Wrestlemania News (Page 4)

The Pro Wrestling Torch is reporting that the early candidates for WrestleMania 24 main events next year in Orlando, FL are:

• Triple H vs. John Cena
• The Undertaker vs. Edge (with Undertaker's winning streak vs. Edge's never pinned/submitted streak at WrestleMania)
• Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton.

Again, plans change frequently, but these are some of the match ideas that are reportedly being tossed around right now in the company.

Forget Wrestlemania 23, fans.

WWE is already looking forward to Wrestlemania 24 in Orlando next year.

The company has released the following logo for the event. A widely circulating WWE rumor is also that Ric Flair will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. We hope that's the case.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com typed up the following off air report from last night's WWE WrestleMania 23 in Detroit, Michigan:

- The lumberjacks in the dark match were Cryme Time, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Val Venis, Snitsky, Johnny Nitro, The Highlanders, Eugene, Hacksaw Duggan, Vito, Daivari, Little Guido, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Chris Masters, Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch, Kenny Dykstra, Super Crazy, Viscera, Deuce, Domino, Funaki, Jimmy Wang Yang, Jamie Noble, Shannon Moore and Scotty Too Hotty. Believe it or not, I may be missing a name or two and believe it or not, the lumberjacks didn't brawl at ringside.

- Aretha Franklin's introduction was audio of Vince McMahon introducing her at Wrestlemania 3.

- Live the atmosphere was mostly quiet, reacting to big spots and kickouts in the WWE World and WWE championship matches. It was hard to get a feel for many of the matches but the audience reacted for all the big moments in a major way. It was a departure from the last few years with smaller venues and hotter crowds, partially because there's so much space to absorb the crowd noise.

- The star of the show in many ways was the WWE production team as the pyro, staging, and lighting was amazing. In many ways, the spectacle of the event overshadowed the substance of it live. It absolutely reads like a show that was likely more impressive on TV then it was live, at least from my vantage point.

- The ECW match was met with indifference after the ring introductions with a lot of fans heading for the concession stands. With the exception of Rob Van Dam, it was a Wrestlemania debut for everyone in the match.

- A fan hit the ring during the opening moments of John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels. It wasn't clear who he was trying to challenge but it appeared he was trying to remove his clothes. Referee Mike Cioda and security quickly pushed him against the ropes and removed him from the building.

- The local Detroit media was out in full force and many of the evening telecasts featured stories on Wrestlemania, including footage of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon.

The following press release was issued by WWE:

WrestleMania Blows Away Attendance Record At Ford Field

DETROIT, Mich., April 1, 2007 – World Wrestling Entertainmentset an all-time attendance record at Ford Field tonight, as 80,103 ecstatic fans shared in the excitement of WrestleMania 23, WWE’s annual pop culture spectacular. Fans packed Ford Field from ringside to the rafters, including thousands with standing room only tickets.

WrestleMania 23 is the highest grossing one-day live event in WWE history, grossing more than $5.38 million in ticket sales.

Fans converged on Detroit from 24 countries, all 50 states and 9 Canadian provinces, pumping an estimated $25 million into the local economy.

This marks the second time World Wrestling Entertainment has established an attendance record in Detroit. In 1987, at WrestleMania III, 93,173 fans filled the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., setting the all-time indoor attendance record.

“Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice,” said Kurt Schneider, Executive Vice President of Marketing. “Ford Field shook to the very core of its foundation with the thunderous noise from the record-setting crowd. The support of our fans in Detroit and around the world made WrestleMania 23 a tremendous success.”

The following report is courtesy of lordsofpain.net ...

