WRESTLEMANIA QUICK RESULTS & OPINION

Pre-Show:

WWE United States Championship Match

Kalisto wins and retains US Championship

-This match was on too early, as there were a lot of empty seats as fans had just begun to enter the stadium. Which really took away from the match, and maybe even Ryback and Kalisto's experience. Record setting crowd, and they had to come out to what felt like only a couple hundred people. Kalisto especially is a high spot guy, and needs a crowd to really get his stuff over.

8 Divas Tag Team Match

Paige, Natalya, Brie Bella, & Eva Marie win

I missed this match mostly, being not prepared for such an early start (match wise). But will say that I am happy all of the women made it onto the card this year. Highlight for me was the unveiling of the new WWE Women's Championship. Not a fan of white, but love that it is a WOMENS title, and looks like the WWE Championship.

The Uso's V Dudley Boyz

Uso's with the victory.

A good match to set the tone of the main show. Crowd reaction says that perhaps the Dudleyz and Uso's should have swapped in regards to baby face and heel. Even the post match table sequence didn't get them cheers.

Main Show:

WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

Zack Ryder is the new Intercontinental Champion.

A lot of holy shit moments. A lot. Main spots for me came from Zayn, with dive through ladder and almost killed KO. Ryder win was a shock. Good for him though. Hopefully creative doesn't bury him again.

AJ Styles V Chris Jericho

Chris Jerico wins with a Code Breaker.

Was phenomenal as expected for a match that is for pure bragging rights. AJ didn't get stirred (or appeared not to) in his first Wrestlemania, showing one of many reasons he needed to skip NXT. It will be interesting to see where things go.

The New Day V The League Of Nations

League Of Nations win.

Only disappointment in this one was lack of the Kofi Skip in the entrance (which stared with a massive box of Booty-Ohs). League Of Nations showed 4 was greater than 3 against The New Day. Post match began to brag about that.
That is when HBK's music hit, but he was in his ring gear, then Mick Foley's music hit as he came out ready to fight. Then my heart stopped for a moment. The glass broke. The crowd exploded. Was jeans and t-shirt but Stone Cold Steve Austin joined the group, as they headed to the ring and whooped some ass. As close as we'll ever get to seeing any of those three men in a match, so I will goddamn take it.

Brock Lesner V Dean Ambrose

Brock wins with a F-5 onto a pile of chairs.

Heyman's face for everything made the violence that more entertaining. Thought Ambrose was gonna get a clean pin (as clean as it can get in a street fight) at some points in this one. Ambrose IS this generations Mick Foley, I should add. I am shocked there wasn't blood though, only "color" was from the welts and scraps. Which were on both men. Lesner we always know will deliver a beating, just like we know Ambrose can always take one. This time there were moments where the roles were reversed showing more toughness for each.

WWE Women's Championship Match

Charlotte retains with help from Daddy.

Good match as expected, and just as good as the main event.Any of these women winning would've been a win for fans.  They went the route of Charlotte retaining, with Naitch stopping Sasha from saving Becky from taking the loss. I love the new(original) name and championship belt. Not a fan of white straps, but it is growing on me, as the rest of it is appealing and is very similar to the WWE Championship. The WWE Women's Championship and Division has returned! Next year, this could be either the second last match as a co-main event, or even be the last match aka THE main event.

Hell In A Cell

Shane McMahon V Undertaker

Taker with the dub.

Another match I am surprised there wasn't blood, Taker had a dribble, but there was so much room for error that blood shed seemed inevitable. Shane with The Van-Terminator was as epic as it was over a decade ago. My gf couldn't watch THE elbow drop, and even I was wondering if I was about to watch a man die. Had feelings going in that it could happen, but the moment Shane looked up we knew someone was about to fly. I was perfect. Ya, Shane has taken the plunge from extreme heights before, but not through a table like he did at Wrestlemania 32. Am I the only one wondering how this plays out story line wise? Was looking forward to RAW V Smackdown!, or just a brand split.

The Wyatt Family V The Rock And John Cena

The Rock And John Cena win.

