The biggest money week in pro wrestling history is upon us, with 55 or more live events spread out in New York and New Jersey climaxing with the 35th WrestleMania.
While WWE has not released a gate estimate, this could be the first show in history to top $20 million. Being in the New York market, it is the highest ticket priced WrestleMania in history. The last time they were in MetLife Stadium for WrestleMania, they drew a legitimate crowd of just over 74,000 fans (announced as 80,676) with approximately 68,900 paid. That was a $12.3 million gate in those days. One would expect the real attendance and paid numbers to be similar to that year since the building hasn’t changed size, and that show was also an easy sellout. They’ll probably announce a figure slightly higher than 80,676 to claim a record. The gate, obviously, will be significantly higher.
A fatal four-way SmackDown Tag Team title match has been made official for WrestleMania 35.
The Usos will defend their titles against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev on Sunday. That was confirmed on tonight’s SmackDown, with Alexa Bliss making the announcement after The Usos, Ricochet & Black defeated Cesaro, Sheamus, Nakamura & Rusev in an eight-man tag match.
Rusev was pinned in the eight-man tag after The Usos gave him a double superkick. After Bliss made her announcement, the four teams brawled, Black laid out Cesaro with Black Mass, and Ricochet hit a dive onto a pile on the outside.
Bliss is the host of WrestleMania 35. In storyline, The Usos having to face four teams is punishment for them forfeiting against Big E & Xavier Woods in last week’s gauntlet match.
Ricochet & Black will also be challenging for War Raiders’ NXT Tag Team titles at TakeOver: New York on Friday night. Ricochet & Black were the winners of this year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting WrestleMania on Sunday. Here’s the updated card:
Winner gets both titles: Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch in a triple threat match
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against Kofi Kingston
Triple H vs. Batista in a no holds barred match (Triple H’s career is on the line as a stipulation of the match)
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
Shane McMahon vs. The Miz in a falls count anywhere match
AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
United States Champion Samoa Joe defending against Rey Mysterio
Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev in a fatal four-way match
Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley defending against Finn Balor
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Tony Nese
WWE is in New York City to promote WrestleMania this week, with the show taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday. Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, Roman Reigns, Kofi Kingston, and Triple H are among those who will be making television or radio appearances:
Tonight —
The Miz and Maryse on NBC’s “Access” at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. “Miz & Mrs.” returns on the USA Network at 10 p.m. Eastern tonight and has been renewed for a second season.
Wednesday —
Elias on “Ebro in the Morning” on Hot 97 radio at 6:30 a.m. Eastern time and “MLB Central” on the MLB Network at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Thursday —
Kofi Kingston on “Ebro in the Morning” on Hot 97 at 6:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Ronda Rousey on NBC’s “Today” at 9:30 a.m. Eastern
Miz and Maryse on NBC’s “Extra” at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Friday —
Becky Lynch on Fox 5’s “Good Day New York” at 6 a.m. Eastern time, “Boomer and Gio” on WFAN radio at 8 a.m. Eastern, ESPN’s “First Take” at 11 a.m. Eastern, and “TMZ Live” on Fox 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
Roman Reigns on “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” on Z100 radio at 7 a.m. Eastern, ABC’s “Strahan and Sara” at 1 p.m. Eastern, and “Mike’s On” with Mike Francesa on WFAN at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
Kofi Kingston on “PIX 11 News” at 8 a.m. Eastern.
Triple H on FS1’s “First Things First” at 9 a.m. Eastern.
Charlotte Flair, Titus O’Neil, and Rey Mysterio will ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange at 4 p.m. Eastern.
A significant milestone in WWE history was confirmed last week as the company announced that Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair will headline WrestleMania 35.
Instead of leaving the decision to the last minute, WWE wisely sent out a Monday morning press release on March 25 confirming that the first women’s main event in WrestleMania history would take place this year. An accompanying article was posted on WWE.com, but the announcement was clearly intended for mainstream audiences. The next day, Rousey, Lynch, and Charlotte appeared together on ESPN’s SportsCenter to promote their match.
