WWE Hall of Fame 2016 inductees leaked. Likely to go in are...

WWE Hall of Fame 2016 inductees leaked. Likely to go in are...

The WWE 2016 Hall of Fame is often an empty and futile excerise today which fails to respect commitments and achievements of the wrestling world. For WWE it is a money making concept which is highly illegitmate considering some entries and how they got in.

WWE have bragged about "two time inductee" Ric Flair. Inductees can only enter a Hall of Fame once. WWE continue their own lunacy which taints the entire ceremony.

Going in this year is leading ignorant 'star' Sting. The face painted monochrome knock to Max Waltham, also filled with ignorance of the highest order, will lead the ceremony. Sting has had a total of two matches in WWE and both were mainstream losses to Triple H and Seth Rollins, in which Sting almost became paralysed. Sting has never had a contract or career in WWE at all and was a budget version of The Undertaker in WCW's past. WWE revealed he was entered before tickets went on sale in hopes to boost sales only.

Also entering will be long time friend of WWE and occasional cameo star Charles Wright, aka The Godfather. Wright was also infamous in late 1980's to earlier 1990's day's as Papa Shango.

Tag team The Fabuolous Freebirds are going in.

Women's Wrestling champion of her time Jacqueline will be rightfully entering. She's local to Wrestlemania's location.

Also local is JBL, who is heavily rumoured and likely to enter the list. Many question the legitimacy. His former tag partner Ron Simmons was in a few years ago in 2012.

The infathomable celebrity wing has snubbed many deserving and this year is no exception. The often odd choices are enhanced this year with television host Regis Philbin. Why, no-one quite knows, nor cares.

© Max Waltham 02nd February 2016

All Rights Reserved

WWE Night of Champions 2015

WWE Night of Champions 2015

WWE Night of Champions came live on Sunday 21st September from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Would the event be able to interest beyond random encounters of no meaning or would it be an ignorantly filled game of lackluster promotion?

Intercontinental Championship
Ryback (c) Vs Kevin Owens

As if it couldn’t get any worse than last PPV’s Triple Threat, in strolls the human bowling ball with legs, Kevin Owens, in his t-shirt, bumbling along as a non-entity. He has been launched into a title match after losing all his previous engagements by way of Triple H favouritism. That’s the new age WWE under Triple H. No skill or talent required. That is no way to book a professional promotion. Triple H’s ego is on the line. Dabbling with such ignorance is as damaging as it comes.

On the flip side is the equally useless Ryback, who has done nothing for the cursed IC title and has had no ground-breaking interactions with it, let alone get over with the crowds. He’s there for size proportions only.

When the pair weren’t busy entering weak and tacky exchanges, and slow breathing spot moments or talking to the crowd, the action was loosely filled. Ever ignorant Owens continues to do absolutely nothing in the ring and both are complete liabilities that almost injure their partners. Cesaro (Off the card thanks to Owens injuring his on a previous Raw in a rookie mistake) further proved Owens lacking credibility tonight. Sloppy, useless and ignorant both, especially Owens need to be sacked and removed off television immediately. It can only get worse for WWE, for hosting such drivel entertainment. 

Owens again walked out like an extra on set, to music sounding like a fart. Owens rolled around on the floor instantly when Ryback pushed him, then got a cheap moment to be in charge. Ryback had a decent moment when he dumped the lumbering mess that is Owens over the top rope. Owens changed with a hand drop on the rope to Ryback as he went to go in the ring. Tacky at its finest to gain advantage. Such a wrestler, huh? Owens played around on the floor with Ryback, who loudly yelled "Referee my elbow" causing huge concern, who just returned from injury a month ago. Owens was doing nothing except breather moments and slow walking around the ring to string time out. There was no skill involved. Kevin Owens dropped down from Ryback on his shoulders to use an eye poke and a small package roll up to win the Intercontinental Championship. 

Dolph Ziggler Vs Rusev w/ Summer Rae

Some white bits. Is it natural blonde? 

Lana has been injured for a good spell, leaving Ziggler on his lonesome. Ziggles, who came back way too quickly, rushed a Summerslam, which was non-effective has been embroiled in a scandal with Summer Rae. WWE played the sex card with the two as Rae was seen leaving Ziggler’s dressing room on Raw week’s back. WWE are still continuing this poor storyline. She claims Dolph came onto her. No-one really cares. Dolph gave Summer a gift of some earrings. She's wearing them this evening.

The action however, was non-eventful and boring once again. The pair tried to stand out but were both forgettable and involved in such a pitiful story than makes no sense that the fans cannot endorse such rubbish. It’s the same old booking and same old run through. Rusev tried to impress but again, was forgettable. Fans loudly cheered "We want Lana!" That, is the signal of this match. Not there and still the premise. Flawed. Dolph Ziggler won after Summer Rae threw a shoe at Rusev by accident. 

Tag Team Championship

The New Day, Kofi Kingston and Big E (c) w/ Xavier Woods Vs The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray and D’von

The tag titles were on the line in one of the poorest built up tag matches in recent memory. After a surprise return two weeks ago, The Dudleys, who strolled on to the show like extras, with the homophobic Bubba Ray and only there for racism dilution D’von, were not an answer to reforming the tag team division. WWE only hired them back for a cheap thrill and bragging rights. They shouldn’t have bothered with these old hat, washed up parts of the past, that will not create any future.

Bubba Ray, who had numerous claims of working stiff from many WWE stars past and present, proved that tonight once again with his blockade of uselessness against his opponents was as selfish as it comes. Not one member of New Day was able to get over, which is not the sign of a true in-ring professional. D’von like the rest of the black folk, in Texas, which is highly anti-blacks, were spare parts in for a world of victimisation. Darren Young wasn’t booked tonight, either. Be A Star! “Hulk Hogan, we comin’ for you …..!” Praise be to WWE, right?

