Why R-Truth?: Five Alternative Choices

After Fast Lane, it looked like the feud between Wade Barrett and Dean Ambrose was just starting. Barrett retained the title by DQ but Ambrose stole the title. Seemed like the two were on a collision course for WrestleMania. But after Monday Night Raw it seems like more wrestlers are going to be added to the Intercontinental title match. Dolph Ziggler beat Wade Barrett which surely puts him in title contention. It would be nice to see Dolph higher up the card but with Mania’s card stacked, I have no problem seeing him challenge for the IC title. It also seems like the WWE are going to add a fourth man into the title hunt, R-Truth. Yeah, why? He was out on commentary, he pinned Barrett on the previous Smackdown and tried to get #GiveTruthaChance trending only for it to be overshadowed by the Divas hashtag.

The “truth” of the matter is the man formerly known as Ron Killings should be nowhere near any title match. He hasn’t done anything relevant in years and his gimmick is stale. I’m not trying to discount him, he’s a decent worker and his intro gives him a good pop from any crowd. However, he should just stick to putting over talent. Either for superstars on their way to title shots or recently debuted guys from NXT. Here’s five alternative superstars who could take Truth’s place in the IC title match:

1) The Miz: This would be the logical choice. Miz is a good talent and is one of the best when it comes to drawing heat. He would fit straight in alongside Barrett, Ambrose and Ziggler. Add in Mizdow at ringside it would sure be fun to watch. Have Mizdow earn Miz’s title shot but “A-Lister” refuse his stunt double into the match. This would lead to the ‘Mania four way where Mizdow would finally fight back against Miz. This stuff practically writes itself, it’s just a shame Miz has already entered himself into the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.

2) Jack Swagger: Like Miz, Swagger is a guy who could fit right in the four way. He brings a bit of star power and his “We the People” chant keeps the crowd on his side. It’s strange when you hear “former World champion, Jack Swagger” but putting him in the Intercontinental title hunt would in part make up for that. He is more than likely going to be entered into the Andre the Giant Battle Royal where his size will make him a threat.

3) Luke Harper: Remember when this guy was Intercontinental Champion? Yeah, it seems ages ago. His reign was so insignificant. Harper is defiantly a talent but he is being severely underused. I find it odd booking that the Big Show and Kane are booked so strong, when they could be building Harper up in that role. The former Wyatt Family member would be a welcome addition to the four way and would boost the match quality of the bout.

4) Curtis Axel: Was it a bad booking or was it their plan all along? I’m talking about AxelMania. If it was their plan to have Axel claim he is the real Royal Rumble winner then why haven’t they capitalised on it properly. It also came outta nowhere as Axel recently showed up on NXT in a losing effort. He didn’t need to be pushed to the moon but he’s jobbed ever since the Rumble. It would have made more sense for him to use it as leverage to earn himself a shot at the title his father made famous.

5)  Adrian Neville: I like going for a wildcard choice last. Neville has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is one of the best athletes going (not just in NXT but in the entire WWE). But the fact is, he’s outgrown NXT. He’s faced everyone there is to face and it is time he moved up to the main roster. I would imagine this would come after ‘Mania but why not do it before? He would be a great addition to the match and the fans would instantly take to him.

That’s only five options for R-Truth’s replacement, there were plenty of choices. The only way I would accept him in a ‘Mania match is if he was retiring or going to retire. Maybe I am jumping the gun, there is still a strong possibility that he won’t be involved in the ‘Mania match itself but just in the build-up of the storyline. Which would be a cause for relief.

What’s your thoughts on R-Truth? Who would you rather see? Woo Woo, Zack Ryder? Let me know @marcusandberg

Roman Reigns: The Beginning of an Empire

So its official, after a rocky road Roman Reigns is now on his way to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Reigns is not a man backed by the whole of the WWE Universe. But at Fast Lane, Reigns went some way to winning over his non-believers.

