The Wrestling Thread Says, "Welcome to...WRESTLE...MANIAAAAAAA!!!!!" - Part 52

[Van Petrol]

That is awesome.

I love that they were able to go with the regular old cell, though it may be slighter shorter.

The set looks fantastic though.

The stage really reminds me of the Wrestlemania XIX stage, which is a good thing.

The Wrestlemania XIX stage set was great.

That's very fitting, considering who is rumoured to be returning..

 

[Soapy]

What time does Wrestlemania start?

 

[Van Petrol]

Is it just me or is the ring black?

Spoiler

Nah, you can see the mat is hwite/light coloured in the finished set-up picture posted on Twitter/WWE.com.

 

[The Sage]

Tonight at WrestleMania XXVIII in Sun Life Stadium, Sheamus will challenge Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship. Both wrestlers have come a long way since last year's show when their advertised United States Championship Match was bumped from the pay-per-view broadcast to the pre-show at the last minute. Though Sheamus was furious with the demotion, he did not stay angry for long as he instead opted to use it as fuel for his SmackDown run.

When asked if he found it frustrating to cede the spotlight last year following much success, he responded, "I think that if you don't find it frustrating, then what are you doing here? What sort of goal or passion do you have if you don't care about being at the top, you know? Was I happy to sit back and watch my bout be a dark match at WrestleMania? Absolutely not. I was furious. But I didn't let that anger eat me up. I had to turn it into something productive, and I used it to focus on my opponents when I came over to Smackdown. If I sat there and felt sorry for myself, or got angry at whatever the circumstances were, I guarantee I would not be in a main-event match at WrestleMania this year."

The Celtic Warrior also comments on what fans can expect to be different in tonight's match compared to last year's.

"They can expect it to be at WrestleMania! And a main event! They can expect to see two guys beat the living daylights out of each other. And they can expect me to win," he says. "But the biggest change from last year has been our move to Smackdown. I think that was the best thing that could have happened to me and Daniel Bryan. It's been amazing. We have a bit more TV time, we have new competition, like Randy Orton and Christian, and we're able to grow and develop more. It just goes to show how far certain can go when given an opportunity. The more we compete, the more wins we gain, the more confident we become until we carry a show, a main-event match at the biggest show of the year."

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/335304863.php

 

[Lunar_Wolf]

Seth Mates, who worked with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a creative writer for WWE in the build-up to his 2002 match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, finds it odd that some wrestlers are resentful of his return to the organization.

"The resentment towards Rock always struck me as a little bit funny," he tells the Pro Wrestling Torch. "Because the thing about Rock is that people like are jealous of Rock not for stealing the spot but for being one of the guys who got out. You know he made it. He made it in a big way. He made a ton of money. And then he had an exit plan. And now he can come back and work when he wants. And it’s not like Rock is coming back and working with a guy who – he’s coming back to help make John Cena bigger than Cena ever was. He’s coming back to work with a guy who works house shows and who works Raw. You know. He’s coming back and he’s bringing mainstream attention. I can’t speak to the locker room leader this and whatever. I just know that wrestlers like to talk, wrestlers like to stir the pot, wrestlers like to cause trouble. Not a knock on them. Everybody does in every profession. You know every job I’ve ever had people talk you know what about other people in the room. Rock’s not stealing anybody’s spot. Rock is bringing a lot of eyeballs."

Mates believes Triple H's jealousy of Johnson (based around his success in wrestling and in Hollywood after he left) is the driving force behind much of the negativity.

"I know that a lot of the stuff that Cena has said about Rock and his feelings towards Rock sound like something that would be coming directly from, you know Mr. Helmsley and his view," he said. "Because, again, as I said, I always sensed some insecurities as related to Rock and to [Steve] Austin and how, again, in my mind and perception, he never was at that level. And so he wanted to position himself as, well, I’m as good, if not better. Which I don’t know that he has done that."

http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe...ti-Rock_Resentment_Is_Fueled_By_Triple_H.html

 

[Kaleb]

http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe...ti-Rock_Resentment_Is_Fueled_By_Triple_H.html

Im glad Im not the only one thinking this, everytime Cena spoke bad about Rock it just didnt sound like it was coming from him, but rather from someone like Vince, who was resentful for the way the Rock left, and simply decided to use Cena ( who is ever loyal to the business) as a mouthpiece to voice his opinions.

 

[SpideyFan866]

Nah, you can see the mat is hwite/light coloured in the finished set-up picture posted on Twitter/WWE.com.

The stage set looks different here

Spoiler

Than it does here:

Spoiler

I think that first picture is artwork to give an idea, though, I could be wrong.

 

[Metallo]

Im glad Im not the only one thinking this, everytime Cena spoke bad about Rock it just didnt sound like it was coming from him, but rather from someone like Vince, who was resentful for the way the Rock left, and simply decided to use Cena ( who is ever loyal to the business) as a mouthpiece to voice his opinions.

I doubt Cena would speak for someone else if he didn't have similar feelings. Vince now seems HAPPY to have Rock back and yet Cena is still saying the things he's saying. Thats strange unless Vince likes playing them against each other.

