WWE will be represented at the SXSW festival this weekend with the WWE Network taking center stage during a one hour presentation.
WWE Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios will join MLBAM Senior Vice President Jeffrey Volk and WWE’s Renee Young at the Four Seasons Ballroom AB 98 at San Jacinto Blvd on Sunday, March 15, to talk about the Network and MLB Advanced Media, the company behind the infrastructure of the WWE Network. The session is named “Hit A Home Run with Content Creation and Streaming.“
“These power hitters will explore the technology, operations and management behind direct-to-consumer content delivery and will take a look into what the future may hold for this industry,” the preview of the session reads.
In addition, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will make a special guest appearance and will join the conversation to discuss how the evolving media landscape affects his brand.
Last year, Stephanie McMahon was joined by Perkins Miller, who headed the WWE Network at the time, and John Cena at SXSW.
Bill DeMott gave his first public comments since resigning from WWE over the abuse allegations during his time as head trainer over at the WWE Performance Center.
“I have got it figured out, IF you write it is must be the truth! And IF you can add or comment it must make it more truthful,” DeMott wrote in a tweet.
Responding to Tom Prichard’s rant on Twitter, DeMott said that he never had an issue with him and even now he doesn’t but then again everyone has an opinion.
Vince Russo then tweeted to DeMott, thanking him for working hard for him. “Will always be your biggest fan. Head up, bro. Much to be proud of,” Russo wrote, with DeMott replying by thanking him.
When a fan asked him if he’s denying having a naked Luke Gallows with a donut in his ass giving a stink face to Zack Ryder, DeMott said that, “that decision was made by 30 talent trying to NOT train on a Friday back in 2006.” And when the same Twitter user asked him if he made the racist and homophobic remarks, DeMott said, “I am neither racist or homophobic,” dancing around a simple yes or no question.
The Intercontinental title ladder match at WrestleMania added its seventh competitor – former WWE Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan.
Bryan, who had the opportunity to go to the main event again but lost to Roman Reigns, now joins Stardust, Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper, R-Truth, and reigning champion Bad News Barrett, in a fight for the Intercontinental title match.
Daniel Bryan’s place at WrestleMania was still a question mark and Dolph Ziggler was trying to push for a match between the two on Twitter, urging fans to demand the match. WWE didn’t listen (again) and with no proper feud set, Bryan was thrown in the mix for the Intercontinental title.
Tom Prichard, the former head trainer at WWE NXT, unleashed a series of tweets against his former employer, WWE, and the so-called investigation into Bill DeMott a few years ago.
Prichard talks about how a picture is worth a thousand words and mentions how a picture of Luke Gallows with a jelly doughnut “in his ass” giving Zack Ryder a stink face was given to WWE’s Senior Director of Talent Development Canyon Cemen but nothing was done.
“One, two, maybe five disgruntled employees I can see… But more and more are coming forward every day! It’s not like no one knew,” wrote Prichard, accusing his former bosses for being incredible arrogant and incompetent.
Prichard questioned why DeMott was even hired to come back and why something wasn’t done a long time ago, during his first run as an instructor.
Prichard then ripped into Cemen some more, saying when talent sends you confidential e-mails you should investigate properly and not claim you did one but in fact it never happened. Prichard admitted that he did call Cemen a “f’n asshole” to his face before he was eventually fired from his job.
“I have a lot to say. When the time’s right. But the more sh!t I see, the more pissed I get. They can’t claim ignorance. Stupidity, yes. But there were people in key positions who knew about his past and chose to ignore it. Why?” Prichard asks.
Prichard was hired by WWE in 2007 as head trainer, replacing, ironically enough, Bill DeMott to head up Deep South Wrestling and then Florida Championship Wrestling. In May 2012 he was then fired, and replaced by DeMott.
The Phoenix Suns celebrated its WWE Night yesterday with Lilian Garcia singing the national anthem and appearances from Daniel Bryan, The Bella Twins, and Dolph Ziggler.
Daniel Bryan lead a ‘Yes!’ chant before tip-off, the Bellas appeared on the pre-game show and did a t-shirt toss during a timeout, and Daniel and Dolph Ziggler supported fans who were competing in a couple of on-court contests during timeouts, as well.