I knew right away The Rock was ready to wrestle after a big entrance. How? His boots haha Noticed them and immediately realized what they were. I was surprised to see Bray and company. Not about them being at Mania (as I was waiting to see how they would be involved), but against The Rock. The People's Champ owned on the mic as always, but Bray held his own in their small battle (how Bray didn't crack at parts I don't know). Cena, I also knew would be involved tonight, but didn't expect this either. It was an okay moment. Made for an okay surprise, but a build up could have been epic.

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Baron Corbin wins.

Was nice to see this used as the "buffer" match, and was happy to see DDP. And was happy in many ways, but mostly for my gf seeing what I meant by Shaq could've been a WWE star. He's a big man, not your typical tall and skinny NBA centers. I didn't even know Baron was in it, or I would have considered him. Does this mean he is on the main roster now? His win works either way, either as a good start to a main roster career or as bragging rights over everyone in NXT having achieved his glory over main roster stars.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match

Roman Reigns regains the title.

The match itself was really good. From start to finish. Stephanie even looked amazing and was part of Triple H's entrance (which was great as per usual). Steph' even took a spear from Reigns which was a great high spot. Only thing this match lacked was crowd support. The live audience gives and takes away from these moments. And the closing cheers felt like they were dubbed in by WWE. Again, great match but just lacked that crucial crowd support. Another thing that will be interesting to see

It was one of, if not the best Wrestlemania's in a long time. The entire weekend was great. But, the main attraction was on par. Like the Hall Of Fame, it felt more on the fly and not so scripted. If that makes sense. Like every year I am looking forward to the next nights RAW. This year I am pumped.

WRESTLEMANIA 32 MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

It is that time of year again. The time wrestling fans of all levels have been waiting for. Wrestlemania! Wooooooooooo! And this year doesn't look to be a disappointing one, at least on paper. But, the only things that could seemingly go wrong are stage fright and injuries. Beyond that, this card is pretty stacked. Especially it is injuries that have John Cena, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Cesaro, and others out of action and likely to miss out on Wrestlemania 32. Obviously, like many others, I have predictions and opinions on it all haha And they would be...

The Usos V The Dudley Boyz

 Prediction: The Usos

-Although I want The Dudleyz to win, they are back in WWE to help the next gen. Usos aren't as over as they once were, and Bubba n Devon will get a massive pop the first time they break their current "no tables" rule. Plus, it leaves open the chance for Bubba to turn on Devon and become Bully.

Lana, Naomi, Tamina, Summer Rae, & Emma

V

Brie Bella, Paige, Natalya, Alicia Fox & Eva Marie

 Prediction: Brie, Paige, Natalya, Alicia, & Eva Marie

 -Likely Brie's last Mania as she joins Daniel Bryan, so a good send off if she does retire. Must say that although this is slightly a filler match, it is great to see that all the women...Divas got on the card this year, and that the title will be defended later on. Two Divas matches at Wrestlemania, and none of them are bra-n-panties type or have any celebrity involvement. That does show how much things have change. Kudos. But please don't let there be yet another turn by Paige among all of this haha

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Kane, Big Show, Mark Henry, Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, Adam Rose, Bo Dallas, Goldust, R-Truth, Jack Swagger, Tyler Breeze, Viktor, Konnor, Fandango, Darren Young, Damian Sandow, and more?

Prediction: Kane

-Was hard to pick really, as this match holds no real meaning. No offense to Andre's memory, it is just it is a filler type match with a trophy. Hard to really steal the show in a battle royal too. Positive note is that the wrestlers use this as their Wrestlemania appearance and pay day. And since it really leads to nothing, why not put over other legendary big guys like Kane or even Mark Henry(my runner up for being worthy as well as a Texas boy) before they retire. Sure, an up and comer could win, but why not be the guy who beats the winner after a nice build up?

The League Of Nations V The New Day

Prediction: The New Day

 -I thought that the WWE Tag Team Championship was on the line, but it appears to be not the case. Which is okay, as it gives everyone a chance to be in the ring. Can't see The New Day losing this one, given they are over with the WWE Universe and WWE themselves are "behind" them. NEW DAY!