WWE offered another screwy finish as The Dudleys got a cheap 3D move on Kofi Kingston as Xavier Woods saved the match for the team and Big E, causing a disqualification. The Dudley Boyz won but New Day retain the gold. Afterwards the New Day set up a table, to which Xavier Woods got slammed into instead. It was a moment, wasn't it? Zzzzz...

WWE Diva’s Championship

Nikki Bella (c) w/ Alicia Fox and Brie Vella Vs Charlotte w/ Paige and Becky Lynch

Hmm...
"Woooooooooooooooooooo!" :(

Nikki Bella has become the longest reigning divas champion in WWE history. She has toppled AJ Lee’s title reign by the hands of WWE booking in a desperation attempt to scribble her name from its record books at the top. AJ was considered the best WWE diva in modern women’s wrestling. Nikki Bella is seen as a talentless piece of skirt who is only famous for sleeping with WWE golden boy John Cena. Good ol’ WWE. The pre-Raw saw Brie Bella enter the match and lose in a secret switch to help Nikki. Charlotte was not granted the victory as Bella maintained the clear win.

Her so called competition tonight is the ever green useless call up Charlotte. Someone using her daddy’s fame to become relevant. All she can ever do is literally “Woo!” for some attention. Some breakthrough. Charlotte who cannot wrestle and has been exposed on her call up from the NXT playpen has nothing to her empty shell.

Nikki can now lose by disqualification. Charlotte enters with a loose arms open and stands there on entry with Team PCB extras. Even a remix of her daddy's music can't help. Nikki Bella actually received cheers among some boos. That should tell you more than enough as WWE tried to trick the audience in Texas to cheer its favourite selections. Laughable. 

Charlotte took a long time standing on the outside after the initial skirmish. She looked completely lost and in the ring on entry stood there again and slowed the action. Bella then flipped a suplex as Charlotte whacked her leg on the bottom rope to claim injury pain. That was Charlotte's grand contribution not two minutes in. Exceptional. She then lied on the apron outside for long enough. Nikki worked over the leg of her opponent who yelled a lot with embarrassingly whiny sex noises. 

There wasn't much action going on with Nikki's loose leglocks and Charlotte's screaming. This was no Diva's revolution WWE desperately splutters on about. It is laughable every time they mention it. They have no humble approach. Fans dislike it. The leg locks continued for near five minutes which truly was a stretch for all of us. 

Nikki was cheered at slamming Charlotte down. WWE hoped they were easily manipulated to Charlotte's side. Again, another telling sign of a failed revolution when you are trying to make the sides as you want it. This is exactly the same match structure from the Divas match last year! Hilarious.

Nikki was in charge and had no need but Brie and Alicia Fox pulled the ropes to stop Charlotte breaking free. Nikki stopped them in case she was disqualified. Charlotte came back with a stray boot. Charlotte got lucky on a standing 'Spear' which was a mid section clothesline as Nikki dropped from the second rope. Charlotte gained a quick pin to defeat Nikki Bella for the diva's title. 

She celebrated with her daddy Ric Flair. Even a defeat of Bella to change the strap won't give her any credibility when she got lucky and never actually did anything to win or earn it. WWE will never learn. Hey, they don't care, its Ric Flair's girl and they like her. Can it be any more lame? 

Six Man Tag Team
Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Mystery Partner Vs The Wyatt Family

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose have both been treading water over the last few months. So the pair's solution was to give pre-match interviews of ignorance to nobodies in order to gain some favour. Imbeciles. That didn’t help their cause at all. Think beforehand. The pair are going up against the Wyatt Family but have a mystery partner. I wonder… Once the thrill wore off some random NXT call up charged past the curtain. It was the ignorant, only there for the paycheck, Chris Jericho! Great. We are so thrilled by another washed up has-been who achieved nothing in the last two runs and ruined the new talent to begin. Are the audience supposed to be entertained by another piece of ignorant trash that won’t ever materialise no matter how much Triple H’s ego is desperate to prove wrong? It won’t work. Think about how to make it a success, dear. Think hard. Find solution. Yours just won’t work at this rate, ever.

Upon waiting for their mystery partner, a fan entered the ring and stood next to Reigns and Ambrose. WWE still don't seem to get it, do they? Great security, too. 

They went up against Bray, Luke Harper and new addition Braun Strowman.

The action was standard rubbish starting until a stare down of Strowman and Reigns. Reigns looked entirely weak when quickly tagging in Ambrose for help. Strowman slammed them both down with ease. Jericho entered and was rapidly thrown to the outside on the pair of Reigns and Ambrose. Bray and Ambrose fill up the action again for the umpteenth time. Reigns and Harper then play as Reigns easily batters Harper, who can't get started. 

The Wyatt's kept the match together as Jericho later joined in with Strowman for bragging rights to be involved in the match with a new star for fun. It ruined Strowman more than helped even if he did slam Y2J's face into the mat. Chris Jericho passed out by Bearhug to Braun Strowman, adding the victory to the Wyatt Family's Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper.

After the match Ambrose and Reigns stare down Jericho who selfishly walks past and nudges Ambrose's shoulders in an act of disgust. 

Sheamus walked past and indicated to The Authority, who bragged of their ego to Rollins, that he may take the title from Rollins.

United States Championship

Seth Rollins (c) Vs John Cena

Seth Rollins is the man of the moment. WWE plan to have him defend both titles. His first is a natural and randomly slotted defence against John Cena who used the ‘automatic rematch clause’ to set this up. How entertaining. 

WWE chose to protect Cena so much that it denounced its champion Seth Rollins but claiming Jon Stewart is what won him the US title. Then they explained that Stewart won an award because of WWE's programming support. Now you know. Yet you return nothing. Naughty old coot. Play nice.

Cena decided to hop around on the spot in comedy fashion as fans told him he sucked. He still isn't serious about his career. It lacks credibility to his title, opponent and fanbase. What a waste of his great change he made a few months ago. Cena missed a stupid comical swing around punch which totally missed Rollins. It is actions like this that the audience cannot take seriously. Cena just doesn't truly care.

Cena is comfortable settling for less. The fans and critics are not. 