The Suns produced some special Gorilla Yes! t-shirts for the night, which Bryan and the Suns Dancers wore. The team won 106 – 97 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. You can see photos from the event at http://www.nba.com/suns/gallery/wwe-night.
Meanwhile, our friend Jeramie McPeek at the Suns also interviewed WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels for the Suns website over at NBA.COM to discuss his new book. The lengthy interview goes over different topics such as his ties to Arizona, matches at the US Airways Center, sports, basketball, and the book of course! You can read the interview at http://www.nba.com/suns/qa_shawnmichaels_031115
The WrestleMania Superstore will be making its return this year with WWE setting up shop at the San Jose Convention Center at 150 West San Carlos Street. The entrance will be adjacent to WrestleMania Axxess and no ticket is required to enter the Superstore.
The store will open on Thursday, March 26, from Noon to 11PM, and again on Friday with the same time. On Saturday, it’s from 8AM to 11PM and on WrestleMania Sunday it’s from 8AM to 1PM.
Bad News Barrett and Big Show will be on hand signing autographs on Thursday with Barrett at Noon and Big Show at 3PM. On Friday, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd will be there at 1PM and then the Bella Twins will follow at 4PM. A maximum of 300 wristbands will be given out on a first come first served basis and those without a wristband will not be allowed in the line.
WWE’s exciting NXT brand is going to be a part of WrestleMania week as WWE announced that there will be an NXT live event in San Jose on Friday, March 27.
The event will take place at the San Jose State University Event Center and it will have a start time of 10PM, giving fans enough time to go to Axxess and then attend NXT.
The University is just a couple of blocks away from the McEnery Convention Center where Axxess will be held throughout the weekend.
Tickets start at just $15 and will be available at Ticketmaster.com this Monday, March 16, at Noon EST.
WWE Diva and Total Divas star Eva Marie will be attending the Wizard World Comic Con Raleigh this weekend at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Her appearance will on Saturday, March 14, and she will be posing for photos with fans starting at Noon and then will be signing autographs at 12:45PM. She will be staying there until 2:30PM.
Wizard World is selling a VIP package to meet the WWE Diva as well which also includes other perks at the convention. For more information and to purchase your tickets go to http://www.wizardworld.com/evamawwedi.html
TNA announced today that Matt Hardy has signed a full-time deal with the company after working with them on a part-time schedule.
In a video posted on YouTube two days ago, Hardy said he was enjoying being his own boss and making a lot of money but 8 months ago TNA came calling again. He worked both indy dates as well as TNA and he was getting tired, both physically and mentally, and that was something he promised himself he wasn’t going to do again.
Hardy originally joined TNA in January 2011 but just six months later he was suspended from the company and eventually released after a DUI arrest.
He returned to TNA television in August of last year, reforming the Hardy Boyz with his brother Jeff.
Former WWE and TNA Diva Lisa Marie Varon – better known as Victoria and Tara – had an intruder with a gun at her Chicago restaurant but thankfully her husband was there to save the day.
Varon owns The Squared Circle restaurant and this past weekend, a suspicious man entered the premises and started trouble inside the women’s bathroom according to TMZ.COM.
The man tried to enter the kitchen but her husband, Lee, took him down like a boss as soon as he realized the man was reaching for a gun. One of the cooks took the gun away as Lee restrained the guy to the floor.
TMZ says that the intruder was 18 year old Arnez Harper and he was charged on a count of felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
You can see the CCTV footage of the whole incident below.
Monday Night Raw this week did 3,859,000 viewers, just 34,000 viewers up from last week’s show. With WrestleMania season and no NFL going head-to-head, the numbers have been particularly low this year.
Hour one started with 3,699,000 viewers, followed by 3,937,000 in the second hour, and then 3,940,000 in the third and final hour. (Ratings credit: PWInsider.com)
WWE has put on sale three different SummerSlam travel packages for this year: Gold, Platinum, and Big Apple.
Each package contains a 3 nights Times Square area hotel, roundtrip transport via subway to SummerSlam and Raw, a Monday Night Raw ticket, Breakfast Slam session with WWE Superstars, and obviously a ticket to the SummerSlam pay-per-view.
The gold package has a 100 level seat, the platinum has a floor seat, while the Big Apple package has a floor seat in rows one or two. The Big Apple package also includes an exclusive reception with WWE Superstars on SummerSlam Sunday as well as a Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour with WWE Legends the day after SummerSlam.
