The AP Covers WrestleMania + Why The Rock Is Returning

— The New York Times wrote a piece on WWE Films partnering with other studios to release their content going forward. It noted that Hornswoggle will “likely” play the title character in the reboot of Leprechaun, previously portrayed by Warwick Davis.

— Trendrr.TV reports that Friday’s WWE SmackDown declined again in Social Media activity leading to Wrestlemania. The score was 51,975, down 6% compared to the yearly average. Last week the program was knocked off the cable TV charts due to NCAA Tournament First Round coverage. This week it ranked #4 behind two Sweet 16 match-ups and Spongebob Squarepants.

— Jack Swagger turned 30 today. He was born on March 24, 1972. He shares a birthday with The Undertaker, who turns 47 as noted earlier.

— The Associated Press have a story on Wrestlemania 28, specifically talking about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to the ring. The article features quotes from Johnson, John Cena and Chris Jericho. It looks at the idea of Johnson, a Hollywood star, risking his physical health by entering a main event match. Rock downplayed jealousy over him returning to the ring at that level without touring for the company full time. He said he’s inspired the current roster. Cena said he doesn’t know what’s “going on” in The Rock’s head. He said he used to be a fan but isn’t anymore. Jericho feels fans have forgotten how good Rock really is as a performer.

— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had an interview with The Washington Examiner in which he explained why he returned.

He said: “I came back to put on the biggest match of all time,” Johnson said. “That’s all I want to do. There’s no one I can do that with right now other than John. He’s far and above everyone else in terms of popularity. He’s the guy. Is he Stone Cold? No. Is he Hogan? No. But he is John Cena and he’s been on top for a long time now.”

He also revealed what he’s enjoyed most about returning to WWE. He added: “The best part of me coming back is hearing them say, ‘You’ve inspired me, thank you’. That’s the greatest compliment that I can get. It’s so cool man. They don’t talk about movies. They don’t talk about other matches. It’s just, ‘You’ve inspired me.'”

There are also details of The Rock praising Sheamus for a match he had on last week’s SmackDown.

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