Cena got a cheap rollup after Rollins worked the crowd for two. That was cheap and did not sell Cena or Rollins as exceptional. With it the U.S title was useless. The flip through pin from Cena was a cheap and not well performed build but a decent change, thanks to Rollins. 

Cena flipped Rollins into a flip headlock / Hurricanrana to the corner as Rollins tried a powerbomb leading from the other side corner post. The pair traded chops. Rollins was caught but jumped out of a coming Attitude Adjustment. Rollins superkicked Cena's gut for a close two fall. 

Rollins missed a huge top rope splash as Cena generally moved out the way. The crowd respected with Eddie Guerrero chants to the late great Champion. 

Rollins conducted an expert double suplex, one after another from the top rope corner. John Cena locks in the armlock hold as Rollins makes the break. Rollins rolls Cena up into a powerbomb lift and smash in the corner pad. Rollins really put that in motion perfectly again. Rollins tried an AA but Cena reversed a back flip as Michael Cole told us was face first. Rollins hit his chest into the ground and his head didn't touch thanks to Cena's protected shoulder. John Cena returned with a chance opportunity and nailed Seth Rollins to cover him for a three fall and win the United States Championship. Seth Rollins officially became a transitional champion. John Cena stopped Rollins leaving Night of Champions to stay for his next match. Cena landed another AA on Rollins. 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Seth Rollins (c) Vs Sting

The hapless sadsack from WCW, filled with such ignorance finally had a match in WWE. Sting was GIVEN a title match with no story, no earning of such right and a useless match previously with Triple H at the previous Wrestlemania which was a complete washout, which Sting couldn’t even win. How was this supposed to help encourage fans to enjoy the show this time round and work wonders with Seth Rollins? Sting again walked on with no momentum and just walked down the ramp as boring as it comes. There was nothing special about this face painted loon. 

Sting of the Dump!
Riding the Trash  Mobile.

WWE had a lifesize statue erected in Seth Rollins honour to celebrate his majestic victory as double champion. On its unveiling night, Sting arrived on a trash compactor, known as the Trash Mobile, a fitting tool for his ignorance, to destroy Rollins' statue. 

Sting’s pathetic routine of fifteen years past in the ring did nothing for the title, fans or Rollins and was a throwaway moment of uselessness. This is why WWE is sinking with audiences. Most didn’t even know how Sting was. The rest were uninterested in Dixie Carter and WCW’s weak castoffs, who are not capable of being WWE material.

Sting arrived and took advantage of an unconscious and incapable Seth Rollins, as he tossed him outside. Fans cheered for Rollins to get up. Sting threw Rollins into the steps around the ring and walked around slowly to fill time. It wasn't exactly World title calibre. 

Rollins turned the tables to gain some control in-ring as the pair battled but Rollins looked a fool as Sting randomly used a clothesline to him to go outside again. Sting threw him lightly into the outside barricade in another weak exchange. Sting threw Rollins into the other barricade too. World class it was not. Sting stood in front of Rollins in the ring and showed his lacking momentum by Irish Whipping Rollins who flew all over, doing all the work. 

Rollins was booked more of the fool by trying to escape through the fan crowd but Sting grabbed him back and smashed him through the announce table. Sting smashed him the wrong way as Rollins' head bashed awkwardly off the table to the ground. This isn't the cheapness of TNA, doofus. 

The statue that was Seth Rollins.

Rollins returned a smash of Sting to gain some time to recuperate. He took the title to leave, once again booked like a lesser than superstar champion by WWE. What's the point of such an extraordinary title reign which encourages a new wave of fans only to ruin it? WWE logic is flawed at these times for some old has been on a mega bucks, six salary deal who has earned nothing. 

Rollins stood himself up the top rope as Sting pushed him back. Seth did all the work once again and smashed his head into the barricade. 

Sting again pushed Rollins outside. That all this match is? Zzzz... So original. Sting did another TNA/WCW moment by getting to the top of the post and jumping on Rollins outside. It wasn't effective and caught by Rollins to the drop down. It was a loose transition. Sting dropped a backbreaker as Rollins put his foot on the rope. Weak as it comes for a pinfall attempt. Whilst Sting's facepaint melted away halfway, Rollins worked back to a trying match. Sting fell over in the ring after a Rollins clothesline attempt. 

The trainer's checked on Sting as Rollins worked the crowd. That's what happens when you mess around with forces beyond control. Karma is a testing sign for you to repent. They continued. Sting locked in the Scorpion Leg Lock. Rollins made the rope break. Sting rolls up Seth Rollins, who reverses with a perfect roll up victory to gain the three fall to be WWE World Heavyweight Champion. 

As Rollins celebrates, Sheamus arrives and boots Rollins down. The fans were unhappy at a potential cash in. Sheamus almost cashed in as Kane arrived and the Masked Kane scared off Sheamus with a chokeslam to a grounded Rollins. Kane was cheered but Sheamus was not. Rollins was treated like a complete chump! Yet he was the best performer of the night. WWE are a little off, that's for sure.

PPV Rating – 2/10

Men/Women of their matches – Ryback, Rusev, Kofi Kingston, Nikki Bella, Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Seth Rollins

Man/Woman of the PPV – Seth Rollins

WWE Night of Champions was about one ‘thing’. Nothing. WWE’s lack of build-up and theme of two matches by the main champion Seth Rollins worked no wonders for WWE. The PPV was limp, ragged and tasteless. There was no flavour in this tepid throw together. No passion, no story and no reason or depth behind the stars made them all bit parts to a simple show only there for three hours. It was empty and fruitless.

Will undoubtedly rejoin, honourably. 

Dolph Ziggler, Rusev and Summer Rae’s story is pointless. It adds nothing to their empty feud and is a waste of everyone’s time. It’s going nowhere. Wrestling Wonders added three weeks ago that Rusev and Lana would be back together before Wrestlemania. WWE are already considering this idea. There is no mileage here in this implausible threesome. As for booking, it is fundamentally weak.

