Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Comics News And WWE Wrestling News; CM Punk, Jerry "The King" Lawler; Chicago, Miami, Hollywood, Australia

Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Comics News And WWE Wrestling News; CM Punk, Jerry "The King" Lawler; Chicago, Miami, Hollywood, Australia

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*artwork by Billy "The Wiz" Munro

Australian movie, entertainment, pro wrestling and comics fans. It's time for yet another comic book movie, wrastling and entertainment news update. Sorry Vince McMahon, but may fans and wrestlers still like to call WWE professional wrestling, rather than "sports entertainment", and we understand the likes of CM Punk, Arn Anderson and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair are just a few folks who agree with the sentiment. Yes, WWE is lots more than just pro wrestling these days, but wrestling remains the bread and butter of the operation - thank god.

CM Punk At Chicago Comic-Con...

Rosemont, IL, April 06, 2012 - Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which for nearly two decades has thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans with standout celebrities, top-notch superstar artists, VIP experiences and more, rolls out an expanded, full four-day show, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. More than 50 celebrities, including headliners like William Shatner, Jeri Ryan, Stan Lee, Jon Bernthal and WWE Superstar CM Punk, notable artists Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo and dozens of others are already signed up to attend what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest's No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.

The international pop culture icon Shatner ("Star Trek," "T.J. Hooker") will appear on Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, Ryan ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Boston Public") on Sunday, Aug. 12, Eisner Award Hall of Famer and comic book legend Lee and Bernthal ("The Walking Dead," The Ghost Writer) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and WWE Superstar CM Punk, the current WWE champion, on Saturday.

"Wizard World Chicago Comic Con continues to grow in all areas, from celebrity guests to Artist Alley to evening entertainment to VIP experiences, so much so that we've made it a full four-day show for the first time," said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. "William Shatner, Jeri Ryan and Stan Lee are at the top of a deep celebrity roster that will connect with fans of all ages."

The announcement follows the recent news that one of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), will headline Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on June 2.

The longest-running and highest-attended show annually on the Wizard World calendar, 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con will also feature movie and television stars such as Nina Dobrev ("The Vampire Diaries," CHLOE), Kate Mulgrew ("Star Trek: Voyager," Remo Williams), Bruce Campbell (Army Of Darkness, Evil Dead), Tom Felton (Harry Potter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Amy Acker ("Angel," The Cabin In The Woods) and dozens of others.

Eisner Award winner Pérez ("Superman," "JSA"), nominee Pacheco ("X-Men," "Green Lantern") and Capullo ("Batman," "Spawn") are joined in Artist Alley by Rodolfo Migliari ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern"), "Brom" ("Dungeons & Dragons," "The Plucker), "CAFU" ("Superboy," "Action Comics"), Ken Kelly ("Batman," "Star Wars") and Pat Lee ("Spider-Man," "Iron Man"), among a first-class roster of special guests.

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-ch.html

Dwayne Johnson Named CinemaCon Action Star of the Year...

He'll receive the honor at the upcoming convention of theater owners in Las Vegas.

Dwayne Johnson will be lauded with the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon.

This summer, Johnson stars in Paramount tentpole G.I. Joe: Relaliation. He's currently still in theaters in box office hit Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, from Warner Bros.

Johnson will receive the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.


Captain America sequel scheduled for 2014 release...

It's official: Captain America will continue to fight the good fight for liberty and freedom.

On Thursday, Walt Disney Studios announced that a sequel to last summer's Captain America: The First Avenger is scheduled to be released on April 4, 2014, one month before the release of the sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man, who begins spinning his web July 3 of this year.

Chris Evans -- formerly Johnny Storm/the Human Torch of The Fantastic Four -- finally put Marvel's patriotic super-soldier on the A-list of superheroes in the original, which earned $368 million dollars worldwide.

The actor returns to the role as one of "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" known as The Avengers with Robert Downey, Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/the Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton/Hawkeye), Scarlett Johnansson (Natascha Romanoff/Black Widow), and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury); the film comes out in the U.S on May 4.


'Captain America' sequel heads to theaters in 2014...

LOS ANGELES — Captain America is getting another solo shot on the big-screen.

Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday that a sequel to last year's superhero hit "Captain America: The First Avenger" will arrive in theaters on April 4, 2014.

The first movie starred Chris Evans as the patriotic fighter for justice dressed in red, white and blue. "Captain America" took in $368 million at the worldwide box office.

Evans reprises his role as Captain America in "The Avengers," an ensemble adventure featuring Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner as a team of Marvel Comics heroes.

"The Avengers" is due out in the U.S on May 4, and Australia will likely be just days after.


WWE's Jerry "The King" Lawler Talks Art, Charity And More...

WWE performers are known as creative artists in the squared circle, putting on a show like few human beings can.

Some professional wrestlers also demonstrate an artistic streak outside the ring, and perhaps Jerry "The King" Lawler is the most famous (but long time Lawler nemesis Bret "Hitman" Hart also might like a shot at the title.)

Lawler is an accomplished artist in and out of the ring.

The WWE conducted its charity art auction during WrestleMania Week and Lawler was first and foremost as the company’s featured artist.

The Miami Herald must have ran about a dozen WWE stories regarding WrestleMania week, and here we look at some of the paramount aspects that Miami's finest broadsheet covered in detail.

“I was involved in the first WrestleMania Art (during WrestleMania 24 Week in 2008 in Orlando),” Lawler said, "and everybody was all excited about WrestleMania coming to Orlando. The Orlando Sentinel (newspaper) even let me draw a WWE comic strip for about a month leading into WrestleMania.

“The art show has grown bigger and bigger and raises a lot of money for charity every year. We have a tremendous turnout, surprisingly, for it, and also, surprising to me, I found out we’ve got some pretty good artists in WWE. Some of the superstars are darn good artists as well. We have a lot of great pieces in the show every year, and for the past couple of years, I’ve done an actual painting or drawing right on-site during the art show that they then auction off for the charity.

“Two years ago (in Phoenix), Bret Hart and I both did a picture at the same time, and each auctioned for $3,500. That was something we knocked out right there in less than an hour at the art show. Last year my picture went for almost $2,000. I did a quick picture of The Undertaker, and this young girl comes up and buys it, and I’m thinking, ‘What in the world, just walking around here with an extra couple of grand for a piece of art I just created.’

"It’s something that I’ve really enjoyed being a part of every year."

Lawler actually credits his start in the wrestling business when he was a teenager in Memphis because of his other artistic artibutes. Several WWE divas, legends and superstars also showcase their skills on that other canvas.

"I was surprised because I just didn’t know,” Lawler said. “It’s not something that they’ve ever put out there and talked about in the past. To see some of their work, I was really surprised. Vickie Guerrero’s a good artist. Tony Atlas did some really good portrait work."

There's others also...

“Last year [in Atlanta], it was funny, too. I had heard Booker T say he was a good artist, and he was going to actually do a portrait of his wife (Queen Sharmell),” Lawler explained. “So he and I started doing our pieces at the same time. I didn’t get to watch him do his because we were kind of back-to-back at dueling art tables.

“So I’d heard Booker was a pretty good artist (chuckle), and he had a photograph of his wife that he put up there on the canvas, and oh my God, wen he got through [laughs], it looked like maybe Stevie Wonder had drawn it. It was the thought that counted, and somebody still bought it because it was an original piece done by Booker T. It was sort of like a Pablo Picasso [more laughs]. Her nose was coming out of the side of her head. Her ears were where her eyes should have been. It was funny."

Abstract?

Booker T said: “I think so.

"I sat there next to King, and he’s so great. King is a great artist. He does water colors, water paintings. You can tell he’s put so much time — outside anyone’s eyes — behind the scenes putting the work in doing that. He inspired me to get a lot better. He inspired me to go work on my craft. I don’t think my art is great, but it’s really not about how great something is in that frame right there. It’s just about doing your best, and hopefully we can help somebody raise some money.

“Hopefully, I’ll do a whole lot better this year.”

Practice makes better, hopefully.

“I’ve been working on my drawing skills, my sketching skills since then,” Booker T said. “I hadn’t done it in a long time before that. It was something they asked me to do. I was like, ‘Wow, let me go out there and see if I still got it.’ I actually did a sketch of Josh Mathews at the announce table and made sure not to use his double chin on there [Booker T chuckles] and gave it to him. I do plan on doing that again.

“It was great last year, doing it for a great charity, first and foremost. That’s really what it’s all about. Guys really need to know what this business is all about. It’s about the fans and the kids who watch.

“We bring so much joy to special kids with special needs. You wouldn’t believe how they gravitate to us and make us feel so special at the same time.

“I’m definitely looking forward to WrestleMania Week. If it’s half as awesome as it was last year, it will be great.”

Lawler has done so many pieces. It’s difficult to note his favorite. After some thought, one did come to mind.

“I did do a charcoal portrait of Vince McMahon and his father, Vince Sr., and his son, Shane, as like a three-portrait piece that I gave to Vince,” Lawler said. “I had an unveiling, when I gave it to him, and I guess his reaction was such that it made it maybe my favorite piece of art, because it’s not easy to impress Vince McMahon.

“Here’s a guy who’s done it all, seen it all, and when he saw that portrait that I had done, he had no idea that it was coming, and I just gave it to him as a gift. It actually brought tears to his eyes, and that, to me, made that night.”

Former WWE superstar and talented artist Jeff Hardy participated in a WWE Charity Art Auction.

“I did one in Houston, WrestleMania 25,” he said. “It was a bummer because I asked if I could do a big canvas, and I’d used spray paint and do it outdoors, but they did it in a fancy library. So I couldn’t use spray paint, and then they had a canvas that was the size of a piece of plywood.

“So I go in there, and they go, ‘Oh yea, we’ve got your canvas,’ and I’m supposed to finish it with tubes of paint and a brush. Spray paint would have been easy. It was horrible, and I wasn’t satisfied with the painting, the outcome.

