The speculation was largely driven by a photo in a Swedish publication showing hockey legend and Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky wearing a promotional "WrestleMania 2010: Destruction in the Desert" shirt.
University of Phoenix Stadium officials said Tuesday that they are in talks with World Wrestling Entertainment, which has built an empire out of drop kicks, in-your-face machismo and drama.
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"It's certainly not a done deal but we've had some good dialogue," said Scott Norton, a spokesman for Global Spectrum, the company that books stadium events.
The professional wrestling group has toured the stadium and Global Spectrum is putting together a written proposal. A decision is not expected for months.
The organization is focused on this year's showcase in Orlando, Fla., and has yet to announce where the 25th annual WrestleMania will be held in 2009.
WrestleMania, the Grand Daddy of Them All, carries a loyal fan base. The event drew 80,103 spectators to Detroit's Ford Field last spring and injected nearly $30 million into the economy, according to the Detroit News.
"We're supportive of any event that is a good fit, will fill the stadium and will bring in revenue to Glendale," city spokeswoman Julie Frisoni said.
City officials are aware that stadium officials are courting the WWE, but negotiations do not require the city to sign off.
"It's their bid to make," Frisoni said.
Global Spectrum, which has as hosted WWE events at other venues it operates around the country, is going all out in its efforts.
That includes producing a video featuring Valley notables such as Gretzky, Cardinals player Deuce Lutui and coach Ken Whisenhunt hammering home why WrestleMania should come to the Valley.
Gretzky liked one of the promotional shirts and took it home, Norton said.
"I just find it funny he actually wore the thing," he added.
But wear it Gretzky did, creating buzz around the Arizona bid.
