Tag: wrestlemania 39

Drew McIntyre issues challenge to Gunther for WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Drew McIntyre wants to take the Intercontinental title from Gunther at WrestleMania 39.

While being interviewed on this week’s edition of The SmackDown LowDown, McIntyre issued a WrestleMania challenge to Gunther. McIntyre had appeared in the entranceway while Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) were facing Braun Strowman, Ricochet & Madcap Moss on SmackDown last night.

McIntyre revealed on The SmackDown LowDown why he was watching Imperium’s match.

“It’s five weeks to WrestleMania. I want Gunther — and I want the Intercontinental Championship,” McIntyre said.

It’s not clear if it will be a singles match between Gunther and McIntyre at WrestleMania or a triple threat with Sheamus added.

Imperium defeated Strowman, Ricochet & Moss on SmackDown. McIntyre stared down Gunther after the match but was attacked by The Viking Raiders. Sheamus ran down to help McIntyre even the odds, and they were able to take out The Viking Raiders with help from Strowman and Ricochet.

Gunther was asked about McIntyre during a post-show interview. Gunther’s message to anyone who wants to challenge him was to “just get in line.”

Gunther eliminated both McIntyre and Sheamus from the men’s Royal Rumble match last month.

Gunther’s Intercontinental title reign is currently at 260 days. He won the championship on SmackDown last June.

WWE WrestleMania 39: Update on potential night one main event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In the new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gave an update on which matches may headline WrestleMania 39.

Meltzer reports that Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes is expected to headline night two of WrestleMania 39. For night one, there’s been no decision — but there’s a feeling internally that Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley is the favorite. Meltzer also mentioned The Usos vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens as a possibility if that match is made official.

Reigns vs. Rhodes is expected to headline the second night. There is no decision on the [other] main event past an internal feeling that Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley right now is the favorite. There is a push feeling for sponsors and political reasons after men main evented both nights last year it would be good for a women’s match to headline and the feeling Flair vs. Ripley is stronger than Bianca Belair vs. Asuka for the spot. If there is Usos vs. Zayn & Kevin Owens, one would think that would be the other favorite.

WrestleMania 39 is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Here are the matches that have been confirmed thus far:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
  • Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka

Meltzer also mentioned the following as potential additions to the card:

Brock Lesnar vs. Omos: The only thing we know is that whatever the Lesnar plan was, and it wasn’t Gunther, that is that it changed in the last week or two. Next week on Raw they are doing an angle that would either set up this match, or the angle is a swerve for something else. But television would lead you to believe this is it.

Seth Rollins vs Logan Paul: This is a lock and after Paul’s recent performances, it could be an incredible match.

Edge vs. Finn Balor: As noted before, the original plan was for this as a Hell in a Cell match at the Rumble, but Edge’s acting commitments changed that around. But one would think after all this time in the program that there will be a major stipulation in this match.

Shayna Baszler & Ronda Rousey will challenge for the women’s tag titles. It was originally against Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, the champions. But Lita & Becky Lynch face Sky & Kai, and WrestleMania is about marquee matches and Lita & Lynch as a team against Baszler & Rousey is a bigger match.

Austin Theory vs. John Cena for the U.S. title: Theory is clearly a major project to be a top guy for a long time.

Bobby Lashley vs. Bray Wyatt: Wyatt challenged the winner of Lashley-Lesnar. Lashley mentioned Wyatt in his promo.

Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio: This hasn’t been announced but has been the plan for months to hold off their first singles match to this show.

Asuka to challenge Bianca Belair at WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Bianca Belair now knows who her WrestleMania opponent will be.

Asuka will challenge Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39. That was confirmed when Asuka defeated Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, Natalya, and Carmella in an Elimination Chamber match on Saturday night.

Asuka was the last woman to enter the Elimination Chamber. She eliminated Carmella to win the match and was also involved in eliminating Rodriguez and Morgan.

The final three wrestlers left at the end were Asuka, Carmella, and Rodriguez. Asuka and Carmella worked together to eliminate Rodriguez, then Asuka submitted Carmella with an armbar.