“Now they’re auctioning it off, and I’ll never forget it. My wife was out there, and she’s bidding, and we got it up to $2,200. So I ended up buying it myself. I told them, ‘Please send it to me. Let me spray paint it and do a great job, and I’ll send it back.’”

Artists.

Hardy donated the money to the library as well as the painting which he returned after he completed his original concept.

Did Hardy ever discuss art with Jerry Lawler?

“Not much. There were a few times we did,” Hardy said. “He’s really talented. He’s really detailed, intricate stuff. Me, I’m more big and bold. He’d spend a day just on the smallest little detail. It’s cool to see him still doing that.”

As talented an artist outside the ring, Lawler is equally skilled inside. He has achieved success at basically every level of the professional wrestling industry and is a legitimate living legend of wrestling.

Lawler created art during the WrestleMania Premier Party: A Celebration of Miami Art & Fashion on Thursday, March 29 on Star Island.

American record producer, songwriter and rapper Timbaland and Stuart Miller hosted the event, which featured artwork created by WWE superstars, divas and legends. It’s was a fundraiser for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/Alex’s Place and the Second Chance Program housed within the Center.

WrestleMania Week included an art show, but this is the first time they added a fashion show element to it with WWE divas modelling clothes designed by top South Florida designers.

There was even an online component for the art auction so WWE fans everywhere could get involved, purchasing WWE-themed art for a good cause.


Marvel Entertainment Interviews CM Punk...

Marvel interviewed WWE champion CM Punk. Here's some of our favorite parts of the interview...

Marvel.com: Which team are you supporting in Avengers Vs. X-Men? Why do you think they will win?

CM Punk: I’ve never been the biggest fan of mutants. They’re pretty damn powerful, y’know? But seriously, when you have Captain America, Thor and Iron Man together as a team, there’s no threat they can’t handle. In this super hero war, I’m with the Avengers

Marvel.com: Who do you think will win if Captain America battles Cyclops?

CM Punk: Captain America. Hands down. Nobody in the Marvel Universe has the experience he has, and he can definitely outwit, outsmart and outlast Cyke.

Marvel.com: Who do you think will win if Storm battles Thor?

CM Punk: No contest: Thor. I mean, the guy is a god—how do you take someone like him down? Don’t get me wrong, Storm is one hell of a warrior, but Thor has taken on Ragnarok head on!

Marvel.com: Which side do you think Wolverine will choose? Which one should he choose?

CM Punk: Ah, right; this is the tricky one. Personally, I think Wolverine is an X-Man through and through. Regardless of his differences with Cyclops, the guy grew up with the team, respects Xavier, and cares for the well-being and preservation of mutantkind. When it finally comes time to make a decision, I think he’s going home.

Marvel.com: Which X-Man or Avenger do you consider yourself most like?

CM Punk: Tony Stark—without the alcohol, obviously. The guy has all the coolest toys in the toy-box.

Marvel.com: Let’s say Tony Stark were to come out during your match at WrestleMania, what music would he come out to?

CM Punk: [Frank] Sinatra; not the most exciting entrance, but that’s the kind of guy I think Tony is. Suave, sophisticated and obviously would have been a part of the Rat Pack.

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Entertainment, Celebrity, Gaming, WWE News: Hollywood, AussieWood, Sin City Sydney, Australia

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Australian movie, entertainment and wrestling fans. It's time for yet another showbiz update. We've got Marvel Entertainment, WWE, gaming, celebrities, and more.

50 Cent, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Star In 'The Tomb' Movie...

50 Cent continues to evolve. The music mogul just signed on for yet another film, Summit's latest action-thriller, "The Tomb.” After working together on Lionsgate's "Fire With Fire," Fif will reunite with Vincent D'Onofrio and Vinnie Jones in this Mikael Hafstrom directed action-thriller. The film also stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Oscar nominee Amy Ryan as its female lead.

50 Cent To Guest Star On SyFy's 'Dream Machines'...

The film is focused around Stallone who plays an expert on structural security. The plot thickens as Stallone is framed and put in a high-security prison of his own design. The storyline then unfolds as he must put his skills to the test to find out who put him there.

The 70 million dollar movie is being co-financed by both Summit and Emmett/Furla Films, which also produced "Fire With Fire." However, this is not 50’s first time working with Emmett/Furla films, as he was also cast in the company's "Setup" with Bruce Willis, "Freelancers" with Robert De Niro and "The Frozen Ground" with Nicolas Cage.

Last month 50 Cent announced that his fifth studio album will be released this summer. “My album is coming out july 2. I got some heat trust me I'm ready,” Fif tweeted. The announcement comes after the New York MC called out Interscope Records for a lack of support surrounding the release of the LP.


CM Punk At Chicago Comic-Con...

Rosemont, IL, April 06, 2012 - Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which for nearly two decades has thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans with standout celebrities, top-notch superstar artists, VIP experiences and more, rolls out an expanded, full four-day show, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. More than 50 celebrities, including headliners like William Shatner, Jeri Ryan, Stan Lee, Jon Bernthal and WWE Superstar CM Punk, notable artists Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo and dozens of others are already signed up to attend what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest's No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.

The international pop culture icon Shatner ("Star Trek," "T.J. Hooker") will appear on Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, Ryan ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Boston Public") on Sunday, Aug. 12, Eisner Award Hall of Famer and comic book legend Lee and Bernthal ("The Walking Dead," The Ghost Writer) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and WWE Superstar CM Punk, the current WWE champion, on Saturday.

"Wizard World Chicago Comic Con continues to grow in all areas, from celebrity guests to Artist Alley to evening entertainment to VIP experiences, so much so that we've made it a full four-day show for the first time," said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. "William Shatner, Jeri Ryan and Stan Lee are at the top of a deep celebrity roster that will connect with fans of all ages."

The announcement follows the recent news that one of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), will headline Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on June 2.

The longest-running and highest-attended show annually on the Wizard World calendar, 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con will also feature movie and television stars such as Nina Dobrev ("The Vampire Diaries," CHLOE), Kate Mulgrew ("Star Trek: Voyager," Remo Williams), Bruce Campbell (Army Of Darkness, Evil Dead), Tom Felton (Harry Potter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Amy Acker ("Angel," The Cabin In The Woods) and dozens of others.

Eisner Award winner Pérez ("Superman," "JSA"), nominee Pacheco ("X-Men," "Green Lantern") and Capullo ("Batman," "Spawn") are joined in Artist Alley by Rodolfo Migliari ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern"), "Brom" ("Dungeons & Dragons," "The Plucker), "CAFU" ("Superboy," "Action Comics"), Ken Kelly ("Batman," "Star Wars") and Pat Lee ("Spider-Man," "Iron Man"), among a first-class roster of special guests.

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-ch.html


Dwayne Johnson Named CinemaCon Action Star of the Year...

He'll receive the honor at the upcoming convention of theater owners in Las Vegas.

Dwayne Johnson will be lauded with the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon.

This summer, Johnson stars in Paramount tentpole G.I. Joe: Relaliation. He's currently still in theaters in box office hit Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, from Warner Bros.

Johnson will receive the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.


Captain America sequel scheduled for 2014 release...

It's official: Captain America will continue to fight the good fight for liberty and freedom.

On Thursday, Walt Disney Studios announced that a sequel to last summer's Captain America: The First Avenger is scheduled to be released on April 4, 2014, one month before the release of the sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man, who begins spinning his web July 3 of this year.

Chris Evans -- formerly Johnny Storm/the Human Torch of The Fantastic Four -- finally put Marvel's patriotic super-soldier on the A-list of superheroes in the original, which earned $368 million dollars worldwide.

The actor returns to the role as one of "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" known as The Avengers with Robert Downey, Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/the Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton/Hawkeye), Scarlett Johnansson (Natascha Romanoff/Black Widow), and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury); the film comes out in the U.S on May 4.


'Captain America' sequel heads to theaters in 2014...

LOS ANGELES — Captain America is getting another solo shot on the big-screen.

Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday that a sequel to last year's superhero hit "Captain America: The First Avenger" will arrive in theaters on April 4, 2014.

The first movie starred Chris Evans as the patriotic fighter for justice dressed in red, white and blue. "Captain America" took in $368 million at the worldwide box office.

Evans reprises his role as Captain America in "The Avengers," an ensemble adventure featuring Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner as a team of Marvel Comics heroes.

"The Avengers" is due out in the U.S on May 4, and Australia will likely be just days after.


Brock Lesnar Retired From MMA / UFC; Re Signs With WWE Pro Wrestling / Sports Entertainment...

He was billed as “The Next Big Thing” when he first ripped up the pro wrestling business.

Now, more than 10 years later, WWE head honcho Vince McMahon and his top brass are hoping he's still be “The Next Big Thing.”

Lesnar's return to pro wrestling after an eight-year hiatus made global news he meWWE posterboy John Cena with an F-5 (ex FU) at the conclusion of last week's RAW, as seen on Rupert Murdoch's Foxtel in Australia.

The buzz confirmed Lesnar sightings in Miami over Wrestlemania weekend, and wrestling fans had hoped that star would make a surprise appearance at Mania. It's likely Lesnar's contracted was signed before WrestleMania 28, but the powers that be elected to use him the RAW after WM, to help maintain momentum, and give viewers more reason to continue to choose to tune into the WWE brand.

Lesnar, who departed WWE in 2004 primarily due to a massive road schedule, reportedly signed a one-year deal with WWE that will include a lighter workload and less work dates than his last run. He is expected to be featured mainly on pay-per-views and live televised shows leading up to next year's Wrestlemania.

Lesnar, an NCAA heavyweight champion at the University of Minnesota, is expected to initially feud with Cena. There's also talk of a possible match with The Rock at the Wrestlemania 29 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), who defeated Cena last Sunday U.S) at Wrestlemania 28 in Miami, already has committed to appear at next year's wrestling 'Grand Dadddy Of The All".

