Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis still waiting to hear about hosting WrestleMania in 2025
While WWE’s WrestleMania XL was a smashing success last weekend in Philadelphia, officials in Minneapolis and a decorated Minnesota Olympian were “anxiously awaiting” word about whether the city has pinned down next year’s crown jewel of ring theatrics.
The nonprofit Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), the lead organization that lobbies to bring major attractions to the Twin Cities, told the Star Tribune last month that it had expected an announcement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) about its pitch to host the popular extravaganza at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Typically, the WWE announces the next year’s host as the current event nears its end. However, WrestleMania XL came and went last weekend at the Philadelphia Eagles’ home stadium without a peep.
Wendy Blackshaw, MNSE’s president and chief executive officer, said in March that Minneapolis was one of several cities that the WWE had invited to participate in a “very competitive” battle for the next big event. Minneapolis has never played host to a WrestleMania, despite the state’s history as a hotbed of pro wrestling.
This week, Blackshaw said she is still “anxiously awaiting. … We really hope to hear something soon.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this week that Las Vegas could be a front-runner for 2025, given that Vegas-based Endeavor Sports and Entertainment took majority ownership of WWE about a year ago.
Gable Steveson, the former University of Minnesota heavyweight national champion and Olympic gold medalist, is among WWE’s roster of wrestlers and is waiting like everyone else for a WrestleMania XLI announcement.
“I have no clue” whether Minneapolis will get the nod, Steveson told the Star Tribune this week. But if the city does does land the grand grappling prize, he said that “it could be the best they’ve ever had and be a big show with the right people” in the ring.
Blackshaw said the economic impact WrestleMania has on a host community comes close to that of the Super Bowl. Officials estimate its staging in Dallas in 2022 and Los Angeles last year created more than $200 million in economic churn.
Viewership was up 41% across both nights vs. last year’s record-setting audience, and merchandise sales were up more than 20% compared with the previous record set at the 2023 WrestleMania, the industry publication reported.
This year’s WrestleMania also became the most viewed of all-time on social media, with more than 660 million views.
Minneapolis, MN
Motorcyclist seriously injured in north Minneapolis hit-and-run
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
Minneapolis, MN
Medicaid fraudster still owes $1.7M in restitution
A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts.
Minneapolis, MN
Person found fatally shot inside car in Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis, police say
A homicide investigation is underway after a person was found shot to death inside a car parked along the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Park Police Department said.
Around 6:40 a.m. Sunday, officers from Minneapolis Park police and the city’s police department responded to a report of a body in a car at Mill Ruins Park. They found an adult with a fatal gunshot wound at the scene, as well as a firearm.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating.
Police said the Hennepin County medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death, as well as the person’s identity.
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