Wrestlemania 29
Coming live from the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey with 80, 676 in attendance live on April 7th 2013 filled with "the big matches" attempting to create some higher levels of stardom and esteemed favourites with an already doomed main event replay to please advertisers setting the match one year ago would WWE be able to present its biggest wrestling event as a credible and engaging extravaganza it set out to achieve, or simply become something other than?
6 Man Tag
The Shield Vs Randy Orton, Big Show and Sheamus
Beginning their fierce battle bulky boys Sheamus and Roman
Reigns took starting honours in a good pairing where Reigns instantly took
control with turnbuckle working quickly clotheslined down by Sheamus. Randy
Orton was swiftly tagged in as was Seth Rollins into a dropkick. Orton stirred
the crowd with support from them with a very good suplex bounce off the ropes
of Rollins, sold perfectly once again. Sheamus returned to an even greener
entry than his undergarments. The eccentric brawler Dean Ambrose soon entered
stomping Sheamus down. Big Show got his tag moment as JBL mentioned three ego’s
unable to get along stirring the pot somewhat for later. Show slammed his
trademark chops on Ambrose until the Shielder changed the pace tagging in
Rollins who worked down sloppy Show, who gave terrible interactions but did
allow Rollins to present strong dominance. 
Reigns and Ambrose came in with loud
“Let’s go Ambrose” cheers. Rollins then came in to give a very impressive jump
up dropkick on Show. Sheamus returned to action as Michael Cole added “Shades
of the great Triple H” when gym buddy Sheamus incorporated the Triple H running
knees. The traditional 10 slap on chest moment came from Sheamus on Ambrose in
a non-entity borefest of signature move. Sheamus was soon lifted for a triple
powerbomb until Big Show charged in and speared Ambrose causing all members to
fall. Quick tags then reached for Sheamus until Randy Orton stormed in legally
tackling Ambrose. Rollins caught Orton once more from the turnbuckle with
another great spot. Ambrose attempted a cover, unsuccessful. Big Show waited on
the apron for a tag, until Sheamus arrived and tagged himself in to Big Show’s
dismay. It was the beginning of the end as Sheamus was nailed by The Shield's Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns as
Big Show looked on quietly peeved. Show then removed his knee pad and argued
with Orton, who took the pin. The audience knew someone was going to turn here.
Would Randy Orton finally turn as many thought would be the obvious idea since
viral opinions by the WWE Universe blindly jump on everyone’s band wagon to
seem intelligent? Big Show was livid and smashed Orton and Sheamus. That’s
right, the recent goodie Big Show reverted to bad intentions once again. Fans
were unimpressed.
Mark Henry Vs Ryback
To build this random match of terrible workers, Ryback faced
a challenge. After being unable to lift Tensai last year and blaming the former
Lord for Ryback’s own mistake the bumbling beefcake had to lift the “World’s
Strongest Man” instead. No pressure. The pair started the match bumping one another’s
chests. Yes, they bumped each other’s chests. Twice. Fans roared with
disapproval. Lame, slow and boring to start, this had Goldberg/Lesnar/Austin Wrestlemania XX proportions.
Chants for “sexual chocolate” rang through to get this crowd
through a pitiful encounter. Ryback’s moment came when he couldn’t carry Henry.
There you go. It wasn’t Tensai’s fault at all, but WWE will do anything to
protect Ryback’s image of liability.
An insult to Bruno Sammartino came next. The infamous
bearhug moment which was now tarnished by both in ring. Mark Henry soon flipped
Ryback over, then screaming “That’s What I Do!” It was about the only thing
Henry did in the match and yet still uninteresting.
It was the epitome of car crash TV.
After a near nine count countout and a comeback from Ryback and
a running clothesline the meathead Ryback lifted for Shell Shock Henry held the
ropes atop Ryback and then flattened Ryback from atop as Ryback couldn’t lift
him again. It was a cheap ending fans didn’t appreciate but were pleased Ryback
was literally squashed. Mark Henry wrapped it up with a three fall.
