WWE
– WrestleMania 29 is still a year away, but according to F4WOnline, the planning for next year’s top show is already well underway. While things certainly can (and likely will) change in the next year, the current lineup for next year’s WrestleMania is looking like Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. CM Punk and The Undertaker vs. Jonh Cena.
Regarding the Undertaker vs. Cena match, WWE.com has a video up with several superstars talking about the Hell in a Cell match from WrestleMania 28 and how it was truly the “end of an era.” Cena said this about the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak:
“I know he holds the streak near and dear but I don’t see any reason for him to try for 21st. After seeing the last four matches he’s had at WrestleMania, I am certainly not involved with throwing my name in that hat.”
– On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Gus Ramsey wrote on Twitter that he heard the preliminary buyrate for WWE WrestleMania 28 came in at 1.9 million buys, which would make it the most profitable WrestleMania event by a longshot. Ramsey has posted several follow-up tweets regarding the WrestleMania 28 buyrate:
“I trust who I heard it from, but again no confirmation.”
“just something I heard. I’m not a reporter. Just a guy who likes wrestling and knows some people. Could very well be wrong”
“Re: WM28 buy rate. 1- I work at espn, not a reporter. Not the same thing. 2- I heard the number but have no confirmation.”
“haven’t seen anything in writing. so maybe the # is wrong, or I misheard it, but pretty sure that was the # + WWE very happy”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Calling Hell In A Cell at WrestleMania: “Calling the epic, memorable HIAC match was one of my career highlights. I’ve been blessed to be a part of many WrestleMania events but WM28 will always hold a special place in my heart.
Broadcasting with Michael Cole and The King was great. I thought both guys really had a stellar night. I sincerely appreciated Michael Cole’s handshake welcoming me to the announce table. Very classy.
Its hard to name a more physical, compelling bout than HIAC as HHH and Undertaker brought amazing physicality and immense passion. They beat the heck out of each other and took us all on an unforgettable ride. A truly awesome performance. Shawn Micahels contributions to the bout were huge. HBK is so gifted in any role he’s in and Sunday was no exception. It was the best, guest ref work I can ever recall.”
Brock Lesnar’s Return To WWE: “Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE is significant to say the least. I’m excited to see where the future takes the former WWE & UFC Champion. In mere minutes, Lesnar became a force to be dealt with in WWE. Interesting days certainly lie a head for the F5 machine.”
Developmental Talent Getting Called Up: “I covet my time in WWE’s developmental program. Been here all week. Working with the enthusiastic, talented young athletes is so rewarding. Great things are on going on Dale Mabry in Tampa. Tonight is the FCW TV taping and I can’t wait. Several FCW talents are either being introduced or on the cusp of such on a WWE roster. Expect to see several new personas in the coming weeks on RAW & Smackdown. Congrats to all who’ve earned an opportunity.”
NHL
– Maple Leafs’ F Joffrey Lupul (separated shoulder) skated for the first time Thursday since suffering the injury on March 6, but will not return in either of Toronto’s last two regular-season contests. “My conditioning was a little bit off but otherwise my shoulder felt pretty strong. I basically just wanted to test it, just to see how things felt. This is the first time that I’ve injured my shoulder so I wasn’t sure how it would respond or how long it would take. It was a little sore but I think that’s to be expected.” Lupul recorded 25 goals and 42 assists in 66 games this season.
MLB
– Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo said Thursday that interest in LHP John Lannan has only been “mild.” Lannan posted a 3.70 ERA in 184 2/3 innings last year, but struggled with a 1.46 WHIP and 106/76 K/BB ratio. He’s owed $5M in 2012, a total the Nats would need to eat the majority of in order to move him.
– Nationals’ RHP Drew Storen (sore elbow) is expected to begin facing live hitters in the next 7-10 days. The 24-year-old will begin a minor league rehab assignment after that, and should be ready to join the bullpen in late April.
TNA
– TNA and SpikeTV issued the following press release today, announcing a contract renewal that will keep TNA’s flagship Impact Wrestling show on Spike for years to come. According to a TNA source, the contract extension is for 2 years.