Kevin Owens fails to do anything of merit yet again. As ignorant as it comes, helped by Triple H’s dangerous self-obsession and neglect to wrestling that every instance he is involved in is going to bring down every aspect of WWE’s attempts to achieve more. Ryback, as ever, was a lost cause. Both need to go, none more so than a bumbling bowling ball with legs.

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose are in serious trouble. The pair are both useless, on their own merits. Plus they need management in opening their mouths. Reigns has not improved or developed in the six months on from the Wrestlemania ‘I am the one’ debacle. Ambrose on the other hand is a forgettable, typecast nobody standing on the sidelines. The Wyatt Family were passable, but also made no real progress and are floating on nothing. Their emphasis is empty and the new acquisition in Braun Strowman may add some air of interest for a bit, but needs more than just standing there and looking sheepish.

The PPV was built around Seth Rollins defending both his titles this evening and the possibilities of losses or wins. Would this protect or harm Rollins and his competitors? Cena had a place, be it an annoyance of loose skill and pre-selected favour. The ignorant, washed up old hag in Sting was a pitiful exchange which did WWE, Rollins and the title no favours. There was no story, no connection and worse of all, no passion. Rollins worked his backside off to help WWE look good, but it was a wasted effort in a match that should never have happened. Sting, a ruined WCW no mark, who had no skill in that former promotion, and a rip-off version of WWE’s The Undertaker, entered the most uninhibited match of all. The obscene and tepid run through of rehearsed routine of the past fifteen years has no relevance in the modern world of wrestling, desperately trying to survive against the lacking ratings they are supposed to be attaining. No-one wants this, but more worrying is that WWE cannot see it and hope to push it forward because it had some brainwave that this might make money. Foolish. Ignorance is not a virtue. Rollins was made to look the weakest WWE superstar, even as its grand champion for some old fart who can't go anymore. Way to go, WWE. So meaningful.

WWE’s so called ‘Diva Revolution’ was a grand concept which fell flat on its backside in two months or less. WWE who fans realise “Don’t know how to book women” have neglected real talents in Team B.A.D and favoured useless gals from the lucky sperm club, endorsed by Triple H, who idolises the ignorant old codger Ric Flair. Let’s be clear. This is nothing about Charlotte and all about her daddy. Her daddy has already sullied her reputation as an unattractive stick insect who cannot wrestle and “Woo’s!” just for the sake of it. The green challenger is no revolution and is only lucky thanks to being born into the business. That won’t save her useless skills. WWE really need to go to the drawing board, and Ric Flair needs to repent and shut up talking such liabilities. We know how much he loves to talk. For Nikki it was just another easy defence (despite loss) with no real competition and a waste of everyone’s time. It has gone back to the bathroom break stages, where Nikki, who has barely defended her title over the course of her record reign, could have been a standout champion. She has achieved nothing.

For all its efforts, Night of Champions was insanely flawed and filled with nothing of interest. None of the matches were classics, memorable or engaging. It is further proof that without greats like Cesaro, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker, WWE’s future is immeasurably bleak. Triple H’s ego is infiltrating the product at a disastrous level of ignorance, which is destroying WWE’s interior walls. All for what? Some random nostalgia act that wont develop WWE’s future nor a bunch or travelling circus acts from the Indy circuit on NXT? All to prove he can change to run WWE? You are proving to be a complete liability. With it, WWE is struggling to achieve credible respect. WWE has gone back to its old ways. If Triple H is ever going to be able to prove he can run WWE effectively, he needs to ditch all ignorance and his insane ego to prove he is bigger than the fans. Triple H, a smark at best, is not best for business. 

© Max Waltham 21st September 2015

All Rights Reserved

Wrestlemania XXXI

Wrestlemania XXXI

The road to Wrestlemania has been a long and strange one, filled with a lacking journey. Would WWE be able to deliver or would it fail on its most crucial card to move into a new future of WWE beyond 2015? Are the matches up to standard and fulfill their main event potential?

Coming live from the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, live on Sunday 29th March 2015, would WWE be able to showcase a grand spectacle and enthuse for the future generation of sports entertainment?

Let's find out.

Despite its graphics, production and card booking of superstars, all eyes were firmly on the opening of Wrestlemania. Kevin Dunn's always spectacular set design never fails the grand event. This one was filled with grandiose str quality through and through.

WWE Tag Team Championship

Antonio Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (c) w/ Natalya Vs The Uso's w/ Naomi Vs Los Matadores w/ El Torito Vs Kofi Kingston and Big E w/ Xavier Woods

Kicking off the Pre-show was a four way tag thriller to set the mood. It wasn't exactly a McMahon in every corner, but it played its part for the teams and their supporters.

Although they tried hard the New Day trio with Kingston and Big E was a let down despite their efforts. The other three teams put in an exceptional display and the match was highly held together by the tag champs Antonio Cesaro and Tyson Kidd, who retained the titles in a feasible and sparkling Wrestlemania mood starter. Cesaro also wore some yellow strip white tights for the special occasion which looked really good for him. Los Matadores contributed very well to the mix and could be given more of a chance if pushed upon. 

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

The Miz, Adam Rose, Fandango, Curtis Axel, Damien Sandow, Big Show, Jack Swagger, Darren Young, Erick Rowan, Mark Henry, Konnor, Viktor, Zack Ryder, Hideo Itami, Heath Slater, Sin Cara, Goldust, Kane, Ryback and Titus O'Neil

The annual event has returned, in the hopes of making a new up and coming superstar launch the ranks of WWE. This is a good decision and keeps Andre's historic wrestling contributions relevant. The only problem is how WWE select a star that will do the Giant justice. 

The match went underway early and lost some of its magic by WWE's lack of star building. The contenders, Axel, Fandango, Mizdow, Big Show, Kane and Darren Young were the only names capable of lifting the lucrative honour.

WWE decided, after its big build up of AxelMania, to dump Axel and neglect the rest of the young up and comers, desperate for a chance to be a WWE star, which would keep the linage of Andre's name honour. It came down to the final two. Mizdow and Big Show. We could see it coming a mile off from WWE before it started, but the Big Show tossed Damien Mizdow over the top rope to elimination in the end to secure the win as the second Andre statuette winner. 