Lesnar defeated The Rock in their last matchup back in 2002. Many wrestling experts feel that a "Brock vs. Rock" rematch would draw big money and huge interest once again for the WWE machine.

Lesnar already is being promoted for WWE's Extreme Rules pay-per-view in Chicago on April 29, and is scheduled to appear on the April 9 Raw in Washington, D.C., and a three-hour Raw on April 23 in Detroit.

Lesnar's last UFC match was Dec. 30 in a loss to former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem. Following the loss, Lesnar announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, mentioning his life-threatening bouts with diverticulitis.

Lesnar, 34, is married to the former Rena Mero, the ex-WWE diva and Playboy centerfold known as Sable. They have two young children.

Citing a number of issues, including burnout and a massive travel schedule, Lesnar left the wrestling business eight years ago after advising WWE owner Vince McMahon that he had come to the realization that he was miserable in his job.

Lesnar's admission, though, came at a particularly critical juncture — just days before a dream Wrestlemania showdown with Bill Goldberg in what had been billed as one of the biggest events in WWE history.

At the time Lesnar told colleagues and company officials that the match would mark his last in the wrestling business.

Eight years later, and on the heels of a relatively short but highly publicized run in the mixed martial arts industry, Lesnar appears ready for a return to pro wrestling ranks.

McMahon and the company are hoping he's in for the long haul — or at least until Wrestlemania 29.

Lesnar Contract Details And More...

WWE wrestling fans, and sports fans worldwide have been abuzz all week after Brock Lesnar returned to WWE Raw this past Monday night. Lesnar, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship athlete joins Hollywood actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the latest mainstream celebrity to be signed to a WWE contract. Both men formerly labored for Vince McMahon's empire before they coursed on to bigger and more prestigious accolades. However, there have been reports that many current WWE roster members are not too pleased with the return of The Rock and Brock Lesnar.

A contract stipulations begin to leak, on of those circumstances reported in Brock Lesnar's agreement was that Brock had to work a told 30-40 wrestling dates for the year. For those intervals, Lesnar would receive five million dollars. The dilemma with this exists that other full time members of the roster perform over 200 dates per year and don't even make a fifth of Lesnar's income. In fact, other than a handfull of elite headliners, most WWE wrestlers make less than $500,000 dollars a year. And that doesn't include travel expenses and hotel accommodations that those wrestlers have to fork out for out of pocket each week. The gap between dates and salary among full time WWE wrestlers and Brock Lesnar is huge.

The Rock has a comparable WWE contract. It has been reported that The Rock will work a modest amount of matches over the next year, which will likely culminate in a bout at Wrestlemania 29 against Brock Lesnar.


Storm smashes 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's Texas ranch...

FOWLERTON, Texas -- Wrestling legend "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was left stunned this week after the barn on his Texas ranch was destroyed by a storm.

The 47-year-old, real name Steven James Williams, saw the roof of his barn torn off at the storm ripped through Broken Skull Ranch in McMullen County.

The wrestler-come-actor said he planned to use the damage to add more storage space.
He told TMZ fixing the damage, "ain't gonna be cheap."


Andy Kaufman's pro wrestling exploits recalled in CNN feature, claims WWE won't allow him in the Hall of Fame...

The pro wrestling exploits of Andy Kaufman were chronicled in a lengthy CNN website feature. The story states that Kaufman remains shut out of the WWE Hall of Fame. "His absence from the Hall of Fame is conspicuous," Syracuse professor Bob Thompson said. "He is one of the really important members of the pantheon of that form." To read the full article, visit CNN.com/2012/04/07/us/kaufman-lawler-wrestling-match/index.html


Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment To Ramp Up New Product Offers; Social Media Attack And More...

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment has reported plans to develop and launch numerous gaming products. Since the merger in April 2011, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment has strived to evolve and grow in the competitive online gaming market.

Bwin.Party has reported its desire to continually integrate its platform and products as well as invest in Research and Development. The online gaming giant has announced the development of a rush poker variant and the launch of social gaming products in order to stay pace with the evolving market. Furthermore, co-CEOs Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger have reported that the company is “well placed” to take advantage of the regulatory movement in both Europe and the US.

New Products

Bwin.Party has reported plans to launch several products ranging from mobile applications to new gaming products. The gaming giant plans to launch a social gaming platform in addition to building an independent social gaming site. The first social gaming product is tipped to be poker-based game called Aces Hangout, which was tested in late 2011 and we understand launched on Google+ days ago. The company has announced that the poker-based social gaming offerings will be followed by a casino and sports book application. In addition to these social gaming offerings, the company plans to launch mobile applications for its core products as well as HTML5 versions of its major gaming sites.

CEO Jim Ryan recently told news media that “We expect to gain competitive advantage this year from additional scale and improved flexibility that will flow from the integration and migration of our main products to a single technology platform.”

In addition to the launch of the social gaming platform, Ryan announced that the company has launched the development of a rush poker variant.

Legislation and Finance

Bwin.Party has announced that it is well positioned to take advantage of the regulatory movements in major markets like Spain and the US. In Spain, the gaming company is one of 60 companies that are waiting for the approval of the licensing application that was recently delayed due to controversy surrounding a Spain regulator. In the United States, Bwin.Party secured a joint venture with brick and mortar casino operators MGM and Boyd Gaming in order to position itself for the anticipated regulation of online poker in the US. Furthermore, the company has an application for the Schleswig-Holstein Board that will allow the launch of all products except bingo.

Financially, Bwin.Party announced an increase in flat pro-forma revenues from €814m to €816m and a 9% increase in its casino revenue. EGamingReview also reported that analysts have a positive outlook on the company with a 2% average daily increase over last year’s figures.

Bwin.Party continues to evolve in the competitive gaming market and plans to launch several exciting products in the near future. In addition to the new developments and regulatory preparations, Bwin.Party is expected to finally have real money dotcom players move to the merged platform by the third quarter of 2012 and the dot.it and dot.fr migrations to occur in the fourth quarter of this year. The company expects this migration to further enhance its position in the poker market alongside its major competitors like PokerStars, Virgin Games and PKR.

Media Man will be following up Bwin.Party developments, and as we go to press the have already released at least one new slot to the online casino portfolio PartyCasino, as seen on the Media Man network, so its game on!

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Wrestling fans aka sports entertainment fans out there. Here's your latest fix of pro wrestling news Australian style...

WrestleMania 28 Predictions...

Our tips

John Cena over The Rock

Sheamus over Bryan Danielson

The Undertaker over Triple H

Chris Jericho over CM Punk

The Big Show over Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton over Kane

Team Teddy over Team Johnny

Media Man's pro wrestling tipsers also advises to expect one or two surprises, including more action in the ring than expected with Shaun Michaels aka "The Heartbreak Kid" (ref for The Undertaker VS Triple H) and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who likely won't be able to contain himself at the biggest event on the pro wrestling calendar. It would be pretty cool to see Dusty Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes (aka Goldust) get involved in Cody's match, but that's on the wish list. We would like to see "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka also get involved, but there's not even a rumour about that.

Brock Lesnar Talk Hots Up; WrestleMania 28 and 29 Appearance?!

According to pro wrestling expert and historian, Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, there were strong rumors of Brock Lesnar's retirement from the UFC for weeks before his loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 on Friday night. Meltzer stated on his radio show that he had heard weeks ago that the former UFC heavyweight champion may be heading back to the WWE.

"I heard for the past three or four weeks that if Brock were to lose don't be surprised to see him in WWE fairly soon," said Meltzer.

Meltzer noted that Lesnar's retirement speech "was clearly practiced" and that he knew he would retire ahead of time.

"I don't know if he had told anyone but there were rumors going around, not so much that he was going to quit, but there was an offer out for him and if he lost in a bad way... that he wouldn't be able to be a main event fighter again, and without being a main event fighter, he wouldn't make millions for a fight.

"Brock is not a guy who is going to fight for $500,000 or $700,000. He's just not going to do that, especially when he can make far more than that doing pro wrestling."

Meltzer spoke to Yahoo! Sports after Lesnar's loss, and said that Vince McMahon would want him back.

"He's (Vince McMahon) going to want him back," Meltzer stated. "They tried to get him for WrestleMania for last year and Dana wouldn't agree to release him... Dana's got him for contract for several more fights for a lengthy period of time."

Even if Vince McMahon and UFC President Dana White were to come to an agreement to bring Lesnar back into WWE, it would likely only be for a few shows.

"Brock will never go full time to pro wrestling," Meltzer said. "Brock will do a WrestleMania for a huge payoff, maybe he'll do two or three more pro wrestling matches and it will wear off."


Ric Flair to appear at WWE Hall of Fame ceremony...

WWE has gotten word that Ric Flair will be in attendance at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Miami's American Airlines Arena on Saturday, March 31.

On that night, The Nature Boy will gain a record second entry into the hallowed Hall. Only this time, Flair will be entering alongside his legendary Four Horsemen allies: Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and JJ Dillon.

First inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 on the night before he faced Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV, The Nature Boy became the first active Superstar to ever receive the honor. The Dirtiest Player in the Game retired from the ring after losing to HBK on The Grandest Stage of Them All, but his legacy as one of the most respected and influential performers in sports-entertainment endures.

The induction ceremony, which will be held on the eve of WrestleMania XXVIII, will air on USA on Monday, April 2 at 8 p.m.


Australian Wrestling Fans: WrestleMania 28 Tommorow; Last Call For Foxtel Main Event PPV...

Fans, if you haven't placed your Main Event channel order yet for the most important and exciting pro wrestling pay-per-view event in the world, there's still a few short hours to do so.


Keep checking Street Corner, Wrestling News Media and the official WWE network for more on these developing news stories and more.

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Australian movie and entertainment fans. It's time for yet another showbiz update. We've got Marvel Entertainment, Disney, WWE WrestleMania, gaming, celebrities, The Star and more.