This is a milestone that’s deserving of all the coverage that WWE can get. It wasn’t all that long ago that this seemed like a pipe dream. The last time New Jersey hosted WrestleMania, there wasn’t even a women’s match on the show.
– While a Raw Tag Team title match has yet to be made official for WrestleMania 35, the build to one continued after last night’s Raw.
WWE uploaded a post-Raw video where Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins challenged The Revival to a Tag Team title match at WrestleMania. Dash Wilder told them that The Revival would take it under consideration.
Hawkins’ storyline heading into WrestleMania is that he’s gone 269 straight matches without a win.
The Revival defended their titles against Ricochet & Aleister Black last night and won by countout. Scott Dawson was under the ring and stopped Ricochet from being able to make the count. Black laid out Wilder and Dawson with Black Mass after the match, then Ricochet hit the 630 on Dawson.
Hawkins and Ryder are both from New York, with WWE pushing that WrestleMania is taking place in their home area. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting WrestleMania 35 on Sunday.
– On last night’s go-home episode of Raw, it was confirmed that Finn Balor will be using his “Demon” character for his Intercontinental title match against Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania.
Lashley and Lio Rush did an in-ring interview and were asked about rumors of the Demon showing up on Sunday. Balor appeared on the video screen and then became the Demon. Balor said his Demon will be Lashley’s nightmare.
Balor defeated Jinder Mahal & Lashley in a handicap match last week to set up him getting the Intercontinental title shot at WrestleMania.
The Raw and SmackDown Women’s titles will both be on the line in the main event of WrestleMania 35.
Stephanie McMahon made a brief appearance to open tonight’s go-home episode of Raw, announcing that Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch at WrestleMania will have a winner takes all stipulation. Stephanie said the winner of the match will “bring home all the gold.”
Charlotte won the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Asuka on last week’s episode of SmackDown, while Rousey has been Raw Women’s Champion since defeating Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam 2018.
Rousey, Charlotte & Lynch are facing The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a six-woman tag match on this week’s Raw. There’s a stipulation where Rousey, Charlotte, or Lynch will lose their spot at WrestleMania if they betray their team in the match.
WrestleMania is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday.
Stephanie McMahon will be appearing on tonight’s Raw and making a WrestleMania announcement.
WWE announced this morning that Stephanie will make “an announcement pertaining to WrestleMania’s first-ever women’s main event” on tonight’s Raw. The episode is the go-home show for WrestleMania 35.
The announcement will likely be about the role the SmackDown Women’s Championship will play in Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Charlotte defeated Asuka on last week’s SmackDown to win the title.
Rousey is the Raw Women’s Champion, and her title will be on the line at WrestleMania.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Here’s what’s been announced for the show:
Stephanie McMahon’s WrestleMania main event announcement
Rousey, Charlotte & Lynch vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) (if Rousey, Charlotte, or Lynch betray their team, they lose their spot in the WrestleMania main event)
Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio
Brock Lesnar appears
Batista responds to Triple H
Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black
Sasha Banks, Bayley, Beth Phoenix & Natalya vs. Nia Jax, Tamina, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay
We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Hershey, PA and the ROH show in Baltimore tonight to [email protected].
ROH SUNDAY AT 6 P.M. EASTERN AT THE UMBC EVENT CENTER IN BALTIMORE
Sumie Sakai & Jenny Rose vs. Kris Stadtlander & Tasha Steelz vs Gabby Ortiz & Karissa Rivera
Cheeseburger & Eli Isom & Ryan Nova vs. LSG & Shaheem Ali & Colin Delaney
Kenny King vs. P.J. Black
Mark Haskins vs. Silas Young
Rush vs. Tracy Williams
Marty Scurll vs. Shane Taylor
Juice Robinson & Bandido vs. TK O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia vs. Jay Lethal & Jeff Cobb
PCO & Brody King vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe for ROH tag titles
The final Raw before WrestleMania will be in Washington, DC with an all-hands on deck show including Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey all advertised. The show has Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair & Ronda Rousey vs. The Riott Squad and if Lynch, Flair or Rousey turn on the other they are out of WrestleMania, Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio (why?), Beth Phoenix & Natalya & Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. The Iicnonics & Nia Jax & Tamina and The Revival vs. Ricochet & Aleister Black for the Raw tag team titles. There is also a Smackdown house show in Roanoke, VA.
