Live coverage of the WWE Wrestlemania 29 press conference at Radio City Music Hall will begin shortly at 1:00 p.m. Eastern (Noon Central).
Michael Cole kicked off the press conference around 1:15 p.m. ET. Cole said over 75,000 fans will be in attendance for Wrestlemania 29 this Sunday at Metlife Stadium. He noted celebrities that will be performing at the event including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Living Colour. Cole plugged the “Superstars for Sandy Relief” event hosted by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Sean “Diddy” Combs. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will also be involved.
Fandango came out first to cut off Cole. He grabbed a mic and introduced himself to the press in attendance. Fandango then immediately left the stage as Cole looked on confused. Cole plugged Fandango’s debut this Sunday at Wrestlemania against Chris Jericho.
John Saboor, SVP of Special Events for WWE, is out next. He talks about the excitement of WWE being back in the New York and New Jersey area. Saboor thanks the local organizing committee. He adds that Wrestlemania is a week long event including Axxess and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Saboor said in the last five years, Wrestlemania has created over $300 million in economic impact.
Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE, is then introduced. McMahon called being back here a dream come true. He looked back at the first Wrestlemania and coining the phrase “sports entertainment” at that event combining the world of sports athletes and entertainers. McMahon calls Wrestlemania a hybrid of sports and entertainment that can only be found in WWE. He calls Wrestlemania a “thrill ride” on Pay Per View this Sunday.
Ricardo Rodriguez is out next to introduce WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio thanks the media for coming out today. He said this Sunday marks the first time a wrestler born and raised in Mexico will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania. Del Rio said it will be an amazing night now that all the jokes and talking is over. He promises to break the pride and spirit of Jack Swagger. Del Rio then speaks to his friends in the Latin media.
George Fertitta of NYC and Company is introduced. He talked about Wrestlemania’s economic impact on the city of New York. Fertitta said they were thrilled to welcome Wrestlemania 29 this year. Members of the New York Giants are shown in the front row.
Triple H is introduced by Michael Cole. He promises that Brock Lesnar will learn the lesson of a life time. Stephanie McMahon comes out to cut him off. She said he needs to have his “business hat” on right now. Triple H smiles and apologizes. She asks him if he wants to slap around Fandango to blow off some steam. Stephanie said back in 1925 her great grandfather began promoting events in New York to be taken over later by her grandfather. She talked about the growth of the company under her father including the first ever Wrestlemania that drew a sold out crowd of 20,000 people and how they have grown to Metlife Stadium with over 75,000. Stephanie said social media ambassadors for Wrestlemania will reach 50 to 60 million people on Sunday. She added the first Wrestlemania was on closed circuit and has grown to Pay Per View, streaming online and through various apps. It was announced John Cena will host around 40 Make-A-Wish Foundation children during Wrestlemania. Stephanie plugged the use of social media to reach out to fans and the use of both pre-show and post-show events online.
Mark Henry is out next. He talks about appreciating the fans and talks about spending time with WWE the last 17 years. Henry talks about the huge stage that is Wrestlemania and that Ryback is in a lot of trouble. He sounded a bit emotional talking about the event this Sunday.
CEO of New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Wayne Hasenbalg is introduced. Hasenbalg talks about how hard they have been working and what a great partner WWE is. He talked about the company also stepping up when Hurricane Sandy hit. Hasenbalg said other companies should aspire to follow the model of WWE. He talked about the buzz of Wrestlemania and how excited they are for the show at Metlife Stadium.
CM Punk is out next. He said Wrestlemania is about legends and for over 20 years The Undertaker has been a legend. Punk said to him legends just like streaks and records are meant to be broken. He said on Sunday night, his match with The Undertaker is what everyone will be talking about on Monday morning and will go down as a legendary Wrestlemania match. Punk said he will not only break Undertaker’s streak he will also break Undertaker.
WWE Champion The Rock is next introduced. He shows off the WWE Championship belt for the media in attendance. Rock talked about the big Wrestlemania marquee above Radio City Music Hall and making his debut for WWE at Madison Square Garden. He said since then over the last 15 years a lot has happened in his career. Rock said for everything to come full circle in the New York/New Jersey and perform at Metlife Stadium as WWE Champion is an honor. He talked about the lineage of wrestling in his family. Rock talked about giving back to the business and why he owes everything to it. He said on a personal level, he knows what this event means to the McMahon family and his family. Rock said he can chase Vin Diesel down in movies, “but nothing really compares to kicking John Cena’s candy ass.” He said the best part about this Sunday is that in order to “electrify”, you need a partner and an opponent. Rock said despite the real difference, no one is better than John Cena as an opponent for him and “no one even comes close.” Rock talked about doing it last year in Miami and how he looks forward to this Sunday.
John Cena is out next. He described the press conference today and how WWE likes to do things “a little over the top.” Cena said he watched last year’s Wrestlemania in Miami and feels they have the ability to eclipse it. He speaks to his French friends and Chinese friends jokingly. Cena said they are truly exciting to be in the center of entertainment in the New York and New Jersey area. He said they have a great product, a show everyone will enjoy and if he has any predictions for this Sunday. Cena predicts surprises, magic moments and for all to be entertained. He thanks the media and Michael Cole brings The Rock back out for a photo stare down. Rock and Cena have a stare down as media takes photos.
The rest of the WWE crew hits the stage to take additional photos for the media. Vince McMahon raises the arms of both The Rock and John Cena to close the press conference.
Thanks for joining us for live coverage here on Wrestleview.com.