Walt Disney Releases "Fun Facts" for THE AVENGERS Movie...

In anticipation for the summer blockbuster release of Marvel's The Avengers superhero team-up of a life time, Walt Disney Pictures have officially released a series of neat "fun facts" surrounding the Joss Whedon-directed production. While we have learned a few of these "facts" prior, indulge in them down below.

* Marvel's The Avengers is based on the Marvel comic created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The first Avengers comic was published in September 1963 and the lineup consisted of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp. Captain America joined the team in #4, after being revived from being trapped in a block of ice. This film brings together Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) when they are called to duty by S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

* Production on Marvel's The Avengers commenced on April 25, 2011, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the production shot onstage at Albuquerque Studios and various locations in and around the city until Thursday, July 28. Other filming locations included Wilmington, Ohio; Worthington, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. The shoot lasted a total of 93 shooting days on 1st unit and 47 shooting days on second unit.

* The Helicarrier Bridge set was built on a soundstage in Albuquerque. This iconic home base for the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., whose director is Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), resembles an aircraft carrier, but it's no ordinary carrier -- it can actually fly. The filmmakers wanted to embrace that key element of The Avengers history and give the fans a real thrill when it takes to the air. To achieve the exterior of the Helicarrier, the filmmakers shot on a runway at the Albuquerque International Sunport.

* Another classic Marvel vehicle, the Quinjet, is also making an appearance in the movie. The Quinjet is essentially the jump jet that The Avengers use to go to and from the Helicarrier and to go into battles. The Quinjet design fits in with the Helicarrier -- the same technology that allows the Helicarrier to work has been incorporated into the Quinjet. But at the same time the silhouette of the Quinjet, the cockpit, the engines on the back and the weaponry make it feel as though it could actually exist today.

* In the very first issue of the comic book The Avengers, almost 50 years ago, it was Loki, Thor's brother, who was causing the trouble that brought all the Avengers together for the first time to defeat him. In the making of the movie, Marvel stayed true to that setup. Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, is a much stronger villain on Earth than he is in his own world of Asgard and wreaks havoc in Marvel's The Avengers.

* Chris Hemsworth (Thor) felt that being on location was like summer camp, where no one really knows each other but everyone hangs out together and has a great time. However, Hemsworth did know Tom Hiddleston (Loki) from Thor and developed a great relationship with him on that film that carried over to The Avengers.

* To play expert archer Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner received training from Olympic archers on how to use a bow properly. He learned the basics of archery as well as the proper positions, but one of the most difficult tasks Renner had to master was the consistency he had to employ in drawing back the bow, which is difficult to do when drawing back fast.

* Scarlett Johansson was more than happy to reprise her role as Black Widow in The Avengers. The actress says she is a huge fan of the character and is happy that fans liked her as Black Widow, a role she originated in "Iron Man 2." In "Marvel's The Avengers," during her scenes with another highly skilled S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, Hawkeye, the audience will be let in on some of their backstory and get a glimpse of their longtime working relationship.

* When the cast and crew of The Avengers flew from Albuquerque to Wilmington, Ohio, they didn't have to go far to reach their new shooting location. The production's charter flight landed right next to the film set at Clinton County Airpark, a massive complex complete with a 9,000-foot runway and a one million square foot, state-of-the-art shipping facility that would double in the film for parts of the interior of the Helicarrier.

* The famous battle cry in the comic book, "Avengers Assemble!" is a call to arms for members of the team to fight "the foes no single superhero can withstand." During production, Chris Evans (Captain America) borrowed the famous command to gather up his fellow cast members when he sent out text messages to them to come together for a night on the town in Albuquerque after a long, hard week of work on the production.

* Shooting in Central Park is never easy, but what about when you put the entire cast of the film at Bethesda Fountain on Labor Day weekend? The cast, crew and filmmakers got to find out firsthand as thousands of onlookers gathered to see something that held the attention of even the most hardened New Yorker -- the entire cast of "Marvel's The Avengers" in costume, including Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in their Asgardian finery. For the actors in the film it would be the first time they were all on set together in over a month and also the last time they would be shooting together. For director Joss Whedon the challenge was to keep his cast focused. "It was like a circus crossed with a class reunion," laughs the director. "Paparazzi and fans were everywhere and the cast was so happy to see each other, talk and catch up because they enjoyed hanging out together."

* The film's second unit shot a chase sequence in Worthington, Pennsylvania, at Creekside Mushroom LTD, the former home to World Famous Moonlight® brand Mushrooms. Creekside was the world's largest mushroom-growing facility and the only underground mushroom farm in the United States. For the production, shooting at the facility meant gaining access to the 150 miles of tunnels 300 feet below the ground. Without power, prepping the tunnels for the chase sequences that involved Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) took months -- but it all paid off with spectacular results.

* With so many fight sequences in the film, many of the actors, including Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, participated in extensive fight training with the stunt team. Cast members trained with fight choreographer Jonathan Eusebio. Renaming the gym the "Stunt Dojo," Eusebio and his team trained the cast in different fighting styles, including medieval fighting techniques, Wushu, Kung Fu and Kali.

* For three weeks, the production shut down East 9th Street in Downtown Cleveland to prep and shoot one of the larger action sequences. It was the talk of the town for months and attracted thousands of curious onlookers, who watched the street transform from empty buildings to a bustling New York City street complete with subway stop and popular storefronts with facades. The production design was so convincing that rumors circulated about new stores opening on the street.

* Another challenge for the production design team was transforming Cleveland's historic Public Square into an exterior location that would double for Stuttgart, Germany. The production changed words on the facades of the buildings to German and added a "biergarten" to the square. Local workers in the area loved the changes and hoped the upgrades to the square (new flowers, plants, picnic tables and lampposts) would stay in place after filming was completed.

* Despite being a secure location that only cast and crew members could access, one fan's persistence caught the eye of "The Avengers" cast and crew at the Airpark set in Wilmington, Ohio, when she made a big poster-board sign welcoming the cast to the city and requesting that the actors autograph a T-shirt that was in a bag. The sign was such a hit with the company that they passed it to the set. Filmmakers were able to contact the fan and she was given a tour of the set, an "Avengers" crew hat, a meet and greet with director Joss Whedon and, of course, the cast's autographs on the T-shirt she had placed by the sign. It truly was a day to remember for one lifelong Marvel fan.

* Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Tom Hiddleston was not exposed to American sports, but that all changed during production as he was able to watch a Cleveland Browns preseason football game on the sidelines, attend a Cleveland Indians game, throw out the first pitch, and be courtside at the US Open to watch several matches.

* In shooting one of the bigger action sequences in the film, director Joss Whedon enlisted the help of 25 members of the Ohio-based 391st Military Police Battalion to be part of the scene in which New York City is being attacked by unknown forces. The troops were brought in to add a layer of authenticity and give the combat scenes realism. And realism is exactly what the MPs delivered with their 50-caliber machine guns and Mark-19s. The film crew was blown away by their firepower and teamwork and Whedon was also impressed and appreciative as he posed for pictures with the Battalion after the scene was completed.

* For special effects to pull off the destruction of a New York City street, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick involved precision pyrotechnics and well-timed car gags so that the production's stunt people could safely maneuver through the explosions and flipping cars. To pull off the large pyrotechnic event, Sudick and his team rigged 28 explosions, which went off in a wave fashion down the street to simulate an air attack. The sequence also included setting up 14 cars down the middle of the street, which included cannon cars, flipper cars, ‘pyro cars as well as a semi-truck that exploded. Sudick and his team pulled off the sequence without a hitch and even though it was shot on East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland, it still made the cover of the New York Post with the headline: "Save us, Thor!"

Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, & directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble on May 4, 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013!; and “Thor 2” on November 15, 2013. Source: Walt Disney Pictures


Why Paramount Pictures And Not Disney Is Credited in Avengers Movie Promos...

Some folks have wondered why it is Paramount Pictures and not Walt Disney Pictures that is credited in the The Avengers promos. After all, last October they announced that they had "reached an agreement under which Paramount will transfer its worldwide marketing and distribution rights to Disney for Marvel Studios' The Avengers and Iron Man 3... Under terms of the new deal, Disney will pay Paramount $115 million for the transfer of the distribution rights to Iron Man 3 and The Avengers to be paid on the theatrical release dates. These monies will serve as a minimum guarantee against the distribution fees. In completing this agreement, Disney will now assume worldwide marketing and distribution of 'The Avengers' and 'Iron Man 3'."

Yet, when you examine both the teaser poster and the new trailer, there is no mention of Disney at all. Variety has a report on this and mentions that some things were left out of the original announcement:

Knowing Disney wanted to turn "The Avengers" into a franchise and bank on the success of "Iron Man" after buying Marvel for $4 billion, Par's brass negotiated a deal in which it continues to collect 8% of the B.O. as part of fees it would have earned for distribbing the pic, as it did with the two "Iron Man" pics, "Thor" and "Captain America." It gets 9% for "Iron Man 3."

At the minimum, it earns $115 million, should they not perform.

At the same time, the deal granted Par placement on the marketing materials for both titles, even though Marvel's films are fully owned by Disney and will be solely distributed and marketed by the Mouse House, Variety learned.

While moviegoers will continue to think Paramount Pictures is releasing The Avengers and Iron Man 3 in theaters, it is Disney doing the vast amount of work and who most of the movie news is coming from. Most fans are not fussed, and just want to see quality super hero themed motion pictures.


Casino Club Promoters from The Star's Marquee Nightclub Ejected From Hugos; Trying to Attract Patrons...

The Star is pulling out all the stops in their ambitious attempt to establish Marquee as Sydney's elite nightclub, with an army of promoters - street team of sorts spotted looking to nab customers from rival nightclubs over the weekend.

There's a bakers dozen play celebrities being flown in from Los Angeles this week to attend the VIP party on Friday - Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Nick Lachey, Kellan Lutz, Abbie Cornish and LMFAO's Redfoo in the mix.