The Smackdown and 205 Live tapings are Tuesday in Baltimore. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade has been announced for the show as well as a contract signing for Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston.
While interest has inevitably decreased over the years, the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony feels like less of an essential part of WrestleMania weekend than ever.
There are a few major reasons why the Hall of Fame ceremony has lost some of its luster. As WrestleMania week has become a destination for promotions from the United States and abroad, fans have to make difficult decisions on how they’re going to spend their time and money.
The Conor McGregor situation is the lead story in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the investigation into him, his retirement, the timing, and why the retirement and Dana White’s reactions are both a public bluffing game.
Read the update on the WrestleMania card, both matches announced and those not yet announced, the Charlotte Flair title win and what it changes about the show, the multiple changes in the top part of the show, the women in the main event, the interest level in the different shows that week and more.
Also look at the New Japan Cup, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, on the entire last week of the tournament and the final show.
Look at Vince McMahon’s stock sale, how much he sold, how much he got and why, as well as the XFL launch and problems with the AAF. Look at the AAF’s new goal.
Look at the retirement of the Bella Twins and their careers, the value of Total Divas and their future plans.
Examine the lawsuit settlement with the wrestlers who have sued Lucha Underground, and the interesting note of the person who backed out of the suit.
Also look at Cain Velasquez’s crossing over into pro wrestling and his deal with AAA, including what they attempted to do with him, the storyline building him up and the wrestlers it looks like he’ll appear with.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We have two weekend shows up on the site, a Saturday morning show with Garrett Gonzalez and a Sunday morning show with Bryan Alvarez live covering all the WrestleMania and weekend news.
Best wishes to Jim Duggan who is resting peacefully after successful heart surgery.
So yet another WrestleMania update. It will not be (unless things change tomorrow) The Revival vs. Aleister Black & Ricochet at WrestleMania. Right now that match on Raw is designed to build to a different title defense and have a way to get a new program going. The Revival’s title defense was added to the show on Tuesday to replace the Smackdown women’s title match. The Usos are defending the Smackdown tag titles in a multiple person match at Mania. We don’t know who the teams will be, but do know that in an internal lineup before the changes that were made this past Tuesday, it was a four-team match with Usos, Black & Ricochet, Big E & Xavier Woods and Sheamus & Cesaro. However, on house shows this weekend, which one would think would be getting guys comfortable, you had Rusev & Nakamura in with the Usos and Bar. Rusev & Nakamura haven’t been announced for the Battle Royal, nor have Black & Ricochet. With Black & Ricochet having two non-title wins over The Revival, they would make the most sense for Sunday, except we’re told that is not happening now.
As of yesterday the plan was to announce on Raw the tag line “Winner Take All” for the main event and to announce the stipulations of the match. Earlier this week the working idea was that if Rousey loses the fall, whoever beats her gets the Raw title and if Flair loses the fall, whoever beats her gets the Smackdown title. If Lynch loses the fall, no titles change hands.
Kenny Omega, in his first match since WrestleKingdom, was pinned in a six-man tag match by Don Callis of all people. Omega had been doing media all over Canada this past week for his documentary and mentioned he would be wrestling on Saturday night in Winnipeg for his home promotion, Premier Championship Wrestling at Doubles Bar, where he had key early match in his career. Callis, who has not wrestled in 15 years, teamed with Bobby Schink & Travis Cole against Omega & Chris Stevens & Donny Dicaprio. Stevens & DiCaprio were both trained by Callis. Schink & Cole were trained by Lance Storm. Omega was giving a speech to induct DiCaprio into the PCW Hall of Fame, when Callis came out. He brought out the tag team champions, who are the biggest stars in PCW right now. It ended when Omega was distracted when they played Chris Jericho’s music. The place freaked out thinking Jericho was doing a run-in, but he wasn’t there. Omega turned around into a codebreaker by Callis for the pin. Callis then turned on his partners in a promo and they beat him up. The show ended with all five guys beating on Callis.
