Tag: WrestleMania 35

WWE Announces Several WrestleMania 35 Week Events For The New York & New Jersey Area

WWE is officially kicking off WrestleMania 35 Week in the New York and New Jersey area today.

They issued the following announcement to us with details on events planned for the next 7 days, including WWE NXT “Takeover: New York”, the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony and WrestleMania 35. Stay tuned for coverage from all WrestleMania Week events here on the site.

WRESTLEMANIA® WEEK TAKES OVER NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEYSTAMFORD, Conn., April 2, 2019 – Fans from around the world will descend upon the New York and New Jersey region for a week-long lineup of festivities in celebration of WrestleMania, taking place in front of a capacity crowd at MetLife Stadium and streaming live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT on Sunday, April 7. WWE® will also host more than a dozen community outreach events designed to give back to the local region. WrestleManiaWeek begins today and includes the following events:

* New York Yankees Batting Practice – Today, April 2, Yankee Stadium
WWE Superstars Braun Strowman®, Natalya® and Titus O’Neil® visit Yankee Stadium to interact with players and take part in batting practice prior to their game vs. the Detroit Tigers.

* Hackensack Children’s Hospital and Brooklyn Children’s Hospital Visits – Tomorrow, April 3
WWE Superstars EC3™, Lacey Evans™ and Ember Moon™ and NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano™ will visit the Hackensack Children’s Hospital while WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks® and Bayley®, and NXT Superstars Steve Cutler™, Wesley Blake™ and Jaxson Ryker™ will visit the Brooklyn Children’s Hospital. At each visit, Superstars will spend time with children and their families, provide gifts, participate in arts and crafts, take pictures and sign autographs.

* Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game – Tomorrow, April 3, Patterson Boys & Girls Club
WWE, an international partner of Special Olympics, is hosting a Unified Basketball Game at the Patterson Boys & Girls Club. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics athletes and their Unified partners will participate in the game as WWE Superstars Big Show® and Ricochet™, NXT Superstar Kacy Catanzaro™ and WWE Ambassador Dana Warrior serve as honorary coaches. WWE Announcer Renee Young™ will host the event.

* WrestleMania Axxess – Thursday, April 4 through Monday, April 8, Brooklyn Pier 12
WrestleMania Axxess is the ultimate fan experience. This year’s WrestleMania Axxess will take place from Thursday, April 4 through Monday, April 8 at Brooklyn Pier 12. Fans will have unprecedented access to meet their favorite WWE Superstars and Legends through a host of interactive fan experiences, including autograph signings and live matches.

* Susan G. Komen Zumba Class – Thursday, April 4, Newport Centre Mall
WWE Superstars Carmella®, Titus O’Neil and Mojo Rawley™ and WWE Ambassador Dana Warrior will lead a Zumba class at Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City to raise awareness and funds to support Susan G. Komen’s mission of investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

* New York Jets Uniform Reveal – Thursday, April 4, Gotham Hall
WWE Superstars Nia Jax®, Braun Strowman and Dana Brooke™ will be special guests at the New York Jets uniform reveal where they will walk the green carpet and meet with players at Gotham Hall.

* Connor’s Cure Kid Superstar Reveal – Friday, April 5, Hard Rock Café
WWE will host pediatric patients from Hackensack Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital at Montefiore for a Kid Superstar reveal at the Hard Rock Cafe. Co-hosted by WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Announcer Renee Young™, patients will unveil their WWE Superstar personas with their own ring gear and entrance music. WWE Superstars Roman Reigns®, Daniel Bryan®, Elias™ and Nia Jax, WWE Ambassador Dana Warrior and former NFL player Devon Still, will be on hand to lend support. The event will also include a special performance from O.A.R.

* New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Closing Bell – Friday, April 5
WWE Superstars Charlotte Flair®, Rey Mysterio® and Titus O’Neil will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

* Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony – Friday, April 5, Empire State Building
WWE Superstars Daniel Bryan, Becky Lynch® and Bobby Lashley™ will participate in the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building. Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, “The World’s Most Famous Building” will be lit up in red and gold colors to celebrate WrestleMania.

