Seems there was quite a bit of disappointment after the big show, but it wasn’t all “meh”
Wrestlemania is the showcase of the immortals, but there was a lot lacking from the show this year. It didn’t quite feel like the grandest stage of them all in a lot of cases.
I think a lot of focus was put on a couple of matches, and those matches weren’t played out correctly on the card. The undercard matches for the most part were good, but it was a case of “too little, too late” for a few matches.
Bad planning and lack of “big fight” feel to some of the matches hurt the show, but I really don’t think it was as terrible as some may think.
Here are my match-by-match thoughts.
The Undertaker vs. CM Punk
For years now, I think the challenge against The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania streak has been the favorite of the night. And I think this year was no exception.
The Streak match tends to follow different standards. The storyline is always brought about quickly, but is always played out really well. We expect a great match, and it’s always the best of the night.
Against a storyteller like CM Punk, a wrestler like CM Punk there was never any doubt that this match would be great. Perhaps it wasn’t as great as previous years’, but with the rumors of whether ‘Taker would even be ready by WM time, you have to expect it. And even still, these two guys gave a great match that the crowd loved.
They did their jobs and they did them well. I wouldn’t mind seeing them go again. Their place on the card might have had something to do with it. I’m all for the last match being a title match, but with that, The Undertaker and CM Punk had to have gone on earlier in the night. Let the crowd rest a bit before throwing two other main events at them.
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
It’s tricky to follow The Undertaker’s match with two other huge main events. Maybe they were hoping to piggy back on that momentum, but that just didn’t happen. Unfortunately, the last two matches suffered the consequences.
On any other night, this match would have been a crowd favorite. Wrestlemania isn’t just any other night, and to go on right after The Undertaker’s match – that’s a tough job.
Brock and Triple H had a really good, hard-hitting match, but with a subdued crowd, it wasn’t as good as it could have been.
The Rock vs. John Cena
I was really looking forward to some big Wrestlemania entrances for The Rock and John Cena, and was disappointed.
Not entirely sure how I feel about the ending of the match either. I’m glad Cena won, the WWE title hasn’t meant a thing since The Rock beat CM Punk. But… I wanted more. The match was too long, the crowd wasn’t entirely into it, and the ending was too campy, and we didn’t even get those big, Wrestlemania-worthy entrances.
On the other hand, I completely get it. The fans didn’t get the chance to really tear into Cena because they were busy cheering The Rock. Cena gets the clean win, Rock gets his cheers. I get it, not sure how much I liked it though.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger
While I was hoping for the start of Jack Swagger’s America, it wasn’t going to happen.
I’ve been a big fan of Swagger’s since the get-go, so I’m disappointed this match had to be played out with his court day in mind. It could have been a great move for him, but it’ll have to wait until his future is cleared up. I’m assuming this means we’re moving closer to Dolph Ziggler’s cash-in, which I’m looking forward to.
Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show vs. The Shield
I’m glad The Shield got the victory. They are a cohesive unit and rightfully should have the edge over a thrown-together team like the Big Celtic Vipers. And I’m glad Big Show has remained a heel during this time.
That said, I’m still really unsure of Orton’s role in this. I was expecting a heel turn, but nope. Orton’s known for not playing well with others, so why is he now buddies with Sheamus? I was expecting something from him.
Good match though. Right team won.
Ryback vs. Mark Henry
I liked the build up for this match much, much more than I liked the actual payoff. I thought from the beginning that this could have been a great gimmick match for Wrestlemania. Something like a bodyslam challenge, I think would have been good. RyBack would have gotten a great reaction from something like that whether he won or not.
Mark Henry got the win, but RyBack got the last word – I guess it worked until next month.
WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No vs. Dolph Ziggler & Big E Langston
This was a good match, but I think there was something missing from it. Maybe it needed more crazy AJ?
The right guys won though. Dolph will have his time when he cashes in that Money in the Bank briefcase.
Chris Jericho vs. Fandango
I wasn’t too thrilled when this match was made, but hindsight is 20/20.
Chris Jericho did his job – he made Fandango look good and Fandango got the win.
Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett vs. The Miz (Interactive Pre-Show Match)
For being a four-hour show, there should have been room for this match on the main card. The match was decent, nothing too special, but for Miz to win the title on the pre-show was sort of silly.
He’s needed something big to get him out of his slump, winning the IC title could have done it, but on the pre-show it’s almost like it didn’t happen.
Tons of Funk & The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins
Again, for being a four hour show this advertised match should have been on the card. At the very least, it should have been on the hour-long pre-show.
I think even more than the guys, the Divas in this match were hurt by it being dropped. The Bellas and Naomi and Cameron could have really shined for the Divas division. Especially since the Divas title wasn’t on the card at all.
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