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The stage is set for WrestleMania XXX
MUMBAI: The biggest and grandest event from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is here with a bang. This time around WrestleMania XXX is taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday in New Orleans.
Estimates of 70,000 people are expected to attend the main event on Sunday, while 125,000 take in all the events surrounding the wrestling spectacle. The ‘Super Bowl of Wrestling’ will be hosted by the WWE legend Hulk Hogan and there are also rumors doing rounds of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Stone Cold Steve Austin being a part of the mega event.
The Rock appeared at last year’s ‘Mania, being defeated by John Cena in a rematch of the previous year’s show. But Austin has not appeared at the biggest pay-per-view since 2011. And we’re guessing he wouldn’t fly all the way across the country to NOT Stone Cold stun some jabroni… and that’s the bottom line.
And they are not the only big names that could be at this weekend’s big ticket event. There is a high possibility of Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Roddy Piper also being involved at some point during the Mania.
But before the Sunday action begins, the wrestlers – current and former – will be seen in their best suits and gowns on Saturday night to witness the ‘Hall of Fame’ induction ceremony from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This time around the list of inductees include Mr. T., Jake “The Snake” Roberts, the Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon, Lita, Paul Bearer and Carlos Colon.
Coming to the Mania itself now, the show looks set to focus on nostalgia, with the inaugural Andre the Giant battle royal being held. And of course, The Undertaker is again returning to defend his 21-0 streak, this time against former MMA bruiser and the beast, Brock Lesnar.
The following matches are scheduled to take place this Sunday at the 30th edition of WrestleMania:-
Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar
This story has changed from week to week but it’s settled on a great angle. Undertaker has struggled more and more to keep the streak alive as the years have gone by, after marathon battles with Shawn Michaels and Triple H. The story is well scripted with Brock ‘the beast’ Lesnar having slaughtered both the wrestlers earlier. Let’s see if the company really wants to end the streak of the phenom this Sunday.
Randy Orton vs Batista vs the winner of the Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Batista won the Royal Rumble and Orton has been rolling around insecure about his being the face of WWE for long. The thing about this is neither of them is on solid footing right now because the really hot feud is the Bryan vs Triple H match that will culminate at this event earlier in the night. The winner will be inserted into this match and the result will certainly be something interesting.
The 30-Man Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
This is the inaugural event at WrestleMania and will feature 30 wrestlers in an old fashioned over the top sope battle royal. So far, here’s who has been announced to be a part of this segment: The Miz, Goldust, Cody Rhodes, Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Sheamus, Christian, Titus O’Neil, Big Show, Damien Sandow, Big E, Curtis Axel, Fandango, Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio and Mark Henry.
John Cena vs Bray Wyatt
This match is like those dishes on a menu card which don’t really matter and are never really ordered but just act as fillers. For WWE to really slate such a match for John Cena on the grandest stage of them all is hard to believe.
Other matches include: The Shield vs Kane and New Age Outlaws in a six-man tag; The Uso Brothers vs Ryback and Curtis Axel vs The Real Americans vs Los Matadores in a four-way for the WWE Tag Team Championship and finally, A.J. Lee will defend her WWE Divas Championship in a single-fall match against Naomi, Cameron, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Natalya, Eva Marie, Emma, Aksana, Alicia Fox, Summer Rae, Rosa Mendes, Layla and her ‘bodyguard’ Tamina in a single-fall match for the WWE Divas Championship.
Indian fans can catch the action exclusively on Ten Sports on Monday 7 April at 6:00 pm, just a day after WrestleMania XXX takes place live in New Orleans.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