 

Chris Jericho V AJ Styles

 Prediction: AJ Styles

-Honestly, this could go either way and make sense in my head haha Fan of both, but Jericho is my past, AJ my future if we get all deep with things. It would be a great start to a promising WWE career. AJ skipped NXT, and went straight to the main roster labeled as the hottest free agent. What better way to show that than with a dub at Mania? Regardless though, this match is sure to be phenomenal. Pun intended, but also applies to both guys performances.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Ladder Match

The Miz V Dolph Ziggler V Sami Zayn V Stardust V Sin Cara V Zack Ryder V Kevin Owens (C)

Prediction: Sami Zayn

-Shockers would be Ryder and Sin Cara. Slight shockers would be The Miz, Ziggler, or Stardust. Zayn got the "rub" plus a likely seal of approval from Cena, added with previous heat and great matches with Owens, and that is my "why". I can see Owens retaining, but this sets up the feud. Plus, KO is a great heel both as the antagonize and as a "cry baby" type. You stole my belt so I kick ruin your life or I cry about it. Those are the options I see.

WWE United States Championship

Ryback V Kalisto (C)

Prediction: Kalisto

-Kalisto is pretty over with the WWE Universe, and has "Next Gen' Rey Mysterio" written all over him given his size, move set, and marketable mask. Ryback hasn't done too much latley beyond going from the singlet to trunks. Although I can see a disgruntled from losing Sin Cara doing a run in and turning on Kalisto. But, that could also be done after the match or on RAW the next night.

Street Fight

Dean Ambrose V Brock Lesner

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

-This one was really hard to pick. Lesner "lost" last year at Wrestlemania 31 when Seth Rollins pinned Roman Reigns after cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase. But, this has to be "more" than Dean Ambrose showing us he can take a beating. Street Fight rules and a certain Bray Wyatt seemingly having nothing to do *cough*run in on Lesner*cough* would "protect" Brock Lesner's character of being The Conqueror. One things is for sure, no blood rile or not, there is going to be some color in this one.

WWE Divas Championship

Becky Lynch V Sasha Banks V Charlotte (C)

Prediction: Sasha Banks

-Becky although just as deserving, is the dark horse  in this one. Charlotte is the favorite to retain I think, but Sasha Banks is Snoop Doggs cousin, and although also just as deserving, blood and money may play into Vince's decision on this one.

Hell in A Cell

If Shane Wins He Controls RAW, & Undertaker Never Wrestles At Wrestlemania Again

Shane McMahon V The Undertaker

Prediction: Shane McMahon

-Hardest match to predict this year. But, the stipulations and their outcomes play into what I want, which is brand split between RAW and Smackdown!. And if Undertaker is going to have a last match, although I get why many feel it should be at a Mania, I however think it should be at a Survivor Series where he originated. Also, I have a feeling Shane won't be alone after Sting appears, and we get as close as we will to Sting V Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Not as good, but a huge moment none the less. Remember Degeneration X and nWo last year? Not as awesome, but great regardless.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Roman Reigns V Triple H (C)

Prediction: Roman Reigns

-This has been a 2 year process. Vince wants Roman as the top guy, as per usual fans are resisting, not so much Reigns but how Vince is making him approach this. Triple H winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was for this moment. I've mentioned in a previous blog entry about this being a good time for Cena to turn heel by simply joining The Authority and Triple H literally hands him his 16th World Title on RAW, use this as a last ditch effort to get Reigns over again. Cena won't change anything but simply acknowledging he is now a heel and fans will despise that and add that he would now be tied with Flair, they may beg for anyone to take him down. Summerslam, or even a year from now Reigns reclaims his title...maybe even a Sting like approach going silent or minimal verbal for a year (it is what most seem to chirp about, his new mic work). All that, or simply have a reunion of The Shield with Reigns as champ. Not sure when Rollins is due back, but story line wise he could have learned error of his ways during time away and is bitter Triple H is/was Champ. Ambrose, 'cause why the F not...looking around at all of the factions at the moment. Split them up again if the brands split.