A more aggressive version of Asuka returned to WWE in last month’s women’s Royal Rumble match. Asuka made it to the final three of the Rumble before being eliminated by Rhea Ripley.

WrestleMania 39 is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Three matches have already been confirmed for the event:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
  • Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka

The latest regarding WrestleMania 39 plans: Wrestling Observer Radio

Posted on by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales discussed the latest in WrestleMania 39 plans.

On Friday afternoon’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer and Gonzales discussed current plans for the likes of Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and more. You can watch the clip below.

Meltzer said that Paul Heyman is involved in the creative for both the Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes programs heading into wrestlemania. Gonzales asked Meltzer if he thought that the Rhodes/Reigns program peaked too soon with the promo that took place on Monday’s Raw. Meltzer did not think so, saying that there was plenty left in the storyline heading into WrestleMania.

Plans regarding Becky Lynch and Bayley were also discussed, though there is no clear path for either. With the return of Lita to WWE programming on Monday, it could be possible that a tag match involving Damage Control taking on Lita and Becky Lynch could happen, but the question would be who the third partner would be.

John Cena, Ronda Rousey matches planned for WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Ian Carey

Several matches are locked in for WrestleMania 39. 

Although neither has factored into WWE storylines since the December 30 SmackDown, Ronda Rousey and John Cena have matches planned for SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Our own Dave Meltzer addressed the WrestleMania 39 lineup in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

Meltzer wrote:

“For WrestleMania, the locked in matches at this point are Reigns vs. Rhodes for the Universal title, Charlotte Flair vs. Ripley for the Smackdown women’s title, Belair vs. the Chamber winner for the Raw women’s title, John Cena vs. Austin Theory (no word on whether this will or won’t be a U.S. title match) and Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler for the women’s tag team titles.”

On a video game live stream last month, Rousey stated she was not interested in getting her title back from Charlotte Flair but would rather go after the tag titles with Baszler instead. 

Cena is not expected to be available for much of the build-up to WrestleMania. He is currently in Australia filming “Ricky Stanicky” for Amazon Prime along with Zac Efron. 

Other matches teased but not confirmed for Mania include Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul, The Usos vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens, and Rey Mysterio against his recently incarcerated son, Dominik. 

Another potential match at Mania this year could involve Edge vs. Finn Balor. A Hell in a Cell match between the two was once planned for the Royal Rumble but was scrapped due to Edge filming the Disney+ series, Percy Jackson and The Olympian. Edge plays the role of Ares, the Greek God of War on the show. WWE appears to be building a match pitting Balor & Rhea Ripley vs. Edge and Beth Phoenix for the Elimination Chamber as well. 

Brock Lesnar is also scheduled for both WrestleMania 39 and the Elimination Chamber in Montreal. It is not confirmed who his opponent for either show will be, although he is currently involved in an angle with Bobby Lashley.

WWE Senior VP and Head of Global Sales and Partnerships, Craig Stimmel confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday that a brand-sponsored match, similar to the Mountain Dew Pitch Black match, will also take place at WrestleMania. 

WWE VP confirms brand-sponsored match for WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Ian Carey

Another sponsored match, similar to the Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at Royal Rumble, looks to be taking place at WrestleMania 39. 

The Hollywood Reporter published an article Thursday noting that sponsorship revenue for WrestleMania 39 currently stands between $14-15 million, which would be a new record for the event. Some of that revenue will come from a brand-sponsored match. 

WWE Senior VP and Head of Global Sales and Partnerships, Craig Stimmel spoke with the outlet about the company’s plans:

“I don’t want to give away too much, but it’ll be around a match, and the sponsorship of that match, and what they’ll be able to bring to that match,” he said. “So we’re going to do things that fit inside of our storyline as well.”

WrestleMania 39 is also set to feature a sponsored post-event press conference.

We’re also going to have a post-match press conference that’s going to be sponsored this year — you saw that with Mountain Dew and Royal Rumble — but we’re going to have that again at WrestleMania,” Stimmel said.