Match 1: Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Edge vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker (w/Queen Sharmell) vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay vs. Randy Orton
- All the men stared at each other as the opening bell sounded. They all looked up at the briefcase, and then the fighting go underway. Orton and Kennedy fought on the outside near a few ladders set up on the ramp. Finlay went to the to rope and dove onto the wrestlers below (on the floor). Edge, meanwhile, got a ladder set up in the ring, but Matt Hardy stopped him from climbing it. Orton and Finlay dashed up opposite sides of the ladders, but knocked the ladder over in the process. Jeff Hardy climbed the ladder, but Kennedy knocked him off. Hardy landed on his feet. Booker got a step ladder from under the ring, but Punk took it from him and used it as a weapon. Edge took it from Punk and smashed Punk in the face. He then grabbed a very tall ladder and put it b/t the ring and the guardrail. CM Punk was busted open from the earlier step ladder spot. Booker and Orton ended up in the ring together, w/ Book giving Orton a spinebuster. He gave one to Punk and Finlay, as well, and gave us a Spinaroonie.

The Hardys sandwiched him with a ladder, though. Matt caught Edge with the Side Effect. The Hardys proceeded to set-up a ladder on top of a ladder (same thing that destroyed Joey Mercury’s nose). Finlay pushed Jeff off the top rope before the Hardys could perform their tandem offense on Edge. Edge suplexed Matt onto the ladder structure, but Kennedy tossed him out of the ring. Kennedy then turned his attention to Matt, setting him up on a ladder and going for the Kenton Bomb. However, Matt moved and sent Kennedy neck first onto the ladder. Jeff followed with a Swanton Bomb. The Hardys then cleaned house with a ladder, knocking everyone out of their way. Matt set the ladder up in the center of the ring. The Hardys climbed opposite sides of the ladder and fought at the top of it. Finlay tipped the ladder over and sent the two neck-first across the top rope. Edge then gave everyone in the match a spear. He went for another on Punk, but the Extremist jumped over him.

Punk grabbed a ladder and used it on everyone before Edge speared him, sending the ladder into Finlay and Orton. The Rated-R Superstar retrieved another ladder (a really tall one) and headed for the ring. The ladder used extended more than halfway across the ring. Edge set the ladder up in the center of the ring and started his climb to the top. Orton tipped the ladder over, sending Edge over the top rope and out of the ring. Jeff then gave Orton a split-legged facebuster and re-set-up the ladder. Matt placed Edge on the ladder set-up b/t the apron and guardrail. Jeff went to the top of the in-ring ladder and gave Edge a leg drop thru a ladder!!! Holy shit! As Edge and Jeff felt the effects, Matt stared at them in disbelief. Several medical technicians surrounded the two and placed them on stretchers. Matt went into the ring and took down the big ladder. Orton took advantage of his distraction and gave him the RKO. The Legend Killer gave Finlay and Kennedy an RKO, as well. Orton then set-up a new ladder in the middle of the ring and climbed to the top. However, Punk threw another ladder into his back, knocking Orton off his perch. Punk set-up his ladder and went to the top. Orton regained his bearings and climbed back up his ladder. The two fought from opposite ladders before Orton gave Punk an RKO off the top of the ladder! Booker ended up standing alone in the ring, so he climbed a ladder. Orton recovered and tried to give Booker an RKO, but Book countered and gave Orton the Book End off the top of the ladder!

The King headed to the top again, but Matt climbed the other side of the ladder. Sharmell got in the ring and pulled Matt’s leg. Hardy gained control of her and threatened to give her the TOF if Booker didn’t come down from the ladder. Book did come down, and got a Twist of Fate for his troubles. Hardy climbed the ladder, but Finlay tipped it backward. Finlay, who was bleeding from the top of the head, gave Hardy the Celtic Cross onto a ladder. He then set-up a ladder in the center of the ring. The Little Bastard went up the ladder for him. Kennedy knocked Finlay out of the way and went after the little guy. The LB slapped him twice, but Kennedy grabbed him off the ladder and gave him the Green Bay Plunge from the second to last rung off the ladder! Finlay blasted Kennedy and knocked him out of the ring, but Punk used a springboard dropkick to knock Finlay off the ladder. Punk proceeded to climb the ladder, but Kennedy met him at the top. The two brawled, but Punk pushed him off the ladder. Kennedy grabbed another ladder and blasted Punk from his spot atop the ladder. Ken climbed back up and grabbed the briefcase. Kennedy became Mr. Money in the Bank at 19:11.