Big Show has improved over the course of the last few months, which we highly praise, but this was a wasted opportunity just to have Show stand next to the trophy and pose as Andre did. It should have gone to Axel or Sandow, in that order.

Intercontinental Championship

7 Man, Ladder

Dean Ambrose Vs Bad News Barrett Vs R-Truth Vs Luke Harper Vs Dolph Ziggler Vs Stardust Vs Daniel Bryan

After months of pointless television angles which saw every entrant 'steal' the IC title in a game of kiss chase, the IC title could not have been devalued more. WWE attempted to boot the lineage of the title and include the extra stars to make it interesting. The batch certainly is, interesting. Some wasteful, others with strong potential.

This was a briefly shorter than anticipated match for 'Mania but still provided enough to be a morsel of interest. After everyone had their turn to play in the match a little bit, WWE chose to select its winner. The obvious and ignorant choice of Daniel Bryan became the new Intercontinental Champion.

It would have been better to give the opportunity to R-Truth, Luke Harper or Dean Ambrose. (See summary below the ratings for more.)

Once again it was an obvious fan pandering populism choice to an ignorant star who has started dipping lower down the card as an interesting act than a legitimate champion. It doesn't bode well for the B+ now down to D- player.

Randy Orton Vs Seth Rollins w/ Jaime Noble and Joey Mercury

Randy Orton returned to WWE last month and stunned everyone by sticking with the friends in The Authority, led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Eventually Randy, after a strong tease, was not on good terms with them anymore, which now sets the random, but highly capable match up to enthuse us.

After some outstanding display from both J and J security soon tried to grab Orton from outside, to which Orton responded with a double DDT drop on them.

Rollins returned the action to some strong ground technical locks sold tremendously by both with Orton on a comeback. It was fluid, convincing and building the match with identity.

Both with their glistening bodies in the open stadium sunlight turned the action to red hot with intensity and jabs a plenty. Orton threw Rollins with a powerful Fall Away Slam, smoothly done. Rollins nailed Orton back with an apron Enziguri to recover stead with a beautifully timed, swift and fully connected top rope Moonsault. It was top notch. The fans agreed with respectful applause.

Next came a beautiful superplex. Swift counters to the powerful DDT by Orton followed. Seth superkicked Orton so quickly and perfectly to which Orton then gave an RKO counter to keep the match bubbling over. There was a kick out by Rollins at two, which really boosted his credibility as a challenger who can stand equal with Orton.

Noble and Mercury interfered and got some stunning RKO's. This distraction allowed Seth to Curb Stomp on Orton. A kick out at two, returned not only the favour but kept the match boiling. Corkscrew twist by Seth was missed, but gained bearings enough to smash a cool back mule kick which led into a crushing RKO instead, leading Randy Orton to cover Seth Rollins and claim the three fall victory in one of the predicted stand out bouts at 'Mania. It really did enthuse the fans. 

Sting Vs Triple H

A lot of hype was built around both stars taking each other on in recent months. Ignorance was highly abound by both going into it which tainted its magic.

A drumming band of Sting mime artists's and a Shaolin monk opened Sting's WWE debut. Sting strolled out calmly and simply walked, stood and stared at the crowd, looking lost and inexperienced. There was no buzz to his effect or entrance as he simply walked down the ring normally. It was a wasted opportunity.

Triple H entered with an absurd Terminator entrance which was completely pathetic and simply dumb. It was laughable, not epic. Tripper emerged from beneath the ramp in a shoulder padded silver helmet and armguard Terminator get up. It looked cheap and tacky. 

Then the Terminator himself Arnie Schwartz told us it was "time to play the game" after scanning the audience with his red eye motion detectors. Thrilling. 

A lock up started as Sting leads. HHH seen mouthing instructions vividly. "You still got it" fans daftly cheered as an act of trying to figure out something to say to support an old star of the past. He didn't do anything yet. Lock up again. HHH is sent to the outside. Take a breather, dear. Running knee in lock, reversed over sent HHH back outside. Sting ran to the barricade and missed. Suplex leads to two fall. Sting stumbles at HHH's feet, as Trips signals the "ultimate humiliation" Michael Cole adds, with the crotch chop. The fans did not fully boo and some cheered which WWE weren't expecting. Sting was not that appreciated for his lacking talent. Wear down headlocks by Triple H now. Sting tiredly threw weak punches to come back which flew his hair up revealing his bald spot. It's cold up there Eerie. Sting locks on the Scorpion Leg Lock as DX music sounds and all the degenerates crew, except Chyna (shhh don't say that name) were there. Sting predictably took them all out, with a splash from the top rope. As the run in happened fans booed. Then they chanted "Awesome" when DX was taken out. How fickle can you get? Triple H nailed a Pedigree on Sting which received a debatable two count. Fans loudly cheered for Triple H.

Stage music sounded of the nWo as Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall stumbled out slowly as three geriatrics on day release. They walked down the ramp to the DX crew. It was not exciting in the least as the nWo tapped punches so meekly. Sting got Triple H from behind to backdrop him, but Triple H kicked out at two. Sting tried the Scorpion Leg Lock again as Triple H crawled towards his sledgehammer. Hogan took the hammer away as X-Pac bashed him. Hogan was loudly booed. All the outsiders took each other down. Triple H was in another Leg Lock, sounding constipated.

He got free as Sting tried again. Shawn Michaels shockingly returned from the crowd to superkick Sting in the face in a shock turn of events as the crowd were annoyed with so many run ins. Tripper takes a cover but Sting kicked out. Hmmm. DX passed Tripper his hammer. Scott Hall gave Sting his bat. Zzzzzzz.

Triple H fell down as Sting failed to connect a supposed hit to the gut which was a major botch. Sting then broke Triple H's plastic hammer in halve. Oooh. So tough.