Reign’s main event match with Daniel Bryan was a typical big PPV main event. Both men ended up looking strong and the story telling of the bout was done fantastically. Before the event, Bryan pointed out on the mic that while Reigns was the stronger and more powerful superstar, Bryan was the better wrestler. This theme continued into the match, as Bryan locked in the holds but Reigns looked beastly, powering out and pounding D-Bry with fists. The match wore on with both men kicking out of each others finishers. Reigns’ recent injury was played on and he sold that well (unlike the man Roman keeps being compared to, John Cena). Reigns eventually got the win, countering a Running Knee with a Spear.

There are always going to be those who believe that the only reason that match was good was because of Bryan. Let’s be honest here, Bryan could wrestle The Great Khali and put on a good match. But this match is just an example of what Reigns can do. I’m not claiming that Reigns is going to be putting on the match of the night every night. There’s plenty of other guys who can take that crown (Rollins, Ziggler and Bryan stand-up) but at least we know, given the right opponent, Reigns can deliver. That has to bode well for the future.

At Fast Lane the boo’s for the Reigns wasn’t as loud as the Rumble. At times there was as many chants for Roman as there were against him. But there is still some distance to go. WWE did all they could to put Roman over in the fans eyes: they had The Rock put him over, they had him win the Royal Rumble and they had they’re top face put him over and shake his hand. But will they ever get the entire crowd behind Roman? No.

The problem with the 2015 Royal Rumble Winner is that he has been built in the John Cena mould. But it is unfair to constantly compare Reigns to Cena. We have only seen part of what Reigns can do, his real challenge will come when he becomes Champion. And that starts now, he is going to be the focus of the shows leading to ‘Mania. And the bookers will have to work hard to put over his match with Lesnar without having the Champion appearing regularly (A WrestleMania theme going by the other matches: Sting/HHH and ‘Taker/Wyatt).

Sadly, some people are never going to accept Reigns (hell, at Fast Lane, I saw a grown man in a Cena shirt booing Reigns, what’s going on there?) But I think we should. It’s harsh to discount Reigns after not really seeing what he can do. And since winning the Rumble he has been booked as a true badass. Reigns is here for the long run, whether we like it or not. Reigns himself, has done no wrong, so why boo him? I’m looking forward to see how they build up to his match with Lesnar. I’m not expecting a classic but it should be a fight. And you can believe that.

What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns? Are you looking forward to Lesnar versus Reigns? Let me know @marcusandberg

Random Review: Fully Loaded 2000

The event opens with a cool hype video. The tagline is “The Crap Shoot”. I understand the gambling link but that’s an awful tagline. The video focuses on four men: Rock, ‘Taker, HHH, Angle, Jericho and Benoit. I thought it was some six-way challenge bout. Instead the titan-tron hypes up a “Triple Main Event” and one of them is a Last Man Standing too. Sounds good.

 

We open with the Hardy Boys and Lita versus Trish Stratus, Test and Albert in a six-person inter-gender bout. The video package beforehand focuses on divas, which is odd. But considering the crowd are chanting for Lita the entire match, it’s the right call.  The Hardy’s are the epitome of tag team wrestling and hit their usual tag combos. There’s some cool spots from Lita too, who picks up the win with the Moonsault. Excellent opener, you couldn’t have asked for a better match to warm the crowd up. Trish attacks Lita post match and whips her (not like that).

Backstage, Edge tells Commissioner Mick Foley that his tag partner, Christian is too ill to compete. Foley doesn’t believe Edge. Interesting, wonder where they’re going with this. Also happening backstage, the Undertaker arrives on his motorbike (in his awesome American Badass gimmick). He spots Angle and chases him down the corridor on the bike. Angle then manages to evade him. Damn cool segment.

Next up is Tazz versus Al Snow. It’s a surprisingly good match. Surprising to Jerry Lawler on commentary too, who runs down Snow as a nobody. There’s some innovative moves and moves you don’t usually see in this short contest. Snow even busts out a moonsault or should that be a snowsault? Tazz gets the win and looks good in the process, shame this push wouldn’t last.
 