Tag Team Championship
Daniel Bryan and Kane ( c ) Vs Dolph Ziggler and Big E.
Langston w/ AJ
Dirty Dolph would begin by mocking Danny Boy by snogging
girlfriend AJ akin to last year’s 18 second World title loss when Bryan snogged
his then girlfriend AJ losing to Sheamus. Bryan lunged for Ziggs as AJ moved
Ziggy away quickly. Almost. WWE did, however have the sense to neuter that
idea. This replay was not need twice in a lifetime. Quick action resumed with
YES! Kicks from Bryan missing a roundhouse dropkick before Ziggler tagged in
Big E. Langston. Big E stared down Kane who came in to play. Dropping knees on
Kane in hold, a chokeslam miss and charge into the big red machine. Ziggler
soon botched a Fame Asser. Kane and Ziggler went at it with a fling, miss and
dive.
Kane missed the flying clothesline. Bryan broke up the pin attempt. After
a fall, Zig kicked out. Kane followed a two falls Biggy dropped a splash.
Micheal Cole did his best stating “so impactful.” Yeah… Two move wonder. Epic.
Big E and Bryan found themselves outside as Aaron Idol Stevens was channelled. A
two fall on Kane by Ziggy as AJ screams. The boot was put on Ziggler as the
briefcase was slid in. Kane tagged in the goat entered as Big E was sent out
and Daniel Bryan flew from the top rope with the diving headbutt dropped beautifully
on Ziggler to retain the tag titles in a three fall to finish for himself and Kane.
Fandango Vs Chris Jericho
Fancy footwork began as Jericho launched a rabid assault on
Fandango taking action outside. Flip bounce on the ropes suplex delivered
similar to Orton’s earlier Y2J followed with a codebreaker far too early, but
necessary and considering their place on the card, timing would be rushed.
Dropkicking Fandango to the outside through the bottom rope working the crowd
and kicks once again inside, this brawl did not allow Fandango any offence as
an equal which was disheartening. Coming back Fandy slammed Jericho to take a
two fall. With a joyful flamboyance Fandango pranced over Jericho. Slams and
elbows added to noise distortion technicalities and an over rope jab Jericho
changed the match pace once more with a turnbuckle drop on his foe. JBL added
Y2J should “give it to Fandango.” Oh, if only… Jericho was soon countered into
the turnbuckle himself and face slammed by Fandango. The swishing ballroom
superhero ascended the top rope to land and hit the top rope leg drop covering
for a two fall. Jericho countered with a two fall roll up also. Walls of
Jericho countered, clothesline on Jeri, delivering intensity in the match then
looked “all over the place” some critics may say, however this is how it was
supposed to be, rough, tense and a battle in a short space of time countering
to seem equals at that point in one-upmanship. CJ pulled down the ropes as
Fanny fell off the top attempting a second leg drop of high altitude. Hoisted
up, Jeri slapped the tantalising pecs of his enemy who pushed Jericho down.
‘Dango soon fell on his booty in the ring as Y2J countered once more to fly a
Lionsault on his lying opponent. Jericho locked in the Walls of Jericho one
more time but Fandango twisted the knee and secured a roll up on Chris Jericho
to win at Wrestlemania in a cheap victory roll.
Of all the interesting and compactful show, WWE staged an
intermission. Out came, P Diddy! Preforming a medley of his hits the R ‘n’ B
rap star put in a performance that was met with neglect. Fans were not enthused
and felt this wasn’t the time to empty their bladders despite this being the
toilet break for those needing it. Pick your moments carefully at WWE events
guys. Diddy’s performance was simply not necessary, relevant or interesting and
was classic WWE star show off time. Many fans responded with this being the
worst WWE concert intermission than Flo Rida last year or Kevin Rudolf’s
Summerslam awkwardness. Even the WWE Divas didn’t get to come out and dance. I
was livid. You do not sing that song without Diana Ross!
