Wrestlemania XXX
By Scott Keith on April 7, 2014
Wrestlemania
XXX
XXX
Date: April 6, 2014
Location: Mercedes-Benz
Super Dome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Super Dome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 75,167
Commentators: John
Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler
Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler
Reviewed by Tommy Hall
It’s finally here.
After months of waiting, we’ve finally arrived at the biggest night
of the year. This is Wrestlemania, where everything changes as the
WWE year comes to a close. All the major stories come to a head
tonight, as we have Daniel Bryan facing HHH for a spot in the WWE
Title match, Undertaker putting his Streak on the line against Brock
Lesnar, and John Cena fighting the disturbing Bray Wyatt in a battle
over Cena’s legacy. To say I’m excited is a huge understatement.
Let’s get to it.
After months of waiting, we’ve finally arrived at the biggest night
of the year. This is Wrestlemania, where everything changes as the
WWE year comes to a close. All the major stories come to a head
tonight, as we have Daniel Bryan facing HHH for a spot in the WWE
Title match, Undertaker putting his Streak on the line against Brock
Lesnar, and John Cena fighting the disturbing Bray Wyatt in a battle
over Cena’s legacy. To say I’m excited is a huge understatement.
Let’s get to it.
As you may have heard,
I was in the Super Dome for the show so this is my second viewing in
about twelve hours. I’m still kind of on a cloud after last night so
this is going to be pretty biased. I’m much more coherent now than I
was beforehand though. If you’re wondering, my seat was in the first
set of raised seats, opposite the cameras, in front of where the
stage turned into a ramp.
I was in the Super Dome for the show so this is my second viewing in
about twelve hours. I’m still kind of on a cloud after last night so
this is going to be pretty biased. I’m much more coherent now than I
was beforehand though. If you’re wondering, my seat was in the first
set of raised seats, opposite the cameras, in front of where the
stage turned into a ramp.
Pre-Show:
Tag Team Titles: Usos vs. Real Americans vs. Los Matadores vs.
Ryback/Curtis Axel
Tag Team Titles: Usos vs. Real Americans vs. Los Matadores vs.
Ryback/Curtis Axel
The Usos are defending
but the crowd was behind the Real Americans. People HATED Los
Matadores and the kids weren’t only kind of cheering for Torito. The
interesting thing is you can see the Usos standing on stage during
the previous team’s entrance. Axel vs. Jey gets things going as a
LOUD WE THE PEOPLE chant fills the arena. They trade chops to start
and the Real Americans want no part of a tag.
but the crowd was behind the Real Americans. People HATED Los
Matadores and the kids weren’t only kind of cheering for Torito. The
interesting thing is you can see the Usos standing on stage during
the previous team’s entrance. Axel vs. Jey gets things going as a
LOUD WE THE PEOPLE chant fills the arena. They trade chops to start
and the Real Americans want no part of a tag.
Curtis comes back with
a running dropkick but it’s quickly off to Ryback vs. Jey. The big
guy hammers away but Diego tags Ryback to come in. JBL calls this a
stupid point because it’s not a one fall match. This brings up an
interesting point: The fans, myself included, didn’t seem to know
that it was elimination. It may have been mentioned before the show
(probably was), but I didn’t hear it mentioned again before the
match.
a running dropkick but it’s quickly off to Ryback vs. Jey. The big
guy hammers away but Diego tags Ryback to come in. JBL calls this a
stupid point because it’s not a one fall match. This brings up an
interesting point: The fans, myself included, didn’t seem to know
that it was elimination. It may have been mentioned before the show
(probably was), but I didn’t hear it mentioned again before the
match.
Anyway Cesaro tags Jey
and it’s Diego getting double teamed by the Americans. Swagger nails
a BIG clothesline for two but Diego comes back with a springboard
headbutt, only to miss a Lionsault. Everyone not named Axel or a
Matadore is sent to the floor, setting up a nice double dive from the
masked guys that the cameras almost miss. Torito tries to go up as
well but gets caught by Curtis. Axel throws him down and goes up
top, but Los Matadores make the save.
and it’s Diego getting double teamed by the Americans. Swagger nails
a BIG clothesline for two but Diego comes back with a springboard
headbutt, only to miss a Lionsault. Everyone not named Axel or a
Matadore is sent to the floor, setting up a nice double dive from the
masked guys that the cameras almost miss. Torito tries to go up as
well but gets caught by Curtis. Axel throws him down and goes up
top, but Los Matadores make the save.
Torito slips jumping to
the top but gets up well enough to drive Axel and Los Matadores onto
the floor in a big pile. Back in and Diego goes up top but Jack runs
the ropes to superplex him into the Patriot Lock for the submission
at 5:40. The fans thought we had new champions due to the lack of an
explanation, but the confusion didn’t last long.
the top but gets up well enough to drive Axel and Los Matadores onto
the floor in a big pile. Back in and Diego goes up top but Jack runs
the ropes to superplex him into the Patriot Lock for the submission
at 5:40. The fans thought we had new champions due to the lack of an
explanation, but the confusion didn’t last long.
A quick Patriot Lock to
Jey doesn’t work as well and it’s quickly off to Ryback for a delayed
suplex and two on Jey. A middle rope splash from Ryback and a middle
rope elbow drop from Axel combine for two and we hit the chinlock
from Ryback. Off to a front facelock for a few moments until Jey
whips Ryback away. The big guy misses a hard charge into the post
though and the hot tag brings in Jimmy.
Jey doesn’t work as well and it’s quickly off to Ryback for a delayed
suplex and two on Jey. A middle rope splash from Ryback and a middle
rope elbow drop from Axel combine for two and we hit the chinlock
from Ryback. Off to a front facelock for a few moments until Jey
whips Ryback away. The big guy misses a hard charge into the post
though and the hot tag brings in Jimmy.
The Samoan drop sets up
the running Umaga attack but Swagger catches Jimmy in a powerslam for
two. Jimmy blocks the Vader Bomb with two feet to the face but
Ryback plants both guys with spinebusters. There’s the Meat Hook to
Jack but Cesaro breaks up the Shell shock. That’s fine with Ryback
as he slams Cesaro off the top, only to get thrown into the air for
Swiss Death, setting up the Neutralizer for the elimination at 11:44.
the running Umaga attack but Swagger catches Jimmy in a powerslam for
two. Jimmy blocks the Vader Bomb with two feet to the face but
Ryback plants both guys with spinebusters. There’s the Meat Hook to
Jack but Cesaro breaks up the Shell shock. That’s fine with Ryback
as he slams Cesaro off the top, only to get thrown into the air for
Swiss Death, setting up the Neutralizer for the elimination at 11:44.
We’re doing to the Usos
vs. the Real Americans and the fans are mostly for the challengers.
It’s a brawl to start and the Usos quickly send them to the floor,
setting up the double dive to knock all four guys down. Back in and
Cesaro nails a backbreaker on Jey for a close two but the Neutralizer
is countered into a jackknife cover. Cesaro counters that into a
Swing attempt but Jimmy makes the save. That earns him an uppercut
of his own but Jimmy goes up top for a Whisper in the Wind to drop
both Americans for two.
vs. the Real Americans and the fans are mostly for the challengers.
It’s a brawl to start and the Usos quickly send them to the floor,
setting up the double dive to knock all four guys down. Back in and
Cesaro nails a backbreaker on Jey for a close two but the Neutralizer
is countered into a jackknife cover. Cesaro counters that into a
Swing attempt but Jimmy makes the save. That earns him an uppercut
of his own but Jimmy goes up top for a Whisper in the Wind to drop
both Americans for two.
Jack counters the Umaga
attack into the Patriot Lock but Cesaro can’t intercept Jey who makes
the save. Swiss Death drops Jey but Jimmy puts Cesaro down with a
Samoan drop. Everything breaks down and Colter begs Cesaro to get
back up. A double tag brings in Cesaro to face Jimmy. That’s fine
with the champions as a double superkick sets up the double Superfly
Splash on Cesaro for the pin at 16:13.
attack into the Patriot Lock but Cesaro can’t intercept Jey who makes
the save. Swiss Death drops Jey but Jimmy puts Cesaro down with a
Samoan drop. Everything breaks down and Colter begs Cesaro to get
back up. A double tag brings in Cesaro to face Jimmy. That’s fine
with the champions as a double superkick sets up the double Superfly
Splash on Cesaro for the pin at 16:13.
Rating:
B. Really fun stuff here but
man this would have been better with the Rhodes Brothers instead of
the Matadores. Still though, the fans were WAY into Cesaro and the
Usos got a very solid reaction as well. This is how you do an
opening match to fire up the crowd and the big dives did exactly what
they were supposed to do.
B. Really fun stuff here but
man this would have been better with the Rhodes Brothers instead of
the Matadores. Still though, the fans were WAY into Cesaro and the
Usos got a very solid reaction as well. This is how you do an
opening match to fire up the crowd and the big dives did exactly what
they were supposed to do.
Post
match Swagger yells at Cesaro while Colter tries to pull him back.
Jack puts Cesaro in the Patriot Lock but Colter breaks it up. He
orders them to hug but Cesaro Swings Swagger and leaves by himself.