Backstage again with E&C. Foley comes in while Christian is puking. Is Edge going to have a replacement partner? Triple H and Stephanie are watching the screen from their room. There’s loads of flowers but they’re not from HHH. The note inside the flowers says “it’s true, it’s damn true,” but I have a feeling it’s not from Angle.
 

It’s time for “Latino Heat” and the European Championship match. Eddie is up against the odd looking Perry Saturn. His selling matches his look. Odd. Chyna is out with Eddie while Terri came out with Perry but got scared by Chyna and ran away. Eddie keeps hitting hurricanrana’s, why does he keep hitting them? Chyna gets involved and late in the match Saturn hits her with a clothesline and she falls through the Spanish Announce table. This allows Terri to run out and hit the low blow for the win. New Champ!

Backstage again for the latest in the series of segments with Edge, Christian and Mick Foley. The Commissioner find out Christian has been lying and orders them to defend the belts tonight. Meanwhile, The Undertaker is interviewed by Michael Cole but gets distracted when he sees Angle riding his bike. ‘Taker then gives chase. I don’t want to link this up to modern day but the way ‘Taker is perceived here is how Roman Reigns should be. Says what he needs to say, gets the business done and looks like a total badass.

Edge and Christian are now out to defend the Tag Team titles. They get cheap heat by running down the crowd before the Acolytes come down. Bradshaw defends the homecrowd, it’s strange to think this guy would go onto become a World Champion and then a great commentator. Bradshaw and Faarooq brawl with E&C before the champions use heel tactics to take control. Those simple promos at the start have made the fans care about this match. Sadly it ends in an intentional DQ from Edge and Christian, the two teams brawl to the back, I assume this feud will continue.

More segments. 1) There’s a strange Big Boss Man promo where he checks someone’s ID in Times Square. Oh, and he’s dressed as a member of the Shield. 2) Triple H is backstage with Stephanie. The Game decides he is going after Kurt for sending all these flowers to his wife. 3) The Undertaker gives chase to Kurt but the Olympic Gold Medalist outsmarts him with an attack with a wrench from behind. Angle focuses on the injured knee of ‘Taker.

There’s been a steel cage hanging above the ring all night. I assumed it was for one of the three main event matches. But it’s for the Intercontinental title match between Rikishi and champion Val Venis. Teddy Long is out referee playa, better watch he doesn’t make this a tag match. I forget that Venis was so high up the card in these days. I don’t know what gimmick he has here. He comes out with Trish. They do the usual, I-throw-you-into-the-cage spot before ’Kishi sells a clothesline like a cruiserweight. Impressive. Val gets busted open and ‘Kishi begins to leave but Trish smashes the door in his face! Lita then comes running out to another huge pop, he starts whipping Trish to the back. Teddy Long then takes a bump as ‘Kishi begins to leave over the top. But he gets to the top and decides he wants to dive instead. Kishi nerviously moves to the middle of the cage, looks the camera dead in the eye then hits a huge splash from the top of the cage. SUPERFLY KISHI! I did not expect that. Both men stay down until 'Kishi begins to exit through the door. But Tazz appears and hits ‘Kishi with a camera allowing Val to exit and retain. Surprisingly good cage match.
 
Backstage we get shown footage of Kurt attacking the Undertaker again. Then live footage of ‘Taker wiping off a 30 days without accident sign, ha. Then we cut to Triple H who finds who has been sending flowers. He enters a room and there are some sounds before Chris Jericho emerges and HHH is left on the floor. Simple stuff but all these short segments add extra heat to the feuds.

Shane O’Mac is out in wrestling gear but he’s not wrestling, damn. He has the Rock’s “Just Bring It” shirt on. It's about time we see a promo hyping up the title match, everything else has been built up. He calls out “The People’s Champion” who soon appears. The Rock says it’s a set-up, says Benoit is hiding and jokes that he is up Shane’s candy ass. Benoit appears on the screen backstage, cuts a short promo and rips up rocks clothes. Oh, this feud just got personal.

