NEW YORK — WrestleMania Week is officially upon the New York/New Jersey area. Yet before The Showcase of the Immortals descends upon MetLife Stadium this Sunday, New York’s Radio City Music Hall played host to WWE Superstars, New York and New Jersey officials, as well as assembled members of the media for the annual WrestleMania press conference. Amid hundreds of camera flashes, the star-studded event — which streamed live on WWE.com, the WWE App, Yahoo! YouTube and Facebook — ended with a staredown of epic proportions between WWE Champion The Rock and his main event challenger, John Cena.

“John Cena, get ready,” The Great One said while speaking at the podium. “Wrestlemania is around the corner. It’s time to electrify.”

Equal parts pageantry and press, the press conference was an opportunity for reporters to meet the WWE Superstars, while the post-conference Q-and-A offered WWE Universe members the unique chance to submit questions for Superstars via Twitter.

Press conference video playlist |  View photos

The ceremonies kicked off with an introduction by host Michael Cole, who spoke about the various community outreach events, from Be a STAR rallies to tonight’s Superstars for Sandy Relief benefit, that are taking place in New York and New Jersey this week. Cole was interrupted by a special dance from Fandango, who makes his in-ring debut Sunday, before segueing into a series of testimonials from Superstars and officials alike over what fans can expect when WWE’s flagship event lights up MetLife Stadium.

More than 125,000 people will be participating in various WrestleMania events this week, according to John Saboor, WWE’s senior vice president of special events, who additionally thanked the local organizing committee that helped bring WrestleMania back home to the New York/New Jersey region.

“WrestleMania will create a powerful blend of economic and pro-social windfall,” Saboor said, adding that WWE’s overarching goal is to leave more for the community than it takes out.

Following Saboor was WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, who called WrestleMania’s return to the region “a dream come true.” Noting that The Showcase of the Immortals originated in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1985, Mr. McMahon said it “won’t get any bigger” than this Sunday’s event.

“Nothing can compare to the thrill ride that you’ll take by watching WrestleMania on pay-per-view,” the WWE Chairman said.

Ricardo Rodriguez, on crutches, then introduced his best friend, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio, a mere three days from what The Mexican Superstar described as the most important night of his life. On Sunday, Del Rio will become the first Superstar born and raised in Mexico to defend a World Title at WrestleMania.

New York and New Jersey officials thanked WWE for its support of the region, both in terms of community outreach and the economic benefits that come with hosting WrestleMania. George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Co., explained that events like WrestleMania help New York City boost visitation numbers, and work toward New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s goal of creating jobs through tourism. Wayne Hasenbalg, president and CEO of New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, meanwhile, officially proclaimed it WrestleMania Week in New Jersey, then spoke about WWE’s efforts to aid those in the region affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“We’re going to rebuild. We’re strong, but I have to tell you [WWE has] done more than you can ask for any organization,” Hasenbalg said. “Others should aspire to be the model they are.”

Also in attendance were members of the New York Giants football team, who sat in the front row, holding a custom championship title presented to them by the next Superstar out on stage, Triple H.

The Game revved up the crowd and promised that Brock Lesnar will learn “a lesson of a lifetime” this Sunday, at which point The King of Kings’  wife, WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, reminded her husband that he is supposed to have his “executive hat” on during the press conference. She then outlined the McMahon family’s long history of promoting sports-entertainment in New York, dating back to her great grandfather, Jess McMahon, in 1925.

When we talk about WrestleMania and the theme of WrestleMania, which is coming home, it couldn’t be more true,” she said.

Stephanie told attendees that more than 75,000 fun-loving WWE fans are expected to watch WrestleMania live in MetLife Stadium Sunday, and she said WWE’s social media presence for the event will be bigger than ever. More than 20 celebrity social media ambassadors will be commenting throughout the show, and WWE social media platforms currently boast more than 148 million followers.