Mercedes Martinez appears to have been injured seriously in a tag team match today in Berwyn, IL at Shimmer tapings. She was injured taking a frog splash and laid on the mat for ten minutes. They had to stop the taping before she was taken out on a stretcher. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
WWE
In a smart promotional move, the USA Network has labeled both the preshow for WrestleMania on USA and the Hall of Fame a week from Monday as “Monday Night Raw” as part of the DVR package, so essentially that will inflate the +3 numbers for both specials.
The episode of NCIS: Los Angeles with Bill Goldberg and Shane McMahon airs tonight on CBS. Goldberg plays Lance Hamilton, a Department of Justice agent who is looking for a former border patrol officer who disappeared after a threat by the cartel. McMahon plays Agent Steve Evans who is looking to recover a stolen hard drive with sensitive military intelligence on it. Hopefully this makes more sense than this year’s WrestleMania booking.
This is the update from Kambi on gambling odds that you can bet over/under on star ratings for WrestleMania:
Styles vs. Orton ****
Rousey vs. Flair vs. Lynch ****1/4
Miz vs. Shane ***1/4
HHH vs. Batista ***3/4
Lesnar vs. Rollins ****1/4
Angle vs. Corbin **
Joe vs. Mysterio ***1/2
Murphy vs. Nese ***1/2
Reigns vs. McIntyre ****
Balor vs. Lashley **3/4
Bryan vs. Kingston ****
Bayley & Banks vs. Phoenix & Natalya vs. Jax & Tamina vs. Iiconcs **1/4
Men’s Battle Royal *1/2
Women’s Battle Royal *1/2
They are also putting up odds for Takeover, but not for MSG:
Gargano vs. Cole ****3/4
Dream vs. Riddle ****1/4
War Raiders vs. Ricochet & Black ****1/2
Baszler vs. Shirai vs. Sane vs. Belair ***1/4
Walter vs. Dunne ****1/2
Miz & Mrs. starts a new season on Tuesday night after Smackdown with a 30 minute show.
Sheamus did a deal on NBC Sports network today hyping the Liverpool vs. Tottenham Premier League game.
MISCELLANEOUS
At today’s ONE show at Tokyo Sumo Hall, sometimes DDT wrestler Shinya Aoki won the One lightweight title beating Eduard Foloyang in the main event of the company’s first event in Japan. Xiong Jing Nan beat Angela Lee in a battle for the strawweight title, facing Lee, whose Atomweight title wasn’t at stake. Aung La N Sang retained his middleweight title over Ken Hasegawa with ground and pound in the second round. Kevin Belingon lost the bantamweight title to Bibiano Fernandes when Belingon was disqualified for an elbow to the back of the head. Timofey Nastyukhin, scored what I consider the biggest upset in MMA history, beating Eddie Alvarez via first round knockout. Demetrious Johnson won his debut via second round guillotine over Yuya Wakamatsu. The show aired live on B/R which had a free first day for new subscribers for the event.
Konnan, Blue Demon Jr., Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Taya, Drago and Aerostar will be at the AAA press conference on Thursday morning at Madison Square Garden. There will be a show announced for MSG.
As far as true mainstream buzz, there was nothing in wrestling, boxing or MMA that was too strong over the weekend. The only thing that charted on Google searches was Justin Gaethje at No. 17 yesterday with 50,000 searches. I suspect there will be a ton over the next eight or nine days.
Ric Flair has gotten a television commercial gig for Cumberland Farms coffee, pizza and breakfasts.
The Friday night Bellator main event with Saad Awad vs. Brandon Girtz was probably the MMA match of the year so far this year.It was an incredible fight.