World Heavyweight Championship
Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Colter Vs Alberto Del Rio (c) w/
Ricardo Rodriguez
The bald American eagle verses the Mexican aristocrat. Both claiming hopes and desires in resptubale
conflict for the grandest prize of all to become world champion with added stamp of
authority as forthright centerpiece to America. Interesting question, who is going through the Spanish announce
table? Before the match began Swagger's mouthpiece Zeb Colter preceded to gab on. Jack wasn’t deemed fit to talk. The beginning of this bungled pay per view match continued as Ricardo
Rodriguez hobbled out on crutches to announce the defending world
champion. Del Rio was given a robe for
this challenge.
We finally began with
Del Rio kicking dubious Swagger in the gut added by a rope dive outside. Zeb instantly interfered causing Rio to slip
from the rope giving Swagger the opportunity to slam Del Rio into the post. A weak clothesline continued described by
Michael Cole as "vicious" as a comedown down continued with Jerry Lawler describing Jack as having "unlimited potential." Swagger certainly had an ounce of potential a month or so ago, today
dubious Jack offered an inebriated encounter. Swagger followed through with the botched Swagger bomb where Del Rio quickly responded with hurting the arm also hitting Swagger with kicks where Swagger simply walks
to the rail in a very bad sell.
Del Rio responded
with back breaking prompting Colter to attack allowing Jack to flip round
Rio for a two fall failing, placing into the ankle lock now dubbed Patriot Lock
but was kicked off by heart strong champion Del Rio. In
second rope followed by Dolph Ziggler's backstabber finisher. Back suplex, German suplex. Which was
actually a Belly to belly. Gut wrench powerbomb. Leg lock by Swagger. Cross
Armbreaker counter. Fight out, counter by Swagger. Ropes. Vulnerable champ was a bad motion in ADR’s case. Enziguri to back of head, sloppy exchange. Two fall foot in rope by
Zeb Colter placing. Ricardo Rodriguez assaulted. ADR faced off with a crutch against Zeb
outside with the other crutch protecting Rodriguez at his own expense as
Swagger came from behind getting the attack on ‘Bertie sending him inside the ring until Rio locked
the fearsome cross arm breaker once more quickly causing intense pain to
Swagger where Alberto Del Rio submitted Jack Swagger to remain as World
Heavyweight Champion in a successful defence.
WWE dispelled the rumour mill soon after on the ‘will he,
won’t he?’ appearance from Dolph Ziggler where Mr.Zigglesworth did not arrive
to cash in his World title challenge after his previous loss earlier.
CM Punk w/ Paul Heyman Vs The Undertaker
A shortly built match based on the real life death of legend
Paul Bearer, WWE’s real life exploitation did not build heat based on the
disgraceful use of the angle but the distaste to create cheap heat. If CM Punk
needs to use this level of cheap heat to get over, doesn’t that say something troublesome?
Entering the arena, CM Punk had the actual band playing his
live theme music. The way this was done was really rather pointless and
uninteresting showing off of WWE star hirings. It had no place here.
Undertaker proved to be the best striker in WWE. A game of
cat and mouse began. The crowd were loud. Grabbed hands and legs by CM Punk,
Undertaker quickly hurled Punk out. A flurry of fists outside, flown over the
barricade and a CM Punk ass alert started this match very pleasurably. It
instantly had character.
Bouncing off the table, Undie chose to dismantle it. ‘Taker
shoved Punk into the post adding attacks for further offence including a fist
to the head and kick as Punk lay vertically through the ropes with Undie
outside. He soon hovered above the apron to drop the vintage leg drop
perfectly.
Punk on his knees, vulnerable, had arms worked over as the
deadman scaled the top ropes for the walk rope arm smash but Punk with his
tired might whipped Undertaker off the top rope with an arm drag to the ground. It was a great
spot to encourage fans and competition. Undertaker gave Punk a glowing chance.