Pepsi, Take-Two, Mars/Snickers, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are signed on to sponsor the event. Stimmel also said sponsorship revenue for WrestleMania 39 is already 43% higher than it was for WrestleMania 38.   

“We’re tracking exactly where we want to be going into the events,” Stimmel says. “We’ve also got a diverse set of sponsorships coming in … we’ve got snacks, we have beverages, among others. So it’s a really nice diverse portfolio of brands that are joining in a myriad of ways.”

WrestleMania 39 takes place Saturday April 1 and Sunday April 2, 2023, from Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. 

‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin not expected to wrestle at WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It doesn’t appear that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be in action at WrestleMania 39.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided an update on Austin’s WrestleMania status. Meltzer stated that, while Austin was offered matches for WrestleMania, Austin has turned down wrestling at the event.

“As far as Austin goes, Steve might be at the show. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. He might do something on the show, but he did in fact turn down wrestling at the show,” Meltzer said. “He was offered [Brock] Lesnar, he was offered Roman Reigns. He could have named his opponent if he wanted to do it with anybody else, but he did not choose to wrestle on the show.”

Meltzer added that it’s a similar situation regarding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s WrestleMania 39 status. Johnson didn’t feel he had the time to get into the type of shape he would need to be in for a WrestleMania-caliber main event this year. Meltzer said the door was left open for Johnson to wrestle at WrestleMania in 2024.

At WrestleMania 38 last year, Austin returned to the ring for the first time in nearly two decades. He defeated Kevin Owens in a no holds barred match in the main event of WrestleMania 38 night one. The match wasn’t officially announced in advance, instead being advertised as a KO Show segment with Austin and Owens.

A new television project involving Austin is set to premiere on A&E this April. The series is titled “Stone Cold Takes on America.”

WrestleMania 39 is being held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Here are the matches that have already been confirmed for the event:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
  • Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against the winner of women’s Elimination Chamber match

Roman Reigns addresses The Rock/WWE WrestleMania rumors on ‘Tonight Show’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Roman Reigns addressed the rumors regarding a possible match with The Rock at this year’s WrestleMania.

On Friday’s edition of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Reigns was on to promote Saturday’s Royal Rumble event. Fallon asked Reigns about the speculation.

“There’s been a huge buzz on that for a long time now,” Reigns said. “But it’s really picked up in the last couple of years. I believe he just came out with a statement saying he’s not going to be ready in time, which that’s the kind of face everyone’s making, like, hold on, this guy trains every single day. He’s huge!”

Reigns noted that there’s a difference, however, between physically looking in shape and conditioning your body to take bumps ahead of a high profile main event match.

“That’s number one, Dwayne,” Reigns teased. “When you’re going up against Roman Reigns, you better get ready to fall down.”

Dave Meltzer reported in last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that The Rock has indicated he would not be able to get his body ready in time for a match against Reigns at WrestleMania. Reigns will face Kevin Owens at Saturday’s Royal Rumble match for the WWE Universal Championship.

Update on Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s status for WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s status for WrestleMania 39.

Meltzer wrote that, unless Johnson changes his mind in the next few days, Johnson has indicated that he won’t have time to get into the kind of shape he feels he needs to be in for a main event match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Meltzer noted that Johnson has kept the door open for something in the future.

“Of course it is a possibility that it’s something being kept a secret from everyone,” Meltzer added.

The report also states that, while Meltzer doesn’t know that Johnson has officially turned down wrestling at WrestleMania 39, the indication is that it’s considered less likely than a few months ago.