I bolted for the concession stand as soon as the bell rang so I could
only hear this part.
match Swagger yells at Cesaro while Colter tries to pull him back.
Jack puts Cesaro in the Patriot Lock but Colter breaks it up. He
orders them to hug but Cesaro Swings Swagger and leaves by himself.
I bolted for the concession stand as soon as the bell rang so I could
only hear this part.
The
opening video for the PPV has a jazz/Mardi Gras theme. It shows a
band playing on the street and talking about a good time starting
when you lose track of time. “And man oh man have we lost track of
time.” There’s a parade with shots of Wrestlemanias past put in as
well. One really cool shot shows Shawn ziplining down what I think
is Bourbon Street. If nothing else we see the Bellas doing their
dance which is never a bad thing.
opening video for the PPV has a jazz/Mardi Gras theme. It shows a
band playing on the street and talking about a good time starting
when you lose track of time. “And man oh man have we lost track of
time.” There’s a parade with shots of Wrestlemanias past put in as
well. One really cool shot shows Shawn ziplining down what I think
is Bourbon Street. If nothing else we see the Bellas doing their
dance which is never a bad thing.
The
wide shots of the Super Dome look amazing.
wide shots of the Super Dome look amazing.
Here’s
Hulk Hogan to open the show to a BIG ovation. There’s something
right about having him at this show. He
hits the catchphrase to start and the fans go nuts, only to turn on
him seconds later when Hogan calls this building the Silver Dome.
Hogan talks about his history at Wrestlemania and calls it the Silver
Dome again. Hulk finally realizes what he said and corrects himself
to some nice applause. The fans are clearly in a good mood tonight.
Hulk Hogan to open the show to a BIG ovation. There’s something
right about having him at this show. He
hits the catchphrase to start and the fans go nuts, only to turn on
him seconds later when Hogan calls this building the Silver Dome.
Hogan talks about his history at Wrestlemania and calls it the Silver
Dome again. Hulk finally realizes what he said and corrects himself
to some nice applause. The fans are clearly in a good mood tonight.
Hogan
says there will be Wrestlemania moments tonight and you never
know…..CUE GLASS SHATTER! The place absolutely came unglued when
we heard that as people were expecting Austin much later in the show.
JBL wants to see Hogan take the Stunner. Austin gets right in
Hogan’s face but stops to ask the crowd if they’re ready for
Wrestlemania before saying it’s great to be back at the Silver Dome
to a laugh.
says there will be Wrestlemania moments tonight and you never
know…..CUE GLASS SHATTER! The place absolutely came unglued when
we heard that as people were expecting Austin much later in the show.
JBL wants to see Hogan take the Stunner. Austin gets right in
Hogan’s face but stops to ask the crowd if they’re ready for
Wrestlemania before saying it’s great to be back at the Silver Dome
to a laugh.
Steve
says he usually beats up whoever he’s in the ring with and the fans
seem to like the idea of him doing it to Hogan. They were sitting
next to each other at the Hall of Fame last night and Austin has seen
everything Hogan has done at Wrestlemania I. WHAT? Wrestlemania II?
WHAT? On through Wrestlemania X (which Hogan wasn’t at). WHAT?
Austin: “You get the picture.” Austin says he respects
everything Hogan has done but says tonight is about the current group
of wrestlers to show everything they’ve got for these fans.
says he usually beats up whoever he’s in the ring with and the fans
seem to like the idea of him doing it to Hogan. They were sitting
next to each other at the Hall of Fame last night and Austin has seen
everything Hogan has done at Wrestlemania I. WHAT? Wrestlemania II?
WHAT? On through Wrestlemania X (which Hogan wasn’t at). WHAT?
Austin: “You get the picture.” Austin says he respects
everything Hogan has done but says tonight is about the current group
of wrestlers to show everything they’ve got for these fans.
Stone
Cold does his catchphrase….and here’s the Rock. He immediately
hugs both guys and the crowd is just stunned at what they’re seeing
in the ring. Rock says it’s
a Wrestlemania moment when all five of your senses are on fire. He
can see the people in front of him, he can hear the crowd cheering,
you can feel it, taste it, and you certainly can smell it. Rock does
the FINALLY bit for New Orleans, Wrestlemania and the SUPER Dome,
drawing a smile from Hulk and a SUPER DOME chant from the crowd.
Cold does his catchphrase….and here’s the Rock. He immediately
hugs both guys and the crowd is just stunned at what they’re seeing
in the ring. Rock says it’s
a Wrestlemania moment when all five of your senses are on fire. He
can see the people in front of him, he can hear the crowd cheering,
you can feel it, taste it, and you certainly can smell it. Rock does
the FINALLY bit for New Orleans, Wrestlemania and the SUPER Dome,
drawing a smile from Hulk and a SUPER DOME chant from the crowd.
Rock
says he doesn’t see two of the biggest stars of all time across the
ring. Instead he sees his friend Steve Austin and his childhood hero
Hulk Hogan, meaning he sees the two biggest names in the history of
the WWE. He’s fought both of them at Wrestlemania and they’ve both
impacted his career.
says he doesn’t see two of the biggest stars of all time across the
ring. Instead he sees his friend Steve Austin and his childhood hero
Hulk Hogan, meaning he sees the two biggest names in the history of
the WWE. He’s fought both of them at Wrestlemania and they’ve both
impacted his career.
They’ve
had a huge impact on everyone’s career in the back too, because
without Hulk Hogan telling the people to say their prayers and take
their vitamins, no one is fighting for Hustle Loyalty and Respect.
Tonight someone is going to rise against the Authority (pause for a
YES chant which Rock seems to like a lot) and that doesn’t happen if
a bald headed SOB didn’t beat up his boss.
had a huge impact on everyone’s career in the back too, because
without Hulk Hogan telling the people to say their prayers and take
their vitamins, no one is fighting for Hustle Loyalty and Respect.
Tonight someone is going to rise against the Authority (pause for a
YES chant which Rock seems to like a lot) and that doesn’t happen if
a bald headed SOB didn’t beat up his boss.
Rock
says a lot of people have birthdays nine months after Wrestlemania
because they watched him electrify the world and had to make some
Rock Babies. We get a little rhyming from Rock, saying the three of
them could beat up everyone in Wrestlemania history. They all hit
their catchphrases one more time (Hogan makes sure to say SUPER Dome)
and beers are consumed. All three get their music played as they
leave too. Do I need to explain why this was absolutely incredible?
I said out loud that I could go home now and be a very happy man.
says a lot of people have birthdays nine months after Wrestlemania
because they watched him electrify the world and had to make some
Rock Babies. We get a little rhyming from Rock, saying the three of
them could beat up everyone in Wrestlemania history. They all hit
their catchphrases one more time (Hogan makes sure to say SUPER Dome)
and beers are consumed. All three get their music played as they
leave too. Do I need to explain why this was absolutely incredible?
I said out loud that I could go home now and be a very happy man.
Oh
yeah we have matches too.
yeah we have matches too.
We
get an awesome video on the WWE career of Daniel Bryan, starting from
NXT and going into his rocket push over the last year set to Monster
by Imagine Dragons. We even get some clips from his indy days to
really show how big a deal this is. It transitions into a video on
HHH vs. Bryan and how this is all about the Authority not thinking
Bryan is a main event player but Bryan and the people saying he’s
good enough to beat anyone.
get an awesome video on the WWE career of Daniel Bryan, starting from
NXT and going into his rocket push over the last year set to Monster
by Imagine Dragons. We even get some clips from his indy days to
really show how big a deal this is. It transitions into a video on
HHH vs. Bryan and how this is all about the Authority not thinking
Bryan is a main event player but Bryan and the people saying he’s
good enough to beat anyone.
Stephanie
is in the ring with half of a business suit and some barely there
leather shorts. She still has some nice legs. Stephanie introduces
HHH, who has what was described as a Game of Thrones entrance (never
seen the show so that may be way off) with three women in masks
(Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Alexis Bliss from NXT) standing around
his throne. HHH is wearing a big red robe, golden spiked shoulder
pads and a gold mask complete with chain mail around his head. This
worked really well and didn’t look stupid like the Conan one a few
years back.
is in the ring with half of a business suit and some barely there
leather shorts. She still has some nice legs. Stephanie introduces
HHH, who has what was described as a Game of Thrones entrance (never
seen the show so that may be way off) with three women in masks
(Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Alexis Bliss from NXT) standing around
his throne. HHH is wearing a big red robe, golden spiked shoulder
pads and a gold mask complete with chain mail around his head. This
worked really well and didn’t look stupid like the Conan one a few
years back.
HHH
vs. Daniel Bryan
vs. Daniel Bryan
The
winner goes into the triple threat later tonight. Cole
says this should be a mismatch, even though Bryan is a Triple Crown
winner and a three time World Champion. The
YES chant was awesome in person and the place went absolutely nuts
when Bryan’s music hit. Oddly enough he wasn’t announced at all and
just came to the ring with his music. No Big Match Intros either.
