WWE's WrestleMania 29 press conference happened earlier today at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The conference is part of a week long series of events building up to "The Grandest Stage of Them All" - WrestleMania 29 live this Sunday at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
The conference was hosted by WWE commentator Michael Cole, who began the event reciting a list of celebrities that will be involved with WrestleMania. Those celebrities include Sean Combs, Charlie Sheen, Jimmy Fallon, Mike Tyson and Living Colour. In a tweet sent out by CM Punk earlier today, the wrestler confirmed that Living Colour will be performing "Cult of Personality", Punk's entrance theme, at WrestleMania 29. Before Cole could continue, Fandango - who seemed to have missed the "do not wear your wrestling attire to the press conference" memo - arrived on stage for a brief interruption, before promptly dancing his way off into the night.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon talked about WrestleMania I at Madison Square Garden and the evolution of the product into sports entertainment. McMahon stated that this is a dream for him, his family and WWE.
Ricardo Rodriguez stepped on stage to introduce WWE's Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio, who originally hails from Mexico, will be defending his championship title against "The All American" Jack Swagger.
"Latinos all around the world will be cheering for me, so there is no way I can lose", said Del Rio. "I will break Jack Swagger's pride and spirit". Del Rio continued the final portion of his speech in Spanish and directed it towards the Latin media.
Triple H loosened up his shirt and tie before saying that his WrestleMania 29 opponent Brock Lesnar will learn the lesson of a limetime this Sunday. Triple H's wife, Stephanie McMahon, appeared next to him and proceeded to echo her father's earlier statement about how rich the history is within her family and professional wrestling.
The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry took to the podium to address his life living in New York. Henry lives in Harlem and has been with WWE for nearly 17 years, noting that they have been the best years of his life. Henry will face off with fellow monster man Ryback this Sunday.
Michael Cole introduced CM Punk, who appeared in his usual street attire while sporting an Antonio Cesaro t-shirt underneath his trademarked hoodie. Punk hyped his historic 462 day WWE title reign. Punk's WrestleMania opponent, The Undertaker, remains undefeated at the annual event with a record of 20-0. Punk stated that WrestleMania is about legends, and that legends and streaks are made to be broken. Before leaving the stage, Punk vowed to make his match with The Undertaker the highlight everybody will be talking about on Monday morning.
Hollywood star and WWE Champion The Rock reflected on coming up in the business 15 years ago, noting that everything for him has now come full circle back in New York. The Rock talked about his family history in the business - his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather Peter Maivia were both professional wrestlers - and what the event means to him.
The Rock's WrestleMania 29 (and 28) opponent John Cena closed out the press event. Cena believes that his match this year with The Rock will eclipse the match the two wrestlers had last year at Wrestlemania 28. Cena went on to say that everyone is excited for the event and predicted a few surprises and memorable moments for all to be entertained by. In the closing moment of the ceremony, Cena briefly spoke in French and Chinese to address each country's respective fans.
WrestleMania 29 takes place this Sunday at the Meadowlands and airs live on pay-per view at 7 p.m. EST.
Photos courtesy of Claudia Sims
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