Those close to the situation have noted WWE coming out with new Rock merchandise, but said that is more related to the 30th anniversary of Raw. We were told that unless he changes his mind in the next few days, since a deadline for Mania plans is coming, that he’s indicated he won’t have time to get into the kind of shape he feels he needs to be in to do a main event match with Roman Reigns, but kept the door open for something in the future. Of course it is a possibility that it’s something being kept a secret from everyone. WWE has always had a backup direction this year given they were aware Johnson was not a sure thing for some time, and as time went on and he didn’t agree, felt the likelihood had lessened. I don’t know that he’s officially turned it down, but the only indication is that it was considered less likely than a few months ago. Johnson right now has different projects going on, most importantly the launching of the XFL which debuts the weekend of 2/18 and he will be very heavily involved with the promotion of the league. He had said he would need to have training time to be able to get in ring shape. So his decision comes down to his belief of having adequate time to prepare.

The WrestleMania 39 card will begin to take shape as this year’s Royal Rumble is held on Saturday, January 28.

WrestleMania 39 is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.

Aside from a six-second match against Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32, Johnson hasn’t wrestled since losing to John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

Johnson appeared on CNBC this week and was asked about the possibility of WWE being sold. He wished Vince McMahon and WWE all the best during the process.

WWE WrestleMania 39 breaks largest gate record in event history

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE says WrestleMania 39 has already broken records.

The company sent out a press release on Monday stating that this year’s event has broken the largest gate record in WrestleMania history. 

From WWE:

WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that WrestleMania Goes Hollywood (WrestleMania 39), which will originate from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles across two nights, broke the company’s all-time gate record for any WrestleMania, despite having yet to announce a single match. The previous record announced was $17.3 million in 2016 at WrestleMania 32 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The record gate comes on the heels of unprecedented ticket sales demand for WWE in 2022, in which it produced the highest-grossing gates of all-time for Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Extreme Rules.Clash at the Castle in , which marked WWE’s first major stadium show in the in 30 years, was the highest-grossing event in company history.

As of last week, WrestleTix is reporting that 49,584 tickets (3,164 available for re-sale) have been distributed for WrestleMania night one. 50,114 tickets have been distributed for night two with 3,246 available via re-sale. If WWE has surpassed a $17.3 million gate for the event, that would put the average ticket cost at around $174 depending on how many tickets have been sold in the past week.

Currently on Ticketmaster, the cheapest ticket available (the get-in price) for night one is $120 with seats in rows two and three still available for over $7400. The cheapest ticket available for night two is $138 and the most expensive available is in row three for $7400. The cheapest ticket available for a two-night combo to the event is $261 and the most expensive is $7345

Update on John Cena’s WWE WrestleMania 39 status

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gave an update on John Cena’s status for WrestleMania 39.

Meltzer noted that the belief is Cena will be working WrestleMania 39. Cena is working on his schedule to make sure he can, but the belief is he’ll get it done.

“The belief is that Cena will be working WrestleMania but what we were told is that he’s working on his schedule to make sure it works, but the belief is that he’ll get it done,” Meltzer wrote.

“Cena will be unavailable to WWE through most of February and March due to filming a movie outside the U.S. At one point he was talked about for a match with Austin Theory at WrestleMania but that was with Vince McMahon in charge.”

Cena will make his return to the ring as he teams with Kevin Owens against Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn on the final SmackDown of 2022. That episode is taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Friday, December 30.

The tag match with Owens will be Cena’s only match of 2022. Last Friday, Cena appeared on SmackDown via video to set the match up.

WrestleMania 39 is being held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1, 2023 and Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Report: New WWE regime offered match to ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE is reportedly interested in having “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestle again.

According to a report from Fightful Select, the company has presented him with an offer for another match. It is not clear if the match would be for WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, Saudi Arabia, or somewhere else. 

While Vince McMahon was said to have been hopeful Austin would wrestle again, it was the new WWE regime led by Paul “Triple H” Levesque that made the offer. One source noted to Fightful that the two sides were initially far apart on terms, however.  

Austin posted footage of himself working out earlier this week. This led to speculation on social media that he is training for another match.

During a discussion with the Brewbound Podcast shortly after WrestleMania 38, Austin spoke about possibly being involved in WrestleMania 39.

“I can’t imagine I would not be there in some capacity and I’m not booking myself on the show because I didn’t book myself on 38. That’s a Vince thing and I have a great relationship with him and if I get the call, I’ll be there.” 