Bryan’s left shoulder is
taped up after the attack a few weeks ago on Raw.
winner goes into the triple threat later tonight. Cole
says this should be a mismatch, even though Bryan is a Triple Crown
winner and a three time World Champion. The
YES chant was awesome in person and the place went absolutely nuts
when Bryan’s music hit. Oddly enough he wasn’t announced at all and
just came to the ring with his music. No Big Match Intros either.
Bryan’s left shoulder is
taped up after the attack a few weeks ago on Raw.
They
stare each other down for a good while to start as a bunch of fans
have YES written on pieces of paper. HHH offers a handshake and is
quickly kicked down for two. Daniel fires off more kicks in the
corner but HHH bails to the floor to avoid a big kick. Back in and
HHH goes for the bad arm like a smart wrestler would but Bryan takes
him down with a headlock takeover. A hard shoulder block drops
Daniel but it’s right back to the headlock.
stare each other down for a good while to start as a bunch of fans
have YES written on pieces of paper. HHH offers a handshake and is
quickly kicked down for two. Daniel fires off more kicks in the
corner but HHH bails to the floor to avoid a big kick. Back in and
HHH goes for the bad arm like a smart wrestler would but Bryan takes
him down with a headlock takeover. A hard shoulder block drops
Daniel but it’s right back to the headlock.
HHH
drives shoulders in the corner but Daniel comes back with his kicks,
only to have HHH take him down by the leg in a nice counter. Bryan
gets away before HHH can wrap the arm around the post and hits a
running tornado DDT off the apron. The
running knee off the apron puts both guys down as Stephanie is
freaking out. Back in and
Bryan goes up but gets crotched. Stephanie: “B+ AT BEST!”
drives shoulders in the corner but Daniel comes back with his kicks,
only to have HHH take him down by the leg in a nice counter. Bryan
gets away before HHH can wrap the arm around the post and hits a
running tornado DDT off the apron. The
running knee off the apron puts both guys down as Stephanie is
freaking out. Back in and
Bryan goes up but gets crotched. Stephanie: “B+ AT BEST!”
A
big right hand knocks Bryan out to the floor and it’s table time.
Bryan fights out of a
Pedigree attempt through the table but gets his arm slammed into the
table. Stephanie: “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan is back in the ring
at seven and HHH drives knees into the shoulder. We hit the armbar
for a bit but Bryan is able to backdrop HHH to the floor. HHH is
able to get up and block the FLYING GOAT with a big right hand, which
looked like a slegehammer shot on the big screen.
big right hand knocks Bryan out to the floor and it’s table time.
Bryan fights out of a
Pedigree attempt through the table but gets his arm slammed into the
table. Stephanie: “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan is back in the ring
at seven and HHH drives knees into the shoulder. We hit the armbar
for a bit but Bryan is able to backdrop HHH to the floor. HHH is
able to get up and block the FLYING GOAT with a big right hand, which
looked like a slegehammer shot on the big screen.
HHH
gets him back to the apron and drops him arm first onto the apron.
Stephanie is still yelling at Bryan as she’s just perfect in this
role. Back in and we go old school with a crossface chickenwing on
the bad
arm. HHH shifts into a regular Crossface and the fans aren’t sure
what to think of it. Daniel makes the rope and they slug it out
until Bryan drops him with a running forearm. Bryan loads up the
moonsault but HHH wisely stops and tries a German, only to be
reversed into three straight German suplexes for three straight near
falls.
gets him back to the apron and drops him arm first onto the apron.
Stephanie is still yelling at Bryan as she’s just perfect in this
role. Back in and we go old school with a crossface chickenwing on
the bad
arm. HHH shifts into a regular Crossface and the fans aren’t sure
what to think of it. Daniel makes the rope and they slug it out
until Bryan drops him with a running forearm. Bryan loads up the
moonsault but HHH wisely stops and tries a German, only to be
reversed into three straight German suplexes for three straight near
falls.
The
Game counters another into a chickenwing attempt but HHH reverses
into a tiger suplex of all things, putting Bryan down on his shoulder
again. HHH’s superplex
attempt is countered into a sunset bomb but Bryan can’t cover. The
running dropkick in the corner has HHH in trouble but he comes out of
the corner with a wicked clothesline. Stephanie: “YES! WOO!”
Game counters another into a chickenwing attempt but HHH reverses
into a tiger suplex of all things, putting Bryan down on his shoulder
again. HHH’s superplex
attempt is countered into a sunset bomb but Bryan can’t cover. The
running dropkick in the corner has HHH in trouble but he comes out of
the corner with a wicked clothesline. Stephanie: “YES! WOO!”
The
Pedigree is countered into a rollup for two and a big kick to the
head drops HHH again. Bryan loads up the flying headbutt, only to
dive head first into a knee. Back to the Crossface and HHH rolls
Bryan away from the ropes ala Benoit in 2004. Daniel is able to
counter into the YES Lock out of nowhere but HHH gets a rope. HHH
rolls outside and it’s the FLYING GOAT to send him into the
barricade.
Pedigree is countered into a rollup for two and a big kick to the
head drops HHH again. Bryan loads up the flying headbutt, only to
dive head first into a knee. Back to the Crossface and HHH rolls
Bryan away from the ropes ala Benoit in 2004. Daniel is able to
counter into the YES Lock out of nowhere but HHH gets a rope. HHH
rolls outside and it’s the FLYING GOAT to send him into the
barricade.
Bryan
hits it again before firing off the YES Kicks to the chest. Back in
and there’s the missile dropkick into the nipup followed by more YES
Kicks. JBL: “Something isn’t right about this!” The big kick to
the head gets two as the fans think this is awesome. Daniel loads up
the running knee but is caught in a spinebuster. The Pedigree gets
two and Stephanie is shocked.
hits it again before firing off the YES Kicks to the chest. Back in
and there’s the missile dropkick into the nipup followed by more YES
Kicks. JBL: “Something isn’t right about this!” The big kick to
the head gets two as the fans think this is awesome. Daniel loads up
the running knee but is caught in a spinebuster. The Pedigree gets
two and Stephanie is shocked.
A
small package gets two on HHH so he hammers away in the corner with
some heavy right hands. Another Pedigree is countered with a
backdrop for two but HHH holds on to the grip. Bryan won’t get up
though so HHH drives knees into the shoulder. HHH still can’t hit
the Pedigree so Bryan kicks him in the face. With both guys spent,
Daniel backflips out of a suplex and nails the running knee dead on
to send himself to the main event at
25:58.
small package gets two on HHH so he hammers away in the corner with
some heavy right hands. Another Pedigree is countered with a
backdrop for two but HHH holds on to the grip. Bryan won’t get up
though so HHH drives knees into the shoulder. HHH still can’t hit
the Pedigree so Bryan kicks him in the face. With both guys spent,
Daniel backflips out of a suplex and nails the running knee dead on
to send himself to the main event at
25:58.
Rating:
A. Oh yeah this was awesome.
They played the underdog card perfectly and the fans ate it up with a
spoon. I’m surprised they went with the clean pin instead of the
fourway but that’s the better move at the end of the day. It’s
definitive and clean with Bryan beating HHH in a fair match despite
being injured coming in. Outstanding opener, even if most people
knew Bryan was going to the title match anyway.
A. Oh yeah this was awesome.
They played the underdog card perfectly and the fans ate it up with a
spoon. I’m surprised they went with the clean pin instead of the
fourway but that’s the better move at the end of the day. It’s
definitive and clean with Bryan beating HHH in a fair match despite
being injured coming in. Outstanding opener, even if most people
knew Bryan was going to the title match anyway.
Post
match Stephanie slaps Bryan until HHH gets back up and lays him out.
HHH crushes the shoulder against the post with a chair again to leave
Bryan’s future in doubt.
match Stephanie slaps Bryan until HHH gets back up and lays him out.
HHH crushes the shoulder against the post with a chair again to leave
Bryan’s future in doubt.
Mountain
Dew commercial.
Dew commercial.
New
Age Outlaws/Kane vs. Shield
Age Outlaws/Kane vs. Shield
Since
we’re over an hour into the show and have had one match, Shield FLIES
down to the ring after cutting off the Outlaws’ entrance, wearing
white half masks for some reason. This
is the result of Shield protecting Jerry Lawler from Kane when the
Big Bald accused Lawler of causing the Occupy Raw movement. Kane
starts with Ambrose and hammers away before dropping him with a
clothesline. Off to Reigns (now in a singlet top instead of the full
back) for some running clotheslines and a crotch chop of all things.
we’re over an hour into the show and have had one match, Shield FLIES
down to the ring after cutting off the Outlaws’ entrance, wearing
white half masks for some reason. This
is the result of Shield protecting Jerry Lawler from Kane when the
Big Bald accused Lawler of causing the Occupy Raw movement. Kane
starts with Ambrose and hammers away before dropping him with a
clothesline. Off to Reigns (now in a singlet top instead of the full
back) for some running clotheslines and a crotch chop of all things.
