WWE has announced that Sheamus will make his return on tonight’s RAW from San Jose.
Also confirmed for tonight’s show is the fallout from WrestleMania 31 with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, WWE United States Champion John Cena, WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and others. Remember to join us tonight at Crazymax for live coverage at 8pm EST. when BJack presents his weekly Raw Report as the event happens.
– WWE stock took a hit after the WWE post-WrestleMania call and Network subscriber count this morning. It’s currently trading at $14.38 per share, down 12.95%.
– Regarding Triple H’s “Terminator” entrance at WrestleMania last night, word is that WWE officials were scrambling all week to lock Arnold Schwarzenegger in for the voiceovers, according to PWInsider. Arnold didn’t do them until Saturday night at the WWE Hall of Fame. The delays with getting Arnold to do the voiceovers caused some major stress among people in WWE production.
– The original plan for Roman Reigns vs. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 was for the match go to 35 minutes with entrances. However, the pay-per-view ran long (specifically the Rock/Rousey/Authority segment) and the match was cut down, according to PWInsider. WWE also cut a video for Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker out of the broadcast.
– Curtis Axel is coming after the other Superstars in last night’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal for teaming up against him. Axel tweeted:
Every single @WWE Superstar in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal last night will get what they have coming. One coward at a time! #AxelMania
— Curtis Axel (@RealCurtisAxel) March 30, 2015
– Some fans believed Kevin Nash may have been hurt during the ringside angle between the nWo and DX at WrestleMania 31 last night but he was just selling. Nash tweeted the following today:
Injury update it appears my feelings were hurt that Billy can still move like a freight train. Great main event -show pic.twitter.com/Y4h6dqmh3C
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) March 30, 2015
Source: PWInsider
– As noted, Bray Wyatt suffered a badly sprained ankle while preparing for WrestleMania 31 on Sunday afternoon. The sprain was so bad that Wyatt couldn’t stand or walk on it for a long time backstage. He ended up wearing a cast on his ankle for the rest of the evening until it was time for the match with The Undertaker.
– As of last night, WWE officials had not decided on whether or not Sting will be wrestling going forward. This is why the angle with the nWo and DX last night may have seemed like a sendoff for The Stinger. Sting is open to working more dates if WWE wants him to.
Vince McMahon, George Barrios and Michael Weitz hosted a post-WrestleMania 31 conference call today from WWE headquarters in Stamford. Below are some highlights:
* Weitz kicks off the call and mentions WrestleMania 31 being a success. He goes over the call and hands it over to Vince.
* Vince says WrestleMania 31 was a big success and touts the attendance. Vince also touts the social media activity, mainly over 140 worldwide trends. He says WrestleMania was a big contributor to WWE Network growth and says they have now surpassed 1.3 million subscribers. Talks about the new programming coming to the WWE Network and says the Divas Search will be successful. He calls the new Camp WWE show with Seth Green “South Park with WWE” with WWE stars as children off to camp.
* Barrios takes over and also touts the new WWE Network programming coming soon, saying the Diva Search will span the globe to find the next talent. He noted that they had 201,000 trial subscribers in February and 77% of those converted into paid subscribers for March. He touted the 1.3 million subscribers and said their longterm goal is 3-4 million. They’re going to be adding another 1,000 hours of on-demand footage soon.
* It’s time for the Q&A. The first caller gives Vince props for having Ronda Rousey on WrestleMania, bringing up WWE using more mainstream names and asks if that means more cost. Vince said their budgets haven’t changed but the success of the Network and being ahead of everyone else helps them land bigger names to work with. For the second time in the call they mentioned other brands starting their own networks because of WWE’s success.
* Barrios wouldn’t reveal the number of users who had the free month in November that are still paid subscribers. Barrios is confident about the new shows they announced being successful.
* Barrios talked about China and India eventually becoming big markets for the company and the Network. He feels next year will be big for them in India.
* They may look into different price points in the future but they’re happy with the $9.99 price right now.
* They started talking with Tapout three years ago and are excited for the partnership. We’ll see more Tapout promotion on WWE TV as they get closer to putting the products in stores, which should be next year.
* The international subscription numbers will be released in the quarterly report.