“On top of all of that, we’re going to have one hell of a good time,” she said. “At the end of the day, WWE is all about putting smiles on people’s faces.”

Attendees also heard from Harlem, N.Y., resident Mark Henry, who had harsh words for his WrestleMania opponent, Ryback, and CM Punk, who declared WrestleMania is all about legends.

Three days before he attempts to end The Undertaker’s 20-0 WrestleMania Streak, Punk — holder of the sixth longest WWE Title reign in the 50-year history of the championship — reiterated that at WrestleMania, he’ll break not only The Phenom’s Streak, but also The Undertaker himself.

WrestleMania main eventers The Rock and John Cena then took turns on the stage. Having debuted in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1996, The Rock portrayed this Sunday’s event as a return to his home away from home.

“There’s a really proud lineage I have in this world,” the third-generation Superstar said. “For it to come full circle, for me to come back at this point in my career and again become WWE Champion and give back to a business I love …  means so much to me.”

John Cena, who’s aiming for a record 11thWWE Championship Sunday, then spoke, speaking in both French and Chinese to international members of the Cenation. He promised this year’s event will eclipse last year’s Show of Shows.

“This Sunday, I certainly predict a few surprises, some magic moments and for all to be entertained,” he said.

Following the press conference, Matt Striker hosted a special interactive Q-and-A session with Superstars and Divas, including The Bella Twins, Big Show and John Cena. Cena’s time answering the WWE Universe’s questions was delayed by CM Punk, however, who invaded the interview area and blasted the Cenation leader for calling him “pedestrian-looking” earlier in the press conference. A heated Punk then said he hopes The Undertaker believes he’s “average,” too, because it will only help Punk’s psychological edge heading into their huge bout.

The explosive press conference kicks off several days of huge events, culminating with this Sunday’s huge pay-per-view, which begins at a special start time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with a one-hour live-streamed Pre-Show beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Plus, stayed tuned after The Show of Shows to watch a special live-streamed Post-Show Sunday evening.

NEW YORK — WrestleMania Week is officially upon the New York/New Jersey area. Yet before The Showcase of the Immortals descends upon MetLife Stadium this Sunday, New York’s Radio City Music Hall played host to WWE Superstars, New York and New Jersey officials, as well as assembled members of the media for the annual WrestleMania press conference. Amid hundreds of camera flashes, the star-studded event — which streamed live on WWE.com, the WWE App, Yahoo! YouTube and Facebook — ended with a staredown of epic proportions between WWE Champion The Rock and his main event challenger, John Cena.

“John Cena, get ready,” The Great One said while speaking at the podium. “WrestleMania is around the corner. It’s time to electrify.”

Equal parts pageantry and press, the press conference was an opportunity for reporters to meet the WWE Superstars, while the post-conference Q-and-A offered WWE Universe members the unique chance to submit questions for Superstars via Twitter.

Press conference video playlist |  Full press conference |  View photos

The ceremonies kicked off with an introduction by host Michael Cole, who spoke about the various community outreach events, from Be a STAR rallies to tonight’s Superstars for Sandy Relief benefit, that are taking place in New York and New Jersey this week. Cole was interrupted by a special dance from Fandango, who makes his in-ring debut Sunday, before segueing into a series of testimonials from Superstars and officials alike over what fans can expect when WWE’s flagship event lights up MetLife Stadium.

More than 125,000 people will participate in various WrestleMania events this week, according to John Saboor, WWE’s senior vice president of special events, who additionally thanked the local organizing committee that helped bring WrestleMania back home to the New York/New Jersey region.

“WrestleMania will create a powerful blend of economic and pro-social windfall,” Saboor said, adding that WWE’s overarching goal is to leave more for the community than it takes out.

Following Saboor was WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, who called WrestleMania’s return to the region “a dream come true.” Noting that The Showcase of the Immortals originated in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1985, Mr. McMahon said it “won’t get any bigger” than this Sunday’s event.