Rupert Murdoch's Daily Telegraph 'Confidential' Kings Cross spies noticed a group of Marquee workers being requested to leave Hugos on Friday night.

"They were handing out cards and talking up Marquee's big (public) opening on Saturday," said the leak. "Staff saw them and asked them to leave immediately."

Another leak said: "Being in Pyrmont, The Star are aware they really have to work to get people there because there's nothing else around. Even from Ivy it's quite a hike."

As revealed on Saturday, a massive group of socialites and party types have been recruited - many from other clubs - to help drive business to the $20 million Marquee. The official opening night on Saturday features a performance by will.i.am and the casino in a clever move not ticketing the event, with a door charge guaranteeing bigger numbers and early arrivals.


Mel Gibson selling his Costa Rican retreat...

Australian Actor-director Mel Gibson is putting his sprawling hilltop compound in Costa Rica up for sale with a $US29.75 million asking price.

The Oscar winner has suffered a series of public embarrassments in recent years after a decades-long reign as a top box office star.

Fortunately things have pretty much returned to normal for 'Our Mel', who is getting a lot of support from many Hollywooders and close friends.

He is reportedly selling the 500-acre compound to downsize his real estate portfolio.

Over the years Gibson has owned lavish properties in Malibu, Australia, Montana, Connecticut and even a private island in Fiji.

Gibson's Pacific coast compound, on Playa Barrigona on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula just south of the Nicaragua border, boasts three hilltop homes - the largest of which has seven bedrooms, with soaring ocean and jungle views.

Each villa on the former cattle ranch is outfitted with native Costa Rican woods and Italian and Spanish tiles and features multiple verandas and a private pool.

"The property is expansive, meticulously maintained and ultimately private," said Rick Moeser, a spokesman for Christie's real estate.

"With its multiple homes and outbuildings, this is the ideal family retreat."

Gibson, 56, has seven children from his long marriage which ended in divorce in 2009.

He also has one child with Russian star Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he had an acrimonious break-up.

Many people are looking forward to seeing Mel back in the media for quality film projects that he decides to involve himself in.

WWE WrestleMania: The Rock VS John Cena News...

The Rock, who rose to stardom in the pro wrestling business, says there's nowhere else he'd rather drop The People's Elbow than in the ring. The Rock returns to the WWE for his first WrestleMania match since 2004 when he headlines the April 1 WrestleMania 28 card against former champion John Cena at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, USA.

For a company once home to Hulk Hogan and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, this match is as close as it gets to a dream match. Both hardcore fans, casual fans and news media are buzzing about it.

"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."

Johnson reigned in that top spot at the end of the 1990s and the early part of the last decade
before embarking on an impressive run in Hollywood. His current film, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," grossed $95 million in its first six weeks in the U.S attained $300 million worldwide. His previous movie, "Fast Five," made more than $210 million in U.S grosses, proving that Johnson knows how to rock the box office.

All that big-ticket drawing power is why the WWE believes he can attract more than a million pay-per-view buys (at $54.95 U.S) in his return singles match.

"They know that I'm back, not for money, not because I like being on the road, but because I love the business," Johnson said. "The energy level is different this time around, the connection is more emotional this time around."

Sitting in the Wells Fargo Center seats hours before 18,088 fans packed the place for Monday's live "Raw," Johnson reflected on a career that took him from $40 paydays and Waffle House meals to his choice of top movie roles and a lavish $3.4 million pad in South Florida.

His stories are interrupted by visits from today's WWE crew. Sheamus, a rising WWE star, had a brief chat with The Rock.

"Great match on Friday," Rock says. "I texted Chris (Jericho) on Friday. You guys killed it. That boot at the end, that was awesome."

Sheamus smiles and appreciates the feedback.

"Thank you, Rock."

The Rock says, if the boys in the back are resentful he slid into the main event without toiling 200-plus days last year on the road, he hasn't noticed.

"The best part of me coming back is hearing them say, 'You've inspired me, thank you,'" Johnson said. "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.'"

On screen, Cena has a contrasting take.

"I was a fan in '99. I'm not a fan now," Cena said. "I don't know what he's got going on upstairs."

The Rock returned to Vince McMahon's empire last year as WrestleMania's guest host, but couldn't help but get physical in the main event. He dropped his finishing move, The Rock Bottom, on Cena which allowed WWE champion The Miz to get the pin and retain his title. The next night on "Raw," Cena and Rock agreed to a bout for this year's signature event, a bold and risky yearlong push for a company where real injuries often fracture fantasy storylines.

Johnson's return boosted Wrestlemania's buy rate to 1,042,000 worldwide—the first time it topped a million in three years and seventh time overall.

The Rock wrestled for the first time in 7 1/2 years when he teamed with Cena at November's Survivor Series pay-per-view against Miz and R-Truth.

The temporary alliance disintegrated and the duo have engaged in verbal battles for most of the last two months. Cena tweaked Rock's catchphrases in a rap song. Rock strummed the guitar and sang his own tune about where he wants to stick his boots at Wrestlemania. The two have gone back-and-forth on Twitter. It's a unique twist on hype—far removed from the ferociousness of Roddy Piper bashing Jimmy Snuka's head with a coconut.

"We've been griping like two little kids now for about a year," Cena said. "Now, everybody wants to see us fight."

Cena and Rock top a card that includes WWE champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. the Undertaker in a steel cage, and Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres vs. Kelly Kelly and "Extra" co-host and current "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Maria Menounos.

Like Johnson, Jericho has found mainstream success as an author, lead singer of the band "Fozzy," and reality TV and awards show host. Jericho said few people have Johnson's oversized personality to transition into all forms of entertainment.

"I know just how much firepower Rock has," Jericho said. "I think people forget sometimes how good he is."

Fans have tuned in, though not quite in the monster numbers of Johnson's "Attitude Era" heyday. The March 12 "Raw," averaged 4.82 million viewers (4.97 million watched the second hour of the show) which bested the highest-rated NCAA tournament cable game, Kansas vs. Purdue (4.43 million viewers).

Johnson has committed to appearing at next year's WrestleMania at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. In what role, he hasn't said.

It's clear if the WWE wants to squeeze another potential blockbuster buy rate out of the Rock, the last man standing to get the headline match would be the return of former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

How about it: Brock vs. Rock at WrestleMania 29?

"I'm not saying a thing," said a laughing, grinning Rock, eyebrow raised. "I didn't say anything."

The Rock silenced. That's a first.

Before Johnson can map out a storyline for next year's WrestleMania, there are more movies to shoot. He just wrapped, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," and begins filming Michael Bay's "Pain & Gain," with Mark Wahlberg on April 3. He also has starring roles lined up for "Fast Six," and "Hercules."

Johnson would like to shed the invincible hero role for once and grapple with a meatier, dramatic role.

"A role like that will come," he said. "I can't wait for that to come, by the way. We'll develop things. I'm patient."

He won't have to wait much longer for WrestleMania.

*Australian fans can order WrestleMania 28 via the Main Event Channel on Foxtel for $34.95 - "Very good value for money considering the strength of the card" said a Media Man spokeperson. "If your going to order just one wrestling PPV this year, this is the one to get without question" continued the PR from the Media Man agency.

Main Event TV - WrestleMania promo...

WWE Wrestlemania XXVIII
LIVE Monday, April 2 at 9am AEDT
Replays: 2pm, 7pm, 12am AEST
Encores: 3 till 5 April 2012 then 8 till 9 April

In the most anticipated WrestleMania clash in history, John Cena will collide with The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII, emanating from The Great One’s hometown of Miami.

Few could have anticipated that two of sports-entertainment’s most celebrated icons would ever meet in the squared circle, let alone on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Yet, the WWE Universe will bear witness to this blockbuster collision - one year after The Cenation Commander-in-Chief and “The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment” agreed to battle in a dream match for the ages.

Following a seven-year absence, The Rock returned to WWE in characteristically grand fashion in early 2010 to host WrestleMania XXVII. Although The People’s Champion was overjoyed to be reunited with his millions – and millions – of fans at long last, he was quick to take aim at Cena, sparking a very public war of words with his fellow multi-time World Champion.

The verbal jousts escalated to physical confrontation in the weeks that followed, and it became abundantly clear that the pair would cross paths at The Showcase of the Immortals in one way or another. Ultimately, in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 71,000 WWE Universe members in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, The Rock put an exclamation point on his rivalry with Cena by hitting him with a Rock Bottom, a maneuver that afforded The Miz the opportunity to retain his coveted WWE Championship.

The following night on Raw, these two icons faced off once again, but this time the physicality was limited to a handshake. For the first time in history, a WrestleMania main event was made one year prior to the event itself.

Cena and The Rock forged an unstable alliance to combat The Awesome Truth – an outspoken tandem consisting of The Miz & R-Truth – at the monumental 25th annual Survivor Series in Madison Square Garden. Although “The Most Charismatic Tag Team of All Time” kept their cool for the most part as they battled common enemies, The People’s Champ issued a forceful WrestleMania reminder to his temporary tag team partner after their victory when he nailed Cena with yet another Rock Bottom.

The battle lines were drawn once again...

2pm, 7pm, 12am AEST

FOXTEL, OPTUS, AUSTAR $34.95

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
Are you a loyal member of Cenation, or are you allied with Team Bring It? Join the discussion about this monumental main event with the rest of the WWE Universe on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to watch history unfold by tuning in to WrestleMania XXVIII, April 2, 2012.


That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Hugh "The Wolverine" Jackman punches Russell "The Gladiator" Crowe in play...

Hugh Jackman tried to punch Russell Crowe as many times as possible during rehearsals for theatre production Les Miserables.

The Australian star keeps asking to re-shoot fight scenes where he knocks Crowe out, because he enjoys it so much.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The crew find it hilarious as Crowe would obviously sweep the floor with Jackman in real life.