Match 2: The Great Khali vs. Kane
- They locked up, but Great Khali tossed Kane back like he was nothing. Kane kicked him in the gut in retaliation, but Khali knocked him back again and threw him out of the ring. Khali proceeded to knock Kane down with a clothesline and body slam him. He then used a trap grab to keep the Big Red Machine grounded. Kane got back to his feet, but Khali continued to dominate with simplistic offense. Eventually, Kane scored with a series of right hands and a splash in the corner. He then went to the top rope and scored with a diving clothesline. However, Khali did not fall to the mat. Kane ended up getting Khali tied up in the ropes and wailing away on him. He went to the outside soon after and retrieved his hook and chain. Khali stopped him from using it, though, giving him a monster chop to the head. He then ripped the turnbuckle cover off, but Kane took advantage of the ref’s distraction and low blowed Khali with the chain. Kane then slammed the monster for a near fall. He went for the chokeslam, but Khali went for one of his own. After a mid-ring scuffle, Khali gave Kane his two-handed chokeslam for the win. Khali defeated Kane at 5:31. After the match, Khali attacked Kane with the chain.

Backstage, Cryme Tyme consoled a bald Eugene. Extreme Expose was waiting for them. They danced until Moolah and Mae Young showed up. Eugene danced with the old ladies. Slick showed up and did some dancing of his own. Dusty Rhodes showed up and joined the party…so did Sgt. Slaughter, IRS, Jimmy Hart, and Ricky Steamboat! Ron Simmons showed up to give us a “Damn!

Match 3: United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. MVP
- An extended lock-up to start, w/MVP grabbing a headlock and taking Chris Benoit to the mat. Benoit countered into a head scissor, but MVP eventually countered into a modified ankle lock. MVP switched to a headlock. Benoit got back to his feet and tried for a German suplex, but MVP blocked it. The Crippler went for the Crossface, but MVP countered again and sent Benoit out of the ring. Benoit then went for the Sharpshooter, but MVP countered yet again. They wrestled to the mat, where MVP used a series of quick maneuvers to place Benoit in an armbar. However, Benoit countered into a Crossface attempt. Back to their feet, MVP goaded Benoit into a test of strength before kicking him in the gut. Benoit fought back and placed Porter on the top rope. The Crippler went for a skyhigh superplex, but MVP countered, twisted his position, and draped Benoit’s arm hard across the top rope. Porter went to work on Benoit’s arm and shoulder. He used a series of kicks and shoulder thrusts to maintain control, but when he went for a roundhouse kick, Benoit countered and connected with three rolling German suplexes. Benoit went to the top, but MVP caught up to him and scored with a sky high superplex. Upon impact, Benoit hooked Porter’s feet with his own feet for a pinning combo, but MVP kicked out and went back to work on Benoit’s arm/shoulder. Porter threw Benoit shoulder-first into the ring post and gave him a back suplex.

He then used a modified keylock to further wear him down. Benoit made it back to his feet. MVP went for a big boot, but Benoit delayed his charge. Benoit went in for the kill, but Porter connected with the big boot this time around. The Crippler went for the Crossface soon after, but MVP again countered the submission and went back to work on the injured arm. Porter connected with the “Baller’s Elbow” for a near fall. He went for a running big boot in the corner, but Benoit moved and connected with two German suplexes. Porter countered and went for one his own, but Benoit countered the counter and connected with three rolling German suplexes. Benoit went back to the top and connected with the diving headbutt. 1…2…3! Benoit retained at 9:22.

