Michael Cole introduced Mark Henry. He was happy and smiling. he said that as easily as they see this smile, it can leave in a heartbeat.
Henry said that Ryback tried to break his record, but he’s going to be the one that is broken.
Henry said that he’s proud to be born in Texas but is equally proud to be living in Harlem, New York. He said he respects the fans and appreciates their respect.
Henry said being with WWE has been the best 17 years of his life and he’s excited about being on the biggest stage of his career and if anyone thinks he’s going to lose on that stage, well, Ryback’s in for a bad night.
Wayne Halsenberg from the New Jersey events organization came out and said how thankful they were to have Wrestlemania this year. He said that the experience of pitching to Vince McMahon to bring the event to the NYC/NJ area and was shocked when Vince said he was in.
He praised WWE for their work in giving to the community and for all the work they have done to raise money to help in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. He said WWE has done more than they can imagine in terms of helping and said others should strive to follow their model.
He said there is a buzz at the Meadowlands and he promised everyone the show will be rocking this Sunday.
Michael Cole introduced CM Punk, noting that he had the sixth longest WWE title reign in history and that if he beatds The Undertaker, his WWE Hall of Fame ticket will be punched.
Punk said he wasn’t going to talk about seals or pyramids (as Vince McMahon did earlier) and he’s different from the other legends that they will see on this stage. He said Undertaker and his streak are legendary but streaks are meant to be broken. He said that come Monday, everyone will be talking about him. He is going to break the streak and break The Undertaker. He walked off.
Michael Cole introduced WWE champion The Rock, saying he left as champion and returned as champion. He said that he just landed and when he saw the huge Wrestlemania marquee above Radio City Music Hall, it was one of the coolest things he’s ever seen.
Rock said that when he debuted for WWE, it was in Madison Square Garden. He said usually you have your debut in some small gym or a barn, but he was lucky to have it in MSG. He said that he’s been really fortunate over the last 15 years and to have the chance to come back to MSG, it means a lot.
Rock said that his grandfather wrestled for Vince’s father and his father wrestled for Vince and then Rock came along and screwed everything up. He said that to come back and be WWE champion and to give back to WWE and the business that gave him everything he has in life with an event like Wrestlemania – he knows what it means to the McMahon family and Vince’s father and his own grandfather watching from heaven, who never had the chance to perform in a stadium like they will this weekend – and he thanks the fans, the media, WWE and everyone else for allowing him to have the opportunity he has this weekend.
Rock said he can chase Vin Diesel in Rio or fight Cobra in G.I. Joe but nothing compares to kicking John Cena’s candy ass at Wrestlemania.
Rock said to do that and to electrify, you need a partner, an opponent. He said there is no one better than Cena to do that and no one comes close. He said they did it in his hometown of Miami and now in his home away from home, New York. He thanked everyone and warned John Cena to be ready.
John Cena was introduced and began making jokes, then said that if you are involved with WWE, you always get more than you bargained for. Cena said he watched last year’s show yesterday and feels the show they have the show that will indeed eclipse that.
Cena began speaking in French and Chinese to give specific messages to those markets.
Cena said they were truly excited to be in the center of the world and surrounded by all this attention. He said they have the best show that everyone can enjoy.
Cena said that he’s been asked for predictions. He predicted surprises, magic moments and for all to be entertained.
They brought Rock back out for a photo opportunity face to face with Cena.
They then brought out all the WWE talents on stage for photos. Big Show, Miz, The Bellas and others joined the talents that spoke.
The conference closed with Vince McMahon raising the arms of Rock and John Cena.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