"Hugh keeps ribbing Russell and winding him up but he's been getting his own back by calling Hugh a twirlie, which is showbiz speak for a singer/dancer."

Although Jackman has always had to be in good shape to play muscular superhero Wolverine in the X-Men films, he was recently told he had to bulk up to play the character in the next movie, The Wolverine, as he had lost so many pounds while appearing in Hugh Jackman: Back On Broadway.

He said: "The studio wants me to bulk up. Singing and dancing makes the suits nervous because weight just falls off me, but I'd rather sing and dance on Broadway than make movies."

Crowe is also no stranger to long fight scenes, having undergone gruelling shoots against Michael Shannon in Superman: Man of Steel, in which he played the titular superhero's father.

He tweeted: "15km bike ride, umpteen hours fighting Michael Shannon. He's very hard to put down. Hard to tell who wins, we are still fighting tomorrow. (sic)"


Bruce Willis and his heavily-pregnant wife make the most of their freedom on a double date with Sylvester Stallone...

They may be two of Hollywood's biggest action stars but recently Bruce Willis and Sylvester "Rambo" Stallone showed off their softer sides.

The actors enjoyed a double date with one another and their wives as they met up for dinner in Los Angeles.

As they emerged from Craig's Restaurant, Willis and his wife Emma Heming looked in good spirits following their meal, as they were making the most of their freedom before the birth of their first child.

Perhaps Stallone and his wife of almost 15 years, Jennifer Flavin, had been giving Heming some parenting advice.

Willis and Heming announced that they were expecting their first child together last year, and judging by the brunette's large bump, it won't be long until the baby arrives.

The model was glowing as she left the restaurant holding her husband's hand and smiled for the cameras.

She wore a black and white printed dress that highlighted her stomach with a waist belt, and completed her look with a black jacket and matching flats.

Die Hard star Willis had also dressed for the occasion and wore a smart dark suit and a shirt but looked less enthusiastic as he left the building.

Stallone followed closely behind the couple wearing a red two-tone blazer with grey trousers and a shirt.

His wife dressed down in a pair of jeans and a blue leather jacket, but she did make sure she was taller than her husband by wearing a pair of black knee-high boots.

Willis and Stallone recently reunited with one another to star in the upcoming action sequel, The Expendables 2.

The film, which is due for release in August this year, features an array of well-known action stars including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme.


Are Bruce Willis And Sylvester Stallone’s Wives Joining Season 3 Of Real Housewives of Beverly Wills?...

Maybe! There has been many rumors that Sylvester Stallone’s wife, Jennifer Flavin was asked to join season 3 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills but no confirmation just yet. The National Enquirer is now reporting that Jennifer is "heavily recruiting" close friend and Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming to join the show as well! A hollywood pal told The Enquirer, "They know each other from their modeling days, and Jen thinks the two of them together can ‘take over’ the show – and she loves that their hubbies are friends too!"

So how exactly does Bruce and Sly feel about this? The leak says, "While Jennifer says Sly is totally supportive of the idea, she’s trying to get Emma to convince Bruce that this would be a good thing. He’s wary because Emma is about to become a first-time mom. He’s also not thrilled about having a reality TV crew following them everywhere." The two couples were seen having dinner last week and apparently "Bruce told Jennifer he would consider the idea. But first he wants to get past the impending arrival of his new baby."


Jagger and Richards mend relationship...

We all need someone to lean on, and the founding duo of the Rolling Stones say they are doing just that after overcoming three decades of misunderstandings with a year of that including some heavy conversation.

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards said they rebuilt their friendship after guitarist Richards's best-selling 2011 memoirs Life laid bare his pent-up frustration with the snake-hipped frontman.

"In the 1980s, for instance, Keith and I were not communicating very well," Jagger told the pop culture magazine, which celebrates the band's 50th anniversary in its current issue.

"I got very involved with the business side of the Stones, mainly because I felt no one else was interested - but it's plain now from the book that Keith felt excluded, which is a pity. Time I reckon to move on."

"Mick's right," said Richards. The pair the Stones in 1962 after they met in a London train station and discovered their mutual love for American blues music.

"He and I have had conversations over the last year of a kind we have not had for an extremely long time and that has been incredibly important to me," Richards said.

"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be - but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."

Rolling Stone reported earlier this week that the Stones are planning no concert tour for its 50th anniversary, although it quoted Richards as suggesting that 2013 was a "more realistic" target for hitting the road. (AFP)


Souris in the dark about casino sackings...

The New South Wales Gaming Minister George Souris says he knows nothing about the latest sackings at Sydney's Star casino.

An official inquiry is underway into the sacking last month of Star's managing director Sid Vaikunta, for allegedly inappropriate behaviour.

Now, the casino has reportedly sacked three mid-level managers for breaches of its internet and email policies.

One manager is believed to have forwarded an email explaining why responsible gambling rules do not apply to international guests.

Mr Souris says it is news to him.

"Whatever matters relating to the operation of the casino that arise during this inquiry are matters not for me," he said.

"They are matters for the independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, and are specially in the hands of the independent inquiry that has been commissioned by the authority in the hands of Gail Furness SC."

Mr Souris was confronting a media pack for the first time since allegations were raised about the government's involvement in the Sid Vaikunta episode.

The state opposition has claimed the Premier's former communications director Peter Grimshaw used his position and his friendship with George Souris to conduct a personal vendetta against the casino operators.

Mr Souris says he has done nothing to compromise the government over the affair.

He has confirmed that he spoke to Peter Grimshaw about keeping some information secret, but said it had nothing to do with government policy.

"The conversation was deeply personal." he said.

"It had nothing to do with any decision the government was considering or any matter of policy whatsoever - nothing reflected or compromised the government."

Peter Grimshaw has was stood down from his role pending an investigation into allegations he forwarded confidential work emails.


Souris fronts media over Star allegations...

NSW Tourism Minister George Souris has defended his role in The Star casino scandal a week after being accused of hiding from the media.

Mr Souris has distanced himself from the widening scandal that began with the sacking of the The Star's boss Sid Vaikunta in February.

"This whole issue of the casino really does not reflect on anything I have done," Mr Souris said, speaking to journalists at the launch of the Sydney Racing Carnival at Bondi.

"There is nothing whatsoever that I have compromised - everything that I have done has been proper."

Mr Souris has become the lightning rod for opposition attacks over the casino, with Labor Leader John Robertson saying he had breached the ministerial code of conduct by withholding information from Premier Barry O'Farrell about an investigation into The Star.

In a text leaked to the media, Mr Souris told Mr O'Farrell's communications director Peter Grimshaw he hadn't informed the premier that one of Mr Vaikunta's alleged harassment victims was in fact Mr Grimshaw's partner.

Mr Grimshaw - who has been stood down by Mr O'Farrell over another matter - has been accused of waging a secret campaign against the casino, his former employer.

Mr Souris has been grilled in question time for two weeks over his dealings with Mr Grimshaw, with the opposition calling for him to be sacked.

He has also been accused of hiding from the media after refusing to do interviews about The Star and being absent at major announcements such as Thursday's launch of the Vivid Sydney festival.

On Monday, Mr Souris said the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) inquiry into Mr Vaikunta's sacking would focus on the "real substance of the matter".

"Matters concerning the operation of the casino itself, that is the true focus," Mr Souris told reporters.

"I can assure you not one breach of the public trust has occurred in anything that I have been involved in. No government decisions whatsoever have been compromised."

Mr Souris once again defended his decision not to tell Mr O'Farrell that Mr Grimshaw's partner was one of the casino boss's alleged victims.

"The conversation was deeply personal. It had nothing to do with any decision the government was considering, or any matter of policy whatsoever," he said.

"Nothing reflected or compromised the government. They were deeply personal, and I believe I was able to offer him a personal hearing board from which I respected the confidentiality of it."

Mr Souris's comments came as three more managers, including one who forwarded an email revealing that the casino allowed international high rollers to gamble non-stop for more than 24 hours, were sacked from the casino, Fairfax reported on Monday.

"I just don't even know anything about that," Mr Souris said.

Mr O'Farrell said he was concerned about the latest alleged breaches at The Star but was confident ILGA would investigate.

"That authority is independent, doesn't operate at the direction of government, but has shown itself proactive in the past on these issues," he told reporters in Sydney.


EPIX Celebrates Superheroes and the Legendary Stan Lee With Marvel Heroes Weekend April 27-29
--Hosted by Lee, Event Features World Television Premieres of Captain America: The First Avenger & EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story --National Free Preview Makes Marvel Heroes Weekend Available to Subscribers of Affiliated Partners...

NEW YORK, March 19, 2012 - EPIX, the multiplatform premium entertainment service, will present Marvel Heroes Weekend, April 27 - 29, a marathon of superhero movies including Iron Man 2, Thor, the world television premiere of Captain America: The First Avenger and the EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story. Hosted by legendary comic book creator Stan Lee, the marathon also includes EPIX Extra: Mighty Movie Superheroes, examining the origins and fan following of the mighty team. The weekend celebration of Marvel's famed superheroes and their creator features the movies that have led up to the highly anticipated theatrical release of The Avengers on May 4.

The EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story follows the life and creations of Stan Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man and over 200 other characters that can be found in Marvel comic books, on movie screens and in retail stores around the world.

"These action-packed superhero films are some of the most highly viewed titles among EPIX audiences across all platforms," said EPIX CEO and President Mark Greenberg. "We're excited to give fans more access than ever before to the mastermind behind it all, Stan Lee."

Marvel Heroes Weekend is part of a free preview of EPIX for all subscribers of affiliate partners, which will also showcase Hollywood blockbusters Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Rango, Conan the Barbarian, True Grit, The Lincoln Lawyer and more, along with EPIX original comedy and music events Lewis Black: In God We Rust, Kevin Smith: Burn in Hell and Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball. Over 30 million homes nationwide will have access to the free preview, including over 150 titles available On Demand and more than 3000 movie titles available online at EpixHD.com and through EPIX apps.