* Superstars for Hope – Friday, April 5, Aspire, One World Observatory
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair® and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns, The Bella Twins®, Seth Rollins® and more will walk the red carpet at ASPIRE, One World Observatory, prior the Superstars for Hope reception. WWE’s Superstars for Hope campaign also features a global online auction at Charitybuzz.com, featuring unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

* NXT TakeOver – Friday, April 5, Barclays Center
Emanating from Barclays Center, NXT TakeOver will stream live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET. In the aftermath of Tommaso Ciampa having to relinquish his NXT Championship, Johnny Gargano will take on Adam Cole™ in a 2-out-of 3 Falls Match to determine the new NXTChampion; NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler™ will face off against Kairi Sane™, lo Shirai™ and Bianca Belair™ in a Fatal 4-way Match; NXT North American Champion Velveteen Dream faces Matt Riddle; Pete Dunne defends his UK Championship against WALTER; and The War Raiders compete against Ricochet and Aleister Black for the NXT Tag Team Championship.

* Make-A-Wish Circle of Champions – Saturday, April 6, National Geographic Encounter
Make-A-Wish and WWE will host 30 Wish kids and their families at the National Geographic Encounter. WWE Superstars Finn Bálor®, Sasha Banks, Bayley and Sin Cara® will meet with the Wish kids and walk through the Ocean Odyssey interactive encounter. WWE Ring Announcer Greg Hamilton will host the event.

* Girl Up Leadership Summit – Saturday, April 6, USTA National Tennis Center
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, Co-Executive Director of Girl Up Anna Blue, along with WWE Superstars, will speak to local high school girls about the power of sports and discuss how to eliminate biases. Last October, Girl Up and WWE announced a multi-year partnership to support the creation of Sports For a Purpose, which will create a culture of sports participation for girls around the world. The program equips Girl Up leaders with tools and resources so they can help tackle the gender-based barriers girls face to playing sports, including access to safe play spaces and sports equipment.

* WWE Day at New York Mets Game – Saturday, April 6, Citi Field
WWE Superstars Curt Hawkins®, Mickie James® and Drew McIntyre®, and WWE Announcer Corey Graves will visit Citi Field for the New York Mets vs Washington Nationals game to sign autographs and meet with fans.

* WWE 2019 Hall of Fame Ceremony Red Carpet – Saturday, April 6, Barclays Center
Maria Menounos hosts the most glamorous event on the WWE calendar. WWE Superstars and Legends, and a host of celebrities, walk the red carpet live on WWE Network at 6 pm ET.

* WWE 2019 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Saturday, April 6, Barclays Center
DX®, Torrie Wilson™, Brutus Beefcake™, The Hart Foundation™, Harlem Heat™ and The Honky Tonk Man™ will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at Barclays Center and live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET. In addition, Sue Aitchison, a 30-year veteran of WWE’s corporate office who is widely credited with spearheading WWE’s community outreach programs, will receive the fifth annual Warrior Award. The WWE Hall of Fame recognizes the most-celebrated Superstars in WWE history, while The Warrior Award is presented each year to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior®.

* WrestleMania – Sunday, April 7, MetLife Stadium
A capacity crowd will descend upon MetLife Stadium for WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania, streaming live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET and hosted by WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss. The WrestleMania Kickoff Show will stream live from 5-7 pm ET on WWE Network, WWE.com, WWE App and WWE’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages. USA Network will also air the second hour of the pre-show live from 6-7 pm ET.