Prices for the gold package start at $830, $1,055 for the platinum, and $2,405 for the Big Apple package. All prices quoted are for a quad occupancy, as for single or double – and triple – are much higher.
Two more matches were made official for WrestleMania 31 last night on Raw.
The United States title will be on the line as Rusev will defend his belt against John Cena. This will be the first time the U.S. title will be defended at a WrestleMania since WrestleMania 23 in 2007 when Chris Benoit retained by defeating MVP. At WrestleMania 27, the U.S. title match planned between Daniel Bryan and Sheamus was demoted to a pre-show match.
Also the Undertaker returns to the big stage as he accepted the challenge from Bray Wyatt. This will also be Taker’s first match since his streak ended last year thanks to Brock Lesnar.
Meanwhile, Stardust is the latest addition to the Intercontinental Title ladder match joining Bad News Barrett, Dolph Ziggler, R-Truth, Dean Ambrose, and Luke Harper.
Last night’s Raw guest star Wiz Khalifa admitted on Twitter that he performed while he was, well… high as a kite.
“Ever perform a song for the first time in front of millions?,” Khalifa wrote. “Ever perform a song for the first time in front of millions ON WEED?”
Khalifa was involved in a backstage skit with Damien Mizdow and then performed a couple of songs at the top of the ramp and was then joined again by Mizdow after he finished performing.
The American rapper also uploaded two photos on Twitter, one of him and Cena, and one of him shaking the hand of a very disinterested-looking Vince McMahon with the words, “Thanks WWE for showin the pothead some love.“
Good thing WWE doesn’t test guest hosts as part of their Wellness Program!
The final two episodes of season three of Total Divas, titled Indecent Exposure, and The New Divas Champion, ended with a combined 2.49 million viewers.
Episode 19, Indecent Exposure, did a total of 1.21 million viewers, and then episode 20, The New Divas Champion, increased to 1.28 million viewers.
Both shows were down from last week’s episode, which did 1.4 million viewers.
Season four of the show will premiere on July 7 on E! (Ratings credit: Zap2It.com)
Dana Warrior, the wife of the late Ultimate Warrior, expressed her overwhelming joy that WWE has decided to honor her husband with the creation of The Warrior Award.
“My heart bursts with technicolor joy that a warrior such as Connor will be the inaugural inductee. His passion and vibrancy in the way he tackled life is a testament to his warrior spirit,” Dana wrote in a post on Facebook.
“I have no doubt when Connor reached heaven my husband shook the ropes to welcome him home. I could not be more honored to help induct Connor the Crusher into the Class of 2015 Hall of Fame,” she added.
Dana said that she will treasure this moment forever and things like this makes her glad to be alive and that’s why she always believes.
Ever since Warrior passed away, WWE has taken care of his family in more ways than anyone can imagine, with WWE keeping their promise and honoring their commitment to Warrior.
WWE announced the creation of The Warrior Award, which will be presented at the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and will be given to those who show unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the spirit of WWE Hall of Famer the Ultimate Warrior.
This year, the first-ever Warrior Award will be given to Connor Michalek, an 8 year old Pittsburgh native who passed away last year from cancer. Connor’s bond with former WWE champion Daniel Bryan and other WWE Superstars and Divas was highlighted in a video that WWE produced which went viral. You can see the video below.
Dana Warrior, the widow of the Ultimate Warrior, and Daniel Bryan will be presenting the award to Connor’s father, Steve Michalek, on March 28 at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
A recap video of last week’s Raw featuring The Authority, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns is aired. Randy Orton’s music plays as he strolls down the ramp, where Kane, The Big Show, J & J Security, and Seth Rollins are already in the ring.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Director Of Operations Kane says The Authority wanted to prove to everyone that they all are on the same page, so that is why they are out here to accept Randy back into the group. Big Show concurs, but Mercury and Noble appear to have a little resentment to Orton’s reinstatement.
“Mr. Money In The Bank” defends The Authority in bringing “The Viper” back to the stable; he denounces all who were opposed and speculated that Orton was playing games with them. Orton now has the microphone, and while is pleased with their words, he also inquires why they are so nice. He runs down each member, questioning them on who they have really become. He calls Kane “the devil’s favorite dumbass,” says Show is no longer dominate, pokes fun at Jamie’s height, completely ignores Mercury, and vows to make Seth his “bitch.”