Rise on Friday in Chicago: Phoebe b Thea Von Star, Ray Lyn b Janae Kai, Allysin Kay b AQA, Mercedes Martinez b Jenna Lynn, Priscilla Kelly b Session Moth Martina, Charile Evans & Jessica Troy b Delmo Exo & Ashley Vox, Delilah Doom b Shotzi Blackheart-DQ, Kris Wolf & Samantha Heights & Rok-C & Rocky Radly b Su Yung, Zoe Lucas on Rumble, Jessicka Havok & Neveah b Dust & Raven’s Ash to win the tag titles, Kyle Rae b Phoenix of Rise title over Mercedes Martinez in a no rope submission match (was told this was “easy ****1/2”). Miranda Alize came out to celebrate with Rae, then gave her an RKO. Mercedes made the save. Zoe Lucas & Charli Evans & Jessica Troy came out. Lucas said she was cashing in her title shot from winning the Rumble and pinned Kylie Rae to win the title. They all beat down Rae and Lucas said how they’ve beaten the Elite. Brandi Rhodes, Nyla Rose and Britt Baker of AEW then ran off Lucas & Evans & Troy. Then Rose teased turning on Baker and Rae but Rhodes stopped her. Penelope Ford and Allie ended up in the ring so you had a lot of the AEW’s women’s division out there at the end and Rae hugged Rose. This was Rae’s farewell to Rise. Between wrestlers and managers, they booked 59 women on this show with the Rumble participants. (thanks to Spencer Santos, Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Mikey Nicholls of New Japan returns to EPW in Perth, Western Australia on 4/6. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
PCW Ultra from Friday night in Wilmington, CA: Trey Miguel b Adam Brooks, Caleb Konley won over Kikutaro, Randy Myers, Happy Man and Douglas James, Tessa Blanchard & Daga b Johnny Impact & Taya Valkyrie, Sami Callihan b Brian Cage in a no rules match, Jake Atlas b Dezmond Xavier to keep the UltraLight title in a great match, Josef & Fatu won no rules match to win the PCW and Defy tag titles over Danny Maff & Shawn Donavan and Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson, Artemis Spencer b Zachary Wentz to keep Defy title, Mil Muertes b Shane Strickland to win the PCW Ultra title. (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
USA Championship Wrestlnig TV taping today in Jackson, TN at Studio A in the an Arena with Bill Dundee making a guest appearance.
Fale Dojo results from yesterday in Auckland, New Zealand: VikShiva b Arthus Papali’i, Anthony Richards b Daniel Puru, Michael Richards b Osckar Munchow, Jordan Allen-Wright & Vik Shiva b Victor Faletogo & Richard Mulu, Tome Filip b Stevie Filip, Aaron Solow b Liam Perry to retain the Dojo Pro Black Belt title. Solow is the fiance of WWE’s Bayley.
Adam Brooks and Craven from Australia will be on the 4/13 Crash show in Tijuana.
CWE tonight in Yorkton, Saskatchewan at the Yorkdale Central School with A.J. Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle vs. CWE tag champions Psicosis & Mentallo.
An article on independent wrestlers Preston Steele. (thanks to Ross Blair)
Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Event:
Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
There have now been 29 entrants confirmed for this year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
WWE added 26 wrestlers to the match today, with them joining Braun Strowman and Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che & Colin Jost as entrants confirmed for the battle royal.
Notably, Matt & Jeff Hardy will both be part of the battle royal. Andrade, Ali, and Bobby Roode & Chad Gable are also among the entrants for the match.
Cesaro, Big Show, Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley, and Matt Hardy won the battle royal over its first five years.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal will again both be taking place at this year’s WrestleMania. WWE announced the first 13 entrants for the women’s battle royal earlier today.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting WrestleMania 35 on April 7. Here’s the updated list of Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal participants:
This will be the second year in a row that the battle royal has taken place, and it will again feature wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. Naomi won last year’s battle royal. It was the final match on the WrestleMania 34 pre-show.
Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Lana, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Nikki Cross, Dana Brooke, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Mickie James, and Zelina Vega are the first entrants who have been announced for this year’s battle royal.