WrestleMania features Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey® vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch in a “Winner Takes All” Match during the first-ever women’s main event at WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza; WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar™ taking on 2019 Royal Rumble winner Seth Rollins; Daniel Bryan defending his WWE Championship vs. Kofi Kingston®; Triple H® putting his in-ring career on the line in a No Holds Barred Match against Batista; Shane McMahon® vs. The Miz® in a Falls Count Anywhere Match; AJ Styles® taking on Randy Orton®; Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre; Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Finn Bálor; Sasha Banks and Bayley defending their Women’s Tag Team titles in a Fatal 4-Way Match vs. Natalya and Beth Phoenix® vs. Nia Jax and Tamina® vs. The IIconics; Samoa Joe™ defending his United States Championship against Rey Mysterio; Kurt Angle™ capping off his Hall of Fame career in a Farewell Match against Baron Corbin®; WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy™ defending his title against Tony Nese™; the Andre the Giant™ Memorial Battle Royal featuring Michael Che and Colin Jost of SNL fame; WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal Match.

* Be a STAR® Bullying Prevention Rally – Monday, April 8, Brooklyn Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club
WWE Ambassador Dana Warrior, WWE Announcer Dasha Fuentes and WWE Superstars Ali, Shelton Benjamin®, Billie Kay™ and Peyton Royce™ will be joined by This is Us star Chrissy Metz to speak about the importance of bullying prevention to members of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club. In 2016, WWE and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched a multi-year partnership focusing on youth development and bullying prevention efforts around Be a STAR, WWE’s bullying prevention initiative.

* Hire Heroes USA Veteran Transition Event – Monday, April 8, Men’s Wearhouse and WWE New York City Office
WWE Superstars Lacey Evans and Titus O’Neil will guide veterans on a shopping spree at Men’s Wearhouse to assure they are ready for upcoming job interviews. Following the shopping spree, the veterans will visit WWE’s New York City office to meet with Hire Heroes USA and WWE staff to receive career coaching advice, participate in mock interviews and take professional headshots.

* Monday Night Raw® – Monday, April 8, Barclays Center
Monday Night Raw emanates live from Barclays Center at 8/7C on USA Network with the fallout from WrestleMania. The night after WrestleMania has become one of the most-anticipated events of the year and has never been short on surprises.

* UNICEF Kid Power Challenge – Tuesday, April 9, P.S. 212 Jackson Heights
WWE Superstars Carmella and R-Truth® bring Kid Power to P.S. 212 in Jackson Heights, Queens. UNICEF Kid Power is a program of UNICEF USA that gives kids the power to save lives by connecting their everyday activity to real-world impact. During the event, kids will join the Superstars in hands-on-experiences that get kids physically active.

* SmackDown Live® – Tuesday, April 9, Barclays Center
WWE caps off five consecutive nights of events in the New York area as SmackDown Live emanates from the Barclays Center at 8/7C on USA Network.

“The Demon” Is Coming For Lashley At WrestleMania 35

Last night on RAW, Finn Balor revealed that he is bringing his alter ego “The Demon” to WrestleMania 35 to face Bobby Lashley for the Intercontinental championship.

There had been speculation as to whether or not Balor would bring out the rarely-seen demon to face Lashley at WrestleMania. Now it has been confirmed.

WrestleMania 35 Main Event – “Winner Takes All”, What Happen With Becky, Ronda & Charlotte On RAW?

Last night on RAW, Stephanie McMahon announced that the first-ever WrestleMania women’s main event triple threat match will now be Winner Takes All with both the RAW Women’s Championship and SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line. RAW women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

Stephanie said, “That’s right, one woman will bring home all the gold the grandest stage of them all. Because this Sunday at WrestleMania, three of the WWE’s greatest athletes will step foot in that ring. They will put their bodies on the line and leave their hearts and souls on the mat because this Sunday at WrestleMania, it’s WINNER. TAKES. ALL.”

