FIVE TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER SINGS AT WRESTLEMANIA XXIV

American R&B singer, songwriter, pianist and five time grammy award winner John Legend is scheduled to perform "America The Beautiful" at WrestleMania XXIV. This annoucement was revealed on the February 29, 2008 edition of WWE's Friday Night SMACKDOWN. John Legend joins the likes of performers Ray Charles, Michelle Williams, Aretha Franklin, Ashanti and others to sing at "The Grandday Of Them All". For more on John Legend visit http://www.johnlegend.com/.

WWE DIVA POSES FOR PLAYBOY IN TIME FOR MANIA!

Around Wrestlemania one WWE diva is chosen to pose in one of the hottest mens magazine in decades. The diva to grace the cover is this year is none other than Santino Marella "girlfriend" and WWE's RAW diva Maria. The cover has been leaked online so I say why not show it off!

Courtesy Playboy

WWE Diva Maria Kanellis is the latest Diva to grace the pages of Playboy. She joins the likes of Candice Michelle, Torrie Wilson, and Ashley Massaro as WWE Divas who have previously posed for the magazine. Here’s a preview from Playboy: “The WWE’s sexiest star has moved from innocent reporter to mistress of the mat. Now her pesky tights are peeled off in a slamming pictorial.” Maria’s Playboy will be released a week from tomorrow (March 7, 2008).

WRESTLEMANIA 24 TIPS

Courtesy WWE/NITRO PRODUCTIONS

After going to Wrestlemania for two years you will need a plan. First thing is to get plenty of rest if you are flying to the event for the weekend. If you are a ultimate wrestling fan you should arrive at the airport with a WWE wrestling belt on your shoulders and walk to your plane. You will receive a lot of looks in the terminal. When you land be sure to check out the airports souvenir, you may want to buy a t-shirt. The weekend of mania should be a good one especially on Saturday so if you have free time go and enjoy the city and check out the sights and sounds of it. The evening of Saturday should be on every WWE fan itinerary and that is the WWE Hall Of Fame Ceremony. Before you pay your support to a WWE hall of famer please make sure you are dressed in business attire. In my last post there's a example in what to wear. Maybe you will be on TV like me. When you arrive at the event the staff will give you a program. Remember to stay for the whole event and visit the t-shirt stand and buy the official WWE 2008 Hall Of Fame t-shirt. After the event and once you file out of the venue the staff will give you a souvenir Hall Of Fame coin you don't want to be left out without these items or you will be buying them on eBay. On the morning of Sunday If you have tickets to WWE's other traditional event Bacon, Bagels and Biceps you should go! I've never been but I hear you will get fed with breakfast, get free not sold on wwe.com and stores goodies, and most of all you can ask the WWE superstars questions! The downfall for this event is that this event is NOT a autograph session. If you want autographs you need to attend the WWE Mid-Day Madness event, that’s if you can find it. By the way if you are attending this event come very early and take your patience because the lines will be long. If you want proof the video is below:

Finally, going to Wrestlemania should be fun so there will be a lot of fans there even in the morning. Traffic at the venue or stadium will be very thick so my advices get there at lease 4 hours before the event. While you are waiting for the doors open walk around the venue, meet some fans and oh yeah you might see some WWE cameras outside getting video or interviews for the DVD or wwe.com so if you see them try getting on camera. Caution do not buy any ticket from ticket scalpers nor anyone that is not a WWE staff selling fake or knockoff t-shirts because the t-shirts are low quality and won’t last long. Every WWE product has the "WWE Authentic" logo on it so look for it. When the doors are open head to the souvenir stand because during the event the stand will have a line and you don't want to miss any of the action. The things to get is an event t-shirt, program and of course something to eat. When you arrive at your seat start taking pictures of the venue, set, ring and any other things you might want to capture. Caution, there will be pyro throughout the show so wear ear plugs if you are sound sensitive but it makes great pictures! Speaking of pictures take as many of them if possible, you might want to buy a digital camera with a lot of memory. When the show is over if you are sitting in the first dozen rows of the ring you will be able to take your WWE souvenir chair home with you so stay there and a event staff will help you retrieve your chair. The picture below shows how your chair will look like.

Some people will sell their chairs like this one on eBay after the event and some chairs on the site could range up to $600.oo dollars so if you want sell it do it but for me I would not sell it. My first Wrestlemania was three years ago in Chicago so I kept my chair and never sold it.

Finally, since the traffic is going to be very heavy going home find a sports bar or restaurant to chill until you feel traffic has died down a bit then go to your hotel. The Wrestlemania weekend should be a memorable weekend and the best one of your life so stay safe as always. Note: when you get home brag to your friends...they will hate you. Enjoy Wrestlemania and stay safe.

WWE HALL OF FAME 2008

Courtesy WWE

The night before the WWE superstars compete on the biggest stage in their careers at Florida Citrus Bowl on Sunday another tradition takes place.
The WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is an elegant, emotional, star-studded event that recognizes the in-ring achievements of the inductees and offers historical insights into this century-old sports-entertainment attraction.
Past WWE Hall of Fame Inductees have included Hulk Hogan, Gov. Jesse Ventura, Andre the Giant, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Jim Ross, Sgt. Slaughter, The Fabulous Moolah and "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart.