Punk aimed to humiliate his fellow combatant by doing the exact top rope move
but Undie countered, where Punk, missing, nailed his nemesis and took a two fall. Paul Heyman bellowed “one second away!”
Punk then thrust himself to Undertaker outside. Coming back for a two fall with
a minor botch blip, a lock up and suplex by ‘Taker ensued looking ever the pro
once more. Punk dropped his foe's top corner attempt soon prompting Heyman inclusion
who was caught only for Punk to save with a flying elbow.
The GTS soon followed
through shortly countered into a deadly chokeslam. Punk’s open legs were soon
revealed, too!
Jabs, fists, running clothesline, lift and snake eyes in
rapid succession was a joyful portrayal from both. Not one moment left to wait,
the action was vividly entertaining. Heyman rolled his eyes in disbelief as
Punk soon got another two fall prompting ringside table to be opened up.
Undertaker slapped to stop Punk with an added headbutt. The Last Ride was
implemented with a reversal kicking and laying out Undertaker on the table.
Punk saw an opportunity. He scaled the ringpost to loud elation as he dropped
the high flying elbow collapsing both through the table in a game changing
segment. Punk was laid out like a starfish. :)
Punk made it inside as Undertaker was outside on a nine
count. ‘Taker broke that count within a split hair second on an utterly tense
countout. “This is awesome” rang from the endorsing crowd in the MetLife
stadium. Hell’s Gate submission was then viciously slapped on. This had
everything but the kitchen sink. No-one can fault their content. Punk returned
his own submission with the Anaconda Vise. ‘Taker sat up, eye to eye with Punk,
chokeslam missed, GTS countered and caught by a Tombstone Piledriver may have
been the end of Punk. He kicked out at two, keeping the crowd on tenderhooks.
“W(h)oooo” anticipation chants as the ropes were run, where both collided and a
referee took a hit. Oh no, not this angle. However, both made it work. Punk
gave a back hind kick and running knee where Undie hoisted Punk up though
Heyman gave Punk the urn mid air to clout ‘Taker’s head. Would it really end
like this? The ref stirred as Punk took a cover. Punk was livid. Undertaker
kicked out at two, saving his streak for now. Punk drew his neckline signalling
a new intensity.
GTS blocked, reversed, counter by Punk, twised tround in
quick succession and dropped with the Tombstone in a swift and tantalising
moment of action from The Undertaker who tongue licked his way to maintain his
undefeated Wrestlemania streak at 21-0 with a glorious three fall.
Undertaker gave honourable respect to the recently departed
Paul Bearer in the middle of the ring with the urn, bowing down to his
legendary master.
Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman Vs Triple H w/ Shawn Michaels
No Holds Barred
- If Triple H loses, he must retire
Shawn Michaels was in Triple H’s corner with no explanation
or reasoning. Only to sell a few more tickets. It marred the show. Entering the
arena the Beanie beast wearing Brock Lesnar was focused. The standard start to
brawlers, Lesnar quickly altered the landscape scooping Triple H over to the
Spanish Announce Table with a roar in pleasure. Knees and hurls with a back
suplex over further mauling Hunter. HBK ran away after Lesnar was near. Fists
and boots to HHH followed with drop down knees making good use of Lesnar, absent
for months needing to highlight his dominance and style of brutality.
Clothesline and a two fall from Brock followed. Paul Heyman screamed from
ringside “You can’t compete with Brock Lesnar” feeding the beast with
encouragement. Michaels anxiously looked on. Lesnar flung HHH with belly to
belly suplexes following HHH walking dazed into a German Suplex smash. These
were introduced and delivered well. Lesnar followed with more German Suplex
beatdowns wearing HHH thin.