I wouldn't doubt Triple H has stirred the pot but I seriously doubt he has any sway over Orton, Punk and a few others. Punks never been one of Triple H's guys and Orton has had issues with HHH himself.

Plus Sheamus IS a Triple H guy and he seems to be getting along with The Rock whether thats because he's towing the line or he actually feels that way who knows.

 

[Warhammer]

http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe...ti-Rock_Resentment_Is_Fueled_By_Triple_H.html

Hmmmm, interesting. Very interesting. It wouldn't surprise me if it was Triple Haitch behind what Cena has been saying.

 

[Superark]

http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe...ti-Rock_Resentment_Is_Fueled_By_Triple_H.html

I listened to Seth Mates' interview with www.PWInsider.com Mike Johnson on my PWInsider Elite account and Mates came across as a really smart, honest, and funny guy. He clearly had a good grasp of the product. He never came across as bitter, negative, or as an ass kisser. He seemed to paint a clear picture of how the WWE works and he seemed very smart about how to build a product.

It was interesting to hear from him the changes WWE went through as Stephanie took over creative and to hear how Vince's mind works(he called Vince the dog Doug from Pixar's "Up" LOL), among other things.

I think TNA or WWE would be wise to hire Mates to work for their product.

He is suppose to do another interview with PWInsider after Wrestlemania. It should be a really good one.

 

[Dr. Evil]

What time does Wrestlemania start?

If your're in the United States: 7:30 PM Eastern/6:30 Central

 

[Dr. Evil]

I listened to Seth Mates' interview with www.PWInsider.com Mike Johnson on my PWInsider Elite account and Mates came across as a really smart, honest, and funny guy. He clearly had a good grasp of the product. He never came across as bitter, negative, or as an ass kisser. He seemed to paint a clear picture of how the WWE works and he seemed very smart about how to build a product.

It was interesting to hear from him the changes WWE went through as Stephanie took over creative and to hear how Vince's mind works(he called Vince the dog Doug from Pixar's "Up" LOL), among other things.

I think TNA or WWE would be wise to hire Mates to work for their product.

He is suppose to do another interview with PWInsider after Wrestlemania. It should be a really good one.

So he reacts like this everytime he sees a squirrel?

[YT]SSUXXzN26zg[/YT]

 

[Superark]

Credit to www.PWInsider.com

We have been getting a lot of emails asking about reports that Brock Lesnar has signed a deal to work for WWE. Here is what I can tell you where that is concerned.We were told yesterday by WWE sources that they were hearing that Brock is in Miami and has signed a deal. The key word there is "hearing". We have tried to 100% confirm the story and have yet to be able to do so, which is why we have held off reporting anything.
What we have confirmed is this:

• The sides were talking all throughout the week about coming to terms.
• We have heard from many people that Brock has no desire to work a full-time schedule. If he returns it will be on a limited dates schedule. From what I have heard, that is not an issue for WWE. They are fine with it so that will not hang up a deal.
• Numerous people have told us that WWE wants to announce at least one main event for WrestleMania 29 at tonight's show, just as they did last year with The Rock vs. John Cena. Obviously, with a limited schedule a Lesnar match against say, Cena or The Rock, would fall in line very well with that.
• Also, The UFC's Dana White wrote on his Twitter account that if Lesnar wanted to return to wrestling, " He is able to do it." So, the UFC end of the equation has been cleared up.

So in summary what I can tell you this. We have heard Brock is there and is signed, but can't 100% confirm it. There is absolutely fire where this smoke is coming from.

 

[The Sage]

Hmmmm, interesting. Very interesting. It wouldn't surprise me if it was Triple Haitch behind what Cena has been saying.

Maybe a small percentage but majority of is probably how Cena really feels, along with Orton and CM Punk.

Pretty strange that the company's three top stars have mostly the same issue with the Rock.

 

[Superark]

So he reacts like this everytime he sees a squirrel?

[YT]SSUXXzN26zg[/YT]

Haha classic!

Yea he said Vince has no attention span. He said Vince gets very bored and restless at times and is willing to "blow up the kitchen for the sake of blowing up the kitchen." Things change on a whim in WWE.

He pretty much said politics are terrible in WWE and often times Vince will get a someone in his ear who doesn't have the company's best interest at heart.

 

[Warhammer]

Maybe a small percentage but majority of is probably how Cena really feels, along with Orton and CM Punk.

Pretty strange that the company's three top stars have mostly the same issue with the Rock.

I do think it is odd to be honest. I'm not going to lie, from the outside looking in, it comes off as bitter. Maybe it's easy to say since I'm not on the road 300 days a year, but the article above hits the nail right on the head.