Onto the first of the triple main events, we are shown an Angle versus ‘Taker hype video. Angle looks great in this. At first he didn't want to fight ‘Taker. He even tried making up for damaging ‘Taker’s bike by buying him a scooter. Angle is so scared that 'Taker will get payback that he is frightened by his own pyro. Lawler comments it’s the “American Badass versus the great American hero.”

Onto the match, ‘Taker interrupts Angle’s entrance and gets the match going early. There’s a brief fight in crowd before the match officially begins. The Undertaker is in full control, even breaking up his own pin counts. On the outside, Angle turns the tide by using the wrench on the injured knee. Kurt gets “The Deadman” back in the ring and focuses on knee with submissions. ‘Taker fights back and hits a Chokeslam followed by a Last Ride. For the pretty easy win.

Backstage, The Rock is back in his locker room looking at his ripped clothing. Nobody messes with the Rock’s silk shirts dammit!

 

Next up is our second main event, hopefully it’s better than the last one. Triple H faces Chris Jericho in a Last Man Standing match. It’s only the second LMS match in WWE history. Loving the old school music. “Yo Jimmy, hit me with that Triple H.” (I now have to resist the urge not to dig out my old Playstation and play old Smackdown games). HHH controls the match and I’m immediately thinking this is going to be one-sided like the last bout. There’s a referee bump and Stephanie gets in the ring but takes the Walls of Jericho. Triple H gets busted open bad from a chairshot, as if someone poured a red paint tub over his head which allows Jericho to get in offence and look good. Someone needs to tell the referee the rules of a Last Man Standing bout, he really doesn't know what he's doing. They fight to the outside where they both nearly KO each other with the announce table monitors. Y2J tries to put HHH through the table. But “The Game” fights back and hits a back body drop off the time-keepers table through the announce table. The referee begins the count and it looks like it will be a double count out but Triple H gets to his feet on 10 then falls. Referee awards the match to Triple H. Damn good match, maybe not as good as a Last Man Standing match should be, but maybe that’s me comparing it to today’s standards.

And into the third and final main event, here we go. The Rock versus Chris Benoit hype video is shown, there’s an awkward statement by JR about how ruthless Benoit is but I think there’s one of them in any of his matches. I think this might be my first Benoit match I’ve watched since he died. Because of how heated this match is (they keep attacking each other with chairs), Foley made a stip that if The Rock loses by DQ he will lose the belt. Why didn’t he just make this the Last Man Standing bout? That would have made more sense.

Onto the match, Benoit wears a ripped Rock shirt and has Shane O’Mac at ringside. The crowd loves The Rock, he gets the biggest pop of the night and that continues into the match as Rocky goes right on the offence. There’s lots of Shane interference and distractions but he’s sloppy early on. It’s like Rock and Benoit are waiting for him. After one Shane interference, Rock ends up being clotheslined into the crowd. The Rock fights back using a fans drink to hit the challenger. But Benoit begins to control working over Rocky until the champ comes back with a Powerbomb but instead up dumping him back down he lifts him over into a kind of powerbomb/hotshot. Odd, dunno if that was a botch or just a very odd move. Rock hits the People’s Elbow but Shane delays the pin allowing the Benoit to recover in time to kick out. Shane continues to get involved, hitting Hebner with a chair from behind. The referee then sees Rock with the chair as he dumps it out of the ring. Rocky locks in the Crossface and the referee rings the bell. Wait. The referee thinks the Rock hit him with the chair so as per the stipulation, Benoit wins the title on DQ!

Shane hits The Rock with a jumping chair shot that leaves the former champ blooded. Shane and Benoit celebrate up the ramp, this can’t end like this! Here comes Mick Foley who is super over with the crowd. He helps his old Rock-n-Sock buddy by restarting the match since neither he or the audience saw a DQ. Rocky stumbles to his feet with blood dripping off his nose and motions to Just Bring It. Such an awesome visual. Benoit comes marching down to the ring and locks in the Crippler Crossface on The Rock. He looks like he might tap, then he looks like he might pass out. But he manages to get out of it and hit the Rock Bottom outta nowhere to retain.