Backstage, Donald Trump and Tara Conner were hanging out. The Boogeyman showed up and scared the girl. Trump asked him for a sandwich…

Match 4: World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Undertaker
- Batista speared Undertaker to start the match, and then unleashed a barrage of right hands on him in the corner. Taker came right back with a bunch of mixed strikes in the corner. Batista came right back with a pair of shoulder thrusts and a hard clothesline. The champ clotheslined Taker over the top rope, but the Deadman landed on his feet and pulled Bats under the bottom rope. Batista maintained control, but the crowd chanted for the Undertaker. The Animal threw Taker into the steel steps and rolled back into the ring. Bats went to the top rope and gave Taker a diving shoulder tackle (once Taker got back in the ring). Taker gave Dave a big boot, but Bats came back strong with another hard clothesline. The two then traded blows in the middle of the ring, but Batista regained control with a body slam. He went for a big boot, but Taker gave him a series of punches to the gut and uppercut. Bats battled right back. The crowd booed when Bats hit Taker and cheered when Taker hit Bats. Taker went on to splash Batista twice in the corner.

Continue Reading...

Arash Markazi of SI.com is in Detroit, taking notes on Wrestlemania 23.

He spoke with Batista and the champion confired that his match with the Undertaker would not be the main event of the evening:

"Even if it's lost now by the time we hit the ring at 'Mania it won't be, I'm telling you right now," he said. "We're going to give them a match they're always going to remember. I guarantee it. We're going to tear the house down. As of right now we're not in the main event, which breaks my heart, but wherever we are on the card I feel sorry for the match that has to follow us. When we found out that we wouldn't be the main event we both looked at each other and we knew what we had to do."

Markazi said WWE Divas Ashley Massaro and Mickie James began posing in front of him. But before he got a big head, they pointed out that he was actually in the way of their intended audience: a full-length mirror taped to the wall.

Click here to read the entire article.

Imagine The Donald -- without the hair.

It could become reality, thanks to World Wrestling Entertainment owner Vince McMahon.

On April 1, he and Donald Trump will have a wrestler compete on each's behalf in the "Battle of the Billionaires" at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit -- the WWE's biggest annual pay-per-view event.

If Umaga beats Bobby Lashley, McMahon will give Trump what some might call a long-overdue buzz. If Lashley, Trump's rep, wins, McMahon will sport a new look.

Trump, the real estate mogul and star of NBC's "The Apprentice," knows his 'do isn't popular with some fans.

"A lot of people want to see it shaved," he told The Associated Press in a phone interview from his New York office. "I do get criticized, there's no question about it, although I've never had any problem with it. It certainly has seemed to work."

Trump deserves to be humiliated, McMahon said during an interview before an edition of WWE RAW in Indianapolis.

"Hopefully, I have really dull scissors so I can yank the rest of it out that I can't cut," McMahon said. "But I may be surprised how much Mother Nature has already beaten me to the punch. I won't know that until I start cutting."

McMahon credited Bonnie Hammer, president of the USA and SciFi networks, with the idea to get Trump involved in WrestleMania.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

For the first time in 20 long years, WWE and Detroit will make history on April 1 when an all-grown up WrestleMania 23 emanates from Ford Field. On behalf of the Motor City, Mayor of Detroit Kwame M. Kilpatrick (pictured) welcomed the “Grandest Stage of Them All” which returns to its roots this year after two unbelievable decades.

“We are proud to have WWE and WrestleMania 23 in our great city,” Kilpatrick said in a statement issued to WWE.com. “We have a great track record for successfully hosting large-scale sporting events. We are excited to be the host city for WrestleMania.”

Click here to read the entire article.

The Detroit News recently caught up with Donald Trump. Here's what he had to say about his upcoming match at Wrestlemania 23 ...

The Detroit News: What's that relationship with Vince McMahon been like over the years?
Trump: Well, he's a great man, he's a great competitor. He's a very strong person. He is a very unique individual, and I think he's going to be a very tough match on Sunday. Let me ask you, how's the hoopla about this thing in Detroit? Is it monster?

TDN: People are way excited about it.
Trump: You know it's totally sold out. I mean, the thing sold out in about an hour. Someone said it's the biggest wrestling match in history, there's nothing like it. I don't know if they've ever used a stadium like this before. It's pretty big.

TDN: When they were here before in Detroit, they had 93,000 in the Pontiac Silverdome, and this time I think their capacity is about 70,000.
Trump: Is this a smaller stadium?