Following a quick stare-down, Orton quips that he is just joking and “having fun.” Rollins buys into it and says it is “what’s best for business.”
The announcers remind us of the Two-On-One match, then say that Brock Lesnar will talk about WrestleMania and his career afterward later tonight.
Daniel Bryan makes his entrance, taking note of a Connor ‘The Crusher’ sign, acknowledging the remembrance young fan Connor, who made a connection with Bryan and sadly passed away from cancer last year at only 8 years old. Nice touch/classy from Daniel! He will wrestle IC Champ Barrett next.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – Daniel Bryan VS. Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett (Non-Title)
(Note: R-Truth is on commentary.) Bryan and Barrett square off evenly, then Daniel knees Bad News in the elbow on the mat. Barrett gets out of it and stomps away in the corner, but Daniel continues to control over Bad News’ left arm. He runs at Wade in the corner, but the IC Champ boots him down, then dumps Daniel to the outside.
Ads.
Barrett is still dominating, kicking away at Bryan in the corner, then bringing him off the turnbuckle with a suplex! Bryan quickly ducks a run and nails the running-knee for the sudden victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Daniel Bryan
Post-match, at Daniel is celebrating he turns around and gets hit had with the Bullhammer Elbow! Barrett signals to R-Truth that he will be next. As he backs up the ramp, Dean Ambrose’s music plays and he charges down the aisle, clotheslining Bad News! He will be in action soon too!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – “The Lunatic Fringe” Dean Ambrose VS. Stardust
(Note: R-Truth is still on commentary and Stardust has the IC Title, which he stole last week on Smackdown!) Dean starts off with a side headlock takedown, then runs at Stardust with a shove. Ambrose is in control for a while, including giving Stardust a suicide dive into the announce table! Stardust switches momentum after chopping Ambrose on the apron and twisting his leg with the ropes.
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Stardust has Dean locked in a half-crab, then goes for CrossRhodes a bit later, but Ambrose counters with a snapmare. He clotheslines Stardust, then drives him down with the “Dirty Deeds” DDT for the finish!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Lunatic Fringe” Dean Ambrose
Post-match, Bad News Barrett runs back out and assaults Ambrose! Bryans hurries out and makes the save, followed by Luke Harper and Dolph Ziggler. While everyone above, including Stardust and Ambrose, are brawling, R-Truth sneaks up and takes away the Intercontinental Championship. Barrett is left standing in the ring and eyes Truth. He approaches R, demanding his title. Truth obliges, handing him a bag. Wade walks up through the crowd and shows off the championship, however it is a toy belt! At the top of the ramp, Truth reveals the real deal, and walks off with the true title.
Segment #3: Video Promo
The newest member of the Hall Of Fame is a very special inductee, Connor Michalek. In honor of the late Ultimate Warrior, WWE has created a “Warrior Award,” which recognizes people who have gone through adversities in their lives. Connor is the same one I mentioned above, and is going to be put in the Hall Of Fame for his struggle with cancer, but also his positive attitude and being a WWE fan. A video of his time with WWE is aired, as well as promotion for the Pediatric cancer research foundation named for him called Connor’s Cure, which has made over $200,000 and helped out 50+ families. He is given a standing ovation by the entire arena as his Dad and Brother are also shown ringside. God rest your soul, Connor.
Up next, Paul Heyman and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will be out.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Arena Promo
Lillian Garcia welcomes Paul Heyman, who is already in the ring. Heyman says that he was given an opportunity to pre-screen a video, but wanted to wait until we all watched it together. The video plays, and is of Roman Reigns talking about his career, family legacy, and what will happen when he meets Lesnar at WrestleMania.
Back live, Paul E. responds “here come the pain. The reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, Brock Lesnar!” the man himself walks out and joins Heyman in the squared circle. Heyman still talks, mocking the video and insinuating that Roman’s family instituted a motto of “fight or don’t come home.”
Paul then threatens that anyone who might decide to make a “Montreal Screwjob” move on Lesnar at WrestleMania will sorely regret it. As he goes on, for the second week in a row, Heyman’s mike goes silent.