The
floor to apron boot lays out both Outlaws and there’s a Superman
Punch to Road Dogg (BIG reaction to that). Kane blocks another Punch
but Rollins comes in to dive on Kane. Ambrose takes down Road Dogg
and there’s the Superman Punch to Billy. The Shield has Gunn
surrounded so he bails, allowing Ambrose and Rollins to hit stereo
suicide dives on the Outlaws. There’s a spear to Kane and a double
one to drop Gunn and Dogg. A DOUBLE TRIPLE BOMB is enough to end the
Outlaws at 2:55. Total and complete squash which makes me feel FAR
better about this match than I thought going in.
floor to apron boot lays out both Outlaws and there’s a Superman
Punch to Road Dogg (BIG reaction to that). Kane blocks another Punch
but Rollins comes in to dive on Kane. Ambrose takes down Road Dogg
and there’s the Superman Punch to Billy. The Shield has Gunn
surrounded so he bails, allowing Ambrose and Rollins to hit stereo
suicide dives on the Outlaws. There’s a spear to Kane and a double
one to drop Gunn and Dogg. A DOUBLE TRIPLE BOMB is enough to end the
Outlaws at 2:55. Total and complete squash which makes me feel FAR
better about this match than I thought going in.
Jim
Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter are in the back playing with the Slam City
figures, complete with DANNY DAVIS giving Duggan a fast count pin.
Ricky Steamboat wants next but a guy in a suit takes the toys away
because someone has bought them. This brings up the required Ted
DiBiase cameo to say even in Slam City, everybody has a price. The
only possibly payoff is Ron Simmons for the catchphrase and that’s
exactly what we get.
Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter are in the back playing with the Slam City
figures, complete with DANNY DAVIS giving Duggan a fast count pin.
Ricky Steamboat wants next but a guy in a suit takes the toys away
because someone has bought them. This brings up the required Ted
DiBiase cameo to say even in Slam City, everybody has a price. The
only possibly payoff is Ron Simmons for the catchphrase and that’s
exactly what we get.
Andre
the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Sheamus,
Big Show, Alberto Del
Rio, Big E, Brad Maddox, Brodus Clay, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow,
Darren Young, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Fandango, Drew McIntyre,
Goldust, The Great Khali, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel,
Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Santino
Marella, Sin Cara, Titus O’Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods, Yoshi
Tatsu, Zack Ryder.
Big Show, Alberto Del
Rio, Big E, Brad Maddox, Brodus Clay, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow,
Darren Young, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Fandango, Drew McIntyre,
Goldust, The Great Khali, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel,
Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Santino
Marella, Sin Cara, Titus O’Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods, Yoshi
Tatsu, Zack Ryder.
Only
Sheamus and Big Show get entrances. I’ll give WWE credit: I didn’t
notice the guys getting into the ring at all as I was distracted by
the legends segment. Well done. The problem though is no one knew
who all was in the match. Yoshi Tatsu is quickly dumped before Kofi
and Cody are both sent over but hang on to stay in. Brad Maddox is
tossed and Khali chops Brodus to the floor. 3MB combines to dump
Khali though as the ring is slowly clearing out a bit.
Sheamus and Big Show get entrances. I’ll give WWE credit: I didn’t
notice the guys getting into the ring at all as I was distracted by
the legends segment. Well done. The problem though is no one knew
who all was in the match. Yoshi Tatsu is quickly dumped before Kofi
and Cody are both sent over but hang on to stay in. Brad Maddox is
tossed and Khali chops Brodus to the floor. 3MB combines to dump
Khali though as the ring is slowly clearing out a bit.
The
Band gets rid of Ryder and Darren Young as well and you can actually
see some of the mat. Henry has had enough of 3MB though and tosses
all three, only to be eliminated by Big Show. Show gets rid of Titus
(DO THE DOG BARK!) and it’s Cobra time from Santino. Miz blocks the
dreaded sock for a bit but is knocked out a few seconds later. He
beat Cena at Wrestlemania three years ago and now he’s jobbing to a
sock. Sandow is gone as we’re almost half done. Big
E. tosses Justin Gabriel.
Band gets rid of Ryder and Darren Young as well and you can actually
see some of the mat. Henry has had enough of 3MB though and tosses
all three, only to be eliminated by Big Show. Show gets rid of Titus
(DO THE DOG BARK!) and it’s Cobra time from Santino. Miz blocks the
dreaded sock for a bit but is knocked out a few seconds later. He
beat Cena at Wrestlemania three years ago and now he’s jobbing to a
sock. Sandow is gone as we’re almost half done. Big
E. tosses Justin Gabriel.
Otunga
is actually in the match long enough to be eliminated until we get a
big upset with Fandango eliminating Big E. with ease. We get some
Fandangoing but Sheamus grabs him for TWENTY SEVEN FOREARMS TO THE
CHEST. I shout because WHY DIDN’T HE GO TO THIRTY? He casually
shoves Fandango to the floor and the fans love it. Big Show throws
out Truth and dances a bit before staring down at Rey. JBL: “EAT
HIM BIG SHOW!”
is actually in the match long enough to be eliminated until we get a
big upset with Fandango eliminating Big E. with ease. We get some
Fandangoing but Sheamus grabs him for TWENTY SEVEN FOREARMS TO THE
CHEST. I shout because WHY DIDN’T HE GO TO THIRTY? He casually
shoves Fandango to the floor and the fans love it. Big Show throws
out Truth and dances a bit before staring down at Rey. JBL: “EAT
HIM BIG SHOW!”
Kidd
goes up and is kicked out by Del Rio as Sheamus hammers on Big Show.
Del Rio kicks Goldust to the floor as well and complete the Rhodes
double by shoving Cody off the top. We’re down to Mysterio, Del Rio,
Ziggler, Sheamus, Big Show, Cesaro and Kingston. Rey hits a 619 on
Del Rio but Cesaro counters one into Swiss Death for the elimination.
Kofi is LAUNCHED over the top onto the steps but his feet stay on
the steps so he can get back in. Kofi gets to clean house with kicks
all around, including one to knock Big Show down.
goes up and is kicked out by Del Rio as Sheamus hammers on Big Show.
Del Rio kicks Goldust to the floor as well and complete the Rhodes
double by shoving Cody off the top. We’re down to Mysterio, Del Rio,
Ziggler, Sheamus, Big Show, Cesaro and Kingston. Rey hits a 619 on
Del Rio but Cesaro counters one into Swiss Death for the elimination.
Kofi is LAUNCHED over the top onto the steps but his feet stay on
the steps so he can get back in. Kofi gets to clean house with kicks
all around, including one to knock Big Show down.
Cesaro
Swings Kingston for a LONG time but walks into a chokeslam. There’s
a Brogue Kick to Big Show and another one to Kofi for an elimination.
Ziggler hits his running DDT on Sheamus but gets superkicked out by
Del Rio. We’re down to Sheamus, Big Show, Del Rio and Cesaro.
Swings Kingston for a LONG time but walks into a chokeslam. There’s
a Brogue Kick to Big Show and another one to Kofi for an elimination.
Ziggler hits his running DDT on Sheamus but gets superkicked out by
Del Rio. We’re down to Sheamus, Big Show, Del Rio and Cesaro.
Alberto
puts Sheamus in the cross armbreaker (why?) but Sheamus lifts him up.
He takes Del Rio to the ropes but they both fall out to leave us
with Cesaro vs. Big Show. A series of clotheslines can’t drop Big
Show so Cesaro goes up top, only to be chopped out of the air.
Cesaro slips off Big Show’s
shoulders, EASILY picks him up and throws Big Show out to win at
13:44.
puts Sheamus in the cross armbreaker (why?) but Sheamus lifts him up.
He takes Del Rio to the ropes but they both fall out to leave us
with Cesaro vs. Big Show. A series of clotheslines can’t drop Big
Show so Cesaro goes up top, only to be chopped out of the air.
Cesaro slips off Big Show’s
shoulders, EASILY picks him up and throws Big Show out to win at
13:44.
Rating:
C+. Pretty standard battle
royal until the end where they did something that Wrestlemania can be
used for: pushing a new guy. This is Cesaro’s big moment and a
probable face turn for him. There’s nothing that can beat pure
strength like that and visuals like Big Show being lifted up are
always going to work.
C+. Pretty standard battle
royal until the end where they did something that Wrestlemania can be
used for: pushing a new guy. This is Cesaro’s big moment and a
probable face turn for him. There’s nothing that can beat pure
strength like that and visuals like Big Show being lifted up are
always going to work.
Big
Show shakes Cesaro’s hand and walks out in peace. Five referees have
to get the trophy into the ring but Cesaro picks it up on his own to
make things even better.
Show shakes Cesaro’s hand and walks out in peace. Five referees have
to get the trophy into the ring but Cesaro picks it up on his own to
make things even better.
We
recap Cena vs. Bray Wyatt. The idea is Cena has worked hard and
lived off of hustle, loyalty and respect to build his career but Bray
just wants to destroy the heroes. Bray started talking about Cena’s
legacy because one day his career is going to end and then what
becomes of him since he’s built his life around the WWE.
recap Cena vs. Bray Wyatt. The idea is Cena has worked hard and
lived off of hustle, loyalty and respect to build his career but Bray
just wants to destroy the heroes. Bray started talking about Cena’s
legacy because one day his career is going to end and then what
becomes of him since he’s built his life around the WWE.