 

Verdict: Overall, it’s a very good show. There’s not a single bad match on the entire card which is rare sight. I loved the segments throughout the night. They made me care about the tag title match and the main events. The only let down was Undertaker versus Angle as it lacked that “Main Event“ feel. One reason for this is because they wasn’t given enough time but it was WWF's fault building it up as one of the 'Triple Main Events'. In conclusion, it's definitely a card to take time out to watch. Even though there are a few big names missing (Big Show, Kane and the literal poster-boy Stone Cold), this show really typifies the era.

Kevin Owens: Hostile Takeover

Tonight, NXT presents their latest WWE Network Takeover entitled Rival. The show is headlined by best friends turned bitter enemies, NXT Champion Sami Zayn taking on Kevin Owens. It is ‘bout to be a classic. But could WWE have built it up better. Especially Owens. Who aside from his debut has been pretty bland. I would even go as far as to say, if he wasn’t the former Kevin Steen I would be dead against him getting a title bout so fast. Here’s five ways in which Owens could have been booked stronger.

1) Beat Adrian Neville: When Owens faced Neville on 12/18 it was another in a line of NXT Main Event classics. It is a shame that the match ended in a double countout. It was a small blemish in an otherwise perfect match. Owens getting the win over the former NXT Champ would have made his rise to the championship easier. It would have also given him the chance to debut or establish a finisher (possibly his sick pop-up Powerbomb). Owens didn’t even have to pin or submit Neville, he could have rolled in the ring at the 9 count and won via count-out.

2) More Matches: So far Owens’ in ring NXT career consists of a win over jobber CJ Parker and the aforementioned draw with Neville. Is that really enough to be challenging for the belt? I understand that NXT has some limitations. 1) the shows only being one hour long and 2) Squash matches would be comparing Owens to the likes of Baron Corbin and Bull Dempsey. A good strong win over one of NXT’s bigger names would have done wonders. It wouldn’t have even had to have been a main event. One match would have done.

 

3) Promos, Promos, Promos: Having Zayn injured and off TV would have been the perfect opportunity for Owens to gloat. Owens is a god on the mic and a promo in front of the rowdy NXT crowd would have done him many favours for those not familiar with him. I get that they didn’t want him to explain too much but he could easily done some cryptic messages or fables. His mic work so far has been lacking, he could be the best in the whole of the WWE if given the chance. Why haven’t they utilised this yet?

4) Full Interview with Renee Young: Carrying on from the last point, here’s a promo that actually happened. This could have been the moment that Owens owned, instead it was pointless and forgettable. He sat down for an interview then walked out, that’s it. They were trying to put over his character but Owens could have done so much more if he spoke. He still could have walked out and kept his mystique but give him some damn mic time.

5) Turned Super Heel at Contract Signing: So they finally did give the man the mic. And he played it well. He reminded me of a comic book supervillain, Lex Luthor-esq. The way he moulded Zayn into what he wanted and got the title shot. They’ve done well to play up this since with Zayn admitting that Owen pushed his buttons to get what he wanted. However, what would have worked much better and put Owens over as the mega heel, is for him to have been on the attack. Not to attack Zayn but Regal. How cool would have it to have been to see Owens hold Regal hostage, so that he could get a title shot? Zayn having to give into Owens demands and grant his rival a title bout. Of course being a super douche, Owens would beat up Regal anyway. Adds an extra level of heat to this already spicy feud.

But when NXT Takeover Rival starts, no-one is going to worry about how Owens has been built up. Like always, NXT Takeover looks an incredible card and will be a great show. And Owens versus Zayn will be the cherry on the top. The only real question is who will walk out as champion.

Will Kevin Owens capture the NXT title? Or will Zayn defeat his blood rival? Let me know @marcusandberg

Rebooked: Wyatt versus Taker

Rebooking Undertaker at WrestleMania 31
Continuing from current booking.

 

RAW Feb 9th
Bray Wyatt appeared on the big screen, darkness all around him. He was rocking in his chair with the lantern in his hand. He walks towards the camera with the lantern held up to illuminate his face.