I am actually excited to see Wrestlemania 32 on the WWE Network for $11.99 (I'm Canadian), as this show looks worth double of what it cost on PPV. Shane O'Mac is back, and brings possibility of RAW and Smackdown! separating. This could be Undertaker's last match at Wrestlemania (if not ever, given he is from Texas). Brock and Ambrose in a Street Fight and the Ladder Match for the IC title are the only things that has me concerned, but only for everyone's well being. They're going to be barn burning, slobber knockers for sure. AJ Styles at Wrestlemania? Nuff said. And for the first time in the history of Wrestlemania, other than my teen years (haha), I am looking forward to seeing the women blow the proverbial roof of the place. Some legends are likely to make appearances, just looking forward to how they are involved. Stone Cold Steve Austin in his home state, The Rock, HBK, will Hogan return? And that is just the most likely things, don't forget about the surprises and shockers. And never forget to tune into RAW the next night, as it tends to be the RAW of the year some times. Surprises, Mania fallout, beginning of new directions. 

TIMES WE GOT WHAT WE WANTED & IT BACKFIRED IN WRESTLING

Just saw a highlight of when John Cena pinned JBL to win the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 21. I remembered how that was something majority wanted, and how we couldn't wait for Cena to be drafted to RAW. That was truly the start of the John Cena we see today, as the "Thuganomics" gimmick began to be rolled back. It wasn't the first nor the last time things wouldn't turn out how we wanted them, or at least how I felt about them. Examples would be...

Goldberg V Brock Lesner

Two beasts locking horns on the grandest stage of them all. The type of match that could've even been the main event if a different time. Problem was both Goldberg and Lesner were making their last appearances for WWE (Brock of course later returned), and weren't looking to go in in style. What we were left with was a below mediocre match, and the highlight being Stone Cold Steve Austin hitting both with Stone Cold Stunners after the match concluded. That was only cool because it was as close as we'd get to Austin V Goldberg, and Lesner flipping the crowd which now feels like a "Watch what I am going to become, biotches!".

The Invasion

I'll be honest, this is only disappointing in hindsight. During that time, sure it was obvious big WCW names weren't there, but we did get guys like Booker  T and Diamond Dallas Page in a WWE ring. A dream match for me was The Rock V Booker T (sorry, DDP), and w got that. For some of that talent, it was probably best that nWo (Hogan, Hall, Nash) and others came later. Gave them an opportunity to show Vince and WWE Universe what they had.

Ultimate Warrior V Hulk Hogan

The first time, not the second. Nobody asked, nor deserved that. I am not even knocking the quality of match. Warrior didn't last long as champ, when he could have been bigger than Hogan. No offense to the memory of the Warrior, but Hogan is a bigger name. Love or hate him. I can't really remember Warriors run as champ either, his IC run yes, as the main man, no.

Zack Ryder Got A Push

You can replace Zack with a few names really, and it isn't that they got a push, or that said push was a flop and it was their fault. No, sometimes it is a simple case of fans get behind someone, WWE finally notices and orhastrates a push, and then creative expects them to turn sh!t into gold. That can happen, but shouldn't be needed. Ryder's deal with Kane and Brie Bella was a no-win situation. Ironically, if WWE kept ignoring him, he would probably be at least a Intercontinental/United States title contender if not holder.

I know most of the reasons for why these things turned out the way they did, and I understand them. It doesn't take away the disappointment though. WWE did do a pretty good job at "saving" things like The Invasion. That has to be said. For a business that plans and plans, they are pretty good at recovering on the fly.

DREAM MATCHES

The obvious would be something like Big Show V Andre The Giant, or  Stone Cold V Goldberg, but attempting to take the least obvious route. Some will be ridiculous to some, while others may have made for a decent match at a certain point of time.

Brock Lesner V Scott Steiner

Not sure if this happened or not in WWE during the early 2000's, but even if it had it likely wasn't really a match with a story behind it. This match would put a lot of things to the test. Most notably, professionalism. Both are legit amateur wrestlers. Both are freaks of nature. Both have egos. Whether "on the same page" or not, this would make for a true slobber knocker. You know, like how Lesner V Goldberg was supposed to be.