John
Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Bray
is played to the ring in an awesome visual, complete with barrels
fire, what appears to be a voodoo woman dancing with swords and I
believe an altar. No
special entrance for Cena this year but
he gets more booing than cheers.
The cheers are there
though. Bray bounces on the
middle rope to start before kneeling in front of Cena and begging
John to be a monster and hit him. FINISH ME JOHN! Cena says get up
and fight before taking Bray down with a headlock. Bray headbutts
Cena several times to take over while shouting a lot.
is played to the ring in an awesome visual, complete with barrels
fire, what appears to be a voodoo woman dancing with swords and I
believe an altar. No
special entrance for Cena this year but
he gets more booing than cheers.
The cheers are there
though. Bray bounces on the
middle rope to start before kneeling in front of Cena and begging
John to be a monster and hit him. FINISH ME JOHN! Cena says get up
and fight before taking Bray down with a headlock. Bray headbutts
Cena several times to take over while shouting a lot.
An
elbow drop gets two and he asks the fans if this is their hero. Cena
comes back with a HARD clothesline before looking furious in the
corner. He hammers away on Bray but Wyatt laughs and invites Cena to
do more. John drives in more right hands, drawing Harper and Rowan
to the apron. Wyatt keeps laughing (very 1998 Raven) and Cena isn’t
sure what to do. He chokes away which is exactly what Bray wants as
Cena is unleashing the monster inside. A big boot drops Bray but
Cena is angry at himself for losing control.
elbow drop gets two and he asks the fans if this is their hero. Cena
comes back with a HARD clothesline before looking furious in the
corner. He hammers away on Bray but Wyatt laughs and invites Cena to
do more. John drives in more right hands, drawing Harper and Rowan
to the apron. Wyatt keeps laughing (very 1998 Raven) and Cena isn’t
sure what to do. He chokes away which is exactly what Bray wants as
Cena is unleashing the monster inside. A big boot drops Bray but
Cena is angry at himself for losing control.
Bray
lifts Cena up for a suplex but slams him down instead in a cool
visual. John comes back with a dropkick but gets caught in a
sleeper. It shifts into a chinlock but Cena counters with the
ProtoBomb. He loads up the Shuffle but Bray bridges up into the
spider stance. Fans: “THAT WAS CREEPY!” Bray runs him over and
conducts the crowd as the arm swaying begins. Cena comes back with a
tornado DDT but the Fameasser is countered into a wicked powerbomb
for a very close two.
lifts Cena up for a suplex but slams him down instead in a cool
visual. John comes back with a dropkick but gets caught in a
sleeper. It shifts into a chinlock but Cena counters with the
ProtoBomb. He loads up the Shuffle but Bray bridges up into the
spider stance. Fans: “THAT WAS CREEPY!” Bray runs him over and
conducts the crowd as the arm swaying begins. Cena comes back with a
tornado DDT but the Fameasser is countered into a wicked powerbomb
for a very close two.
Cena
comes back again and hits the Shuffle but Bray counters the AA into a
spinning gutbuster for two. Bray
takes him to the apron for a DDT and another near fall as the fans
starting singing He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands. Now THAT is
a creepy moment. John is able to fight out of a superplex and loads
up the Fameasser, only to dive onto the Family instead. Bray is
right back on him though and sends Cena hard into the steps. Wyatt
says he’s figured it out but gets knocked down by a hard shot.
comes back again and hits the Shuffle but Bray counters the AA into a
spinning gutbuster for two. Bray
takes him to the apron for a DDT and another near fall as the fans
starting singing He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands. Now THAT is
a creepy moment. John is able to fight out of a superplex and loads
up the Fameasser, only to dive onto the Family instead. Bray is
right back on him though and sends Cena hard into the steps. Wyatt
says he’s figured it out but gets knocked down by a hard shot.
Now
we get to the interesting part as Cena picks up the steps but can’t
bring himself to embrace the hate. Back in and the hard cross body
gets two for Bray and it’s time for more singing. He misses a
backsplash though and Cena nails the AA for two. This kicking out of
finishers thing is really getting old. Rowan tries to interfere,
allowing Harper to superkick Cena down. Now the backsplash gets two
and Bray is getting frustrated.
we get to the interesting part as Cena picks up the steps but can’t
bring himself to embrace the hate. Back in and the hard cross body
gets two for Bray and it’s time for more singing. He misses a
backsplash though and Cena nails the AA for two. This kicking out of
finishers thing is really getting old. Rowan tries to interfere,
allowing Harper to superkick Cena down. Now the backsplash gets two
and Bray is getting frustrated.
He
sends Cena outside so John
spears Luke through the barricade for some revenge. That’s what Bray
wanted though so he throws Cena back inside and bends over backwards
in the corner. Sister Abigail is countered into the STF but Bray
makes the ropes. Back up and a quick Sister Abigail is good for two.
Wyatt is smiling again and heads outside to load up the announce
table.
sends Cena outside so John
spears Luke through the barricade for some revenge. That’s what Bray
wanted though so he throws Cena back inside and bends over backwards
in the corner. Sister Abigail is countered into the STF but Bray
makes the ropes. Back up and a quick Sister Abigail is good for two.
Wyatt is smiling again and heads outside to load up the announce
table.
Then
he goes over to get a chair (giving us a visual of Harper still out
cold two and a half minutes after he was laid out) but slides it to
Cena instead. Bray gets on his knees and tells Cena to hit him.
This is the big moment as John heavily thinks about it but is able to
control himself and knock Rowan off the apron with the chair instead.
Sister Abigail is countered into an AA for the pin out of nowhere at
22:28.
he goes over to get a chair (giving us a visual of Harper still out
cold two and a half minutes after he was laid out) but slides it to
Cena instead. Bray gets on his knees and tells Cena to hit him.
This is the big moment as John heavily thinks about it but is able to
control himself and knock Rowan off the apron with the chair instead.
Sister Abigail is countered into an AA for the pin out of nowhere at
22:28.
Rating:
B. The match was the usual big
match style here with both guys hitting all their big stuff. However
the important part here was the psychological war instead of the
physical aspect. I’m REALLY not sure on Cena winning, but the story
is clearly going to continue in some gimmick matches. That’s where
Cena can be pushed even further and go too far with the violence ala
Magnum vs. Tully where Magnum went nuts and then realized what he
did.
B. The match was the usual big
match style here with both guys hitting all their big stuff. However
the important part here was the psychological war instead of the
physical aspect. I’m REALLY not sure on Cena winning, but the story
is clearly going to continue in some gimmick matches. That’s where
Cena can be pushed even further and go too far with the violence ala
Magnum vs. Tully where Magnum went nuts and then realized what he
did.
The
match worked well enough but the ending leaves a lot of questions to
be answered. The biggest of
all though is what happens to Wyatt. Hopefully the magic isn’t gone
after the loss but we’ll
find that out very soon. He’ll be way over in his home state and the
gimmick is cool enough to keep him over for years.
match worked well enough but the ending leaves a lot of questions to
be answered. The biggest of
all though is what happens to Wyatt. Hopefully the magic isn’t gone
after the loss but we’ll
find that out very soon. He’ll be way over in his home state and the
gimmick is cool enough to keep him over for years.
Cena
celebrates with fans and his dad post match.
celebrates with fans and his dad post match.
Hall
of Fame time. Lita got a
great reaction while rocking a long silver dress. Bearer probably
got the best reaction of everyone, until Ultimate Warrior came out
after everyone else. The cameramen were pulling back like he was
going to sprint to the ring but it didn’t happen.
of Fame time. Lita got a
great reaction while rocking a long silver dress. Bearer probably
got the best reaction of everyone, until Ultimate Warrior came out
after everyone else. The cameramen were pulling back like he was
going to sprint to the ring but it didn’t happen.
Daniel
Bryan is examined in the back. They’ve been sticking with the stuff
in the ring tonight and I kind of like that.
Bryan is examined in the back. They’ve been sticking with the stuff
in the ring tonight and I kind of like that.
We
recap Lesnar vs. Undertaker. The video talks about the Streak going
on for over twenty years with the question being can any man beat the
Streak. It cuts to Heyman saying the answer is no, but a Beast could
do it. The line of “Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat. Eat, Sleep,
Conquer, Repeat. Eat, Sleep, Conquer the Streak” was great stuff.
recap Lesnar vs. Undertaker. The video talks about the Streak going
on for over twenty years with the question being can any man beat the
Streak. It cuts to Heyman saying the answer is no, but a Beast could
do it. The line of “Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat. Eat, Sleep,
Conquer, Repeat. Eat, Sleep, Conquer the Streak” was great stuff.
