The updated & rumored WrestleMania 28 card

Here is the latest on the WrestleMania 28 card:

CONFIRMED MATCHES:

The Rock vs. John Cena

World Title Match:
Daniel Bryan © vs. Sheamus

RUMORED MATCHES:

Triple H vs. The Undertaker
Special Guest Ref. Shawn Michaels

WWE Title Match:
CM Punk © vs. Chris Jericho

WWE Money In The Bank Ladder Match

The Big Show vs. Shaquille O’Neal

WWE Divas Title Match:
Beth Phoenix vs. Kharma (Others may be added)

At this time, it remains to be seen where Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio, Christian, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, The Miz and other regular stars will fit in.

Shawn Michaels returning to WWE?

Following last night’s WWE Vengeance PPV, one angle going around is that Shawn Michaels​ could return to WWE TV to be a part of the Triple H vs. Kevin Nash angle.

It should also be noted that WWE is scheduled to release some new DX merchandise shortly.

HBK Speaks Out – WWE Return, Scott Hall, HOF, More

Shawn Michaels was a guest on this week’s edition of Wrestling News Live, here are the highlights…
Shawn’s thoughts on Scott Hall missing his Hall Of Fame induction: “You have to admire him, You’ve gotta start somewhere and I remember Kevin telling me and me thinking ‘you know what, that’s gotta be a good start. The fact that he is aware of it and I think that’s good as that’s what we all want for (him). I know every one is (sympathetic) and everyone cares about Scott and we all do and I was actually really happy to hear that he’s at least aware of it to the point where he can make a statement like that. As we discussed that night, we all know there is going to be several other Hall Of Fame moments for some of the dudes in our group.”

Shawn’s thoughts on his induction into the Hall Of Fame: “It’s one of those things like winning your first world championship that you always tell people about and its moments like that when it is all real. It doesn’t matter what all the naysayers say about our line of work and those moments. It’s the most real thing in the world and to get to share it with your present family and your work family and the guys that were the only family I had for many years on the road and being acknowledged in my line of work and having all the people, my extended family (there), it is very easy for me to well up and cry like a baby when I think about it because there is such an attachment for me to all of those people….. There is such a special connection from me to the people and I think it’s because they they knew how I felt about that line of work and how much it meant to me.”

Shawn’s thoughts on how the product has changed: “I don’t wanna be one of those old timers that continually knock everything because on one hand it’s very tough on the younger talent these days as they are not having the luxury of what we had which is years of experience and countless matches with countless different styles before we came to the WWE. They are getting thrown from the frying pan into the fire.”

Shawn’s thoughts a return to WWE: “One, honestly I really don’t watch much right now and I do that purposely. I’ll tune in every now and then and I’ll tune in for a little bit then see something that I don’t care for and I go away. The reason I do that is because if I watch and I see something I don’t like and I turn away, I know that I’m not ready to come back and look at it objectively yet . I think there will be a time when I’d like to come back and help and contribute in the back if needed but to do that, I feel like I need to have a real washed, clean, objective, constructive point of view and for me personally, it feels like while I was working, I did not watch that much as I always felt I was too close to it to be objective.”

Shawn’s thoughts on John Morrison: “His name comes up a lot, and a lot of people say ‘I like him but…’ and he’s a young guy and it’s my understanding that he just got injured and as much as you hate hearing about a guy getting injured, it’s never good but at the same time, I remember telling John Cena when he got hurt, ‘Dude they need to see you come back’. It’s part of the ‘warrior making’ stage and so I think John (Morrison) as the kids like to say, ‘He has to get some street cred’. He’s got to take some lumps, gotta take on a couple of scars, get beaten up a little but I certainly think there is potential there. He certainly has all the physical attributes that he needs. He is a sweetheart of a guy and I think that is what hurts him, I just don’t think he has a bad bone in his body.”

Shawn on why he choose not to hold the World Title one last time: “No, No I didn’t. That’s (holding the belt) is a full time commitment and the guy that does that needs to make every show, doing absolutely everything and that just wasn’t for me. The deal with me coming back was still worth quite a bit but I didn’t do all the live events and I was taking (time after) darn near every WrestleMania off. That was just something, it was more important to me just to come back and I’m gonna be honest, I like it more than the way I did. I know there are some people like ‘You only held the world title this many times’. I just didn’t think it (was fair), I think the guy who does that needs to be the work horse and I no way wanted to be that.”