Lesnar clubbed his foe over the top rope. HBK
attempted to aid his pal but kept distance. One child screams “I hate you
Brock!” as a steel chair was smashed over Tripper until HHH countered and
nailed Lesnar beginning the change. Lesnar back in ring, quickly threw another
German Suplex as a pin this time on H. HBK tinkered with the ropes to which the
beast awoke and knocked Michaels off. Lesnar gave some tantalising and cunning
sneers in adulation. A pedigree attempt was tried but tested as Les caught and reversed to an F5 on Triple H after which Michaels
went for a Sweet Chin Music on Brock, who continued his rampage retaliating with a devastating F5 to the heartbreak kid.
Triple H stirred to in this
distraction placing another Pedigree as Lesnar’s knees feel early but redid the
angle planted by HHH which was noticed but swiftly re-enacted to maintain match
profile instead. HHH was then loudly heard instructing Lesnar on the next spot.
That was terrible. The fabled Sledgehammer was brought in where Lesnar caught
and dropped the F5 on HHH. Two fall followed where Triple H made himself look
good again. It is decisions like these that envoke scepticisms over whether
Triple H would really benefit with the business handover of launching new
talent.
Steel chair slammed on HHH as Brock hurled him into the
steps at ringside shoulder first. Throwing around, lift up, head hit shoulder
in ring and a two fall on HHH. Clipped head. HHH randomly got up neglecting to
sell that point. Lesnar grabbed him into the Kimura lock where there would be
no rope break for Hunter in No Holds Barred. Fans yelled “Break his arm!” They
were with Lesnar. HHH threw down the spinebuster to buy time. Jerry Lawler
added “This is amazing.” Hardly, but adequate nonetheless. HHH gave a low blow
to Lesnar. It was legal but cheap. HHH worked over Lesnar’s arm by the
turnbuckle and over the steps. Lesnar yanked the arm with the Kimura
submission. HHH sat round Lesnar with a leg lock. Lesnar looked to Heyman for
help. Michaels halted his advances with another Sweet Chin Music. Rising
through the power surge, lifted cradle and a slam down on the steps, HHH was
laid out. Hunter quickly clutched on again as Lesnar slammed him down on the
steps a second time. Having no effect, Lesnar thundered a third home to silence
Triple H.
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There were some hot orgasmic encounters in these exchanges for fans.
On the third, however, Triple H simultaneously planted Lesnar with a DDT,
leaving both out cold. Signature weapon the sledgehammer came back into play as
HHH nailed it to the head of Brock Lesnar before roaring and then delivering a
pedigree onto the steps to finish for a three fall in what was a rather limp
ending. Triple H has not
retired. Triple H also suffered second degree burns upon his pyrotechnic entrance. He wrote on his Twitter account “For those wondering... Stuff stuck to me at mania was dry ice. Gave me 2nd degree burns on torso & arms.” Someone really must have a word with those pyro pushers.
Sable did not enter the Hall of Fame as original intended before Stratus received the call.
WWE Hall of Fame 2013
WWE kept the ceremony short and towards the end this year, featuring six inductees only. WWE's class honoured Hardcore legend Mick Foley, Leading WWE Diva of the attitude era, Trish Stratus, Grappling champion Bob Backlund, celebrity Donald Trump, five time champion Booker T and esteemed legend Bruno Sammartino.
During the HOF TV ceremony (not on Wrestlemania) Trish revealed she was welcoming her own "stratusfaction" and is pregnant. Congrats from Wrestling Wonders to you.
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| Celebrity Winger |
Bob Backlund also caused controversy stating Triple H needed to sign a new independent wrestler. Vince McMahon quickly went on stage ushering Backlund off calling him "insane."
Donald Trump was intensely boo'ed out of the building and at Wrestlemania.
Bruno finally taking his honours is truly well deserved and words cannot describe how monumental it is to acknowledge a true star from the 70s paving the way for many others.
Foley and Booker also deserved their honours for their valid contributions to the business from different perspectives.