 

Last night on RAW, Becky, Ronda and Charlotte had to team up against The Riott Squad with the stipulation that if one of them betrays the others in the match they would be removed from the WrestleMania main event match. Ronda picked up the win for them by submitting Liv Morgan with an armbar. As soon as bell rang, a huge brawl broke out. Police officers came out to the ring to stop Ronda, Becky and Charlotte, but the three wasn’t willing to stop. The three ended up fighting with the officers resulting in all three of them being arrested. Evan after being handcuffed they keept on fighting each other and the officers. They were placed into police cars with Ronda and Becky placed in the same car. They fought and kicked out the window. Becky was pulled out of one car but then she brawled with Charlotte, their hands still cuffed behind their backs. Ronda manages to get behind the wheel of one of the squad cars. She drove it into the back of another car. The police finally calmed things down somewhat as two cars are driven away with the sirens on, Ronda in back of one and Becky in the back of another. Charlotte was still resisting as they all watch the police drive away with Ronda and Becky in separate cars.

 

WWE announced a storyline update on Becky, Ronda and Charlotte:

Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair released from custody

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch have all been released from police custody of their own recognizance and will appear in court at a later date.

Stay with WWE’s digital platforms as this story develops.

Stephanie McMahon To Make WrestleMania 35 Main Event Announcement On Tonight’s WWE RAW

WWE has just confirmed that Stephanie McMahon will be on tonight’s RAW to make an announcement on the WrestleMania 35 main event between new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

As noted, there’s been talk on Flair also putting her title on the line in the main event, or some sort of “Winner Takes All” stipulation being added. This is likely what Stephanie will be announcing on tonight’s WrestleMania 35 go-home show.

Below is WWE’s announcement on Stephanie’s appearance:

Breaking News: Stephanie McMahon to make an announcement regarding the WrestleMania main event tonight

Stephanie McMahon will appear on the final Raw before WrestleMania 35 with an announcement pertaining to WrestleMania’s first-ever women’s main event, featuring Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending her title against new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat Match.

The historic match has undergone incredible shifts in recent weeks, with Mr. McMahon inserting The Queen as his hand-picked challenger to The Rowdy One’s throne, The Man having to fight tooth-and-nail to cling to the opportunity she earned in the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and, this past Tuesday night, Flair capturing the SmackDown Women’s Title.

What news will Stephanie deliver, and how might it further alter the landscape of one of the most anticipated main events in WrestleMania history? Find out when Raw airs live tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network.

Backstage News On John Cena’s WrestleMania Match Being Kept Secret, Lars Sullivan Involved?

Earlier this week it was reported John Cena signed a deal to work a match at WrestleMania, but it’s not expected to be against Kurt Angle. On this morning’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported Cena’s match is being kept very quiet.

“The Cena match is being kept secret,” Meltzer said. “I mean even people who know everything don’t know that one. I mean people internal, internal do know, but I don’t know who it is. It’s not Kurt, for sure. He’s got nothing to do with the Kurt match. Kurt is wrestling Baron Corbin, unless there’s another guy who’s coming in that we don’t know that’s what it’s gonna be.”

Also on this morning’s show, Meltzer was asked if Cena’s opponent could be Lars Sullivan, who was originally considered to be Cena’s opponent before an anxiety attack kept Sullivan from starting up on the main roster. Earlier this month it was reported he’s currently in a “good place.”

It’s unknown if Sullivan will be a potential opponent, but he could show up post-match.

“I don’t think they’re gonna do a match with Lars, but I wouldn’t be surprised if John Cena beats somebody and Lars shows up and destroys him,” Meltzer said. “I mean, it’s possible. It may be a little early for Lars, but just the way Triple H talked when he was asked about Lars and other things I’ve heard. Lars, I’m thinking is coming back fairly soon. I don’t know that’s 100 percent, but it’s certainly leaning in that direction. I can say for sure it’s leaning that direction and Triple H kinda sorta hinted that, as well.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On John Cena At WrestleMania 35

Although the WrestleMania 35 card has continued filling out throughout the week, one of WWE’s biggest names, John Cena, has yet to be mentioned on WWE TV regarding this year’s “Show of Shows”.

During the past couple of months, there has been speculation on who Cena will ultimately be competing against at this year’s WrestleMania. WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe was an early favorite for one of Cena’s opponents, especially after a series of promos delivered by Joe hinted that it may be the direction WWE creative was taking. Of course, Samoa Joe will be defending his U.S. Title against Rey Mysterio at ‘Mania.