WWE announces lineup of WrestleMania 39 week events

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has revealed its slate of events for WrestleMania 39 week.

WrestleMania 39 week will follow the same format that WWE used for WrestleMania 38. It was announced today that SmackDown and the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will both be held at Crypto.com Arena (the former Staples Center) in Los Angeles on Friday, March 31. The Hall of Fame ceremony will start after SmackDown, with one ticket getting you into both events.

NXT Stand & Deliver 2023 is being held at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 1, with the event again taking place in the afternoon before night one of WrestleMania.

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California is hosting WrestleMania 39 nights one and two on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.

The post-WrestleMania episode of Raw is set for Crypto.com Arena on Monday, April 3.

Tickets for SmackDown/the Hall of Fame ceremony, NXT Stand & Deliver, and Raw will go on sale to the general public via AXS.com on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. There will also be special three-day combo tickets going on sale starting on Monday, November 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific.

WWE WrestleMania 39 week schedule —

  • Friday, March 31: WWE SmackDown/2023 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony (Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles)
  • Saturday, April 1: NXT Stand & Deliver (Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles)
  • Saturday, April 1: WrestleMania 39 night one (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood)
  • Sunday, April 2: WrestleMania 39 night two (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood)
  • Monday, April 3: WWE Raw (Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles)

The Rock comments on potential Roman Reigns WWE WrestleMania match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

During a press tour to promote the release of his “Black Adam” film, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson commented on potentially facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

Johnson spoke to E!’s The Rundown on the press tour. When asked who the Head of the Table is, Johnson said it’s him.

“Who is [the] Head of the Table? Without saying any names, you’re looking into his eyes right now,” Johnson said.

Johnson was asked if that means he’s confirming he’ll challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39 next April.

“I am not confirming that at all. No. No, I am not [laughs],” Johnson responded. “Though I’m gonna get a text from him after he watches this.”

Johnson said he loves the idea of being part of a WrestleMania, but there are so many other variables that have to come into play.

“I love the idea of a WrestleMania. And I’m close to a lot of people there, but very close to one in particular, who we’ve talked about this. So, I like it. There’s just so many other variables that have to come into play,” Johnson said.

“But I’m a fan, because I’m a promoter at heart too, so I’m a fan of promoting an event and what could that be. So I love WrestleMania, and I love that world.”

Reigns also spoke about potentially facing Johnson at WrestleMania when he appeared on the Impaulsive podcast last month.

“They keep trying. Everybody keeps trying on this one,” Reigns said. “I don’t book the show, bro. I’m up for anybody.

“If it works out, then I’m ready.”

A WrestleMania matchup between Reigns and Johnson has long been rumored, including being teased on an episode of Johnson’s “Young Rock” television show.

WWE announces record-breaking first-day ticket sales for WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is touting record-breaking ticket sale numbers for WrestleMania 39.

After tickets went on sale to the general public last Friday, WWE issued a press release this morning announcing that WrestleMania 39 has set a record for first-day ticket sales. More than 90,000 tickets for the two-night event were sold within the first 24 hours, which WWE says is a 42 percent increase over first-day ticket sales for WrestleMania 38.

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California is hosting WrestleMania 39 on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2, 2023. It will be the fourth straight year that WrestleMania has been held over two nights.

“WWE today announced a record for first-day ticket sales for WrestleMania 39 taking place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles,” WWE wrote. “Over 90,000 tickets were sold within the first 24 hours – more than any event in WWE history and a 42% increase over first-day sales for WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.”

Paul “Triple H” Levesque also addressed the ticket sales on WWE’s second quarter investors call this morning.

“In nearly 40 years, we have never sold that many WrestleMania tickets that fast,” Levesque said. “With those record numbers, we are tracking toward sell-outs with passionate fans at SoFi Stadium for both nights.”

Of the two-night WrestleManias that have taken place, this will be the second with full-capacity crowds.

WrestleMania 40 in 2024 will also be a two-night show. It’s been announced for Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.