Sting splashed Triple H into the corner as Triple H countered the second one with a running attack concealing a foreign object. Sting was smashed as Triple H covered the Stinger for a three fall win.

All the crew, except for Chyna were in the ring after the battle. It looked like everyone in the old people's home. Triple H then extended his hand to Sting and they held hands as a "Wrestlemania moment" Jerry Lawler tells us. Yeah, sure. I'm so moved. It became boring and was built on run in hype which distorted the full effect it could have had.

Kid Ink sang his Wrestlemania theme song with Travis Barker and Skylar Grey now for an intermission period. Go to the toilets now, people.

Tag Team
AJ and Paige Vs The Bella Twins

The divas filler match was a waste of time, as per usual, but WWE could have laced a strong match on the show if it bothered. Maybe it does not know what to do with it and can't be bothered to think. Then, maybe get people to be in charge of the divas division, reporting to you for liaison and final, workable decision? Emma is more than due her call up as a serious contender after her work has been impressively improved and capable among a distantly lacking roster.

Paige stood on the ramp and nodded whilst waiting for AJ to skip on. Yeah, they are friends again all of a sudden.

Paige clumsily jumped on Nikki Bella and then botched almost every move. It was embarrassing. Nikki used the Alabama Slam to stop momentum. Brie dropkicked Paige down well. Brie tried to mix it up with a backlock surfboard variation well. AJ had been knocked down from the apron a moment ago and shown conked out. Both Bellas wear Paige down.

Nikki cracks the Rack Attack on Paige for a close two count. Paige uses sloppy kicks and throws to the outside of Bella. It was messy and negligent to their well-being.

AJ gets tagged back in now. She flies all over Nikki but then lands on her front screaming again like before, which was daft. Paige charged back in to dropkick down AJ on a pin to Nikki which failed at two. AJ countered a tricky top DDT as more run in came. Nikki smashed AJ in the face but only got two. AJ clasped on the Black Widow submission to carry Paige to another victory over The Bella Twins in a fairly useless match.

WWE Hall of Fame 2015

This year's Hall of Fame featured overdue entries The Bushwackers, (Luke and Butch,)  technical great Larry Zbysko, sterling female champ Alundra Blayze and Japanese veteran Tatsumi Fujinami, Also in are Samoan groover Rikishi, celebrity love-in Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the greatest legends Randy Macho Man Savage, and friend of the WWE family Kevin Nash,

WWE also included a Warrior Award. This was to respect someone who made a contribution or impact to WWE or wrestling. That's basically a rip-off of the Max Waltham Appreciation award, given every year in the Wrestling Wonders Year End Awards. 

WWE also used the deceased Ultimate Warrior to use as the staple of the award, which is debatable. We have respect for the deceased and shall not go into detail, but Warrior was not as kind a person as most remember or make out. WWE should change the name of the award to save further embarrassment went continuing the awarding ceremonies. 

Despite the concerns the award went to the very deserving Connor Michalek. Connor "The Crusher" passed away last year after a strong battle with cancer. His spirit was gracious, charismatic and deserving. 

United States Championship
Rusev (c) w/ Lana Vs John Cena

This one was built on a political emphasis of good old Nationalism in wrestling story backgrounds. It was Russian sympathizer Rusev against WWE's almighty American superhero John Cena. Who would come out on top and make their nation proud?

Lovely Lana led the way with the United States title a Russian army, flag carrying parade, marching alongside her. Heavy artillery cannons blew as Rusev entered from atop a tank. The crowd really boo'ed that one. Did WWE take this one too far? Rusev proudly waved the Russian flag, regardless.

Cena's package started impressively, until WWE showed off Apple's iphone and /facebook goon Mark Zuckerburg as its defining features to a great America. Ugh. That didn't sell the version very well. There were some cheers at being "American" yet some booed it. As soon as Cena entered, the crowd boo'ed the hell out of him. Wow. Not even Nationalistic approach changed a positive reaction for Cena. Will WWE ever take it seriously? It's not about Americans, its, once again, about Cena. Fans did not buy in to it.

Rusev demanded to be introduced first by dumb announcer Eden. Cena was afterwards as the crowd really boo'ed him yet again. Ouch.

Cena instantly floored Rusev with a clothesline. Rusev came back with impressive offence and a toe kick to the foot taking Cena down. Rusev flipped an impressive double arm over the body suplex. That was good. Rusev waved the Russian flag as Cena was down in the ring. Cena kicked his leg up at Rusev to change pace. Two shoulder tackles and the crowd was unimpressed. They all got on their feet to mimic and boo him. Cena smirked at them without taking them seriously. If he did he might learn a new focus.

Rusev returned control soon after. Cena jumped onto Rusev so he could be dropped down. Rusev looked strong but it was silly of Cena to do such a juvenile action. That could have ruined Rusev and the match. Cena did the famous leg drop from the top which was a tad short on Rusev, hitting his back. A few years ago saw the infamous Cena jump which missed The Miz by half the ring. It has not improved since.

The crowd cheered "Let's go Lana" to amuse themselves. Cena did a jumping DDT from the top ropes decently, but easy, all the same. Cena traded fists with Rusev where Cena moved in such a way that did not sell Rusev's punches and looked weak thanks to Cena. Rusev made Cena's believable. Cena locked in the magical STF as Lana threw a show in the match to distract, which failed. Rusev took a flip Fall Away Slam with good power to regain control.

Rusev went to the top rope and smashed a fantastic headbutt across the ring. He only took a two fall for his efforts. Rusev called for the Crush! Cena sprung off the second rope to give a stunner to Rusev, which took a close two only. It still looked daftly incorporated but at least Cena tied to mix it up. Clearly Cena hasn't learn how to smooth things into matches. Adding random bits with no tie in well cause further problems. Cena rolled Rusev up again but failed to follow through. Rusev clamped on The Accolyde with extra crush. Lana was thrilled. For once Cena tried to maintain a tightly composed lock on. Cena broke the Accolyde with a power up surge to bash Rusev's back into the corner post, as per usual, in Cena resurgence.