TDN: Yes, Ford Field is smaller than the Silverdome. The Silverdome is like nothing else that's ever been built.
Trump: Which is better? Did they rip down the Silverdome?

TDN: No, it's still sitting out there, but it's not used for much save for the occasional RV show.
Trump: Why did they build a smaller stadium?

TDN: Um, the Silverdome was almost too big. They had problems for a lot of years selling it out, so they would have to block out Lions games to the local TV audience. It was too big.
Trump: If you have a winning team it's never too big, right?

TDN: What led to this match? When were you first approached about being involved?
Trump: They approached me about a year ago to do this, with the shaving of the head; and frankly, I'm doing it. It's a very tough thing to do, but I'm doing it because a lot of money goes to charity.

TDN: How much?
Trump: Millions of dollars.

TDN: Vince claims that you stole his "You're fired!" catchphrase. Is there any validity to that?
Trump: He does claim that, and he claims it very strongly; but I think I got there first.

TDN: When are you getting into town?
Trump: I'll be coming in on Sunday afternoon before the match.

TDN: Are you staying the night in our fair city?
Trump: I may very well. It depends on what the timing is.

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With six days to go until Wrestlemania 23, here are the ways in which WWE is hyping its biggest event of the year in the Detroit area. We'll start with tomorrow's appearances ...

TUESDAY:
- Extreme Tuesday (local radio station hosted event featuring ECW on Sci Fi - 7pm start, Hockeytown Cafe, Detroit)

- Mayor of Windsor Eddie Francis and Johnny Nitro kick off WrestleMania week in Windsor at the VIA Rail Train Station with a 3pm start.

WEDNESDAY:
- Detroit’s Hockeytown Cafe invites fans to reminisce about WrestleMania III, share photos and stories, and hang out with other fans. - 6pm start.

- Mick Foley book signing, K-Mart, Troy, 6pm start.

- WWE Fan Axxess Tour, Devonshire Mall, 3100 Howard Ave., Windsor (and by all accounts, if you’re in the Windsor area this is worth checking out; the feedback to the Axxess tour has been very good).

THURSDAY:
- Fifth annual THQ Superstar Challenge (Gem Theatre, 333 Madison Ave., Detroit with a 6.30pm start). Scheduled to compete: Batista, Jeff Hardy, Ashley, Johnny Nitro, MVP, Bobby Lashley, CM Punk, Kelly Kelly, Mr. Kennedy and more. This event is ticket only and is sold out.

- Edge and Torrie Wilson signing - FYE, 4296 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills (in Great Lakes Crossing)

- WWE Fan Axxess Tour, Devonshire Mall, 3100 Howard Ave., Windsor

- Detroit’s Hockeytown Cafe will again have local radio present for a WWE themed fancy dress party from 5-9pm.

- Chris Jericho & Fozzy, The Roxy, 671 Ouellette Ave., Windsor. Tickets $25, call (519) 977-6257.

FRIDAY:
- The Condemned movie premiere at Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8pm start, ticket only. This showing is sold out.

- WWE Fan Axxess Tour, 3-9 p.m., Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., Detroit

- Detroit’s Hockeytown Cafe will again have local radio present for a WWE themed impersonation contest with a 6pm start.

SATURDAY:
- WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. This event is sold out. 7pm start.

- WWE Fan Axxess Tour, Noon-8 p.m., Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., Detroit

- WWE Reading Challenge, Detroit Public Library, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 10am-noon with appearances by Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley.

- Mick Foley book signing, Borders Books & Music, 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor (Southland Mall)

- Bowl with Bobby Lashley - Fundraiser event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation featuring ECW champion Bobby Lashley, 1-3:30 p.m. Skore Lanes, 22255 Ecorse Road, Taylor

- Detroit’s Hockeytown Cafe will host ‘Superstar Saturday’ with local radio broadcasting live from 2-7pm, plus WWE stars appearing en route to the Hall of Fame ceremony.