Last year yours truley was apart of this event in Detroit(although I did not attend the 2006 one in Chicago) but the experience was amazing. If you are attending Wrestlemania this event should be on your itinerary. Look at the some of the pictures below of last year's event I took!




At this event WWE cameras caught me in the act (thanks to Stew). I got the screen captures below. If you buy the WWE Wrestlemania 23 Ultimate DVD Collection and on disc 3 you can see me on it when Jim Ross was inducted.




More Information on the WWE Hall Of Fame 2008

Inductees: Ric Flair, Rocky Johnson, High Chief Peter Maivia, Mae Young, The Brisco Brothers, Jack and Jerry Eddie Graham and Gordon Solie.

Here's what you need to know:
What: The 2008 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
When: Saturday, March 30, 2008 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: The Amway Arena - 600 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Fla.
Tickets: Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 1 at 10 a.m. ET. They can be purchased at the Amway Arena Box Office, all Florida Ticketmaster locations (including FYE stores) and on Ticketmaster.com. You can also charge by phone by calling (407) 839-3900.

THE OFFICIAL WRESTLEMANIA THEME MUSIC

Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Snow (Hey Oh)",from their album Stadium Arcadium, is the theme song for WrestleMania XXIV.

Listen to "Snow (Hey Oh)"

Rev Theory's "Light It Up" revs it up and is one of the themes for WrestleMania XXIV.

Rev Theory's Official Web site

WWE RELEASES I'TS WRESTLEMANIA XXIV POSTER

WWE has released the official Wrestlemania 24 poster the poster has a postcard theme to it. The poster features a series of postcards, on the top postcard the Wrestlemania XXIV logo and on the bottom left side with the other Wrestlemania theme "Wish you were here" with Shawn Michaels giving Randy Orton the flying elbow. The bottom postcard features Batista giving MVP a "rock bottom like" slam and on the right of it has a stamped postcard with a WWE stamp with all the pay-per-view information on it.

WWE SMACKDOWN FINDS A NEW HOME!

Courtesy WWE

On the road to Wrestlemania 24 WWE flagship "B" show is getting a new home. The new home is none other than MyNetwork TV according to a press release that was faxed to the television station I work for which at night at 12:00am the WXTX FOX 54 turns to MyNetwork TV here in Columbus Georgia. Although many speculate that the show will return to Thursday nights nothing is official.

Below is according by: wwe.com

MyNetworkTV the new home of SmackDown
Written: February 26, 2008


NEW YORK – MyNetworkTV and World Wrestling Entertainment have announced a new broadcast television home for WWE SmackDown, scheduled to debut in Fall 2008. The announcement was jointly made by MyNetworkTV President, Greg Meidel and WWE Chairman of the Board Vincent K. McMahon.
“The momentum at MyNetworkTV continues with this major acquisition,” Meidel said. “We have demonstrated tremendous growth and this partnership with WWE, the premier sports-entertainment franchise in the world is a perfect fit for our viewers, advertisers and affiliates.”
The two-hour television program will be presented weekly on MyNetworkTV. WWE SmackDown will feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars that include Edge, Rey Mysterio, Batista, MVP, Kane and Undertaker, as well as present all the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made it one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television for nine years, and one of the top ten English language prime time programs among Hispanic households.
“We are excited to add MyNetworkTV and its television affiliates to our family of global network partners,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. “We have an unmatched record of delivering ratings success to each and every network partner we’ve worked with in our long and storied history. We fully intend to bring that same level of success to MyNetworkTV.”

Below is according by: Wikipedia

"It was announced on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 that MyNetworkTV will be the new home of WWE Friday Night SmackDown! starting Fall 2008. Friday Night SmackDown! was one of the CW Network's highest rated shows."

Below is according by: The Futon Critic

"[02.26.08 - 09:40 AM]MYNETWORKTV CROWNS WWE ITS NEW PROGRAMMING CHAMP Released by WWE
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]
MyNetworkTV CROWNS WWE ITS NEW PROGRAMMING CHAMP
Network Is the Exclusive Prime-Time Broadcast Home of "WWE(R) SmackDown(R)" Beginning Fall 2008
NEW YORK MyNetworkTV and World Wrestling Entertainment(R) (WWE) have announced a new broadcast television home for "WWE SmackDown," scheduled to debut in Fall 2008. The announcement was jointly made by MyNetworkTV President, Greg Meidel and WWE Chairman of the Board Vincent K. McMahon.
In making the announcement, Meidel stated, "The momentum at MyNetworkTV continues with this major acquisition. We have demonstrated tremendous growth and this partnership with WWE, the premier sports entertainment franchise in the world is a perfect fit for our viewers, advertisers and affiliates."
The two-hour television program will be presented weekly on MyNetworkTV. "WWE SmackDown" will feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars, including Edge(R), Rey Mysterio(R), Batista(R), MVP, Kane(R) and Undertaker(R), as well as present all the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television, and one of the top ten English language prime time programs among Hispanic households.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon added, "We are excited to add MyNetworkTV and its television affiliates to our family of global network partners. We have an unmatched record of delivering ratings success to each and every network partner we've worked with in our long and storied history. We fully intend to bring that same level of success to MyNetworkTV."
About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching over 97% of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday, including "Celebrity Expos," Langley Productions' "Jail" and "Street Patrol" and debuting in Spring 2008, "Under One Roof" starring Flavor Flav. For more information, please visit www.mynetworktv.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment
The WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week. Our domestic cable and broadcast programs include "Monday Night RAW" and "A.M. RAW" on USA Network and "ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling" on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE's television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant."