Lana got bashed by Rusev off the apron after talking to the referee and John Cena grabbed Rusev to give him the Attitude Adjustment and claim the United State title, defeating the undefeated Rusev in a cheap ending, which further devalued the match just put on, its title and Cena's attempts to be new and engaging. Cena may have won the title, but Rusev held up the match with a phenomenal transformation. 

Stephanie McMahon now took centre stage to announce a new attendance record of 76,976. Steph, with her hubby Triple H, claimed it was her who made it possible. Her guidance. Hmm? You sure about that dear? She reckons her ideas guided the way. I wonder... Where is your guiding force dear?

Triple H re-informed the crowd after his earlier match that "The Authority always wins." I wonder who they take after?

Upon that note, WWE superstar The Rock surprisingly arrives. Steph reminds she is in charge and that Rocky should leave. After some harshly tempting situations from Steph, The Rock wasn't going to be put out so easily. 

The Rock went to the front row for some support and pulled over standout UFC champion Ronda Rousey, invited to Wrestlemania. Once back in the ring. Steph appreciated Ronda's achievements but explained the rules of the ring. Rousey is the MMA Octagon Queen. However, this is the squared circle, Steph said. Then Steph lost it. This is "my ring" she snarled. The Rock had enough and on cue unloads on HHH with fists. Ronda then flips HHH over perfectly in the ring on follow up. Steph carefully sees a moment to stop her. Both have a stare down. Steph tried a quick slap but Rousey was too focused and caught her arm. Rousey then twisted her arm into a painful armlock. Rousey ended the segment on a high with her Wrestlemania moment by tossing Stephanie outside as she left with The Rock. The fans lapped it up, amid speculation Rousey may one day make it to WWE as a capable wrestling diva.  

The Undertaker Vs Bray Wyatt

A match that had full on potential from the get go was an inevitable choice for the pairing. The dark arts of the Phenom and the unmentionable soul from within Wyatt's control were a natural collision necessary to take place.

Wyatt entered with some spooky Scarecrows to which where given life by Wyatt's presences alone, walking past.

After the stare down with the two, Bray ran right into a big boot. 'Taker took it old school once more with a returning favourite of the top rope walk smash. Starting with strong fire, Undertaker once again proved he has not lost any health amid fan speculation and remains the most extremely dedicated worker in the WWE lockeroom. Undie follows on soon after with the leg drop for good measure.

Taker whips Wyatt into the corner with a Snakes Eyes smash. Another Big Boot is readied but Wyatt, having tatsed feet before, avoided this one and runs Undertaker down hard. Bray uses a huge splash and covers for a two fall only. Wyatt dominates the match now, climbing onto the back of The Undertaker to wear down from behind. He shoves 'Taker into the corner posts too.  

Undertaker gets back into the battle by locking on the Hell's Gate submission. Wyatt eventually breaks free with clubbing blows. Bray follows with a heavy back splash to Undertaker for a cool two count. Bray goes into the crazy crab at the corner ready for his foe with Sister Abigail. Undertaker then grabs Bray instead, breaking free from Wyatt's hold, with an almighty Chokeslam. He follows on with a damning Tombstone Piledriver, which almost defeats Wyatt with a close two fall.

'Taker goes for another Piledriver but Bray slips down the back and breaks out to plant Sister Abigail on The Undertaker. The audience are shocked and intreged with brimming passion as Bray gains a near fall. 

Wyatt cannot believe Undertaker's luck and summons the spirit within from the crazy crab once more. Whilst Bray Wyatt calls the crab, The Undertaker vividly springs up in the seated rise from the mat as the pair stare at one another with sheer intensity eye to eye. Bray Wyatt places Sister Abigail once more but The Undertaker quickly counters the dreaded kiss to the forehead and lifts Wyatt high into the Tombstone Piledriver to nail Bray Wyatt and win the match and redeem himself from last year in a tough and epic contest.  

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Roman Reigns Vs Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman

This is the big one. Filled with so much drama, tension and disagreement and that's not even before the two have wrestled yet. Roman Reigns, has been met with severe indecision as a star failing to interest fans. Though Brock Lesnar had cause for concern to fans too over his absences as champion and contract renewal in doubt. (see summary below PPV for full details.)

Reigns entered through the crowd as the camera found him directly pushing an eager fan touching Reigns. Maybe he couldn't resist or maybe he was being a tool. WWE weren't taking any chances. Sometimes you know if someone is okay at getting a light touch, but fans who are to irk should not touch any superstar in a negative manner. 

When The Beast got there Brock Lesnar was not messing around. He gave Reigns a German Suplex and F5 slammer barely ten seconds in. That was impressive. Lesnar dominated Reigns further with a fabulous flip Fishermans Suplex. Reigns' first offence allowed was a cheap shoulders break free from Lesnar which received huge boos. Brock caught his opponent for yet another German Suplex throw around. 

Reigns staged a comeback. He was soon thudded down by a clubbing clothesline off to the outside by Brock.    

"Reigns wont quit" as JBL points out. Suplexes galore follow for Reigns. He then took a third F5. Lesnar took a teasingly close two fall leaving fans in awe.

Reigns gathered his chance a little later with a Superman punch, wobbling Lesnar to his knees as Lesnar become bloodied. Another Superman punch failed to floor Lesnar. A rapid Spear couldn't do it. The second spear finally knocked powerhouse Brock down for Reigns to cover with a quick but short two fall.

Brock Lesnar had had enough and found his inner strength calling. He then grabbed Roman Reigns on a return and nailed a crushing F5. Both were scatty and fell down to the mat. It was the perfect time. Seth Rollins arrives! Seth decides it is time to cash in his title opportunity. It's officially a Triple Threat now. 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Triple Threat
Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman Vs Roman Reigns Vs Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins quickly barges Roman Reigns out of the ring and deals with Brock Lesnar instead. Seth limbers up in the corner and Curb Stomps Brock. He attempted another to tame The Beast, but was caught into an F5! The tension was palpable. Roman Reigns would not allow this to end his chance so easily. He quickly jumped back in the ring to Spear Brock Lesnar down. Seth Rollins quickly regained his stride from behind and nailed a Curb Stomp onto Roman Reigns. Seth Rollins covered Roman to land the three count and be crowned the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion!