Undertaker
vs. Brock Lesnar
vs. Brock Lesnar
The
entrance is very cool this year with 21 caskets with a name and
Wrestlemania printed on each one. Punk’s casket is of course not
show but they’re all lit on fire in a great shot. Undertaker
hammers away to start but walks into a belly to belly. A clothesline
puts Undertaker on the floor but he just stares up at Lesnar. Some
heavy knees into the ribs have Undertaker in trouble again but he
snaps Brock’s neck over the top rope.
entrance is very cool this year with 21 caskets with a name and
Wrestlemania printed on each one. Punk’s casket is of course not
show but they’re all lit on fire in a great shot. Undertaker
hammers away to start but walks into a belly to belly. A clothesline
puts Undertaker on the floor but he just stares up at Lesnar. Some
heavy knees into the ribs have Undertaker in trouble again but he
snaps Brock’s neck over the top rope.
Lesnar’s
arm is bent around the top rope and they fight on the floor for a few
moments. Back inside and Old School is countered but Brock misses a
charge into the post. The legdrop across the apron has Lesnar in
trouble but they head outside again with Brock ramming him into the
post. Undertaker is taken down with a spinebuster and it’s back
inside for some hard choking.
arm is bent around the top rope and they fight on the floor for a few
moments. Back inside and Old School is countered but Brock misses a
charge into the post. The legdrop across the apron has Lesnar in
trouble but they head outside again with Brock ramming him into the
post. Undertaker is taken down with a spinebuster and it’s back
inside for some hard choking.
Brock
stomps away in the corner and goes after the leg to take away the
vertical base. Undertaker gets to the floor and limps a lot but
Brock kicks the bad leg out again. A not very hard whip sends
Undertaker into the barricade and they head back inside for more
knees to the chest. The sweat is dripping off Brock’s nose in a
disturbing image. Brock
tees off on him with rights and lefts but Undertaker comes back with
the running DDT to put both guys down.
stomps away in the corner and goes after the leg to take away the
vertical base. Undertaker gets to the floor and limps a lot but
Brock kicks the bad leg out again. A not very hard whip sends
Undertaker into the barricade and they head back inside for more
knees to the chest. The sweat is dripping off Brock’s nose in a
disturbing image. Brock
tees off on him with rights and lefts but Undertaker comes back with
the running DDT to put both guys down.
Some
running clotheslines in the corner stagger Brock and it’s Snake Eyes
into the big boot and a legdrop for two (Brother). A
chokeslam gets two more but Taker walks into an F5 for the same.
Hell’s Gate is slapped on out of nowhere but Brock powers him up
(barely) and drops him all of two feet onto the mat. They do the
same sequence again and this time the drop is better but you can see
Brock isn’t going full force here.
running clotheslines in the corner stagger Brock and it’s Snake Eyes
into the big boot and a legdrop for two (Brother). A
chokeslam gets two more but Taker walks into an F5 for the same.
Hell’s Gate is slapped on out of nowhere but Brock powers him up
(barely) and drops him all of two feet onto the mat. They do the
same sequence again and this time the drop is better but you can see
Brock isn’t going full force here.
There’s
the Kimura from Lesnar but Undertaker reverses into one of his own.
Brock is taken to the mat but gets into the ropes for the break.
Both guys are getting tired out there. Taker
loads up Old School but is barely able to stand. He almost falls
into an F5 for a very close two and follows up with some VERY light
German suplexes.
the Kimura from Lesnar but Undertaker reverses into one of his own.
Brock is taken to the mat but gets into the ropes for the break.
Both guys are getting tired out there. Taker
loads up Old School but is barely able to stand. He almost falls
into an F5 for a very close two and follows up with some VERY light
German suplexes.
Brock
hammers away in the corner (again why?) and gets caught in a
powerbomb. Yes a powerbomb as he wasn’t lifted at all. The
Tombstone is good for two, which isn’t shocking as you could see
Undertaker’s feet in the space between Brock’s head and the mat.
Undertaker sits up but Brock counters a tombstone into an F5 to end
the Streak and shock the world.
hammers away in the corner (again why?) and gets caught in a
powerbomb. Yes a powerbomb as he wasn’t lifted at all. The
Tombstone is good for two, which isn’t shocking as you could see
Undertaker’s feet in the space between Brock’s head and the mat.
Undertaker sits up but Brock counters a tombstone into an F5 to end
the Streak and shock the world.
Before
we get to the rating, I have to talk about the crowd a little bit.
As you might have noticed, I can talk a good deal when I need to.
For one of the only times in my life, I couldn’t move and couldn’t
say a word. I’ve heard stories of the crowd in MSG going silent when
Sammartino lost the WWWF Title to Koloff and that’s what I think
happened here. This isn’t something that just happens. This is the
end of an era and something no one has ever seen before.
we get to the rating, I have to talk about the crowd a little bit.
As you might have noticed, I can talk a good deal when I need to.
For one of the only times in my life, I couldn’t move and couldn’t
say a word. I’ve heard stories of the crowd in MSG going silent when
Sammartino lost the WWWF Title to Koloff and that’s what I think
happened here. This isn’t something that just happens. This is the
end of an era and something no one has ever seen before.
A
graphic that said 21-1 appeared on screen and the fans were literally
SCREAMING for Hogan to come out and do something to save the Streak.
People actually ran out of the building crying because they didn’t
want to believe what they had just seen. This is a wrestling
changing moment and we’ll never, ever, see anything like it again.
graphic that said 21-1 appeared on screen and the fans were literally
SCREAMING for Hogan to come out and do something to save the Streak.
People actually ran out of the building crying because they didn’t
want to believe what they had just seen. This is a wrestling
changing moment and we’ll never, ever, see anything like it again.
Rating:
C+.
And that’s being generous.
This is being written about
15 hours after Wrestlemania ended and this has gotten about 80% of
the comments. Since the match ended, word has come out that
Undertaker wanted to end the Streak because he couldn’t perform at
this level anymore. If that’s true, and based on this match, I can
certainly see why, then I respect him greatly for it. It’s clear
that Undertaker is having a lot of trouble moving around anymore as
age and his career are catching up with him.
C+.
And that’s being generous.
This is being written about
15 hours after Wrestlemania ended and this has gotten about 80% of
the comments. Since the match ended, word has come out that
Undertaker wanted to end the Streak because he couldn’t perform at
this level anymore. If that’s true, and based on this match, I can
certainly see why, then I respect him greatly for it. It’s clear
that Undertaker is having a lot of trouble moving around anymore as
age and his career are catching up with him.
If
you watch the match carefully and with the emotion taken out of it,
it’s very clear that Undertaker just can’t do it anymore. The Last
Ride had literally no elevation, the German suplexes were Undertaker
being laid down on his back and the Tombstone was just sad. If the
Streak had kept going, it would have become an embarrassment for
Undertaker as the matches would have gotten worse and worse.
you watch the match carefully and with the emotion taken out of it,
it’s very clear that Undertaker just can’t do it anymore. The Last
Ride had literally no elevation, the German suplexes were Undertaker
being laid down on his back and the Tombstone was just sad. If the
Streak had kept going, it would have become an embarrassment for
Undertaker as the matches would have gotten worse and worse.
Undertaker
is 49 years old and really hasn’t been an active wrestler in years.
Father Time catches up with everyone and it caught up to Undertaker.
Points to him though for ending it while he could still have a
passable match like this one. At the end of the day, the Streak had
to end sometime and I’m glad he got to pick when it did.
is 49 years old and really hasn’t been an active wrestler in years.
Father Time catches up with everyone and it caught up to Undertaker.
Points to him though for ending it while he could still have a
passable match like this one. At the end of the day, the Streak had
to end sometime and I’m glad he got to pick when it did.
Finally,
there comes a point where the Streak is pushed beyond the point of
being realistic. I’m supposed to believe that a man pushing 50 is
able to come out of a glorified retirement and beat BROCK LESNAR in a
one on one fight? People, myself included, said it was ridiculous
that HHH beat Brock at Wrestlemania. Would it really have been that
much more ridiculous for Undertaker to do it? I don’t really think
so. Brock may have not been the best option, but it’s certainly not
insane.
there comes a point where the Streak is pushed beyond the point of
being realistic. I’m supposed to believe that a man pushing 50 is
able to come out of a glorified retirement and beat BROCK LESNAR in a
one on one fight? People, myself included, said it was ridiculous
that HHH beat Brock at Wrestlemania. Would it really have been that
much more ridiculous for Undertaker to do it? I don’t really think
so. Brock may have not been the best option, but it’s certainly not
insane.
Now
on to more aftermath.
Undertaker
was hospitalized after the match with a severe concussion and neck
injury. If he was banged up that badly in the early part of the
match, you have to excuse some of the sluggishness a bit. It’s not a
great match, but the reaction at the end more than makes up for it.
Brock winning may not be the best option, but I offer the following
question: who else was there for this spot? Reigns simply isn’t
ready, Cena vs. Undertaker needed a bigger build, Sting would be an
even bigger waste and just wasn’t going to happen. Who else is
there?
on to more aftermath.
Undertaker
was hospitalized after the match with a severe concussion and neck
injury. If he was banged up that badly in the early part of the
match, you have to excuse some of the sluggishness a bit. It’s not a
great match, but the reaction at the end more than makes up for it.
Brock winning may not be the best option, but I offer the following
question: who else was there for this spot? Reigns simply isn’t
ready, Cena vs. Undertaker needed a bigger build, Sting would be an
even bigger waste and just wasn’t going to happen. Who else is
there?