The sixth-annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will also be part of the WrestleMania 35 card. Braun Strowman and Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che & Colin Jost have been in a storyline leading into WrestleMania, and they’re the first three entrants who have been confirmed for the men’s battle royal.
WrestleMania 35 is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 7.
WWE has announced who will be performing “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania 35.
Yolanda Adams, a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, will sing “America the Beautiful” as the WrestleMania main card begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, April 7. The show is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Adams wrote that she’s honored to perform at WrestleMania and follow in the footsteps of Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Chloe x Halle, and so many more.
Joan Jett will also be performing “Bad Reputation” as Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey makes her way to the ring to face Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair in the main event of WrestleMania.
Saturday Night Live Weekend Update hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost are “special guest correspondents” for WrestleMania 35. They’ve been in a storyline with Braun Strowman leading into WrestleMania, and Che, Jost, and Strowman have all been announced for this year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
A stipulation is set for Shane McMahon and The Miz’s match at WrestleMania 35.
On tonight’s SmackDown, it was announced that Shane vs. Miz at WrestleMania will now be a falls count anywhere match. There was a segment where Miz cut a promo in the ring and proposed the stipulation, then Shane came out with a security team and accepted it.
SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain), Shelton Benjamin, and Primo Colon were part of the security team. Shane taunted Miz and his family, which led to Miz standing tall after brawling with the security guards and wrestlers.
Shane turned heel and attacked Miz after they lost to The Usos at Fastlane. Shane also grabbed Miz’s father by the face and pushed him back.
WrestleMania 35 is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 7. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
Triple H vs. Batista in a no holds barred match (Triple H’s career is on the line as a stipulation of the match)
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
Shane McMahon vs. The Miz in a falls count anywhere match
AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
United States Champion Samoa Joe defending against Rey Mysterio
Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match
Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley defending against Finn Balor
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Braun Strowman and Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost & Michael Che have been announced as entrants)
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Tony Nese
A combination of timing, fan support, and strong performances have come together to make Kofi Kingston the unlikely star of WrestleMania season.
It was only a few weeks ago where this seemed completely implausible. Kingston wasn’t even originally supposed to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. He was on the outside looking in, with Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Mustafa Ali, and Jeff Hardy set to take part in the match.
A look at the details and ramifications of the new UFC PPV deal with ESPN+ is the lead story in the new double issue of the Observer. Look at the winners and loses of the deal, the economics of the deal, how it affects fans, what fans are going to be left behind, the role of Dana White, and the negotiations that led to UFC looking outside of TV for PPV.
This issue has a complete rundown of the WrestleMania card as it stands, as well as notes on matches not yet announced. Also look at the secondary market for the big shows over Mania weekend, as well as All In.
Also look at the details of WWE’s planned move, update on Gallows & Anderson, Dana Warrior, a planned WWE match that fell through, why WWE stock is up, Sue Aitchison in the Hall of Fame, update on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Matt Hardy future, and several new WWE signings.
Read a major feature on the career of The Destroyer. Look at Dick Beyer’s transition from Syracuse line coach to The Destroyer, who came up with the gimmick, how it transpired, and the role of Fred Blassie and Jules Strongbow in the story.
Read full coverage of ROH’s 17th anniversary show, the ROH/NJPW Madison Square Garden show, and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Also look at the suspension of T.J. Dillashaw and his vacating the UFC welterweight title, update the New Japan Cup, cover AAA Rey de Reyes and CMLL El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier
WWE
Per Dave Meltzer, tonight’s SmackDown show is expected to feature changes to the WrestleMania card, including the main event. The three-way aspect of the main event is not changing.
SmackDown tonight will be at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The highlight will be Kurt Angle facing AJ Styles in what is being billed as Angle’s final match on SmackDown.
205 Live has a six-man tag team match, with the Lucha House Party taking on Drew Gulak, Jack Gallagher and Humberto Carrillo.
Despite her saying she’s retired on Total Bellas, TMZ reported that Nikki Bella is “definitely open to returning to the ring” and making cameos in the future if the timing is right.
