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.

2016 WWE HALL OF FAME

It was possibly one of, if not the best one yet. Things did seem to run a little long, but that isn't really a negative thing. For years it felt that some things were rushed, especially before the WWE Network. This is the last moment in the spotlight for most of these people, and a moment to soak in and appreciate their careers and the crowds admiration. Especially for the people who receive the induction on behalf of their late parent and or spouse. What better way to experience why they were away from home so much. Money for food on the table, but to also be a star with thousands of people cheering or booing you every night.

This year we got all of that. Jacqueline's acceptance speech was the only one slightly scripted, but that seemed more on her part to stay on track. Vader had what seemed to be a point list to help him remember the topics he wanted to cover. Ric Flair had a script, and didn't use it as per usual, but that was most likely because the Nature Boy doesn't work with scripts and can go on and on if not reigned in haha Previous years, many people felt like they were under restraints and had to use a script. Which I understand, it is a live event and most of the best stories aren't for family television, or some are known to bad mouth the company at times so best to ensure they don't try to, even accidentally, bury the company putting them in the spotlight.
As with basically everything live on television, there was a dress rehearsal, but that was probably just for the formalities and whatnot. Because everything felt natural, the stuff with JBL and Ron Simmons was likely planned, but was done in a way you wouldn't have guessed it. They at least hovered around the stuff we all wanted to hear. Bubba Ray and Devon were along the same lines, with Bubba Ray even cutting Devon off and saying he is only supposed to say "Testify". Made it funnier as my gf had noticed Bubba doing most of the talking haha

Entertainment of the night came with the Freebird induction. Michael P.S. Hayes doing what he does best and entertain with stories and a performance. I have dubbed this the best acceptance speech ever. Not because of the Bad Street performance. Not even the inclusion of the late Freebird members sons on stage (which was touching, and one of the examples of what I mentioned earlier). It was because of one thing. Hayes' reference to the "Plane Ride From Hell". For those unaware, on that plane ride back to the US a lot of things happened (youtube some shoot interviews). Most notably Michael Hayes being so wasted that he was in the aisle, thinking that he was in that stall, trying to unzip his pants so he take a piss. Funny. Not done. Obviously Michael was "aiming" into the seats. His selected seat? Linda McMahon. Ya. Linda was in the front row for the Hall Of Fame ceremony, and was so "cool" with it all. Appeared to be at least, but then again The McMahon's have never been called snobs and are always portrayed in real life as normal regular people who happen to be loaded.

Closing things out was Sting's induction. Many who watched I am sure are focusing on what happened like myself. Sting officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling. He did say that it wasn't the last we saw of him. Which I am thinking, although we won't get Undertaker V Sting as a full length match, at Wrestlemania 32 we will at least have them together in the ring for what will still be a massive Wrestlemania moment.

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. 

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!