“Home. Home is where the heart is. But I have no heart… And I know you don’t too. For you made a deal with a devil. And so did I. This Faustian pact we’ve made runs deep. DEEP INTO OUR VERY BLOOD! We can’t escape it, oh no, we can never run from it. It is in us. In both of us. It makes up the very essence of us. But there is one way to kick it out. That is to beat it out. Do you want me to put you to rest? You, the wounded animal. I, the merciful. I will lay you to rest.”
----

Later on in the show, the “Eater of Worlds” took on his former friend Erick Rowan. Wyatt was in full control. Erick got a few shots in but when the action spilled to the floor, Wyatt threw Rowan into the steel steps. Wyatt placed Rowan’s head over the steel steps and grabbed a chair. Standing on top of the steps with the chair in hand, Wyatt proclaimed “Let this be a message!” And then sandwiched Rowan’s head between the chair and the steps.

RAW Feb 16th
The big screen in the arena went black with Wyatt’s signature noise sounding. He began talking, still unseen.

“Isn’t it a strange phenomenon? Something that we all see with our own two eyes. It’s something we take for granted. Then when it happens. After years of triumph. The inevitable fall.”

A scull then appeared lit by a single lantern.

“A vision that shocked the world! Broke hearts and minds alike. Wasn’t it a sight. To have everything you have ever known questioned. Just think, what it was like to be you. To suffer such defeat after being the big dog for so long. Then you wander back in your cave, weakened, sad… alone. For a year you have dragged your feet and hidden your once fearful face. I can end this. I can put you out of your misery."

The scull moved out odd view and Wyatt’s face appears.

“Let me be the one.”

Wyatt laughs, holding the lantern in one hand and the scull in the other.
----

Later on in the show, we saw a clip from the after show of last week’s Raw. Erick Rowan swore revenge on Bray Wyatt and challenged him to a match at Fast Lane. This was then officially announced.


Fast Lane Feb 22nd

Erick Rowan made his way out first and waited for his former leader. Wyatt then walked to the ring in his usual manner. But with the scull from Raw in his hand. The match itself started with Rowan being the more aggressive out of the two. But a shot to Rowan’s throat turned the tides. Wyatt spoke throughout the match but it wasn’t clear what he was saying. On the outside, Wyatt threw Rowan into the barricade and the steel steps. “This is your future, this is your end.” Wyatt shouted. Back in the ring, a beaten Rowan didn’t stand much of a chance and soon fell to the Sister Abigail.

Wyatt celebrated his win, kneeling in the middle of the ring with his arms outstretched. Then…

Gong.

The lights went out and Wyatt sprung up to his feet. When the lights came back on Wyatt was standing. He looked around. “Is that all you got?” Wyatt screamed, “Your tricks don’t work on me.”

RAW Feb 23rd
Bray Wyatt took on Zakk Ryder. The match lasted less than three minutes. Ryder got one move in which was a dropkick. But Wyatt no sold it and clotheslined him. A Sister Abigail gave the win to “the New Face of Fear”. After the match Wyatt took a mic, he cradled Ryder in his lap and began to speak:

“You think you can scare me? I am a not a man, I am no mortal. For I fear nothing. But you. I am beginning to see through clear eyes now, that you, you are… you are just a man. Just a man. Unworthy to see me in my grander. I see now. OH NOW I SEE! That you are a man with a box of tricks. A conman, A LIAR! You are nothing. That is why I must see your destruction. That is why I must take your place as my own. I must take your mantle and become… a Phenom.”

RAW Mar 2nd
Gong.

The Undertaker’s music plays but Bray Wyatt comes out with lantern and an urn in his hands. In the ring stands his rocking chair. He puts one either side of him, and rests back in his chair. The arena in darkness with a spotlight on the chair, the urn and the lantern. He picked up a mic he began to quote Napoleon:

“'There is one kind of robber whom the law does not strike at, and who steals what is most precious to men: time.’ It is what has made you weak. The past was an easier time. When men were feared just by their name. This is not your time anymore. This is A NEW ERA. And a new era deserves a new leader. One who is strong enough to make the right call. One who does no petty tricks. Just like in the wild, in order to become the new leader, I must vanquish the old. Even if the old is weak and beaten. I must lay it to rest. I must finish the job and ensure that you…”

Wyatt stands up.