WWE Championship
John Cena Vs The Rock (c)
Well, here it is. Once in a lifetime. Again. Would the
replay one year on for the WWE title, original intended for last year, be the grand
epic event we all longed for? Would it be any different from the previous year?
Cena entered in a bright yellow tee shirt. Colour always changes come Wrestlemania
season, and Summerslam season, and Survivor Series season and Royal Rumble
season cay sera sera.
As the pair lock up the turn Cena heel sign seen as quickly
as the camera avoided it, with hiptoss recognised by boos for citric Cena. Kicks
to the gut and jabs in the corner flip down by John as Rock sold the move for
his opponent. Rock changed with hands flinging to the corner as both constantly
mirrored one another’s moves symmetrically.
A reversal shortly next with forearm smashes by Rocky. Cena
clotheslines Rock off guard taking control again, placing Rock into a
submission hold in which Cena famously held no arm power around with a massive
gap, as standard, on his grip. Rock aimed to sell as much as possible which
after a two fall, Cena chose another hold this time a sleeper which was again
way off in connectivity. Rock did his best to maintain the illusion of pain by
citric Cena.
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| Citric Cena, with a dash of lemon, no zest included. |
“Boring” chants chimed. If The Rock was in another match, he
would have had no problem. Cena’s challenge is always himself and his ignorance
to improve for product whilst taking nothing seriously assuming he has
everything in the bag as a company favourite.
Cena is the root cause of all problems. Everyone must pass
through Cena at some point and that is WWE’s problem. Every time Cena is
presented it feels obligated to maintain his winning persona not to seem weak.
In doing so it cripples any stars' momentum built over years in one moment
because of one man’s image dominance. He plows through them with ease, continuing
to exhaust his options, presence and industry mark.
Cena returned fire with a Fisherman’s suplex for a two count
only. The game continued. Move, stop. Look. Next spot. Reverses were awful from
Cena once more flipping through attacks with ease, a sloppy roll through added.
Rock applied a sharpshooter with a massive no sell from criminal mat constraint
Cena. Gaining the upper hand loud boos echoed as Johnny Boy chose to
acknowledge fans with an ignorant smirk to begin the five knuckle shuffle. Rock
moved from the attempt as one of the few men able to counter this deadly move
accompanied by a DDT from the great one swiftly, adding more to the match. Cena
quickly woke up in front of the camera with another terrible indulgence. A no
nonsense quick grab to an STF happened in a chance opportunity then tossing
Rock into the turnbuckle to follow another connective five knuckle sh*t fall.
More compliments were exchanged as both attempted signature
moves and counters. Cena soon found himself in the STF with pressure applied.
Fans cheered extravagantly. Rock became the first man credited by WWE on air as
the first man to break that hold. Cena intentionally missed his top rope leg
drop after his epic fail with The Miz two years ago landing over the other side
of the ring. Rock then nailed The People’s Elbow which gave a two fall after
Cena easily kicked out with another lack of importance to manoeuver. Laid flat
out like a stupid starfish outside Cena was rolled in by Rocky with right hand
punches. The “yay” / “boo” back and forth began. “O(h)ooohh” Cena bested the Rock Bottom for two only. The crowd were raucous. Feeding off the electricity Rock
went for his community elbow once again mocking the five knuckle shuffle wave.
Cartoon Cena instantly jumped up from nowhere in a lame effort to pick up Rock
in an Attitude Adjustment and slam down for a two fall. Sluggish Cena sloped
around like a limp monkey aiming to look tired which was dreadful, soon administering sloppy
fists again. Fans let them know how they felt.
