top 10 in each category and have the final word on who tops each list.
RIVALRIES
This docu-style series takes a look at the greatest rivalries in WWE history, as never told before. Get the real stories behind WWE’s most exciting matches and entertaining feuds through the eyes of the Superstars who created them. Each one-hour episode leaves no story untold.
HULK HOGAN’S ROCK ’N’ WRESTLING
Harkening back to 1985, this Saturday morning cartoon, which originally aired on CBS, features Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Captain Lou Albano, and Roddy Piper in a series that is both nostalgic and entertaining, 30 years later.
SPECIALS:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. THE BIG SHOW: THE BIGGEST VS. THE BEST – PREMIERES MONDAY, APRIL 27
WWE Network will look back at this epic David vs. Goliath encounter at WrestleMania 24 (2008) and its shocking conclusion coming just in time for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing matches in history.
NXT TAKEOVER – LIVE! – AIRS MONTHLY ON WEDNESDAYS
The future is here. WWE’s hottest up-and-coming Superstars compete to prove they’ve got what it takes. More than just evolution, it’s a revolution! Witness these WWE Superstars of tomorrow as they take over WWE Network with live two-hour specials.
During the post-WrestleMania conference call, WWE released the dates for their upcoming new shows on the WWE Network.
The animated series Camp WWE will launch in late 2015, Swerved will launch in May, Diva Search will be this Fall, Too Hot For TV with Jerry Springer launches in April, Unfiltered starts in May, Culture Shock is in June, and WWE The List is in June as well.
It was also revealed that new episodes of WWE 24, WWE Countdown, and Rivalries will be uploaded as well as Hulk Hogan’s Rock ’N’ Wrestling cartoon series. In April there will be a special on the Floyd Mayweather vs Big Show WrestleMania match.
Today, WWE announced that it has a total of 1,315,000 subscribers on the WWE Network. The company hit the one million mark in January after the Network went live in the United Kingdom and thanks to the interest in the Royal Rumble.
The Network started with 495,000 subscribers, then increased to 667,000, 700,000, 731,000, 816,000, and 1,001,000, before reaching the 1.3 million mark. It’s estimated for Q1 2015 they will have an average 918,000 paid subscribers.
For WrestleMania XXX, WWE had 667,000 on April 7, 2014, and the 1.3 million number for WrestleMania 31 represents a 97% increase.
George Barrios, WWE’s Chief Financial & Strategy Officer said that out of the around 200,000 free subscriptions in February, 77% of them converted to a paid subscription.
The company also announced that April will be free for new WWE Network subscribers and that will include the Extreme rules pay-per-view.
A couple of weeks ago, a video of a WWE fan hitting finishing moves on his girlfriend – who was revealed being a twin – went viral on YouTube and that got the attention of Brock Lesnar’s advocate, Paul Heyman, and his Heyman Hustle media website.
The young man, Joe Weller, and the Merrell Twins, taped the “revenge” video with Jim Ross providing commentary there on site. When Joe hit the F5, Paul Heyman showed up and went nuts saying that is Brock Lesnar’s move. Heyman was not pleased, and instructed Madusa to beat the living hell out of Joe, in the pool of course.
The ending saw Brock Lesnar – still holding the WWE title – recording a message to Joe saying he saw his stupid videos, then changed his mind saying he didn’t really see his stupid videos. “From me to you, go f**k yourself!”
Winning the WWE World Heavyweight title is a pretty big deal. Winning it in the main event of WrestleMania is an even bigger deal. Seth Rollins, a 12 year veteran who spent most of his time in the independents, got his Daniel Bryan moment last night at WrestleMania…and he wasn’t even part of the main event!
Despite playing the big heel on WWE television, Rollins showed his appreciation and gratitude to his former partner of The Shield, Roman Reigns, during the show.
After delivering the final Curb Stomp to Reigns, Rollins went for the cover, and said, “Thank you so much,” to Reigns, who did the job for him on the biggest stage of them all. Reigns was expected to win the title after a three month build but WWE changed plans, giving “The Architect” the WWE title instead.
If you watch back the show and fast forward to 3:56:50 and listen closely, preferably on a set of headphones, you will easily hear Rollins thanking Reigns in the middle of the ring before the 3 count hits.
Global Force Wrestling today announced that it will hold the first taping of its broadcast event shows on Friday, July 24 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“This time, what happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas,” said Jeff Jarrett, GFW founder and CEO. “Global Force Wrestling is looking forward to bringing the freshest brand of professional wrestling to fans from all over the world; and, it all starts right here in the fight capital of the world.”
GFW’s first three shows at the Orleans Arena will take place on Friday, July 24; Friday, August 21, and Friday, October 23. GFW has alliances with 13 affiliates on five continents, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mexico’s AAA and federations in Europe, Australia and Africa.
“Las Vegas hosts some of the world’s best entertainment and sporting events – we are thrilled to be the home of the GFW brand and introduce fans to the next great wrestling franchise,” said Darren Davis, Executive Director of the Orleans Arena. “Jeff Jarrett and Global Force Wrestling promise to bring something new and exciting to the sport.”
Details about tickets, special VIP opportunities and other important information about the inaugural GFW tapings will be announced in the coming weeks.
The new WWE World Heavyweight champion, Seth Rollins, made his first talk show appearance as the top man in WWE today, appearing on NBC’s TODAY show at 9:30AM with Al Roker, Willie Geist, and Tamron Hall.
Rollins’ video from last night played and then Rollins walked in with the WWE title on his shoulder. He said he won the Money In The Bank contract around 9 months ago and now he’s the real WWE World Heavyweight champion. Rollins explained how the Money In The Bank contract works and then, one of the hosts, Willie Geist, told Rollins that a champion should win it fair and square not as he did.
Rollins asked Geist, who is a big WWE fan, if he’s challenging him right there and said that he cashed his deal fair and square and beat both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.
A video then played with Geist’s face on Hogan’s body as he ripped off his shirt, Al Roker’s face on top of The Rock’s as he did his corner pose, and Tamron Hall’s face was superimposed on Naomi’s body.
Rollins then plugged Monday Night Raw tonight to end the segment before Roker tried to get out of the “ring” that they set up and nearly fell on his face by getting tangled in the ropes. Oops!
Rollins traveled to New York early this morning and now travels back to San Jose. The whole segment lasted around 3 minutes. Rollins noted on Twitter that being the champion “isn’t half bad” as he’s traveling to New York City on a private jet.