PPV Rating - 8/10


Men/Women of their matches - Antonio Cesaro, Damien Sandow, Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton, Triple H, Brie Bella, Rusev, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar


Man/Woman of the PPV - Seth Rollins

The pre-show did what it needed to by encouraging fans as the warm up which was well respected and not out of place. Though it is disheartening for some fans who feel Cesaro is going to waste as an under-utilised heavyweight contender more deserving of main card status. Perhaps WWE can work on this for after this tag title run. 

The ladder match was supposed to encourage and intrege. It didn't really and was rushed more than anything. It was an obvious result that pleased moany fans on the night, but did not really add any thrill to the 'Mania event. When Bryan fans finally get what they want, was it worth it? Time to let go of that loose idea based on fandom over respect for wrestling talents. It was just another match with a bit of extras thrown in as make-up.

Rusev was a complete transformation. His effort and improved in-ring work was outstanding. He was on point, well timed and connected with his partner. It is a shame his partner could not do the same. Rusev made the match and gained fan respect, regardless of the storyline.

Triple H was the right choice to win, but albeit a less than desirable win. Filled with only run-ins as the main attraction and Triple H's insane need to get fan populism with biased call up options from NXT and ignorant stars does not help WWE move forward. He needs to listen to crucial advice which is meant to be helpful than snubbed. It can only go downhill otherwise. That should never be tested for funsies. As for the ignorance of Sting, his old hat superstardom in a run down budget company of yesteryear holds no value. Sting's ignorant foot in a puddle instead of a former pond has gone south. Having done the one match obligated for buzz, and lacking that was, there is no further need for such washed up ignorance. Does WWE really need rejects from the past adding no value? This aint TNA, either. All the best, dear.

Randy Orton and Seth Rollins put in one of the two most predictable matches that would help Wrestlemania shine and shine it did. The pair glistened in the sunny backdrop of the open stadium. Such skill, talent and seemingly effortless breeze was a sheer joy to behold. This made a key ingredient to keeping 'Mania at the top. Orton can always be relied upon to deliver, but Rollins was an equal that helped boost the match to a one on one thrill than guide along builder.

The second most outstanding match, predicted, was The Undertaker and Bray Wyatt. Neither let the side down and while we knew how the outcome would go, Undertaker's opponents should always have an air of mystery at potentially defeating him. With last year's streak broken, fans could not call this one which made it all the more mesmeric. The strange and credible mystique of both supernatural beings balanced the bout and kept both at the top of their game. Undertaker proved the critics once again that there is no way back and won't be caving into pressure to relinquish his stage presence anytime soon. He will decide, as it should be and the result was the right one.

Brie Bella made the best out of her short spell in the match. She was the only one who had less time in the ring. Ironically it worked out for her and she tried her best to deliver some technique. AJ put her bits in where needed but it was a little bit of a mess with Paige trying to work Nikki. The title needs real competition and it isn't Paige. Clogging up the scene devalues the gold and the champion who do try when it counts.

The Andre battle royal has become somewhat of a joke battle royal. It can still be pulled back if WWE try. Though Big Show has been improving, he really shouldn't have won this, at least not this year. This year was Curtis Axel's momentous occasion and would have strengthen the bond of trophy lineage. Memories are meant to be meaningful when adopted in wrestling legacy on screen. Sandow was a close second and needs to go full strength mode now to become the great singles competitor he once was. Working with The Miz has done nothing to advance him.

Seth Rollins shock cash in was foreseen by us, but it was done very well and kept fans clueless until the point of arrival. They forgot about Rollins in the grand scheme of all the match ups and made WWE's future a crowning moment to boost a new era forward. Rollins is one of the best candidates WWE have and it was soon due. Doing it at 'Mania made him a legit superstar and credible by taking down two of the strong men trying to best one another. The cash in was made beautiful by making Rollins (as suggested by us) to make his moment a serious one and not a gimmick. This was smoothly done and allowed Rollins to win on his own merit in a time where both Reigns and Lesnar were debatable by audience.

As for Brock and Reigns themselves, it worked out better for Roman to be beaten down by Lesnar. While Reigns had some moments to keep fair distance, this boosted his time from being a complete hated washout. Sometimes less truly is more. Lesnar on the other hand looked incredible as the destroyer and flourished his star among a loss with the fans fully engaged behind him waiting on tenterhooks for the next moment. Brock Lesnar on the Monday before Raw leading into 'Mania, Brock sealed a six figure, three year salary, pocketing $100,000 per annum. As Brock himself added he had to take it. "McMahon made me an offer I couldn't refuse" he added. McMahon sure does know when he wants to how to acquire someone. Though can he get the one's who really matter aside from Lesnar? 

Ronda Rousey's appearance was decent and paved the way for a future chance in WWE. By the looks of it, she has options if she would pursue it and would not be neglected as a result by fans. She gots skills. Though it was okay, she will need to have a bit more refinement in her vocal trades. Plus Stephanie is a pro, almost, but needs to not viciously shout too much with such snarl as it takes away a tiny piece of the magic. Minor dear, but important, all the same.

For WWE this Wrestlemania really could have sucked. It got off to a good start, kept the middle first hour strong and then moved towards the heavy stuff. The start and the end fitted in well, but the middle lost its core. The ladders, divas and Sting's wearoff moment fell flat for the show. However the foundations in-between saved a huge chunk of the show and gave fans that feel good feeling. There was surprise, joy, pleasing results (in part) and careful planning. No-one is expecting Wrestlemania-esq qualities all year round, but fans do want this type of emphasis in its programming. Apart from the duds, the show was a strongly, well put together extravaganza, despite naff graphics and a few oddballs in places.

© Max Waltham 31st March 2015

All Rights Reserved