When it comes back on, he wonders why the production person doesn’t just come down and take the microphone away. He also challenges anyone “in a position of authority” to come and snatch the belt away from Lesnar too. “Because if Brock Lesnar wants to spend his summer unifying the WWE and the UFC Title, that’s what he’s going to do!”
The microphone goes out again, and when it sounds, Heyman quips, “hey, censor this one: if Brock Lesnar decides to go to Las Vegas and smack around Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao…”
His main message is this: “this title no longer belongs to WWE; this title belongs to Brock Lesnar! It’s his, and he’s not giving it back.” Paul E. runs down three top-names that Brock has run roughshod over: The Rock, The Undertaker, and John Cena. “So here’s my questions ladies and gentleman; cause it’s all the same answer. ‘Who did that to The Rock? Who did that to The Undertaker? Who did that to John Cena? And what the hell do you think he’s going to do to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania?’ And the answer to all these questions is ‘Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World; the “Beast,” the “conqueror” and the one that’s going to leave Roman Reigns flat on his back at WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar!’”
Segment #5: Video Promo
“WrestleMania is almost here. The reaper awaits you ‘Deadman.’ Where are you? Tonight, find me,” warns Bray Wyatt.
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Match #3: Tag-Team – The Authority (“The Big Red Machine”/Director Of Operations Kane and The Big Show) VS. Erik Rowan and Ryback
Ryback and Kane begin, with Ryback dominating early. He rams his shoulder repeatedly into Kane, then Lou Thesz-presses and splashes him on the mat. Kane avoids the Meathook Clothesline, then tags in Show who spears Ryback down. The Authority controls over Ryback until “The Big Guy” counters with a suplex, then gets the tag. Rowan dives off the middle turnbuckle with a tornado-elbow, then Show accidentally hit Kane with the K.O. Punch a bit later. Rowan takes advantage and gets the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Erik Rowan and Ryback
Post-match, Kane and Show have a verbal confrontation until Stephanie McMahon marches on down. She is not pleased with their latest quarrel, so she orders them “ship out” until they “shape up.”
Segment #6: Video Recap and Backstage Promo
The announcers re-air The Miz & Mizdow’s erectile dysfunction ad; then Miz is trying to promote himself to tonight’s special guest, Wiz Khalifa. The rap star listens to Miz’s … but decides to go with Miz’s former protégé, Mizdow, who is now Wizdow. Damien walks in, dressed kind of like Khalifa, and raps about his new partnership and being in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania.
Commercials.
Segment #7: Video Promo
A highlight package predicting Sheamus’ return airs.
Segment #8: Arena Concert
Wiz Khalifa performs.
A.J. Lee will be in action, next!
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Segment #9: Backstage Promo
The Bella Twins are watching themselves on the cartoon “Flintstones,” then comment that Paige and A.J. will get flattened at WrestleMania.
Match #4: Single – Summer Rae (with Eva Marie and Cameron) VS. A.J. Lee (with Paige)
A.J. takes this one quickly with the Blackwidow Octopus Stretch!
Winner via Submission: A.J. Lee (with Paige)
Up next, we will hear Sting’s comments on his match with Triple H at WrestleMania!
Commercials.
Segment #10: Video Promo
“I’ve been called the ‘vigilante.’ But I’m more than that. I’m the ‘face of retribution.’ I am ‘the silencer of injustice.’ I am Sting.” Shots of Sting standing alone, in the ring, the rafters, and backstage are mixed in with old WCW images, Triple H’s interviews, and Sting’s debuts in WWE. “I’ve been watching you. I know first-hand how power and ego like yours can corrupt and destroy lives. When WCW perished, it fell under the watch of a broken authority. I tried to save WCW; I failed. I know pain, the pain of loss. And after WrestleMania, Triple H, you will too. You talk about control, but you cannot control vengeance. You will be the one to collapse beneath your thirst for control, and realize that I control your destiny. My loyalty never wavered; despite your lies, your loyalty is to yourself. You need to be taken down, and I’ve been waiting fourteen years to do it. Triple H at WrestleMania, ‘game over.’”
Segment #11: Backstage Promo
United States Champion Rusev and Lana are walking through the hallway when John Cena cuts them off. Rusev goes to tell him his answer is still “no,” regarding a match at ‘Mania, but Cena shortens him up. He pressures Rusev into stop bad-mouthing America, since the country has given Rusev the opportunity to make a living all over the world. He says if Rusev trashes the U.S., then a match is not necessary at WrestleMania, instead they will be engaged in a fight!