NEW VIDEO – The Kliq Reunites After WWE HOF

Here is a video from last night’s WWE Hall of Fame. This happened immediately following HBK’s induction speech:

HBK teases interference in ‘Taker-HHH match!

Things are really getting busy with WrestleMania XXVII nearly 24 hours away. Things will continue to be extremely busy tonight and tomorrow. Check back in as often as possible guys!!

At this morning’s WrestleMania Axxess Q&A session, Shawn Michaels teased involving himself in The Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania XXVII tomorrow.

When asked about Triple H ending “The Streak,” Michaels said, “I’m not sure I can let him do what I couldn’t.”

He then commented on whether he plans to interfere in the match, saying, “I’ll do everything I can not to stick my nose in. Maybe.”

He added, “Do you ever find that you’re meanest to the people you love the most? If I ruined his chances of ending The Streak, I’m sure he’d beat the tar out of me at that moment, but I’m sure he’d forgive me eventually.”

Michaels’ role in the match has not been announced by WWE.

Triple H’s Special WrestleMania Theme, HBK’s Blog, More

– Metallica posted the following on their Facebook page: Triple H will be using one of your favorite ‘Tallica songs during his match against The Undertaker this weekend during WrestleMania XXVII.

– Day Two of Shawn Michaels’ WWE.com diary is now posted.

– Triple H attended the Georgia state legislature’s WrestleMania Proclamation yesterday with wife Stephanie McMahon. Photos are available at WWE.com.

– Entertainment Weekly has a video from Tough Enough of Miss USA Rima Fakih taking a bodyslam at http://insidetv.ew.com/

VIDEOS: HBK & ‘Sunny’ speak out – HOF/WrestleMania

– Here is a video of Shawn Michaels discussing the WWE Hall of Fame and WrestleMania:




– Check out this video of Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch talking about her WWE Hall of Fame induction…

Shawn Michaels Speaks Out: retirement, return?, More

Shawn Michaels spoke in the new issue of WWE Magazine about his post-wrestling life, the Hall of Fame and more. Here are some of the highlights:

On his retirement: “No matter how many times you say, ‘I’m not coming back,’ someone will always question you. There’s always someone out there, especially with the Internet, saying you’ll be coming back, or that you have ulterior motives, or whatever. That’s just part of the gig.”

On whether the Undertaker is a factor in his staying retired: “Again, I’m in a position where I have the luxury of being able to say, ‘No, I don’t want to do that’ if I don’t want to do something. And, if I say that, it’s not going to happen. I wouldn’t have put my career on the line against Undertaker’s streak if I wasn’t 100 percent ready to accept the consequences. Staying retired is as much about respecting him, and the match, as it is about respecting the promise I made to myself and my family. Sometimes there are moments that you just can’t beat.”

On Ric Flair’s return: “So many people ask me about Ric, and whether his return bothers me. I always say, ‘Absolutely not.’ One match at Wrestlemania XXIV – that moment – was truly 100 percent real to me. And it was real to him. And that’s never going to change. I want Ric to be happy. And to be perfectly honest, I know he’s happiest when he’s in the ring. That moment will always be very special to me.”

On guys who return after retiring: “It’s very tough to make a well thought-out decision when you don’t have the time to think it out. I had that luxury, I was able to craft the circumstances surrounding my exit to the point that the career-ending stipulation meant something. I understand why people can’t stay away. The atmosphere of the business – being around the guys in the locker room or out in the ring – can be very intoxicating.”

Huge name backstage at the SD! tapings

Shawn Michaels just announced via Twitter that he is backstage at the SmackDown! taping in Kansas City. He tweeted: At SmackDown! with friends. They r having a great time. It is awesome to see the crew. Everybody looks ready for WrestleMania:-)

The next HOF Inductee revealed following RAW!

“Bullet” Bob Armstrong, the patriarch of the Armstrong family, is the latest inductee to be announced for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 (presented by THQ’s WWE All Stars, in stores March 29).

The announcement was made on WWE.com instead of RAW, likely due to time constraints.

The current Hall of Fame class includes Shawn Michaels, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Armstrong. Duggan will be inducted by “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Michaels and Armstrong’s inductors have yet to be announced.

It’s likely the promo will air on NXT and SmackDown! this week.

Steve Austin on RAW next week & HOF-RAW?

– It’s interesting to note that there was no WWE Hall of Fame video package on RAW this week. B.G. James (Road Dogg) tweeted the following yesterday: “Look for Bob Armstrong package on Raw tonight. Fifty years in the business.” It’s possible they’ll air it on SD! this week instead (timing issues?). “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Shawn “HBK” Michaels have already been announced for this years WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

– It was announced on RAW this week that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will appear live on RAW next week. This is likely to promote Tough Enough and WrestleMania.

