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Welcome to PWInsider.com’s live, ongoing coverage of today’s WWE Press Conference at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The conference began with a video feature promising that for the first time, the world’s most unstoppable athletes collide showing clips of Tyson Fury, Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez and Braun Strowman.
Michael Cole, standing on the stage of the Smackdown entrance set, thanked everyone for coming out for big announcements in the world of WWE, boxing and MMA.
Cole introduced Triple H, who came out to the podium. He said that in less than three weeks, WWE would be traveling to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel. He put over all the events taking place in Riyadh over the next several months with WWE re-inventing the term "sports-entertainment" by presenting an event that only WWE can do.
HHH pitcherd a video showcasing previous events and footage from WWE's past three big events in Saudi Arabia.
Triple H said it will be the "most exciting card" in WWE history, touting legends like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair as well as top stars like Seth Rollins and Randy Orton.
He said that they will be announcing two new matches, bringing the worlds of UFC and boxing together with WWE as only WWE can.
Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez.
Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury.
They ran a video package on Fury and Strowman's recent run-in on Raw.
Michael Cole returned and said this will not be a typical press conference and every "team" has agreed to leave the fighting to the ring. He introduced Braun Strowman, who came out in a suit jacket and street clothes.
Braun thanked everyone for being there and said he can't help but be engaged in this "big fight" experience. He said that last year, he won the 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia and he intends to return and prove he is the toughest SOB. He said Tyson Fury is a bad dude and you have to give him credit, but in WWE, "we don't wear gloves and you are coming into my world." He said that when they face on 10/15 (oit's 10/31), he'll get these hands and the world will know who the Monster Among Men are.
Michael Cole brought out Boxing Hall of Famer and Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum. Arum said it was a pleasure to be here for the announcement of this event. He said he goes back to 1974 with WWE. He met a 29-year old Vince McMahon and they co-promote the Evel Knievel Snake Canyon Jump and since then, he's so proud that Vince has built a company that is a worldwide brand. He said they entertain people all over the world and said it's truly remarkable. It's also remarkable that the lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson King reminds him of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He's the consumate Heavyweight who entertains in the ring and is a tremendous personality. He's a real showman and that's why people love him. He fights with his heart on his sleeve and even if he's bloodied with a cut over his eye, he carries on to victory. He introduced Tyson Fury.
Fury came to the podium wearing the damn loudest white and blue suit ever. He said that he's honored to be involved here and in Saudi Arabia. He's a lifelong WWE fan and he's excited to be here. He's excited to face Braun Strowman and he knows why he's the Monster Among Men, but he's the lineal Heavyweight Champion. He's going to knock out Braun. Braun says "get these hands" but he's facing the best boxing hands and he doesn't want to get these hands. He does some shadow boxing and thanks everyone.
Braun returned to the stage and they faced off for a photo-op, then mugged for the press. They playfully shoved each other and shook hands. Fury went to walk away but Braun held onto his hand. They got in each others' faces but were separated by Triple H.
Triple H returned to the podium and talked about Brock vs. Velasquez, saying they were perhaps the biggest crossover athletes ever. He praised both men and said their story began in 2010. He sent it to a video feature on the two, showing the footage from last week's Friday Night Smackdown.
Michael Cole introduced Rey Mysterio, noting he may have a different opinion on Lesnar. Hewearing a sling on his arm, asked where he should begin. He said his son Dominick has been dreaming of following Rey's footsteps since he was a little boy. The last two years, that has intensified and his dream has been to fight side by side by Rey, father and son. That dream, at this moment, is crushed. His son pushed him to keep fighting when Rey was going through a serious moment of doubt. It breaks his heart that the first time they shared a ring together, it was at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Brock brutally brutalized his son and dragged him from the crowd into the ring. He's very proud to announce his Familia who has been standing by his side since that moment, someone who has handed losses to Brock in the past, Cain Velasquez.
Cain came to the podium and hugged Rey. He said that he is so excited to be joining "the WWE." He took a moment and looked at Rey. He said that Brock crossed the wrong "Familia" and for that, he needs to pay. He said that he knows Brock is big...he's the biggest, but he ain't the baddest. Cain said he's beaten him in UFC and he's ready to do it again on 10/31 at Crown Jewel. He said that Lesnar attacked Rey and Dominick Mysterio but Cain was going to get him.
Michael Cole then brought out Paul Heyman to speak for Brock Lesnar. He said Lesnar is the baddest dude on the planet. He said Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete. He promised Lesnar will beat Velasquez and said it's not a prediction, but a spoiler. He said it was his honor, duty and pleasure to introduce the Cain conquerer, Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar said he doesn't feel the need to say anything when he has Heyman there, but he feels he has to. Words can't describe how he felt when Cain showed up, but this is his world, his house and he's the conquerer. He told Cain "This isn't a show" and said he's been waiting ten years for this moment. He said he gets up every morning and has to look at the scar Cain put on his face in the Octagon and he's can't wait to get to Riyadh. He said it will be a different story that day.
Michael Cole called Cain Velasquez back out and they faced off for a photo-op. They separated and went their sepearate ways without incident.
They faded off the air and that was it.
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