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Match #5: Single – United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana) VS. “Axelmania” Curtis Axel
As expected, Rusev wins pretty quickly with The Accolade.
Winner via Submission: United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana)
Post-match, Rusev goes on another U.S.-hating tirade, which brings out John Cena as he promised. Cena immediately takes down Rusev and clamps on the STF. Rusev passes out, then Cena wakes him up with water, and locks in the STF again. Rusev taps quickly continuously, forcing Lana to give in to Cena’s demands; she grants him a U.S. Championship bout at WrestleMania. Upon this news, Cena releases the hold and walks off.
Segment #11: Video Promo
“I will walk through the fires of hell just to see you. But I can’t wait much longer; tonight I raise the dead. Find me.” Bray Wyatt.
Commercials.
Segment #12: Locker Room Promo
U.S. Champ Rusev is being check on and then yells at Lana in Russian.
Match #6: Tag-Team – The New Day (Xavier Woods and Big E.) (with New Day partner Kofi Kingston) VS. Tag-Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (with Natalya) (Non-Title)
Tyson and Xavier start-out but it doesn’t take long for Cesar and Tyson to control. Kidd ties up Xavier’s leg with a reverse-Indian Deathlock, then allows Cesaro to stomp on that leg and clutch him with a half-crab. Woods kicks off but can’t get the hot-tag as Kidd dropkicks Big E. off the apron.
On the other side, Natalya is on the apron which distracts Tyson. This allows Woods to capitalize with a face-plant victory-roll!
Winners via Pinfall: The New Day (Xavier Woods and Big E.) (with New Day partner Kofi Kingston)
Post-match, The Usos and Naomi make an entrance as Natalya and Naomi are scheduled to go at it next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Natalya (with Tag-Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd) VS. Naomi (with The Usos [Jimmy and Jey] )
Some great back-and-forth wrestling action takes place until The Usos and Cesaro/Kidd fight on the outside, distracting Natalya, and allowing Naomi to complete the contest after the “Rearview” Rear-Bump.
Winner via Pinfall: Naomi (with The Usos)
Post-match, Natalya walks off mad with one-half of the Tag-Team Championships while Los Matadores make their way to the ring to face The Usos!
Match #8: Tag-Team – The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) (with Naomi) VS. Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with The Bull)
Both teams measure each other up before the break.
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An apparent inadvertent distraction by The Bull causes an Uso to get rolled-up by a Matadores for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with The Bull)
Segment #13: Office Promo
J & J Security are worried that Randy Orton is not entirely on board, but “Mr. Money In The Bank” Seth Rollins convinces them he is.
Commercials.
Segment #14: Arena Promo
“I never sleep, but I’m always dreaming. And in the darkness of these dreams, I see the world for what it should be.” Wyatt describes the desecrated world he fantasizes about, then says everything was about The Undertaker. He calls “pride” his favorite sin. “It was pride that led me straight to you.” He says he will not praise The Undertaker or be beside him; “I just want to walk over your broken bones as I ascend to my throne. Because I am not your redemption; I cannot be your redemption Undertaker, because I AM THE NEW FACE OF FEAR!”
Bray says the people feared The Undertaker before, but yet The Streak was destined to end and ‘Taker was supposed to ride out in a “blaze of glory.” “Instead, the cruel hands of fate stole your destiny, but understand, I can give it all back to you Undertaker. For WrestleMania will be your resurrection, but it also be your requiem.” He wants to know if the Undertaker will take him on at WrestleMania. He then goes to the Urn and predicts that it will bring The Undertaker back.
Bray opens the lid and nothing happens; suddenly as Wyatt continues to talk, the Urn bellows smoke and the lights go darker. Lighting appears on the ‘Tron, and the infamous gong rings out! A single light beams on Bray’s rocking chair, which has now replaced the Urn. A message appears on the ‘Tron, reading “WrestleMania: The man comes around.” Then, a voice we have not heard for around a year yells out, “you will ‘rest…in…peace.’” A spark of lightning blasts, setting the rocking chair ablaze. Bray laughs maniacally as The Undertaker’s music plays.