* They had no problems with WrestleMania 31 streaming and the new WrestleMania Experience campaign with Facebook was a success.
* Regarding frustrations over the WrestleMania build-up, Vince acknowledged WWE will always have its doubters and said the build to WrestleMania was more of a last minute thing but that’s how WWE does it sometimes. Vince said WrestleMania always tops itself.
* Vince said they do target Males 18-34 but they have programming that targets all demographics and some of the new programming is designed to do just that.
* Vince gave props to their marketing abilities when talking about Sting. Vince said they brought Sting from obscurity to a major WWE attraction.
* They’re about fully distributed in Canada.
WWE sent us the following today regarding the new series coming to WWE Network:
WWE® NETWORK PARTNERS WITH SETH GREEN, JERRY SPRINGER AND JEFF TREMAINE ON THREE NEW ORIGINAL SERIES
STAMFORD, Conn., March 30, 2015 – In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer.
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:
CAMP WWE – COMING LATE 2015
WWE, in partnership with Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, will debut a new, animated short-form comedy series entitled Camp WWE. Imagine WWE Superstars and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp…which happens to be run by none other than Mr. McMahon – add in shock-value, slapstick humor and social satire – and you have WWE’s first adult comedy, which will debut later this year.
“We’re insanely excited about this collaboration,” said Green. “WWE is one of the most heartfelt and professional organizations I’ve worked with. We’re beyond happy to help them realize this vision.”
SWERVED – COMING IN MAY
WWE teams up with the Director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, to give you the hilarious original series, Swerved. Swerved is a half hour series and will premiere in May.
“I’m excited to combine my brand of entertainment with the world of WWE,” said Tremaine. “It will be the ultimate mash-up.”
DIVA SEARCH – COMING THIS FALL
WWE spans the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women to find the next stunning WWE Diva. This competition will give viewers the opportunity to witness the challenges, trials, drama and rewards that accompany the journey of these women, as they vie for superstardom. Coming this Fall.
JERRY SPRINGER PRESENTS WWE TOO HOT FOR TV – COMING IN APRIL
Hosted by legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, this series will re-introduce the WWE Universe to the most outrageous stunts and cringe-inducing moments in TV history. The series will be chock full of insane situations and racy romps from WWE’s past that will have members of the WWE Universe asking, “Did they really do this?!” Springer will inject his own brand of humor into each episode with themes such as “Love Hurts,” “All in the Family” and “Weddings and Funerals.”
The half-hour series will be available beginning in April in WWE Network’s video-on-demand library with new episodes weekly.
“I suspect 25 years of The Jerry Springer Show qualifies me to comment on outrageous behavior,” said Springer. “And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun.”
LIVE! WITH CHRIS JERICHO – DEBUTS MONDAY, APRIL 6 WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CENA
Podcast host Chris Jericho challenges his guests in provocative, candid conversations about their careers, their lives, past controversies and the overall state of WWE. The monthly series kicks off Monday, April 6 immediately following Raw, with its first one-hour episode featuring WWE Superstar John Cena.
“I’m stoked to bring my show to WWE Network and give Jerichoholics worldwide more of what they’ve come to expect – humor, questions that have never been asked before and the best conversations that any podcast host has ever delivered,” said Jericho. “No matter who the guest is, whether it be WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends, executives or icons from the entertainment world, I guarantee to deliver the best, most entertaining interview you have ever heard from each and every one of them.”
UNFILTERED: WITH RENEE YOUNG – DEBUTS IN MAY
WWE announcer Renee Young interviews WWE Superstars and other pop-culture celebrities, covering just about everything, except what they are famous for. In this short-form series, Renee’s guests include Grammy Award winner Wiz Khalifa, five-time Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Unfiltered will debut in May.
CULTURE SHOCK: WITH COREY GRAVES – PREMIERING IN JUNE
WWE commentator Corey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food and people as WWE’s tour travels around the world. From Marvel comic headquarters to a tattoo shop on the lower east side of Manhattan, Graves examines the local culture with his unique perspective and style. This short-form series will premiere in June.
WWE THE LIST – COMING IN JUNE
WWE The List is the best, the worst, the most bizarre and interesting of everything and anything WWE. If it’s amazing, outrageous, sexy or just plain fun, it just made #TheList.