Another big RAW-HOF *Spoilers!* revealed

B.G. James (Road Dogg) tweeted the following earlier today basically confirming what we’ve been reporting

– “Bullet” Bob Armstrong will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame:

“Look for Bob Armstrong package on Raw tonight. Fifty years in the business.”
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Shawn “HBK” Michaels have already been announced for this years WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

Goldberg denies WrestleMania rumors, The Rock-RAW, Y2J

– Chris Jericho is now finished with his current book tour. He’ll be focusing all his attention now to Dancing With The Stars. A WWE return is not in the cards right now.

– Bill Goldberg tweeted the following regarding a WrestleMania 27 appearance: “No WWE plans on the horizon…..don’t believe rumors. Is what it is.”

– Bret Hart tweeted the following today: “The Hitman is on Twitter! (finally!) So any thoughts from fans on how I can verify my account and get rid of the fakes on Twitter?”

– Shawn Michaels then tweeted the following: “Just saw the Hitman is on twitter. U all gotta help him out. I’m followin fer sure:-)”

– WWE tweeted the following this afternoon: “TONIGHT on #WWE Raw: @TheRock answers @JohnCena’s stinging comments. What will go down? Find out LIVE at 9/8 CT @USA_Network”

WWE trends on Twitter, Bourne's return?

Partial Source: Pwinsider

– The term “EC,” for Elimination Chamber was trending for a while after last night’s PPV. Also, Drew McIntyre, Trish Stratus, LayCool, and even Fruity Pebbles were all trending on Twitter at one point.

– Evan Bourne is expected back on the main roster by the end of the month. Speaking of Bourne, he has been teasing a big announcement for Brazilian WWE fans for Wednesday. Of course, WWE is set to run events in Brazil in the near future so that’s likely it.

– Yesterday, about 500 fans turned out for Shawn Michaels’ autograph session at the 2011 ATA Trade Show in Dallas, TX. Michaels will also have an autograph signing on March 12th in Middletown, NY.

– A source sent this one in: I attended the Jericho book signing at the Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ. I had to wait about two hours to meet Chris and get some autographs and picture. He also took time to answer a few questions like the secret to arm wrestling (which you’ll have to ask him) and some Fozzy questions. I guess they are already working on new songs for the next album. Jericho had a few 5 hour energy drinks and a red bull so I imagine his schedule is hectic. He is heading to Dallas, TX tonight. There were probably several hundred people at the signing. Jericho stayed until he had gotten to everyone. It was good having Jericho back in AZ again, since WM 26 last year.

The Coach/Vince McMahon relationship, Trish photos, Lilian

– Former WWE commentator and announcer Jonathan Coachman recently did an interview with As The World Turns Left. He spoke about what it was like to work for Vince McMahon: “There were times, especially when I started doing the bigger shows, where I — you know, he’s a perfectionist, he built it from the ground up, I respected him and still do to this day — and because of the way he was, so hard, so difficult, I got to the point where I could almost repeat in within a quarter or half a second what he was telling me. We got that much in synch. It’s difficult. There were times when I’d leave a show, and literally, I don’t know what a migraine headache is, but I think that’s what I had. Your head is really pounding, and it feels like it’s just going to explode after asking your brain to shape everything perfectly for two hours. So, did I enjoy it all the time? No. Did it make me mentally, incredibly strong? Absolutely. And I always said this the last two or three years I was there: No matter who I work for when I leave here, it’ll be like working for Mister Rogers compared to working for him. And I mean that in a good way. We left on the best of terms, and I still go and see everybody when they’re around, in Hartford or Springfield or Bridgeport. And we get along great. So, it was a great time for me. Anybody that complains isn’t mentally tough, and I don’t want to hear it. I hate people that leave and then bash him, bash the company and say what a horrible guy he is, because he’s not. He just asks a lot. And you’ve got a bring a lot, that’s it.”

– Lilian Garcia tweeted that she’s finished pre-production work on her next album. She’ll begin recording the album later this week in Miami, FL.

– Shawn “HBK” Michaels will be appearing at the Detroit Autorama in Detroit, Michigan on February 27th. The event takes place from 1-4pm.

– Trish Stratus shot some new photos for WWE.com backstage at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Expect the photos to appear on WWE’s website later this week.