Below is according by: biz.yahoo.com

"Press Release
Source: MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV Crowns WWE Its New Programming ChampTuesday February 26, 11:24 am ET
Network Is the Exclusive Prime-Time Broadcast Home of "WWE(R) SmackDown(R)" Beginning Fall 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MyNetworkTV and World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) have announced a new broadcast television home for “WWE SmackDown,” scheduled to debut in Fall 2008. The announcement was jointly made by MyNetworkTV President, Greg Meidel and WWE Chairman of the Board, Vincent K. McMahon.
In making the announcement, Meidel stated, “The momentum at MyNetworkTV continues with this major acquisition. We have demonstrated tremendous growth and this partnership with WWE, the premier sports entertainment franchise in the world, is a perfect fit for our viewers, advertisers and affiliates.”
The two-hour television program will be presented weekly on MyNetworkTV. “WWE SmackDown” will feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars, including Edge®, Rey Mysterio®, Batista®, MVP™, Kane® and Undertaker®, as well as present all the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television, and one of the top ten English language prime time programs among Hispanic households.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon added, “We are excited to add MyNetworkTV and its television affiliates to our family of global network partners. We have an unmatched record of delivering ratings success to each and every network partner we’ve worked with in our long and storied history. We fully intend to bring that same level of success to MyNetworkTV.”
About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching over 97% of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday, including “Celebrity Exposé,” Langley Productions’ “Jail” and “Street Patrol” and debuting in Spring 2008, “Under One Roof” starring Flavor Flav. For more information, please visit www.mynetworktv.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment
The WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week. Our domestic cable and broadcast programs include “Monday Night RAW” and “A.M. RAW” on USA Network and “ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling” on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE’s television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE - News) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.
Contact:MyNetworkTV
Jessica Moss, 212-301-3817
or
Erica Keane, 212-301-3613
or
WWE
Media: Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors: Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642
Source: MyNetworkTV"

WRESTLEMANIA CARD TAKING SHAPE!

Only five weeks away til WRESTLEMANIA 24 WWE has finally added some cool matches to the WRESTLEMANIA card. Below is the current card...

Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship:
Randy Orton (c) vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship:
Edge (c) vs. The Undertaker

Money in the Bank ladder match:
Mr. Kennedy vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Carlito vs. MVP vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison


Career Threatening Match:
Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
(If Flair loses the match, he must retire from wrestling.)


Playboy BunnyMania:
Ashley Massaro & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina

The Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather

Raw vs. SmackDown Match:
Umaga vs. Batista


Belfast Brawl Match:
Finlay vs. JBL

24-Man Battle Royal - Winner faces ECW Champion

Stay tuned to this blog and WWE programming and wwe.com for more!

I'M FINALLY GOING TO...BACON, BAGELS AND BICEPS BRUNCH!

Courtesy WWE

After two years of going to WrestleManias I will be going to WWE's other traditional event that is held on the morning of Wrestlemania before the WWE superstars head to the Citrus Bowl for that evening event of Wrestlemania 24. This is an event that fans can eat breakfast and interact with their favorite WWE superstar. The last two years of going to "The Grandday Of Them All" I can go to this event because I can now drive myself around and I got my tickets to this breakfast yesterday. My friend that I lived with while I was at Chicago (home of Wrestlemania 22) could not take me to this event as well my friend in Detroit (home of Wrestlemania 23). The main reason why is that I did not want to bother them in driving me all around town for these WrestleMania events. This year is different in a huge way as I got a cool WWE Wrestlemania Universal package. I have three days and two night’s hotel accommodations, rental car, Universal Studios ticket as well 1 WWE Wrestlemania 24 ticket all for $459.00. Enough about that here's the information on the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch. From wwe.com


One of the cornerstones of WWE’s official WrestleMania week of events is the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch on the morning of WrestleMania. The brunch was originally created to give fans a chance to ask questions of various WWE Superstars while joining them in celebrating WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania. Since its inception, the brunch also recognizes WWE’s Circle of Champions, children with life- threatening illnesses who attend WrestleMania through various wish-granting agencies. This year the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch will be presented by WWE and the David Maus Foundation. The event is set for Sunday, March 30, at 10 a.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel on International Drive in Orlando, Fla. Tickets for the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch are available at TicketMaster.com.

If you want to see a video on what this event looks like look

below.

COUNTDOWN CLOCK TO WRESTLEMANIA 24