 

[Kaleb]

Credit to www.PWInsider.com

We have been getting a lot of emails asking about reports that Brock Lesnar has signed a deal to work for WWE. Here is what I can tell you where that is concerned.We were told yesterday by WWE sources that they were hearing that Brock is in Miami and has signed a deal. The key word there is "hearing". We have tried to 100% confirm the story and have yet to be able to do so, which is why we have held off reporting anything.
What we have confirmed is this:

• The sides were talking all throughout the week about coming to terms.
• We have heard from many people that Brock has no desire to work a full-time schedule. If he returns it will be on a limited dates schedule. From what I have heard, that is not an issue for WWE. They are fine with it so that will not hang up a deal.
• Numerous people have told us that WWE wants to announce at least one main event for WrestleMania 29 at tonight's show, just as they did last year with The Rock vs. John Cena. Obviously, with a limited schedule a Lesnar match against say, Cena or The Rock, would fall in line very well with that.
• Also, The UFC's Dana White wrote on his Twitter account that if Lesnar wanted to return to wrestling, " He is able to do it." So, the UFC end of the equation has been cleared up.

So in summary what I can tell you this. We have heard Brock is there and is signed, but can't 100% confirm it. There is absolutely fire where this smoke is coming from.

have to wonder how Cena, Punk and Orton feel about this , considering their feelings about The Rock

 

[The Sage]

How the locker room reacts to Lesnar's return is a good question. And along with Cena, Orton, and Punk, keep in mind the Undertaker who had issues with Brock before he left.

Maybe they ironed out whatever problems they had.

I do think it is odd to be honest. I'm not going to lie, from the outside looking in, it comes off as bitter. Maybe it's easy to say since I'm not on the road 300 days a year, but the article above hits the nail right on the head.

I think a lot of it has to do with how Rock avoided being called a wrestler or being referred to as the Rock during his time away, as if he was ashamed of the profession that made him famous to begin with. Then there's talk about how the Rock doesn't interact with the locker room, which is kinda messed up.

And personally, I'm really questioning why he needs all of this promo time at Wrestlemania. That's overdoing it, and could end up being another reason for resentment. Hopefully not.

 

[Warhammer]

I think a lot of it has to do with how Rock avoided being called a wrestler or being referred to as the Rock during his time away, as if he was ashamed of the profession that made him famous to begin with. Then there's talk about how the Rock doesn't interact with the locker room, which is kinda messed up.

I can't put it against him for not wanting to be called a wrestler or being called The Rock. The last thing he needed was him being taken as a joke ("oh, he's the 'wrestler'...") or being looked at as not credible. There are still people who snicker at Rock being involved in a film even though the man seriously has acting skill. Distance was absolutely necessary in the transition. If Cena, Punk, Orton, or any wrestler can't realize that, that comes off as bitter.

Now if it's true that Rock doesn't interact with people back stage and has a primadonna attitude, that's f***ed up. I can't even try to defend that. At least be fake.

And personally, I'm really questioning why he needs all of this promo time at Wrestlemania. That's overdoing it, and could end up being another reason for resentment. Hopefully not.

I'm thinking a at least a good part of that has to do with the McMahon's, Triple H, and management. They know Rock has charisma and can literally stand out there for ten minutes saying nothing and be adored by the fans. Also, Rock getting more exposure equals more mainstream attention/exposure. More of that equals a higher buyrate, hype, etc. You don't bring someone like Rock back and only give him the same amount of promo that everyone else would get. Sounds f***ed up, but it's true.

 

[Daniel Thompson]

I can't put it against him for not wanting to be called a wrestler or being called The Rock. The last thing he needed was him being taken as a joke ("oh, he's the 'wrestler'...") or being looked at as not credible. There are still people who snicker at Rock being involved in a film even though the man seriously has acting skill. Distance was absolutely necessary in the transition. If Cena, Punk, Orton, or any wrestler can't realize that, that comes off as bitter.

Now if it's true that Rock doesn't interact with people back stage and has a primadonna attitude, that's f***ed up. I can't even try to defend that. At least be fake.



I'm thinking a at least a good part of that has to do with the McMahon's, Triple H, and management. They know Rock has charisma and can literally stand out there for ten minutes saying nothing and be adored by the fans. Also, Rock getting more exposure equals more mainstream attention/exposure. More of that equals a higher buyrate, hype, etc. You don't bring someone like Rock back and only give him the same amount of promo that everyone else would get. Sounds f***ed up, but it's true.

But like people are saying the ratings and buyrates for ppvs are still the same before Rock cameback.

 

[Daniel Thompson]

No. That was the orange bowl in Orlando.

They are at Sun Life Stadium (Dolphins field) in Miami this year.

How many fans expected to be at the stadium tonight?

 

[TX85]

The Rock tweeted that he will be driving this to the show tonight:

http://***********/#!/TheRock/status/186500513213321216/photo/1

Someone posted a reply saying"@TheRock wish you the biggest accident at cars accident history"

F'n pathetic IF he as serious!

 

[spidey-dude]

some people are ****ing pathetic really

mind you itd have to be a serious car to cause a dent in that behemouth

 

[spidey-dude]

[/B]


But like people are saying the ratings and buyrates for ppvs are still the same before Rock cameback.

I thought last years Mania had the highest mania buyrate for some time? (I might be wrong cause I cant remember where I heard that)

 

[Incrediblejeff]

That stage looks awesome.