That
being said, the Streak is one of those things that is never going to
be topped. Ever. Period. It went on for TWENTY THREE YEARS. Hulk
Hogan was still WWF Champion around that time and I was five years
old. Let that sink in for a minute and realize how big a deal that
was. A lot of fans don’t remember a time before the Streak began and
it’s produced some of the best matches in Wrestlemania history.
Undertaker has won three World Titles at Wrestlemania and pinned all
four members of Evolution. That’s a fine career and he did it one
year at a time.
being said, the Streak is one of those things that is never going to
be topped. Ever. Period. It went on for TWENTY THREE YEARS. Hulk
Hogan was still WWF Champion around that time and I was five years
old. Let that sink in for a minute and realize how big a deal that
was. A lot of fans don’t remember a time before the Streak began and
it’s produced some of the best matches in Wrestlemania history.
Undertaker has won three World Titles at Wrestlemania and pinned all
four members of Evolution. That’s a fine career and he did it one
year at a time.
Most
of the people he beat are in the Hall of Fame and most of the rest of
them will probably be in one day (the majority of them are locks and
would Sid/Boss
Man/Bundy really surprise you?).
The match with Shawn is as
good as you’re ever going to find and Batista and Orton were made at
those shows.
of the people he beat are in the Hall of Fame and most of the rest of
them will probably be in one day (the majority of them are locks and
would Sid/Boss
Man/Bundy really surprise you?).
The match with Shawn is as
good as you’re ever going to find and Batista and Orton were made at
those shows.
It
took on a life of its own and was basically a co-main event at every
Wrestlemania for the last six years or so. The Streak was going to
end someday and it’s good that it happened under Undertaker’s terms
instead of when age forced it to happen against his wishes. That’s
your big Wrestlemania moment and I’ll never forget it.
took on a life of its own and was basically a co-main event at every
Wrestlemania for the last six years or so. The Streak was going to
end someday and it’s good that it happened under Undertaker’s terms
instead of when age forced it to happen against his wishes. That’s
your big Wrestlemania moment and I’ll never forget it.
Undertaker
gets the hero’s sendoff as the fans chant THANK YOU TAKER.
gets the hero’s sendoff as the fans chant THANK YOU TAKER.
Wrestlemania
XXXI is in Silicon Valley, California. During this announcement, the
Divas filled the ring for the next match.
XXXI is in Silicon Valley, California. During this announcement, the
Divas filled the ring for the next match.
Divas
Title: Vickie Guerrero Invitational
Title: Vickie Guerrero Invitational
Aksana,
Alicia Fox, AJ Lee, Naomi, Brie Bella, Cameron, Emma, Eva Marie,
Layla, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae, Tamina Snuka.
Alicia Fox, AJ Lee, Naomi, Brie Bella, Cameron, Emma, Eva Marie,
Layla, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae, Tamina Snuka.
So
AJ is defending and is facing the entire division, as in thirteen
other girls. Good reaction for the champion but this is the death
spot to end all death spots. Vickie is at ringside holding the
title. AJ and Tamina are
thrown into the middle of the ring and beaten on for a solid three
seconds before it breaks down. Everyone is in the ring at the same
time mind you. The fans want refunds and chant for Undertaker.
AJ is defending and is facing the entire division, as in thirteen
other girls. Good reaction for the champion but this is the death
spot to end all death spots. Vickie is at ringside holding the
title. AJ and Tamina are
thrown into the middle of the ring and beaten on for a solid three
seconds before it breaks down. Everyone is in the ring at the same
time mind you. The fans want refunds and chant for Undertaker.
There’s
nothing to call here other than the girls look good in their outfits
and Rosa looks bizarre with short bleach blonde hair. Natalya tries
a triple Sharpshooter on Cameron, Rosa and someone else but Eva makes
the save. A quadruple suplex gets four near falls before Cameron
hits a running Codebreaker on the champion. Cameron’s top has been
ripped apart and she keeps having to cover up.
nothing to call here other than the girls look good in their outfits
and Rosa looks bizarre with short bleach blonde hair. Natalya tries
a triple Sharpshooter on Cameron, Rosa and someone else but Eva makes
the save. A quadruple suplex gets four near falls before Cameron
hits a running Codebreaker on the champion. Cameron’s top has been
ripped apart and she keeps having to cover up.
The
Emma Sandwich crushes Summer and it’s time for the Parade of
Finishers/moves that are allegedly finishers because most of these
girls don’t ever win anything. Eva, in a swimsuit, shoves Tamina
down but runs away from her. Everyone but the Bellas are knocked to
the floor and the twins hit some nice suicide dives to take them out.
Now it’s time for the Bellas to fight but Alicia and Nattie come
back in to break it up. Tamina nails Natalya with a Samoan drop but
Naomi breaks up the Splash. Natalya slams Aksana off the top for two
and AJ puts Naomi in the Black Widow for the submission to retain at
6:43.
Emma Sandwich crushes Summer and it’s time for the Parade of
Finishers/moves that are allegedly finishers because most of these
girls don’t ever win anything. Eva, in a swimsuit, shoves Tamina
down but runs away from her. Everyone but the Bellas are knocked to
the floor and the twins hit some nice suicide dives to take them out.
Now it’s time for the Bellas to fight but Alicia and Nattie come
back in to break it up. Tamina nails Natalya with a Samoan drop but
Naomi breaks up the Splash. Natalya slams Aksana off the top for two
and AJ puts Naomi in the Black Widow for the submission to retain at
6:43.
Rating:
D+. There were fourteen girls
in there at once and one fall to a finish. What in the world were
you expecting here? Also they knew there was no way anyone was going
to care and they didn’t really try to fight it. Those dives by the
Bellas were nice though. Odds are this sets up Paige debuting though
as there’s literally no one left for AJ to beat. Or Kharma comes
back.
D+. There were fourteen girls
in there at once and one fall to a finish. What in the world were
you expecting here? Also they knew there was no way anyone was going
to care and they didn’t really try to fight it. Those dives by the
Bellas were nice though. Odds are this sets up Paige debuting though
as there’s literally no one left for AJ to beat. Or Kharma comes
back.
We
go to the back to see Gene Okerlund with Hogan. Hulk talks about how
awesome this is but stops because Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff show
up. Piper begrudgingly admits that Hogan is doing a good job as
Orndorff says he’s heard about losing the main event of the first
Wrestlemania for thirty years. Piper wants to fight but Mr. T. comes
up to even the odds. Pat Patterson, in a referee shirt for a perfect
moment, says it’s been thirty years so let it go. Hogan agrees and
everyone shakes hands. Piper sound like he’s giving birth before
shaking T’s hand is great.
go to the back to see Gene Okerlund with Hogan. Hulk talks about how
awesome this is but stops because Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff show
up. Piper begrudgingly admits that Hogan is doing a good job as
Orndorff says he’s heard about losing the main event of the first
Wrestlemania for thirty years. Piper wants to fight but Mr. T. comes
up to even the odds. Pat Patterson, in a referee shirt for a perfect
moment, says it’s been thirty years so let it go. Hogan agrees and
everyone shakes hands. Piper sound like he’s giving birth before
shaking T’s hand is great.
Bruno
Sammartino, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes and Bret Hart (loudest pop by
far) are here.
Sammartino, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes and Bret Hart (loudest pop by
far) are here.
WWE
World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Daniel
Bryan
World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Daniel
Bryan
Rev
Theory plays the champion
Orton to the ring. The
song goes on too long though as they play the full thing. Batista is
LOUDLY booed whereas Bryan gets the hero pop, even
though he can only YES with one arm.
An interesting note: Cole
hypes up Extreme Rules as a “WWE Special” rather than a pay per
view, which is a good way to advertise it on the Network. Any time
you can get the word “pay” out of something it sounds more
enticing. After the Big
Match Intros we’re ready to go.
Theory plays the champion
Orton to the ring. The
song goes on too long though as they play the full thing. Batista is
LOUDLY booed whereas Bryan gets the hero pop, even
though he can only YES with one arm.
An interesting note: Cole
hypes up Extreme Rules as a “WWE Special” rather than a pay per
view, which is a good way to advertise it on the Network. Any time
you can get the word “pay” out of something it sounds more
enticing. After the Big
Match Intros we’re ready to go.
Batista
runs Orton over to start but can’t hit the Bomb on Bryan. Orton and
Bryan are both thrown outside with Bryan being sent into the
barricade arm first. Batista loads up a powerbomb onto the steps but
Orton counters into a backdrop to get a breather. Bryan starts to
get up but Orton drops him back first onto the barricade to stop him
again. It’s Dave vs. Randy
in the ring again with Randy hitting the circle stomp followed by the
knee drop for two.
runs Orton over to start but can’t hit the Bomb on Bryan. Orton and
Bryan are both thrown outside with Bryan being sent into the
barricade arm first. Batista loads up a powerbomb onto the steps but
Orton counters into a backdrop to get a breather. Bryan starts to
get up but Orton drops him back first onto the barricade to stop him
again. It’s Dave vs. Randy
in the ring again with Randy hitting the circle stomp followed by the
knee drop for two.