“Nothing can compare to the thrill ride that you’ll take by watching WrestleMania on pay-per-view,” the WWE Chairman said.

Ricardo Rodriguez, on crutches, then introduced his best friend, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio, a mere three days from what the Mexican Superstar described as the most important night of his life. On Sunday, Del Rio will become the first Superstar born and raised in Mexico to defend a World Title at WrestleMania.

New York and New Jersey officials thanked WWE for its support of the region, both in terms of community outreach and the economic benefits that come with hosting WrestleMania. George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Co., explained that events like WrestleMania help New York City boost visitation numbers, and work toward New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s goal of creating jobs through tourism. Wayne Hasenbalg, president and CEO of New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, meanwhile, officially proclaimed it WrestleMania Week in New Jersey, then spoke about WWE’s efforts to aid those in the region affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“We’re going to rebuild. We’re strong, but I have to tell you [WWE has] done more than you can ask for any organization,” Hasenbalg said. “Others should aspire to be the model they are.”

Also in attendance were members of the New York Giants football team, who sat in the front row, holding a custom championship title presented to them by the next Superstar out on stage, Triple H.

The Game revved up the crowd and promised that Brock Lesnar will learn “a lesson of a lifetime” this Sunday, at which point The King of Kings’  wife, WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, reminded her husband that he is supposed to have his “executive hat” on during the press conference. She then outlined the McMahon family’s long history of promoting sports-entertainment in New York, dating back to her great grandfather, Jess McMahon, in 1925.

"When we talk about WrestleMania and the theme of WrestleMania, which is coming home, it couldn’t be more true,” she said.

Stephanie told attendees that more than 75,000 fun-loving WWE fans are expected to watch WrestleMania live in MetLife Stadium Sunday, and she said WWE’s social media presence for the event will be bigger than ever. More than 20 celebrity social media ambassadors will be commenting throughout the show, and WWE social media platforms currently boast more than 148 million followers.

“On top of all of that, we’re going to have one hell of a good time,” she said. “At the end of the day, WWE is all about putting smiles on people’s faces.”

Attendees also heard from Harlem, N.Y., resident Mark Henry, who had harsh words for his WrestleMania opponent, Ryback, and CM Punk, who declared WrestleMania is all about legends.

Three days before he attempts to end The Undertaker’s 20-0 WrestleMania Streak, Punk — holder of the sixth-longest WWE Title reign in the 50-year history of the championship — reiterated that at WrestleMania, he’ll break not only The Phenom’s Streak, but also The Undertaker himself.

WrestleMania main eventers The Rock and John Cena then took turns on the stage. Having debuted in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1996, The Rock portrayed this Sunday’s event as a return to his home away from home.

“There’s a really proud lineage I have in this world,” the third-generation Superstar said. “For it to come full circle, for me to come back at this point in my career and again become WWE Champion and give back to a business I love …  means so much to me.”

John Cena, who’s aiming for a record 11th WWE Championship Sunday, then spoke, speaking in both French and Chinese to international members of the Cenation. He promised this year’s event will eclipse last year’s Show of Shows.

“This Sunday, I certainly predict a few surprises, some magic moments and for all to be entertained,” he said.

Following the press conference, Matt Striker hosted a special interactive Q-and-A session with Superstars and Divas, including The Bella Twins, Big Show and John Cena. Cena’s time answering the WWE Universe’s questions was delayed by CM Punk, however, who invaded the interview area and blasted the Cenation leader for calling him “pedestrian-looking” earlier in the press conference. A heated Punk then said he hopes The Undertaker believes he’s “average,” too, because it will only help Punk’s psychological edge heading into their huge bout.

The explosive press conference kicks off several days of huge events, culminating with this Sunday’s huge pay-per-view, which begins at a special start time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with a one-hour live-streamed Pre-Show beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Plus, stayed tuned after The Show of Shows to watch a special live-streamed Post-Show Sunday evening.