Cena did the Rock Bottom with a
pin checking with referee that it was an official two only. Tons of counters
followed next. Cena lied down like a comedy splat in this once again. Rock
chose to prey and lifted the Attitude Adjustment, just as Cena did last year
attempting The Rock’s move, until John Cena reversed, just like that and
planted the Attitude Adjustment for the three fall to defeat the People’s
champion and become the new WWE champion and just like that, the grand match
was over so easily. The score is now tallied. Will WWE resist the urge to milk
a third series encounter after we all know they love to abuse fan interest? We
have one year to find out. Prediction? The Rock Vs John Cena III at
Wrestlemania XXX, Thrice in a Lifetime!
After the match, shocking scenes were witnessed. Both were
talking in ring as a disheartened Rock was forced to lift the hand of John Cena
and acknowledge WWE’s favourite to maintain profile. As Cena lifted the title
to close with celebratory fireworks, fans were hugely upset with the amicable hand
shake which looked extremely contrived on the show.
PPV Rating – 3/10
Men/Women of their matches – Randy Orton, Ryback, Daniel
Bryan, Fandango, Alberto Del Rio, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, The Rock
Man/Woman of the PPV – The Undertaker
The Rock was the perfect opportunity for Cena to possibly
gain some respect from his “haters” the second year in a row if he could
perform credibly on Wrestlemania’s biggest stage. Cena let himself down on
every count over the past year and at those events. He only has himself to
blame and yet, Cena will be literally laughing in wrestling fans faces as a
result of pocketing the cash from their misfortunes. No-one wants the third installment. Move on.
Despite being booked with a tacky and derogatory finish and
at the grandest PPV with a roll up which should have seen a clean and huge win
for Fandango as a new star, the win has catapulted the ballroom babe to new
heights. WWE should capitalise on this and realise at this time Fandango is
where the new star money is at. Their ‘Mania match would have been more
beneficial if they were allocated five extra minutes AND turned the brawling
into a technical ground and pound as well. The brawling and non-comeback of
Fandango was almost destructive to a new star rising. Keeping opportunities
with challengers open is vital.
No matter how pushed Ryback is and his opponent so bad, the
audience will still chant for someone else opposing him because Ryback did not
deserve a place on the show nor able to interest fans for their mega bucks
parting of their cash for a grand spectacle rather than filled with WWE
favourites that never get over. Henry once again got away with doing virtually
nothing, but at least WWE put it on early and made it short. This filler match
had no place on Wrestlemania’s stage.
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In my professional opinion, the tag titles need to change hands in order to drive spark, meaning and interest in the tag wrestling scene. I would have switched the titles here. Despite Big E. being a terrible star already, the division needs something to light a firecracker up it. More NXT newbies are on the way finally and should be placed to start the tag situation and create more teams in the mix. Kane and Bryan should therefore remain challenging and able to refresh the scene with healthy competition. Corey Graves is one WWE should consider soon.
Alberto Del Rio rightfully retained but the comeptition was minor. Swagger was unreprimanded by WWE and didn't lose his 'Mania spot. Interestingly a footballer was in the same predicament as Swagger weeks after and was instantly suspended. Lukewarm and uninteresting dullard Swagger kept his place on the supercard signalling the end result and peeving fans feeling duped of their time and money. It did nothing to enhance Del Rio as champion. American fans also chanted for a Mexican instead of an American. Therefore, Jack Swagger's America is a dismal failure.
Undertaker and Punk had the most outstanding match on the show and capable of enthusing fans every time. Undie wanted Punk and its clear to see why. Some doubted Punk's booking to the match and whether he was the right opponent, though the match was a roaring success and showed no signs of Undertaker stripping down his questionable Wrestlemania appearance this year. The match is a clear early candidate for Match of the year, by far. They attempted to make the best of their time and they certainly did that with a whole lot more. Given the right opponents both Punk and 'Taker had everything fans needed to tick every box. Punk even wore purple to accommodate UT. Fans themselves were exhausted. It was Breathtaking. Bravo to both men. Triple H's predictable win and failure to retire didn't receive praise from audience viewers. Many once again questioned Hunter's position. Is he someone who wishes to run the company and wrestle? Or is he someone who cannot prioritise and full of ego alone? Whatever the answer HHH must understand that he can wrestle minimally int he right circumstances, but the platform must be build on strong feuds and not rematches in unison with company requirements than appeasing a 'last run' of matches hear and there for personal nostalgia. However, Tripper did put in a fair match outing, but was still a little off in places and Brock Lesnar was immense in portrayal and style. Triple H helped along too but Lesnar chose to shine. Triple H, to his credit didn't do 'as much' as he previously had to "go into business for himself." Do we all remember Booker T? HHH needs to help the newbies along if he does do TV more. Shawn Michaels, however had no place on the card. It was a daft decision despite Michaels playing his role well. WWE need to stop relying on the oldies so frequently and place in the right spots than star appearances.