Daniel
comes back in with a double missile dropkick but Batista slams both
guys down for two each. Bryan
is able to send Batista into the buckle and hits a string of running
dropkicks in the corner to both guys. A
top rope hurricanrana takes the champion down again but Batista
suplexes Daniel over the top and out to the floor. Now Batista goes
up top but Orton pulls him down with a superplex. Bryan is back in
again and nails the swan dive to set up the YES Lock, but HHH and
Stephanie come in from the crowd to pull out the referee.
comes back in with a double missile dropkick but Batista slams both
guys down for two each. Bryan
is able to send Batista into the buckle and hits a string of running
dropkicks in the corner to both guys. A
top rope hurricanrana takes the champion down again but Batista
suplexes Daniel over the top and out to the floor. Now Batista goes
up top but Orton pulls him down with a superplex. Bryan is back in
again and nails the swan dive to set up the YES Lock, but HHH and
Stephanie come in from the crowd to pull out the referee.
Batista
hits the spinebuster as Scott Armstrong comes in to be referee. Cole
calls him crooked, but wasn’t he crooked before in Bryan’s favor? So
the story is HHH had Armstrong do a fast count on Bryan at Night of
Champions so the pin wouldn’t count? Was that ever established on
WWE TV? Anyway he counts
two after a Batista Bomb to Bryan and Batista charges into the post.
Bryan kicks Armstrong in the head and nails the FLYING GOAT to take
out the Authority and Armstrong.
hits the spinebuster as Scott Armstrong comes in to be referee. Cole
calls him crooked, but wasn’t he crooked before in Bryan’s favor? So
the story is HHH had Armstrong do a fast count on Bryan at Night of
Champions so the pin wouldn’t count? Was that ever established on
WWE TV? Anyway he counts
two after a Batista Bomb to Bryan and Batista charges into the post.
Bryan kicks Armstrong in the head and nails the FLYING GOAT to take
out the Authority and Armstrong.
HHH
is livid and pulls out the sledgehammer but Bryan steals it and lays
out the Game. The original
referee counts two as Bryan rolls up Batista but Orton is back in for
the save. Bryan’s arm is
exposed as the opponents start double teaming. HHH and Stephanie are
helped out (cue Goodbye Song) as Orton bounces the steps off Bryan’s
head. Batista and Randy pick up Bryan and load up the announce
table. The fans chant for CM Punk out of desparation (this happened
throughout the night but never became a big thing).
is livid and pulls out the sledgehammer but Bryan steals it and lays
out the Game. The original
referee counts two as Bryan rolls up Batista but Orton is back in for
the save. Bryan’s arm is
exposed as the opponents start double teaming. HHH and Stephanie are
helped out (cue Goodbye Song) as Orton bounces the steps off Bryan’s
head. Batista and Randy pick up Bryan and load up the announce
table. The fans chant for CM Punk out of desparation (this happened
throughout the night but never became a big thing).
In
the spot of the night, Batista lifts up Bryan for a Batista Bomb and
Orton hits the RKO (neckbreaker but whatever) to lay Bryan out cold.
The scary part though was Orton who landed square on a monitor. I
was genuinely scared he wasn’t going to get up at all. A stretcher
is brought out for Bryan as Lawler asks a very good question: why is
Batista not throwing someone in the ring and trying to pin them?
That’s a problem in wrestling today. So many people just stop using
logic because it’s not the planned finish. As soon as Orton could
indicate that he was ok, Batista should have tried to pin him.
the spot of the night, Batista lifts up Bryan for a Batista Bomb and
Orton hits the RKO (neckbreaker but whatever) to lay Bryan out cold.
The scary part though was Orton who landed square on a monitor. I
was genuinely scared he wasn’t going to get up at all. A stretcher
is brought out for Bryan as Lawler asks a very good question: why is
Batista not throwing someone in the ring and trying to pin them?
That’s a problem in wrestling today. So many people just stop using
logic because it’s not the planned finish. As soon as Orton could
indicate that he was ok, Batista should have tried to pin him.
Instead
he just whips Orton into the barricade about five times in a row to
lose what they had of the crowd. Orton
comes back with the Elevated DDT onto the floor but Bryan is off the
stretcher and literally crawling back to the ring. An RKO is
countered into a YES Lock but Batista makes the save.
he just whips Orton into the barricade about five times in a row to
lose what they had of the crowd. Orton
comes back with the Elevated DDT onto the floor but Bryan is off the
stretcher and literally crawling back to the ring. An RKO is
countered into a YES Lock but Batista makes the save.
The
spear misses Orton and sends Bryan to the floor, setting up an RKO on
Batista for a VERY close two. Orton loads up the Punt but Bryan
takes his head off with the knee. Batista steals the cover for two
and nails the Batista Bomb on Orton, but Bryan takes him down with
the running knee, setting up the YES Lock on Batista for the
submission and the title to blow the roof off the place at 23:01.
spear misses Orton and sends Bryan to the floor, setting up an RKO on
Batista for a VERY close two. Orton loads up the Punt but Bryan
takes his head off with the knee. Batista steals the cover for two
and nails the Batista Bomb on Orton, but Bryan takes him down with
the running knee, setting up the YES Lock on Batista for the
submission and the title to blow the roof off the place at 23:01.
Rating:
A-. It’s long and there are
some parts that dragged but this was all about making the impossible
happen and they nailed that to perfection. Everything else is a
bonus and they actually had me thinking Orton would retain with that
RKO. It was all about Daniel Bryan though and that’s exactly what it
needed to be. Excellent match and it gave us the moment we were
looking for.
A-. It’s long and there are
some parts that dragged but this was all about making the impossible
happen and they nailed that to perfection. Everything else is a
bonus and they actually had me thinking Orton would retain with that
RKO. It was all about Daniel Bryan though and that’s exactly what it
needed to be. Excellent match and it gave us the moment we were
looking for.
A
HUGE celebration follows with fireworks, confetti (I snagged a piece
for a souvenir) and Bryan’s sister and niece coming in to celebrate
with him. The celebration went on for awhile after the show went off
the air with nothing you wouldn’t expect.
HUGE celebration follows with fireworks, confetti (I snagged a piece
for a souvenir) and Bryan’s sister and niece coming in to celebrate
with him. The celebration went on for awhile after the show went off
the air with nothing you wouldn’t expect.
Overall
Rating: A+. Let’s see. We had
two of the most historic moments of all time plus Daniel Bryan
getting to the title match and winning the title in two great
matches. On top of that Shield looked awesome, the battle royal gave
us a new star, Cena vs. Bray was good enough and the Divas could have
been FAR worse.
Rating: A+. Let’s see. We had
two of the most historic moments of all time plus Daniel Bryan
getting to the title match and winning the title in two great
matches. On top of that Shield looked awesome, the battle royal gave
us a new star, Cena vs. Bray was good enough and the Divas could have
been FAR worse.
This
show was all about the emotion as we went from joy to shock to more
joy in the span of less than four hours. That’s very impressive when
there was no terrible match (I can’t bring myself to call a match
with fourteen good looking women in revealing outfits to be a bad
thing) and the good stuff was really good. I can’t put it above
Wrestlemania 17 as there’s nothing here that tops Austin vs. Rock,
let alone TLC 2, but this was a very special show and the best
Wrestlemania in at least ten years. Excellent show and one I’ll
watch many times over the years.
show was all about the emotion as we went from joy to shock to more
joy in the span of less than four hours. That’s very impressive when
there was no terrible match (I can’t bring myself to call a match
with fourteen good looking women in revealing outfits to be a bad
thing) and the good stuff was really good. I can’t put it above
Wrestlemania 17 as there’s nothing here that tops Austin vs. Rock,
let alone TLC 2, but this was a very special show and the best
Wrestlemania in at least ten years. Excellent show and one I’ll
watch many times over the years.
Results
Daniel
Bryan b. HHH – Running knee
Bryan b. HHH – Running knee
Shield
b. Kane/New Age Outlaws – Triple Bomb to Road Dogg
b. Kane/New Age Outlaws – Triple Bomb to Road Dogg
Cesaro
won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal last eliminating Big
Show
won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal last eliminating Big
Show
John
Cena b. Bray Wyatt – Attitude Adjustment
Cena b. Bray Wyatt – Attitude Adjustment
Brock
Lesnar b. Undertaker – F5
Lesnar b. Undertaker – F5
AJ
Lee b. Aksana, Alicia
Fox, Brie Bella, Cameron, Naomi,
Emma, Eva Marie, Layla,
Natalya, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae and Tamina Snuka –
Black Widow to Naomi
Lee b. Aksana, Alicia
Fox, Brie Bella, Cameron, Naomi,
Emma, Eva Marie, Layla,
Natalya, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae and Tamina Snuka –
Black Widow to Naomi
Daniel
Bryan b. Batista and Randy Orton – YES Lock to Batista
Bryan b. Batista and Randy Orton – YES Lock to Batista
Remember to check out my website at kbwrestlingreviews.com and head over to my Amazon author page with wrestling books under $4 at:
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