Wrestlemania In Tumultuous Times

We live in cynical times, during these times it can be difficult to find the positive in a world so intent on pointing out the faults. Today, I was supposed to be getting ready to join 70,000+ who would-be jam-packing Raymond James Stadium for WrestleMania 36. It would be inconceivable to think that despite the circumstances a small part of me is not disappointed, and yet I am not so jaded as not to realize what the WWE has done this weekend. For a few hours, they have done what they do best, they have given us a diversion from the plight of the world and allowed us to suspend disbelief while they play in the fictional world of Vince McMahons’ imagination.  

WrestleMania 36 is unique from just about any that you can think of, and yet it does not deserve the disparagement it is receiving, the world over. These superstars are doing the only thing they are capable of doing, entertaining. The matches may be different, and there certainly will be no pop from the masses, and yet they are putting their heart and soul into this show. For those performing in there first, there is no disillusionment, it is not the same, however they are reaching the pinnacle of a career for which they have trained for most of their lives. For those who are veterans of the “grandest stage”, it is an opportunity once again to show that they belong in the showcase of the immortals.

Letdown comes in many forms as the weeklong series of events which precede WrestleMania needed to be cancelled. This would mean that a hall of fame class would, for now, miss the night for which they have been waiting, the fans would be missing the opportunity to meet their favorite superstars at fan axxess, and NXT would lose the opportunity to Takeover Tampa Bay. Clearly, all of this is trivial when contrasted to the events going on in the world today, and we would be naïve not to acknowledge that.  

This year the show was split among two nights and billed as “too big for one night”, this is seemingly a perfect time to gauge the reaction of the fanbase to potentially continuing to do a two-night show. Ironically enough, the most positive reaction to show has been based on this decision as it dissuades the fatigue that we have become accustomed to from a 9-hour show. While I will be the first to admit that some of the finishes to the matches were a bit unorthodox, overall night one saw many notable moments.

In the first match of the night, we would see new Women’s tag team champions as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross would defeat the Kabuki Warriors in one of the most entertaining matches of the night. Elias would then take down King Corbin to gain his first singles win at WrestleMania. Becky Lynch v Shayna Baszler was a slugfest, presenting offensive bursts from both athletes. Ultimately, Lynch would retain in a finish reminiscent of Bret Hart vs Roddy Piper from WrestleMania XIII as Lynch would roll through the Kirifuda Clutch.

The Intercontinental Title would be retained by Sami Zayn in a match that saw him play the “Chicken Heel” masterfully.  In one of the more unusual and physical matches of the evening, the Smackdown tag team championship would be defended as 1 member of each team would compete in a ladder match.  This match had many twists, turns, and bumps as well an incredible move which saw Morrison walk across the top rope in an effort to retain. This match would end with all three men holding the title holder before Morrison would unhook the titles while falling backwards off the ladder.

We have a new 24/7 champion as Mojo Rawley would pin R-Truth. The 3 main matches of night one would see Kevin Owens defeat Seth Rollins after an amazing dive off of the top of the WrestleMania sign and slamming Rollins through the announce table.  In a somewhat unforgettable match, Braun Strowman defeated Goldberg for the Universal Championship. It will be interesting to see where they go with Strowman as the new champion.

Lastly was the “Boneyard Match” which in the eyes of many was the match of the night. The Undertaker arrived on a motorcycle as a combination of “Big Evil” and the “American Badass”. The cinematic style with which this match would be filmed would truly be a work of art.  Amongst the graveyard, the Phenom would battle the members of the OC and just when it seemed like Styles had the upper hand, the “Dead Man” would disappear from the grave, only to show up behind A.J and Bury him alive.  This is a match that truly needs to be watched to be appreciated and is a clear sign that the Undertaker is not done with his ever evolving and remarkable career. He is now 25-2 at WrestleMania.

Night two remains ahead of us, a beacon of light, during dark times. As we watch, I only hope that we can appreciate these men and women for entertaining us with our shared love of sports entertainment. Know that the distraction is much appreciated and while the masses may be negative, there is a small but loyal fanbase who are grateful for the small sense in normalcy in our lives. I for one have enjoyed this most unique of WrestleMania shows and am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for the WWE.