Omissions
Fans were mildly fuming that United States Champion Antonio Cesaro, one of WWE's most consistent, workable and interesting talents was omitted from the card booking which saw Henry and Ryback water the process. WWE could have done many angles but simply went for 'the big ones' instead. A free for all grab bag could have happened for the US and IC titles, or Barrett's IC title could have stayed after The Miz became pointless transitional. WWE could have put in Sandow, Rhodes, Cara, Miz and Alex Riley or even Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in six or eight man action for the US title and finally turn Kofi who is in desperate need as mentioned numerous times on Wrestling Wonders. WWE simply can't think how to do it. It should consider finding those necessary bookers/writers/creative beings and shelve its pride if it wants to survive.
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| Maryse return would gather interest, if she sought a return |
Wrestlemania 29 may have reports of being WWE’s greatest
grossing ‘Mania to date, however featured matches filled with re-runs with
uninterested, no new opportunities or ‘moments’ created, a false illusion of
turns for many and a title changing hands not even on the main stage making way
for two favourites who aren’t over and had no place. Returning Veterans had no
role and Shawn Michaels had no reason being there. Booked as yet another random
PPV, this was by far being billed as WWE’s worst ‘Mania from fans despite box
office takings. Now what does that tell you? While WWE are laughing all the way
to the bank, their capital investment can keep doors open, but it will fail
when all stars have to retire for whatever reasons through injury, wear and
tear, burnout or exhausted options. Accused of lazy booking weeks prior, WWE,
blaming its writers again, would shoulder no responsibility for a terrible card
only built on “big matches” alone featuring old stars with virtually no new
talent. It became a throwaway PPV worse than Taboo Tuesday/Cyber Sunday and
December to Dismember. WWE need to prioritise, add those to its team that can
help than hinder and construct real interest than coasting along for money.
Until it shelves stubborn pride, it will fail every time. Wrestlemania is
vastly becoming an absurd PPV losing every core of it edge it used to be. Is it
truly game over for the global snapshot that is “just another PPV”?
Post Wrestlemania Raw
(8th April 2013)
(8th April 2013)
The following evening on Raw in an extremely mixed, vocal
and possibly the best crowd of independent fans in a packed Izod Centre defied
Wrestlemania re-booking post show and made the evening more than WWE could ever
anticipate. You can check the Video on our YouTube channel here - Wrestling Wonders on YouTube .
 |
| Transitional one night victor. Green tights are hot though. |
 |
| Is World Champion |
 |
| Izod crowd do the Fandango (hum the theme tune) |
Fans were so fed up of WWE’s misunderstanding of new stars
and the new money maker Fandango that they chose to hum the theme song of
Fandango throughout the rest of the evening, even having a stupid comedy moment
in which John Cena did a two second pirouette turn. Cena has constantly
hijacked Bryan and now Fandango’s magnitude. Now that’s desperate and just
plain obnoxious. It’s clearly safe to say Fandango is over in every right and
certainly a grower, not a shower. With now four bad shows, and the one becoming the worst despite box office sales, Wrestlemania simply became a shadow of its former self.
© Max Waltham 11th April 2013
All Rights Reserved
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