People have also speculated that Cena will eventually take Baron Corbin’s place and become Kurt Angle’s opponent in what is being billed as the Olympic gold medalist’s final match with WWE. Cena continues posting photos on his Instagram account that poke fun at the situation with Corbin, and bring attention to the fact that Angle was Cena’s vert first opponent in WWE.

F4WOnline is now reporting that there is a deal on the table that Cena is expected to sign for WrestleMania; however, they noted that his opponent is not Kurt Angle.

We’ll keep you updated on further developments as we head in to this year’s WrestleMania.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Announces Grammy Award-winning Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams Will Sing “America the Beautiful” At WrestleMania 35

WWE has announced that Grammy Award-winning Gospel singer Yolanda Adams will be singing “America the Beautiful” to kick off the main card of WrestleMania 35.

Adams is the third musical performance announced for the biggest show of the year. Rocker Joan Jett will perform the “Bad Reputation” theme song for RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey during her entrance in the main event. They also announced that Elias will be the featured musical guest.

Below is WWE’s announcement on the performance along with Adams’ Instagram video:

Yolanda Adams to perform “America the Beautiful” at WrestleManiaWWE has announced that Grammy Award-winning Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, will perform “America the Beautiful,” kicking off WrestleMania 35 on Sunday, April 7, at MetLife Stadium and streaming live around the world on WWE Network at 7 ET/4 PT.

Known as the “First Lady of Modern Gospel,” the Houston native has sold over 12 million albums worldwide and was the host of “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show.” She has won five Grammy Awards, 16 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, four Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards, one American Music Award, seven NAACP Image Awards, one Soul Train Music Award, and five BET Awards. Additionally, Adams was named by Billboard as the No. 1 Gospel Artist of the last decade.

Tune in to see Yolanda Adams perform at WrestleMania on Sunday, April 7, streaming live on WWE Network at 7 ET/4 PT.

Possible Stipulation To Be Added To Women’s Triple Threat WrestleMania Match?

On this week’s SmackDown, Charlotte defeated Asuka to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion, adding a new wrinkle to the upcoming triple threat match at WrestleMania 35 involving Becky Lynch and WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey. Shortly after her win, WWE initially confirmed the triple threat match would still be only for the RAW title, but that could be changing.

On this morning’s Wrestler Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported the match could have a “Winner Take All” or “All On The Line” stipulation added to it, hearing two different names for the stipulation.

The basic idea would be if anyone pins another champion, they would become champion. If Lynch pinned either Rousey or Charlotte, she would become that brand’s champion. If Charlotte or Rousey pinned one another, they would become a dual champion.

The report pointed out things could easily change from today’s plan, and if anything is announced it would mostly likely be on Monday’s RAW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Announces Four Big WWE Network Specials And More Tapings For WrestleMania 35 Axxess

Triple H has announced that WrestleMania 35 Axxess will feature another Worlds Collide theme with male and female Superstars from WWE NXT, NXT UK, RAW, SmackDown and 205 Live doing battle at each session. The matches will air over four WWE Network specials. There will also be three NXT UK TV episodes taped at Axxess.

Themes for the WWE Network specials are NXT vs. NXT Alumni, Cruiserweights Collide, Brands Battle and Women Collide.

Below is the full announcement on the tapings with matches confirmed, plus Triple H’s tweet:

NXT Superstars vs. NXT Alumni, Cruiserweights Collide and more at WrestleManiaAxxess’ Worlds Collide eventsWrestleMania Axxess, WWE’s biggest fan gathering of the year in sports-entertainment, just got even bigger with the addition of new Worlds Collide events!

This year’s Axxess — which runs Thursday, April 4, through Monday, April 8, at Brooklyn Pier 12 in Brooklyn, N.Y. — will feature unique, never-before-seen Worlds Collide matchups involving Superstars from NXT, NXT UK, 205 Live, Raw and SmackDown LIVE. Axxess will be your only chance to see these matches before they air on WWE Network. In addition, three sets of NXT UK tapings will take place at Axxess.

