The preshow featured a Tag Team Fatal Four-Way for the titles. I didn't realize this wasn't going to be included on the main card, but then again I have missed the last couple of Raw episodes having been so busy. It's too bad this couldn't have been saved for the show because it was pretty decent. I'm glad they were able to retain the titles as well. Although, in a sense, it kind of felt as though The Usos defending the Tag Team titles was not as important as the other feature and title matches. I enjoy The Usos and see big things for them in the future. Speaking of big things, what about Antonio Cesaro ladies and gents? I am so glad he's finally cutting Swagger and
Even after 30 years, Hulkamania was still running wild as Hulk Hogan opened the show as this year's host of WrestleMania. I'm sure it was just his enthusiasm that got the better of him when he botched the cheap pop for New Orleans by referring to the dome as the Silverdome. Wrong city, bro. But funny as hell. And then the glass breaks. What?! Here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin, straight from the Broken Skull Ranch. He continues to get the crowd riled up with excitement, and ribs Hogan for his cheap pop botch. Even funnier. And then that other familiar music hits..we smell it! The Rock has come back to WrestleMania! He can't help but take his dig at Hogan's botch either, and cuts a damn fine promo paying homage to his childhood hero Hogan and his nemesis from the Attitude Era, Stone Cold. If ever there was a three-way match that never but should have happened, this is it. Hogan was also from my childhood, and Rock and Austin were my young adulthood. Three of the biggest stars of the WWE ever were getting this show off to a great start, I couldn't have written it better. And of course, what's a Stone Cold appearance without some brews? Beer bath all around!
Daniel Bryan and Triple H. Everything I expected, and yes even Bryan winning. There was internet talk of Trips screwing Bryan over as per usual. But I truly felt that if they had started off the show like that, fans would've started tossing their thousand dollar chairs and trash into the ring. Brutal action, but excellent job from both men. Hunter looked better than ever, from his entrance all the way to the pin.
The Shield handled Kane and The New Age Outlaws. And that's that. Throwaway match I think should've been for the preshow.
For the first time in WrestleMania history, we had the 30-Superstar Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. I suppose this is a bit of Royal Rumble status in that the winner should be getting a big push. And of course, he also gets the bragging rights as the first holder of that beautiful 5-foot gold trophy. When it came down to Big Show and Cesaro as the final two, I'm sure a lot of folks figured Show to be the winner. But lo and behold, Cesaro lifted that 400+ pound man over his shoulders and tossed him over the top rope to the amazement of everyone. Well done Cesaro, you totally deserved it.
I know the whole John Cena and Bray Wyatt storyline has been intensifying lately, but unfortunately as I said, I missed the last couple of weeks. Even so, I knew this match was going to be pretty emotion driven. It may seem cheesy to the Cena haters, but I get it. Cena is the hero, especially to the kids. They can't see their hero lose it and go batshit crazy by getting overly violent on his opponent. But that's what Bray wanted. He got a little of it at the end when Cena picked up that metal chair and swung at Bray, but missed and hit Erick Rowan instead. Still, Cena wins and the kiddies still love him. He really looked like he wanted to call his momma after that match. Oh, and big ups to the crowd singing "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" in response to Bray Wyatt. That gave me a good giggle! Bray Wyatt is nuts and he's got the goods in the ring. Those are two of the most important factors needed to be a star in this company.
And now we come to the talk of the night--The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. To add a little bit to my Facebook status earlier, I must say that I am still a little confused. I'm wondering if the match was set to go down the way it did. Brock looked just as shocked as everyone else. His music didn't hit right away. But then again, that all could've just been for dramatic effect. Take a look see here, but hurry before it gets taken down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkEK1Z8M_YI&feature=youtu.be
Those crowd reactions though! I just can't.... If you missed my Facebook status, I basically said that as much as it hurt, it appears to be what Taker wanted. He has always had say as to what he wants in his WrestleMania matches and opponents. So if it was time for him to have the streak ended, whether it was an even number or not, he must have seen something in Brock Lesnar to be willing to lay down to him. Yes, Lesnar has lost the respect of some fans in his part-time status with the company as of late. Even though we don't get The Undertaker full-time either, he has good reason to take the nearly year-long break he's taken every year recently due to his health. Brock is young and in better condition than Taker, so if he wants to be taken seriously, he needs to stick around and prove it. Anyway, it is what it is, and the show goes on. The Undertaker has given us so much more to be happy about and we should be grateful for that. If this is the end of the road for him, then it's the way he wanted to go out. He will always be one of the greatest. Again, thank you Taker. If the talk of him getting into the Hall Of Fame next year in San Jose comes to fruition, I will definitely have to make the trip next April!
The wind was taken out of that place after that match, and then it was time for the Divas Championship Invitational. I'm sorry, but obviously at this point no one really cared. I felt bad for the girls having to come in after all that chaos. And then to just have AJ retain the title, even after all that hype of her potentially meeting her demise to drop it was so lame. I like a good crop of the Divas, but they need to be given a better chance at showcasing their talent. Leaving the Divas Championship on AJ after such a long stretch makes it seem as though the other ladies just don't have anything to offer. I see a good grip of them working hard to be taken seriously, namely Brie Bella, Naomi, Natalya, heck even Tamina for Christ's sake. But I guess they're just gonna have to be put on the back burner for a little while longer. I hope things are different next year. Another thing--NXT. The girls there have got some damn good things going on that we all have yet to see. I've seen some of those things, and for the sake of the women's division, they better get those girls in the spotlight by next year.
Still recovering from Taker and Brock, I now began to fear a major screwjob for Daniel Bryan in the main event with Randy Orton and Batista. The match was action-packed and intense for all three. Yeah we got a little scare there with Triple H and Stephanie interfering. But thank God almighty, Daniel Bryan made Batista tap out for the win! This really could've gone any which way, but I am very very happy for and proud of Daniel Bryan. I've been following him and watching him since the indy days in the East Coast's Ring Of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerilla here in Southern California for the past 10 years. Just like all the other former indy stars who made it to the dance that I faithfully admired (CM Punk, e.g.), it feels like I'm watching my friends have their dreams come true. In a sense, I have. I had the privilege of meeting them in person and conversing from time to time as well. These guys sacrificed a lot to get to where they have gotten, and continue to stay humble. I believe that is one of the main reasons why Daniel Bryan has earned the mainstream respect and success. True fans of the business know someone like Daniel Bryan is what this business needs. He is an entertainer, but most importantly, a wrestler. I mean, that is what this business is supposed to be about, right? Wrestling! American Dragon, Bryan Danielson--Congratulations! And best wishes on your wedding next week to Brie Bella. A WWE Title and a bride all within a week, can't get no better.
As it goes, I get a little peeved with a few things after WrestleMania every year. But this one didn't leave very much to complain about. Hissy fits aside, it was a wonderful showing that will be talked about for years. Obviously so, as I was inspired to stop and ramble on here while my mind was fresh with emotion. I read a funny Facebook status earlier in the day that said if Daniel Bryan loses, they would boycott wrestling until Raw tomorrow night. My sentiments exactly, friend. Fortunately, we didn't have to do that tonight. And Raw starts in about 22 hours from now, so get ready!
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