Bret Hart V Kurt Angle

Two reasons. I'm Canadian, and love "Canada V USA" stuff in wrestling (especially with Bret). Also, have you seen Chris Benoit V Kurt Angle matches? If not, go take a look. Sure, Bret has a different style with not so much explosiveness, but technically gifted beyond most. Put that against someone at par if not further ahead in technical ability and we have gold. No, not what is around Angle's neck.

Samoa Joe V Taz

It was a rare "TNA did something right" moment when they paired Taz with Joe in a mentor type role. The styles were similar. Looks....kinda, kinda not. Regardless, this would have made for an amazing match if Taz were still able to safely go in the ring. Although the "Muscle Buster" would make me cringe now if on someone with neck issues. But again, most of the moves.throws performed in this match, and how they are performed might keep my stomach on the edge of its own seat let alone me on mine....trying not to yak.

Undertaker V Andre The Giant

The Deadman seems to be able to have a decent to great match with anyone (ie Giant Gonzalez). What could he have done with Andre before or even after his prime. It would be safe to say that Andre would have "accepted" 'Taker, given the locker room status he has. If not, likely would be Andre trying to be alpha. Even then, The Phenom would have a good match with The 8th Wonder Of The World.

Kurt Angle V Ken Shamrock

Most probably thought I would go with Lesner in place of Angle. Understandably. However, this has been in my mind since the moment Kurt Angle began using the Ankle Lock as his Finishing Submission move. I immediately thought of Shamrock. Given the knowledge now of MMA, I don't worry too much about Kurt getting messed with, or provoking anything given what he pulled of with Jeff Jarrett and their circumstances.

There are others, just simply can't think of the ones that aren't your typical dream match.

RUMORED BRAND SPLIT

Apparently there have been some rumors floating around regarding the WWE "splitting the brands" again. With Shane McMahon returning and there being at least a momentary power struggle story line wise, it isn't hard to see why this rumor exists. Personally, I am on the fence in regards to how I feel about splitting Raw and Smackdown!.

I still remember when the first split occurred. I was a young man, new father, and wrestling was still running strong. The initial brand split was needed in a sense. WWE had won the "Monday Night Wars" and there wasn't any competition to fill the voids left by WCW and even ECW. TNA was in it's infant stages, having PPV shows, instead of a television product including a monthly PPV. Different story for a different time. The split was needed to maintain interest as well as fit all the top quality performers into the mix. Sure, WWE hadn't picked up every WCW and ECW star, but there were enough to make the WWE roster crowded. WWE had even done everything the "right way" during the early days of "brand splitting". There was a draft, and the roster was split in two. And it was an even split in regards to star power and quality shows. They were able to create competition within themselves, and some to most fans had a preference as to which show they preferred. And it wasn't always Raw. Smackdown! was a legit competitor to Raw. To keep it "fresh" the WWE would "shake things up" via the draft now being annual. And it worked too, for a time. After a bit, it became quite apparent that Smackdown! was becoming a feeder show to Raw. A talent develops and gets over with the Smackdown! audience? They ended up on Raw. It is what happened with John Cena. What made that situation worse, is that with the show change came the end of Thuganomics, and the beginning of the Cena we see now.
The past is why I am hesitant to fully embrace this, however there are obviously reasons I would love to see this happen. Preferably, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship would be split into two titles, or a new title would be presented for the other brand. One title would almost make for an easy to predict outcome of the title matches and/or repeated matches for the title. Think of guys like Dolph Ziggler, and others who are over with the audiences, but may never be in the top tier with guys like Brock Lesner. Sure, Seth Rollins is a "smaller" guy, but not everyone can play the sneeky heel, or everyone be the triumphant underdog. Gets repetitive and takes away from guys like Brock Lesner. Look at Big Show, he shouldn't have really put anyone over until this phase of his career. He put too many guys over, and not all of them deserved it or made any sense. Rey Mysterio? Yes. One time ever though. Everyone else should've "earned it" like JBL at No Way Out 2005.