The weekend event and free preview will be supported by television, print, online and out of home advertising and a national contest hosted by EPIX which will send winners to the Hollywood premiere of The Avengers. For more information or to enter, visit the EPIX Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EpixHD . Additionally, EPIX has partnered with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for Avengers-themed sweepstakes promoted across Ryan Seacrest's nationally syndicated radio shows and website and across several local Clear Channel stations in the top 10 media markets.


Disney in the red after film flop John Carter...

This film has got a mixed bag of reviews. Most American media are panning it and most Australian media love it, so go figure!

John Carter is expected to lose $US200 million for Disney, dragging the studio's whole movie budget into the red.

Disney says it will take the huge operating loss on the movie, made by Oscar-winning director Andrew Stanton about a Civil War veteran transplanted to Mars, in its second fiscal quarter.

"In light of the theatrical performance of John Carter ($US184 million global box office), we expect the film to generate an operating loss of approximately $US200 million during our second fiscal quarter ending March 31," Disney said in a statement.

"As a result, our current expectation is that the studio segment will have an operating loss of between $US80 and $US120 million for the second quarter."

Starring Taylor Kitsch and Willem Dafoe, the movie cost an estimated $US250 million, but was met with a mixed bag of reviews from critics when it was released earlier this month.

It was the first live action movie for Stanton, who won best animated film Oscars for Finding Nemo in 2004 and Wall-E in 2009.

He also wrote for all three Toy Story movies as well as Monsters Inc.


2013 Oscars date set...

The annual Academy Awards will be held on February 24 next year, organisers say.

And nominations for those shortlisted for prizes on Hollywood's biggest night will be unveiled on January 15.

"The ceremony will take place at the Hollywood and Highland Centre ... and will be televised live by the ABC (America) Television Network to more than 225 countries," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement.

The name of the show's venue - the Kodak Theatre, in the heart of Hollywood - was changed at the last minute this year after the bankrupt photo company negotiated an end to its sponsorship deal.

It is unclear if the name will change by next February or remain the Hollywood and Highland Centre.

French-directed silent movie The Artist was crowned best picture at this year's show.


Theron talks about motherhood...

Actress Charlize Theron has opened up about motherhood, while promoting her new sci-fi thriller 'Prometheus' at California's 'wonder-con' convention.

The 36 year-old says it is everything she wanted, after adopting her son Jackson four months ago.

'Prometheus' is set for release later this year, marking Ridley Scott's return to the sci-fi film-making industry.

Australian actor Guy Pearce also stars in the film. Early buzz is that the film will be a hit.


Stacy Keibler to judge X Factor?...

Stacy Keibler is in talks to join 'The X Factor'.

The former professional wrestler - who is the main squeeze aka girlfriend of actor George Clooney - has reportedly been involved in a series of secret meetings about the possibility of becoming a judge on the upcoming second series of the US version of Simon Cowell's pop star search TV show.

While the blonde beauty and pop superstar Britney Spears are believed to be filling the two panel slots left vacant by axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, insiders have suggested Stacy's "lack of experience" in the music industry means she could be more likely to take over from former host Steve Jones.

An leak said: "Stacy Keibler is also in talks to join the show, but her lack of experience in the music business may make her more appropriate as a host. She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma."

Although Britney is believed to have been offered a deal worth $10 million to become a judge, it is alleged she is demanding "a lot more money".

A source added to the New York Post newspaper: "Talks are still ongoing with Britney and she is asking for a lot more money than was originally offered. But producers are confident Britney will realise this is a great opportunity for her to reinvent herself and accept their deal."

Show boss Simon - who is joined on the judging panel by record label chief L.A. Reid - has previously admitted he is keen for the presenter of the series to not come from a hosting background.

He said: "I always wanted a boy and a girl to host the show. And I like hosts who don't kind of have a hosting background, it's a different kind of dynamic."


HBO cancels Luck after horse deaths...

It's Dustin Hoffman's television series Luck, which earned some of its critical acclaim for its portrayal of thoroughbreds racing around the racetracks of southern California.

Off camera however the show has had some very bad luck.

The horseracing drama series Luck has been cancelled after the deaths of three horses, TV network HBO and producers say.

HBO, which is currently filming the drama's second series, has abruptly suspended the use of horses on its set following the sudden death of yet another one of its equine performers.

The series won't return for the second season run that began production last month, it said.

A horse was put down on Tuesday after it reared, fell over backwards, and hit its head.

The incident, which occurred on location at Santa Anita racetrack north of Los Angeles, was the third fatal accident involving horses in Luck's short history.

Animal rights activists are understood to be outraged by the development, and have called for police to launch an investigation into possible breaches of welfare laws.

They blamed the "outrageous" deaths on "sloppy oversights" by the makers of the show, created by the Hollywood director, Michael Mann.

HBO, for its part, can barely afford more negative publicity for the expensive show, which recently debuted in the UK on Sky.

Though heavily marketed, and despite receiving positive reviews, Luck has underperformed commercially, attracting just 625,000 viewers in the US.

In a statement, the network said it was "deeply saddened" by the horse's death.

It promised "full co-operation" with an investigation by the American Humane Association [AHA].

"Recent assertions of lax attitudes or negligence could not be further from the truth," it read.

"We will not be filming horses until AHA completes its inquiry."

This week's fatal accident was witnessed by Gary Beck, a vet.

"The horse was on her way back to the stall when she reared, flipped over backwards, and struck her head on the ground," he said, in a statement.

Since the injury was too serious to respond to treatment, euthanasia the only appropriate move, he added.

The California Horse Racing Board, which has allowed HBO to use Santa Anita during its off-season, said that a full post mortem will now be carried out on the creature.

"Unfortunately, we see several of these injuries in the stable area every year," said its equine medical director, Rick Arthur.

"They are more common than people realise."

Hollywood's local animal welfare lobby is unlikely to be impressed with the statement.

Even before this week's events, they were investigating Luck's treatment of its equine stars, alleging that two other horses who suffered fatal accidents during the filming of the show's first series should never have been allowed on set.

The first season of Luck premiered in Australia on Showcase last Sunday.


Australian TV Ratings - Sunday 18th March 2012

1 My Kitchen Rules 1,710,000 2 Aust FIA Formula One 1,399,000 3 Sunday Night 1,304,000 4 60 Minutes 1,187,000 5 Seven News 1,179,000


Australian Box Office...

This Week TITLE Weeks In Release Last Weekend ($) Total Gross ($)

1. John Carter NEW 3,092,526 3,092,526

2. Project X 2 1,098,478 2,920,967

3. Contraband 3 727,100 4,474,648

4. This Means War 4 673,397 7,263,919

5. The Vow 5 550,206 10,439,780

6. Safe House 5 429,402 8,131,194

7. The Artist 6 406,205 3,375,922

8. The Devil Inside 2 380,884 1,339,572

9. Hugo 9 296,163 9,830,145

10. My Week With Marilyn 4 228,551 2,161,960

11. Headhunters NEW 190,187 222,992

12. A Separation 2 173,093 563,630

13. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close 3 145,330 1,187,455

14. The Grey 4 132,988 2,295,195

15. The Descendants 9 120,235 14,930,061


Taylor Swift Unveils Hunger Games Song "Eyes Open"...

Taylor Swift fans who can't wait to see The Hunger Games got a special treat over the weekend.

The country pop princess performed, for the first time ever, "Eyes Open," the tune she contributed to the would-be blockbuster hitting theaters this weekend.

Listen here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7b-3MhTbJU&feature=player_embedded

"I'm really excited about it…but, I mean, you don't think I'd get in trouble if I played it now? Probably not, right?" Swift teased the thousands of screaming concertgoers who packed Auckland, New Zealand's Vector Arena last night.

She then launched into a solo acoustic rendition of "Eyes Open" that began with the refrain: "Everybody's waiting/Everybody's watching/Even when you're sleeping/Keep your eye-eyes open."

The song is one of the best cuts off the Hunger Games soundtrack, which hits stores tomorrow and also includes "Safe & Sound," which Swift wrote and performed with the singer-songwriter duo Civil Wars, along with ditties from Arcade Fire, Maroon 5 and Miranda Lambert among others.

"Do you like it?" Swift asked the crowd, and her fans do nuts.


WWE Sheamus Visit To Sydney On St. Patrick's Day News...

It was great to see WWE make the effort to bring Sheamus to Sydney, Australia this past Saturday. Sheamus was friendly to all of the fans (he got to meet). What wasn't so great was the way many fans missed out on the opp to meet him, and the miscommunication of information about the visit. One DVD - music distribution company published the wrong venue in their media and fan send outs, so some fans and media ended up going to Blacktown Big W instead of Bankstown Big W. Many fans and a number of media were also treated poorly by some security guards. It's a shame that one or two bad apples can spoil the show and put a black mark on the event. Media Man is hopeful that Sheamus goes on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 28 as he faces champion Daniel Bryan. By the way, check out the revamped WWE website which is very social media focused and looks fantastic.


WWE signs Australian Wrestler...

WWE has signed an Aussie! Sonny Elliot (formally Danny Bolton). Sonny was South Australian based and trained with Lance Storm in Canada. He was recently added to the main FCW roster. We wish Sonny well as his career continues.

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Wrestling fans aka sports entertainment fans out there. It's that time of the week again. Here's your latest fix of pro wrestling news Aussie style, direct from the Media Man agency...

WWE Superstar Sheamus at Big W Blacktown in Sydney...

WWE Superstar Sheamus will be in Australia on March 17 appearing at Big W in Blacktown, Sydney, NSW from 3pm! Come down early to get in line to meet The Great White on St Patricks Day. Heaps of WWE prizes will be given away on the day including DVDs, Action Figures & Video Games, and Sheamus will be ready to sign your WWE merchandise and meet you personally! Check out this year's rising star in person, after he won this year's Royal Rumble and now gets ready to head to WrestleMania!!


Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper In Fancypants Movie...

Fancypants is a 2011 film directed by Joshua Russell and starring Patrick Gleason, Roddy Piper, and Robert Carradine. Featuring Nick Turturro, Richard Kind, and introducing Jackson Dunn.

It is a comedy/drama about a professional wrestler who is afraid of conflict in real life. He is nearing the end of his career and finds out he has one fan left in an 8-year old boy, who hides a secret that will change Leo's life forever. The film was shot entirely on location in Chicago.

The film won Best Feature at the 2011 Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was an official selection at the 2011 Seattle True Independent Film Festival.

Roddy Piper is also rumoured to be one of the house-mates in upcoming WWE reality TV show, 'Legends House'.


The Four Horsemen Including Ric Flair To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame 2012; Jim Ross Tweets ...

Last week...Ross on Ric Flair’s Birthday: Happy Birthday to Ric Flair. Naitch called me this past week to catch up. He’s got a great opportunity with Coca Cola’s energy drink along with his state lottery work. I went on You Tube and checked out Ric’s TV commercials for the lotteries he promotes and they were hilarious.

Some of my fondest memories in the business involve Ric Flair and I’m so blessed to have been able to broadcast not only many Ric Flair bout but @ShawnMichaels bouts over the years, too as they are widely considered the two, best, all around pro wrestlers ever. That’s a debate that will rage on until the end of time but no one can intelligently say that Naitch and HBK aren’t on an abbreviated list of the best ever.


WWE Smackdown Did Mohegan Sun Arena In Land Based Casino...

No, the WWE doesn't own a casino anymore, but from time to time it does perform in the gaming and entertainment complexes.

The WWE Smackdown TV cameras returned to Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m and it was all broadcast on Australian TV via FOX on Foxtel.

The Main Event was Randy Orton (son of Cowboy Bon Orton) VS Daniel Bryan VS Sheamus aka "The Great White) in a "Triple Threat Match" for the World Heavyweight championship belt.

Other WWE Superstars included The Big Show, Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, Santino Marella and the Diva's (wrestling babes).

Fans, don't forget WWE WrestleMania 28 is just around the corner, and the sports entertainment company also has an Australian tour locked down for August and September of 2012.

Impact Wrestling (formally known as TNA Wrestling), is also set to tour New Zealand (and likely Australia) in about 6 or 12 months, and wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett recently thanked TV host Rove McManus in a very public way via Twitter, so where there's smoke, there's usually fire - even in professional wrestling.


WWE Legends House Will Get At Least One Non Wrestler Celebrity...

In the only confirmed WWE Network show, Legends’ House, looks like it will feature some celebrity involvement as legendary actor Adam West, famous for his roles as Batman and, more recently, lending his voice as “Mayor Adam West” on Family Guy, was pictured with the cast of Legends’ House, appearing with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Howard Finkel, Hillbilly Jim, Tony Atlas, Pat Patterson, and Jimmy Hart. The photo also shows P cat Dolls singer, Ashley Roberts, who is slated to be hosting the show, while Adam West will be a guest star on one of the episodes. Comedian Jeff Dye from the MTV show, Money from Strangers, also filmed some footage for the show, but his role is unknown. The Media Man agency tips high ratings will follow the show, but some other commentators are not quite as sure. Don't change your dial wrestling fans. This will be reality TV like never before, and tons of laughs are in store for those of you who stick with it. For a taste, check out the WWE YouTube channel where many other WWE shows are being broadcast, such as the famous 'Long Island Story' by Zack Ryder.


The Rock 'hyped' to star in NZ-shot movie...

Hollywood actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is "hyped" about starring in a blockbuster to be filmed in New Zealand later this year.

The former pro wrestler is heading down under to star as Hercules in American film director Brett Ratner's upcoming epic by the same name.

Johnson told his 2,226,466 Twitter followers he is looking forward to the new action role.

"Hyped to become HERCULES and bring the mythology to life. #TilDeathOrGlory," he tweeted today.

The man mountain, standing at 6 feet 5 inches (195.58cm), spent a brief period of his childhood in Auckland with his mother's family.

He attended Richmond Road Primary School before returning to the United States with his parents.

Hercules is based on the 2008 Radical Publishing comic Hercules: The Thracian War, written by Steve Moore.

Variety Magazine says filming on the MGM flick is set to start in October.

Johnson has emerged as one of Hollywood's leading action stars with a string of films including Fast Five, G.I Joe: Retaliation and Faster.


'Road Warrior' Animal Says Sting Isn’t An Icon Unless He Passes Through WWE...

WWE Hall Of Famer Road Warrior Animal, who hosts Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio on 100.3 KFAN in Minneapolis, Minnesota, broadcast during a recent show that he doesn’t think Sting is a wrestling icon until he passes through WWE.

“Sting is not in the same league as guys like Triple H, Stone Cold, The Rock. Sting will never be considered a legend or icon until he lets his pride go and joins WWE. He needs to bury his personal issues and just get into the WWE. Sting has to come over to the WWE to be that guy, it’s a bigger stage. Impact is one thing, the WWE is a way bigger thing,” Animal said.

Animal also takes credit for Sting’s arrival to the National Wrestling Alliance in 1987.

“The NWA was looking for a spot for Sting and I said make him a brother in paint and then Sting joined us (Road Warriors) in our six-man matches,” he said.

On the best singles worker of all time, Animal said, “Easily, (Ric) Flair!”


The Rock Dwayne Johnson To Star In Pain and Gain (2013)

A pair of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

Director: Michael Bay
Writers: Scott Rosenberg (screenplay), Christopher Markus (screenplay)

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg and Ed Harris

Johnson is also set to appear in the following:

Ciudad (pre-production)
2013 Snitc* (post-production)
2012 G.I. Joe: Retaliation (post-production)
Arabian Nights (pre-production)
Sinbad (rumored)
2013 Empire State (pre-production)
2013 The Fast and the Furious 6 (pre-production)


Paul "Mr Wonderful" Orndorff recovering from cancer...

Wrestling legend Paul Orndorff recently spoke with Arda Ocal of The Score and revealed that he is now cancer free. Orndorff is one of the greatest wrestling heels of all time and was a tough as nails competitor, who drew huge money in the WWE with the likes of Hulk Hogan and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper circa 1984 to the mid 90s. We would like to see Orndorff in a pro wrestling video game and featured more often in WWE news. How about you?


Tattoo & Body Art Expo Sydney; Art, Bikes, Oddities, Pro Wrestling and more...

It may have been billed Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, but tattoo's were the bread and butter of last weekend's excitement out at Homebush, and we were excited about catching pro wrestling AWF style, plus the "jail cell" action thanks to the folks at Snake Charmer.
We were told that about 5,000 passed thru the gates today (Saturday), such is the popularity of tatts and bodyart in Sydney, Australia. There were a lot more tattoos than regular bodypainting.

Most of the stall holders were really friendly, and most invited the positive media attention also.

The pro wrestling thanks to Greg "TNT" Bounds and his stable of brawlers was one of the highlights for us, as it provided some exciting action to fill out that day. We witnessed an impressive wrestling match between Ben (Iron Jay) Coles VS Gladiator Apollo, that featured both technical wrestling and brawling. After the match they both shook hands, did some off the record interviews and posed for photos (which came very naturally for them).

Back to the regular stalls...

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin from WWE fame would have been proud to hear that skulls were on display (not real ones as far as we know, but quite a few hardcore bikers were on site). There was lots of body jewellery and detailed masterpieces, on many parts of the human body. We saw hundreds of tattoos and piercings, some of which were a bit scary looking.

The customised skateboards and skatedecks at NSP were ultra cool, and it was great to see that they were raising money for some kids that had been doing it tough, so we took some pictures of their cool creations and made a modest donation.

It was the fourth annual Show and more than 300 Australian and international artists strutted their stuff, and they will be doing the same again Sunday (tomorrow).

Big thank you to the organisers of Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, and especially the great folks at AWF Wrestling and Snake Charmer for the excellent performances which we captured.

Maybe WWE megastar John Cena is right when he implies Rocky has gone Hollywood. Aw well, its all entertainment.

DVD release date for WWE's "Bending the Rules" movie ...

After a brief theatrical release for WWE Studios's "Bending the Rules" movie last weekend, WWE is scheduled to release the movie on DVD/Blu-ray systems on March 27. WWE has re-released the trailer for the movie, which stars Edge, and will be released the week of WrestleMania.


WrestleMania 28 Predictions...

Media Man has been thinking of running a SP (starting price) book on WrestleMania winners and losers! Yes, we know the matches are pre determined, but there's only a handful of people in the world who would know the outcomes, such as WWE top brass Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, the wrestlers participating and the referees.

Our tips

John Cena over The Rock

Sheamus over Bryan Danielson

The Undertaker over Triple H

Chris Jericho over CM Punk

The Big Show over Cody Rhodes

Team Teddy VS Team Johnny

Media Man's pro wrestling tipsers also advises to expect one or two surprises, including more action in the ring than expected with Shaun Michaels aka "The Heartbreak Kid" (ref for The Undertaker VS Triple H) and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who likely won't be able to contain himself at the biggest event on the pro wrestling calendar. It would be pretty cool to see Dusty Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes (aka Goldust) get involved in Cody's match, but that's on the wish list. We would like to see "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka also get involved, but there's not even a rumour about that.

Keep checking Street Corner and the Media Man blog network for more on these developing news stories and more.

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Hollywood And AussieWood Movie And Celebrity News - 2nd March 2012

Ocean's Eleven' voted greatest ever remake; Hollywood Celebrity News, Pro Wrestling Connection

Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis arm wrestle

Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper In Fancypants Movie

The Four Horsemen Including Ric Flair To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame 2012; Jim Ross Tweets - 27th Feb 2012

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Continues His Journey Towards WrestleMania Match With John Cena

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