NEW EPISODES:
In addition to the eight new original series, WWE Network will also debut new episodes of the highly-acclaimed docu-series WWE 24 as well as WWE Countdown and Rivalries. WWE will also add more children’s programming by bringing back the popular 1980s animated series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling. In addition, WWE Network will produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content.
WWE 24
The acclaimed 30-minute docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE’s most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.
WWE COUNTDOWN
WWE Countdown settles the great debates across WWE history. Who was the most dangerous Diva? Who had the best catchphrase? This one-hour series allows the WWE Universe to determine the top 10 in each category and have the final word on who tops each list.
RIVALRIES
This docu-style series takes a look at the greatest rivalries in WWE history, as never told before. Get the real stories behind WWE’s most exciting matches and entertaining feuds through the eyes of the Superstars who created them. Each one-hour episode leaves no story untold.
HULK HOGAN’S ROCK ‘N’ WRESTLING
Harkening back to 1985, this Saturday morning cartoon, which originally aired on CBS, features Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Captain Lou Albano, and Roddy Piper in a series that is both nostalgic and entertaining, 30 years later.
SPECIALS:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. THE BIG SHOW: THE BIGGEST VS. THE BEST – PREMIERES MONDAY, APRIL 27
WWE Network will look back at this epic David vs. Goliath encounter at WrestleMania 24 (2008) and its shocking conclusion coming just in time for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing matches in history.
NXT TAKEOVER – LIVE! – AIRS MONTHLY ON WEDNESDAYS
The future is here. WWE’s hottest up-and-coming Superstars compete to prove they’ve got what it takes. More than just evolution, it’s a revolution! Witness these WWE Superstars of tomorrow as they take over WWE Network with live two-hour specials.
– New WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins made a brief appearance on NBC’s Today show this morning with Al Roker, Willie Geist and Tamron Hall. Rollins bragged about cashing in on WWE’s biggest event. He was asked if cashing in and winning that way was fair and said he cashed in fair & square, and that’s why he’s standing here on Today. Rollins talked more and was congratulated on his big win. He came off well and mentioned going back for RAW.
– Rob Van Dam was among those backstage for WrestleMania 31 last night.
– WWE’s website has a new poll asking fans who was their favorite WrestleMania 31 ring entrance – Sting, Bray Wyatt, Rusev, The Undertaker or Triple H. With over 13,000 votes, 35% voted for Triple H. Taker is next with 28%, Rusev has 18% and Sting has 13%.
– Chris Jericho tweeted the following reaction to WWE’s WrestleMania 31:
WOW!! Maybe best #Wrestlemania I’ve ever seen!! Main event was incredible, @WWEDanielBryan kicked ass & @RondaRousey & @TheRock were magic!
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) March 30, 2015
Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the SAP Center in San Jose, California with the fallout from WrestleMania 31. Tonight’s show will include appearances by new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, new WWE United States Champion John Cena and new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan.
We heard a few days back that Sting and The Undertaker were booked to be at tonight’s RAW but it’s unknown if they will be appearing live. Stars advertised include Rollins, Cena, Bryan, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Mark Henry Kane and Big Show.
WWE is focusing on the following points for tonight:
* What’s in store for the Seth Rollins era?
* What’s next for Roman Reigns?
* Will there be repercussions for Ronda Rousey and how will Stephanie McMahon respond?
* Who will challenge the new champions?
* Are Nikki Bella’s days as Divas Champion numbered?
Be sure to check back tonight as our very own BJack delivers live coverage of what is usually the most fun Raw of the year.
TNA Founder Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling promotion have announced three television taping days for July 24, August 21, and October 23. The tapings will take place at the Orleans Arena from Las Vegas, Nevada.
No television deal has been announced, but Jarrett recently revealed in an interview with Wrestling Inc that he is now free to negotiate with former partner Spike TV.
Jarrett announced his plans to start a promotion last year following WrestleMania, and has spent the year scouting talent and setting up television deals. In January, he promoted New Japan’s English-language PPV broadcast of Wrestle Kingdom 9.
The company has also formed working agreements with the likes of NJPW, AAA, as well as companies in Australia, South Africa, Germany, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Ireland.