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Match #9: 2-On-1 – Roman Reigns VS. “Mr. Money In The Bank” Seth Rollins and “The Viper” Randy Orton (with J & J Security [Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury] )
Rollins and Randy have a quick discussion on who will begin, with Seth getting the nod. He and Reigns start evenly, but then this breaks down into the usual heel-domination for a long-while. Rollins goes to tag Randy, but “The Viper” refuses, even giving Seth the double-middle-finger! Rollins turns around into a Spear, as Roman covers to get the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Post-match, Orton goes berserk and finally gets revenge on Rollins for putting him out of action for months. Orton takes apart the stairs and holds Rollins’ face into them. He whips him hard into another set of stairs, then chases him with a chair through the crowd. They make their way back to ringside, where Orton continues the punishment. He takes apart the announce table and drives Rollins through with the RKO
Ringside personnel check on Rollins as Randy walks away to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Tonight was a great Raw, a real step-up from last week. Lots of good and very little bad, which is a definite plus, so let’s look at those particulars:
Excellence: Randy Orton – all-around from the opening promo to the closing beat-down, he was superb! I loved the psychological warfare he played all the way through the night. I had a really good feeling that he’d do “the turn” right off the bat when the 2-On-1 match was made known, but didn’t think his assault would go that far. It was well-played-out (even though a little long) and truly a “dish bet served cold!”
Still loving the Intercontinental battle that is going on; glad R-Truth is getting a lot of time out of it too. I’m sure he won’t win the Ladder Match, but at they have had him prominent again, as he is definitely got personality and can wrestle.
Promos by Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns (video package), John Cena, Rusev, Bray Wyatt, and the voice-over by The Undertaker were also all terrific. Specifically, Heyman and Wyatt “hit it out of the park” as usual, and demonstrated passion and true character with theirs. Also, loved the setup for Rusev VS. Cena; well-done and a little “out of the norm,” which is great now and then.
The Warrior Award. This is an extremely classy move and one of the nicest and most-genuine things WWE has done. They have really stepped up their game in terms of humanitarianism the last few years, and this Award/induction of late Connor is a beautiful example. While it is absolutely sad that his life was so short due to the terrible disease, it is very cool for WWE to honor Connor this way. Again, God rest your soul, Connor.
Bogus: Was disappointed that only The Bellas talked; would’ve liked to hear a promo from Paige and A.J. too. Also, would prefer a 3 or 4-way for the Divas Championship at ‘Mania instead of the tag-team with no title.
Not liking the “every tag-team gets a shot”/inevitable Turmoil match; would’ve liked to see a two-on-two feud, continuing with The Usos and Cesaro/Kidd. Also not interesting/really getting the Kane/Big Show split and don’t want to see those two go at it for the umpteenth time!
While I liked the words, explanation, and mixed footage of Sting, did not like the dubbed-voice. We all know what he sounds like, so there was no need to hide his real voice; that would’ve been even more effective.
All-in-all, a wonderful Raw that really built WrestleMania well, especially settling more matches. Let’s hope the next two weeks leading up to the “Show Of Shows” are just as great, if not better! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
The Divas will be getting a chance at WrestleMania as WWE announced – to no surprise – a tag team match featuring AJ Lee and Paige taking on Brie and Nikki Bella as the newest match on the card.
The inclusion of Nikki in the match means that the WWE Divas title will not be defended on the show unlike last year when AJ defended her title in the Vickie Guerrero Invitational match. There was no Divas match at WrestleMania 29 in New Jersey.
This was the 5th match of the card so far, joining Lesnar vs Reigns, Sting vs Triple H, the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and the Intercontinental title ladder match.
Former Raw and Smackdown on-screen General Manager John Laurinaitis will be inducting Luke and Butch, the Bushwhackers, into the WWE Hall of Fame come March 28.
Laurinaitis, who started his wrestling career 1986 as Johnny Ace in Florida Championship Wrestling, was the flag bearer for Luke and Butch who at the time were known as The Sheepherders. Ace eventually then moved to the NWA teaming up with Shane Douglas as The Dynamic Dudes.
John Laurinaitis is so far the second confirmed presenter at the Hall of Fame, with the only other one confirmed being Hulk Hogan doing the honors for Macho Man Randy Savage.