After advertising inadvertently confirmed Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for WrestleMania, Kingston offered a storyline explanation by tweeting “Last week the gauntlet match was also advertised to kick off the show. It did not. Vince has been messing with us for a while now. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was just more of the same.”
Mustafa Ali responded to his in-ring name being shortened to Ali: “Mustafa means the ‘chosen one’ with an emphasis on being chosen from amongst the people. Name or not, nothing has changed. I fight for the people. I am one of them.”
Matt Hardy vs. Rey Mysterio from WrestleMania XIX has been uploaded in full on WWE’s YouTube page.
Pro Wrestling
Joey Ryan commented on becoming a free agent, writing on Twitter: “It’s Official. I am now a free agent. Free from any contracts. Free from any bosses. Free from any restrictions. The last few years of my career haven’t been without highlights (being featured in many major media outlets, becoming a top seller on Pro Wrestling Tees, shocking the world at All In, Main Eventing the Cow Palace, a role on GLOW, the growth of Bar Wrestling) but now it honestly feels like I have a new lease on my direction and where I’m going in pro wrestling. Most of my accomplishments have been fan driven due to the overwhelming support I have received so I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the fans who have accompanied me on this journey so far and hope you will continue on the adventure.”
Tomohiro Ishii vs. David Starr and Rocky Romero vs. Ryusuke Taguchi have been added to Revolution Pro Wrestling’s show in New York City on Friday, April 5.
Jonathan Gresham will face Masashi Takeda at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport in Jersey City, New Jersey on Thursday, April 4.
Impact World Champion Johnny Impact says that he is refusing to compete on Team Impact at United We Stand in Rahway, New Jersey on April 4. Instead, he will compete in the Ultimate X match. A future X Division title shot is on the line during the match.
Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Event:
Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
The main event of this year’s WrestleMania will include a live performance by Joan Jett.
WWE announced today that Jett will perform “Bad Reputation” as Ronda Rousey makes her entrance at WrestleMania 35: “Breaking: @joanjett will perform @WrestleMania @MetLifeStadium Jett will play her hit song ‘Bad Reputation’ as WWE Raw Women’s Champion @RondaRousey makes ring entrance and defends her title in the main event against @WWE Superstars @BeckyLynchWWE and @MsCharlotteWWE”
Rousey used “Bad Reputation” as her entrance song during her mixed martial arts career and has continued to use it in WWE.
WWE confirmed yesterday that Rousey, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair’s triple threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship will be the main event of WrestleMania. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting the show on April 7.
Rousey, Lynch, and Charlotte took part in a Beat the Clock Challenge against The Riott Squad (Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, and Ruby Riott) on last night’s Raw, with Lynch winning her match in the shortest amount of time. Rousey, Lynch & Charlotte will team against The Riott Squad in a six-woman tag match on Raw’s go-home show for WrestleMania next week.
Four teams will be in the Women’s Tag Team title match at WrestleMania 35.
WWE has announced that Sasha Banks & Bayley will defend their titles against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match at WrestleMania.
Banks faced Natalya on this week’s Raw, with Jax & Tamina causing a disqualification. Phoenix hit the Glam Slam on Tamina after the match and put her foot on Banks’ title belt when she was trying to take it out of the ring. Banks & Bayley later cut a promo where they vowed to take on all of the teams coming for them at WrestleMania.
On last week’s SmackDown, Royce & Kay defeated Banks & Bayley in a non-title match.
Banks & Bayley became WWE’s first Women’s Tag Team Champions of this era at February’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is the host of this year’s WrestleMania. The show will take place on April 7. Here’s what’s been announced thus far:
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
Triple H vs. Batista in a no holds barred match (Triple H’s career is on the line as a stipulation of the match)
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
Shane McMahon vs. The Miz
AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
United States Champion Samoa Joe defending against Rey Mysterio
Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match
Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley defending against Finn Balor
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Braun Strowman and Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost & Michael Che have been announced as entrants)
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Tony Nese
