Ladies and gents, another Wrestlemania has come and gone. Was it good? Yes. Was it great? No. But all in all, I feel the product was solid, and worthy of the price tag (and J paid the price tag, so it’s all gravy.)
Naturally, the strongest match was the HBK Taker matchup. What was so good about it? Well, you had two of the best to ever do it performing on the biggest stage of em all. The hype was good, the segments were dam near flawless, and they pulled out all the stops for their encounter. Granted, there was simply no way HBK would win because it wouldn’t elevate him at all, but he went out there and made us believe that if he did win it wouldn’t be for shame.
This match, however good it was, was not the main event. That went to the Orton/HHH match. The buildup was great, and the match itself solid, but I can’t say I really understood the outcome. For all the work they did to make Orton look unstoppable, HHH came out on top, and came out fairly dominant in the end. I’m not one of those guys who take every chance he has to bash Hunter, but I just don’t feel there was any reason to have him defeat Randy.
The other world title match was just fine for what it was. I’m a John Cena fan, and though I can understand why he gets a bum rap, he continues to go all out each and every week and I reward that. Edge is one of my favorite guys in the business, and he always puts on a great show. So did the Big Show, who will always be more athletic than he ever gets credit for. Cena getting the belt back feels VERY temporary, and were gonna have to pay attention to how long that lasts.
The only heel to actually pull out a victory was Matt Hardy, in a match that was well executed and told one hell of a story. Matt and Jeff have grown by leaps and bounds as singles competitors. Here’s hoping they get drafted to different shows, so that they can both continue their ascents to stars.
Money in the Bank was more of the same, in that again, we got to see the talent that exists in the upper-mid card. Kofi Kingston joined Shelton Benjamin In the “if I only had a manager I’d be world champ” club, which could double as the “I’m the best SVR player in the company club.” Good to see MVP get face chants, and everyone have a role in the match. I’ ma big CM Punk fan, but I don’t really understand why he got eh nod here… Woulda loved to see my guy Christian get the W, but you know I mark out for Canada like that…
I loved the Jericho vs. the Legends match. If you’ve never watched the Steamboat/
Savage match from Wrestlemania 3, you don't know what you’ve been missing. Those two could have gone another half hour, and Jericho showed why pound for pound he’s the best thing left from the “attitude” era. Rourke getting that shot in on him was cool with me, and in my eyes that guy is gold. He used to roll with ‘Pac, remember?
The Divas match was good for Nostalgia purposes. Natalya’s gonna be a star guys, her look is good, and she can strike an anime pose like nobody’s business. And if you don’t know why her execution is so crisp, think about her lineage…
Mysterio always pulls out great WM outfits, and the Joker getup was gold. The quick defeat of JBL and his post-match resignation reminded me that he was the guy who made John Cena four years ago.
I was very disappointed that we didn’t get to see the tag title match on the broadcast. Miz/Morrison and the Colons and magic in the ring, and I may have to cop the DVD just to bear witness.
Again, in all, a solid Wrestlemania… but here’s hoping things keep an upswing, or that TNA puts some pressure on the big boys…
