WrestleMania 23 Press Conference

Notes from the WrestleMania 23 Press Conference, March 28, 2007, at 12 PM EST, held Live from Trump Tower in New York City: (via WWE.com live feed)

Coach kicked off the press conference to crowd chants of "You Suck" as he announced that the biggest Wrestlemania event ever kicks off in just 4 days. Coach announced there will be an exclusive premiere at the Fox theater in Detroit this Friday of the new Stone Cold film "The Condemned". Coach said Saturday would have the 2007 Hall of Fame class induction ceremony, and then Sunday would have the biggest Wrestlemania ever, taking place in Detroit.

1st guest, John Cena - the WWE champ came out to a mixed crowd reaction, holding his spinner title belt proudly on his shoulder. Cena noted that the packed rafters full of fans today at Trump Tower are what makes WWE and Wrestlemania great. Cena said he won't make any Sunday predictions, but he will be at his best on Sunday. Cena said to the fans they are on the verge of something great and historic, Wrestlemania 23. Cena said he remembers watching Wrestlemania 3 as a kid at his father's home, where Hulk Hogan slammed Andrew the Giant. Cena said he is proud to be a part of this event and making history this Sunday.

2nd guest, Shawn Michaels - HBK came out to a great crowd reaction and chants of HBK, donning a business suit and black shades. HBK said not John Cena, Donald Trump or Vince McMahon will come out today in a nicer suit. HBK said he is indeed "the Showstopper". HBK said he and Cena won't make a music cd because he can't sing, or a movie because he can't act. HBK said he has performed his butt off at every single Wrestlemania, more than any other wrestler. HBK said in just a couple days he is going to make John Cena famous.

3rd guest, Melina - Melina came to the podium and held her Women's title high above her head for all to see. Melina said Wrestlemania is the day where every superstar gives their all, but she doesn't think Ashley has the strength or determination to win her title. Melina said all the fans will be a part of her 1st Wrestlemania, where she will enter and leave as the Women's champion.

4th guest, Ashley - Ashley came out to cheering fans and said shes thrilled to even share the stage with all these superstars and be a part of Sunday's Wrestlemania 23. Ashley said Melina wants to underestimate her, but that Ashley will bring every bit of blood, sweat and tears to give Melina the fight of her life this Sunday.

5th guest, Batista - Batista stepped to the podium and took off his suit jacket to reveal a tank top, throwing his suit coat to the ground. After raising his title high, the fans chanted "We Want Taker", and Batista then spoke from the podium. Batista said he would make this short and sweet because honestly he has his "game face on and doesn't feel like talking". Batista said there are just 4 days til Wrestlemania 23 when he puts his title on the line against the Deadman. Batista mentioned Taker's 14-0 Wrestlemania winstreak, and said Sunday won't get here fast enough. Batista said he would sit there now and think of ways to dismantle the Undertaker at Sunday's Wrestlemania.

Coach introduced the crowd to Rachel Smith, the new Miss USA, who came out to a warm crowd reception. Rachel took a seat in the front row.

6th guest, Mr. Vince McMahon, Chairman of WWE - Vince told the yelling fans to "Shutup!" before speaking. Vince said this is the Superbowl, World Series, & Oscars of the Wrestling world. Vince said Wrestlemania is the most different type of event they will see, as fans chanted "What?" to each comment Vince made. Vince said fans will see all sorts of things this Sunday. Vince said he wondered if this Trump Tower building was for sale. A fan yelled "you can't afford it" and Vince retorted "the hell I can't son". Vince said he can't stand people like Donald Trump, who's rich and always surrounded by beautiful women. Vince said the world wants to see Trump bald. Vince then showed the fans a barber chair on stage. Vince sat in the chair to show fans the surprised look Trump will have on his face. Vince said Trump will then beg him not to shave his head. Vince took a set of electric clippers and let the sound of them go over the mic. Vince said he will embarass Trump like he's never been embarassed before. Vince then introduced Umaga, his wrestler representative for the match.

Umaga came out with his Intercontinental title and stared fiercely at the crowd. Umaga stared down Miss USA in the front row and Vince said he was staring at her like a "ham sandwich". Vince thanked Umaga and told him catering is off to the right.

7th guest, Donald Trump, president and chairman of Trump Organization - Trump came out and waved to fans before taking the podium. Trump looked around at the fans and then asked "good looking building isn't it?". Trump said this morning a major TV station asked this AM "Are you and Vince McMahon friends?" Trump said they used to be, but now Trump doesn't like him one bit because he treats people and the fans like crap. Trump said he's taller, better looking, richer and stronger than Vince. Trump said he has someone who is really, really strong to wrestle Vince's wrestler, Umaga. Trump said after researching it and speaking to other wrestlers, Trump chose ECW champion, Bobby Lashley.

8th guest, Bobby Lashley came out and held his ECW title up, then shook hands with Donald Trump. Lashley took the podium to speak as fans chanted "E C Dub". Lashley said he keeps using the letters, ILMD - I'm Living My Dream. Lashley thanked Trump for picking him and he won't let him down. Lashley turned to tell Vince for the past month and a half he has made his life a living hell. Lashley guaranteed that Vince will leave the arena this Sunday at Wrestlemaia 23 bald.

9th guest, Stone Cold Steve Austin - The Texas Rattlesnake came out and pointed to the fans up in the rafters, then took a look at the clippers sitting on the barber's chair. Austin picked up the clippers and looked over at Vince McMahon, then checked his own bald head out in the handheld mirror. Austin said he was pissed off to hear VInce underselling Wrestlemania 23, because its bigger than the World Series, Tour De France and even the Olympics. Austin said as special referee, its his rules in the ring, looking over at Lashley. Austin said this match has big egos but he will call it right down the middle and there will be a winner, loser and bald billionaire after. Austin asked Vince and Trump to come to the podium for one last photo op before one of them is bald. Austin posed with Trump and Vince for several pics.

Vince then taunted Trump by touching his suit and playing with his tie, and Trump responded by slapping Vince in the face. Vince charged at Trump but security held him back and Vince fell to the floor. Vince got back up angrily, and Stone Cold held him back. Just then, Bobby Lashley stood up and grabbed Vince and slammed him against a table. Vince got back up holding his head and charged offstage as the press conferenced ended.