Check out the schedule of events below and be sure to secure your Axxess ticket today by going to Ticketmaster.com.

NXT vs. NXT Alumni
Thursday, April 4 (6-10 p.m.)
The past meets the present as former NXT Superstars battle current Superstars from the black-and-gold brand. The matches will include Roderick Strong vs. Tyler Breeze, Dominik Dijkaovic vs. Harper, SAnitY vs. Undisputed ERA, and Kassius Ohno vs. Aiden English.

Cruiserweights Collide
Friday, April 5 – Sessions 1 and 2 
Cruiserweights from 205 Live, NXT UK and NXT will soar to new heights in inter-brand bouts on Friday’s Axxess sessions. Featured matches will include Tyler Bate vs. The Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa vs. Jordan Devlin, Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews vs. Ariya Daivari & Mike Kanellis, and Albert Hardie Jr. vs. Gran Metalik. Session 1 runs 1-5 p.m., and Session 2 runs 6-10 p.m.

NXT UK Tapings
Saturday, April 6 – Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Each of Saturday’s three Axxess sessions will feature an NXT UK TV taping for future airing on the award-winning WWE Network. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to watch the United Kingdom’s best and brightest Superstars competing stateside. Session 1 runs 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Session 2 runs 1-5 p.m. and Session 3 runs 6-10 p.m.

Brands Battle
Sunday, April 7 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Two 20-Superstar Battle Royals — one for male Superstars and one for female Superstars — will take place the morning of WrestleMania. Both Battle Royals will feature Superstars from NXT and NXT UK, and the Men’s Battle Royal will additionally feature Superstars from 205 Live.

Women Collide
Monday, April 8 (12-4 p.m.)
One day after female Superstars main-event WrestleMania for the first time in history, the WWE Women’s Evolution continues to take center stage at Axxess. Watch top female Superstars from NXT, NXT UK, Raw and SmackDown LIVE collide, with matches including Io Shirai vs. Sonya Deville, Toni Storm vs. Nikki Cross vs. Bianca Belair, Piper Niven vs. Zelina Vega, Candice LeRae vs. Kay Lee Ray and more!

Don’t wait to secure your seat at these events. Tickets for WrestleMania Axxess are available now at Ticketmaster.com!

*Talent listed and depicted above are subject to change.

“Superstar” Billy Graham Says Kofi Kingston Going To WrestleMania Is A “Joke”

As noted last night on SmackDown Live, New Day members Xavier Woods & Big E won a gauntlet match to earn Kofi Kingston a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 35 against Daniel Bryan. After the match, Kofi celebrated with his teammates and a good chunk of the SmackDown roster surrounded the ring to cheer on Kingston’s accomplishment.

One individual who does not have “Kofimania” is WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham who posted on his Facebook about Kingston getting a title shot. Graham was not thrilled about a “145 pound WWE Champion” and called the whole thing a “joke.” Below is his full post.

Is The WWE Serious???I turned on my computer today and went to the wrestling news sites and what did I see? Kofi Kingston vs Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at mania. Talk is Vince is going to put that WWE belt on Kofi Kingston…. S—…..You…not me, will have a 145 pound WWE champion. This must of been an idea by the new Sr. Creative Lady Dana Warrior? Meltzer says she has been promoted to an extremely high position on the creative team and attends meeting that only Vince, H and Step are in…damn…how did she get so smart???

My friend Hannibal has been monitoring the Monday Night RAW steady decline in TV viewership. Well Hannibal, it dropped again last night in Boston, Monday, March 25th. Steady decline in TV viewership. I predict that this years mania will be so bad that next year, 2020, will not come close to selling out. The thrill is gone. Is anyone out there really excited to see these 2 light weights wrestle for the WWE Championship ? Oh, one more thing. I would love to see Kofi at 145 pounds put his newly won WWE belt on the line against Brock Lesner, great logistics, 1 man being out-weighed by a good 135 pounds, a total joke this thing is. – S.B.G.