Guess I will have to wait and see, much like with everything in life. Can't wait for Wrestlemania 32 though. Card is shaping up pretty good, and with Vince looking to set another attendance record, I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for us. He may not be able to wrestle, but Daniel Bryan has to be involved so we can hear and feel the massive crowd chant YES!

Rumors

Making my rounds reading things across the web, some headlines and rumors caught my attention. Now which are 100% truth, and which are completely untrue, we'll never know unless they actually happen, and/or are admitted by legitimate sources. A lot are hard not to believe, even if far from the truth. None the less they are quite interesting.

STING & WWE

Now every year really since Vince McMahon won the Monday Night War, people have been speculating that Sting was going to sign on with the WWE. Especially at this time of year with the "Road To Wrestlemania" and the Hall Of Fame inductions, and The Undertaker's "Streak".
This time around however, there seems to be some valid steam behind the rumors this year. Sting is currently not under contract nor working with TNA Wrestling, and according to the bigger wrestling sites, the deal with WWE is all but finalized.
The ink isn't even on the dotted line yet, but rumors of who, what, when and where are rabidly swirling around, "Will he face Taker at Wrestlmania XXX? Or will it be next year when WM31 is in Sting's hometown of Los Angeles? When is the Hall Of Fame induction? If not Wrestlemania, will it be the next night on Raw?" The list goes on. Regardless, with some actual validity behind this one, personally I cannot wait for Stinger to make a splash in WWE (pun intended).

CM PUNK QUITS WWE

This is even more interesting than the Sting situation. While many say they think that this is true, nobody can give 100% that this isn't some kind of "work". When everything is "analyzed" by at least us "outsiders", everything points to both a legit walk out and a scripted event.
Legit: Drained both mentally and physically from a grueling schedule, mixed with frustrations with "Creative". Needing a break is totally understandable.
Work: With similarities with Stone Cold in the past, this "take your ball and go home" moment is very familiar with what happened with Austin back in the day, where he was just totally burnt out. Absence can also make the heart grow fonder as they say, Punk is already "over", imagine the size of the crowd pop he would get upon a return?
Everyone says we likely haven't seen the last of CM Punk in a WWE ring, but who knows, maybe we have.

NEW WRESTLING PROMOTION

Another rumor making its rounds is that former co-founder of TNA Wrestling, Jeff Jarrett left his "office" job with the company to possibly form a brand new wrestling promotion with country music star, Toby Keith. Jarrett and Keith were apparently close to buying the sinking ship that appears to be TNA, from the Carter's. Supposedly the deal went south when Bob Carter's only stipulation was the Dixie stay on in the same spot (title as well as tv spots), with the same amount of stroke she had when her father owned the company. If that is truly the case, we all should be thankful Jarrett and Keith walked away from what would clearly be a bad business venture.
If Double J and Toby really are bringing us a new promotion, it will be interesting to see for many reasons. Will it be new? Will it just be TNA 2.0? Successful? Can it compete with the WWE? Will they even try too? AJ Styles needs a new home, unless WWE gets smart and gives him a chance. Plus, there's always the question of how long until Jarrett puts the main belt on himself. Half joking on that one. I did enjoy some of his runs as Champ with WCW and TNA.

WHO'S #22?

I've come across rumors stating that WWE was hoping for Brock Lesner Vs Undertaker, but it isn't a lock. John Cena was also another high on the rumor list to be facing the Deadman, but rumors all seem to point to Cena Vs Bray Wyatt at the big show. I haven't come across anything stating so, but remember the last time we saw Undertaker. The red hot Shield took over his yard. Well, fast forward to present day, and we have what looks like a possible if not likely split amongst the talented trio. Why not have that happen at or during the aftermath of becoming victims number 22? With Reigns being over, perhaps Ambrose or Rollins try to steal the glory or turn on Reigns causing the loss, I would go with Rollins with the turn, being played out as the voice of reason at the moment and Ambrose is too obvious....wait...why am I even thinking about this group breaking up? Likely will happen though, the split. Who knows, maybe Punk will come back if given the option to do the honors a second year in a row, if he returns.

Stay Nerdy!