Today in Los Angeles, streamed worldwide via WWE's many web and app platforms (I watched on YouTube), WWE held a news conference in advance of Sunday's SummerSlam. This year marks the 26th edition of the event, with the past five held at the Staples Center.
Triple H made remarks about that statistic, noting that SummerSlam has been sold out for the past five years at the home of the Lakers, Clippers and Kings. He also joked about being a special guest referee in Sunday's WWE title match between John Cena and Daniel Bryan. "Nothing ever goes wrong in WWE when you have a special referee."
Bryan, the challenger, noted that this was the first time WWE has ever invited him to be part of a news conference like this. He shared a story about sleeping in his car in L.A. so he could train at a gym to prove himself worthy to work in Japan as a wrestler. And now he embarks on the biggest match of his career.
Cena spoke as you would expect the face of WWE to speak, reminding everyone that the title is not a "belt" -- "As our chairman says, a belt is something that holds up your pants" -- and that he looks forward to the match at SummerSlam.
Stephanie McMahon talked about the various platforms that SummerSlam will be available on, including on Sony devices as part of the Sony Entertainment Network for the very first time. The most heartwarming number she divulged was 400 -- as in, the number of Make A Wish grants Cena has honored, more than any celebrity in the history of Make A Wish.
The presser was hosted by Michael Cole, who divulged that Total Divas star Jo Jo Offerman would sing the national anthem Sunday.
Los Angeles is filled with WWE-themed events throughout the week, including a fan photo challenge Wednesday. SummerSlam Axxess runs Saturday and Sunday.
I will be on hand Friday through Sunday covering all events for WWE's video game WWE 2K, including the roster reveal Saturday afternoon as part of Fan Axxess. Check my Twitter account @arda_ocal for real-time updates throughout the weekend.
Full predictions for Summerslam will be posted later this week.