“REST IN PIECE.”

The fans begin to chant “This is awesome,” as Wyatt continues.

“But first, I must seek you out from your resting place. And drive that final stake into your cold dark heart. For it will be the final touch you will feel. Next week... (whispers) I will find you.”

RAW Mar 9th
We are shown a graveyard in darkness. The camera pans across this graveyard to Bray Wyatt. He has one arm resting on a gravestone and the other is holding the lantern. The camera moves closer and there are a team of men excavating a grave. As they begin to lift the coffin from the hole, Wyatt speaks:

“I know where you rest. I know who you are. I know that everything you say is a lie. And so let me ask you a question. Who is it who holds the keys to the Kingdom? The Kingdom of life and death, WHERE SOULS GO TO REST? Ha, it’s not you. What will become of you when you are done? When I send you on that road. Where will you go? Have you been a good man? Oh, no. May Lord have mercy on your soul, for you have sinned. You have sinned more than anyone else. And for that I will be your punisher. I will be your executioner. I will decide your fate.”

The men use a crowbar to open the coffin but leave the lid closed.

“You must be dealt with. No longer are you the dragon than needs to be fed. Ha, the Knight has already slain you. You have been bleeding out for too long. I am the dragon lord come to get rid of the pain. I have come for your head. So that I can bask in your glory become you. The new immortal. The life everlasting. The Deadman.”

Wyatt opens the coffin and inside is a sign for WrestleMania. He laughs and the camera pans to the gravestone which reads “Here Lies The Undertaker 1990-2015” and Wyatt’s signature noise screeches the promo to an end.


RAW Mar 16th
Bray Wyatt was in action as he faced off against Ryback. The match was pretty even early on with Ryback’s power game proving a problem for “The Pied Piper of Terror”. A superplex from Ryback left both men down. Then Wyatt sat up, a nod to his possible WrestleMania opponent. “The Eater of World’s” then took full control, with his vicious offence. Ryback soon fell to the Sister Abigail. Wyatt took the mic post match:

“This… this is a time for…”

Gong

The Undertaker’s music played and “The Deadman” made his way out onto the stage to an epic roar from the crowd. ‘Taker and Wyatt stared each other down before. The Undertaker dressed in his long black coat and black hat pointed at Wyatt and then slid his thumb across his throat. Wyatt just laughed.

RAW Mar 23rd
Bray Wyatt was shown backstage in the darkness, rocking in his chair. He stroked his beard and began to speak:

“So… it is accepted. After all this time. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show up. But when I saw you, when I saw you with my own two eyes it only confirmed what I always thought. You are just a man. A man with tricks and past glories. That is all you are. I laugh in your face. YOU ARE NOTHING! WrestleMania is your event. Or it was. It is no longer. This is your end. You… are a broken old… man. Finally, I have found my meaning. My belonging. It is to end you and become a Deadman. To become a Phenom. To become the next Undertaker. To strike fear in the hearts of millions. To leave destruction in my wake. To lead as an example to all. But to do that I must first finish you off. And at WrestleMania, I will lead you on your funeral march. I will be the one to show you to the gates of hell. I… will end you.”
----

Later on in the show, the gong sounded. Fans thought it was going to be Wyatt playing games but instead the true Undertaker made his way out to rapturous applause. After his music stopped the fans continued the clap and a chant of “We’re not worthy” broke out. ‘Taker took a mic:

“BRAY WYATT! You dare to speak ill of the dead. You dare call me mortal. This has awaken me from my slumber. I do not want revenge. I do not want your mercy. I want your soul.”

Fans continued to roar throughout this promo, they were just happy to see “The Deadman” back after weeks of build-up. ‘Taker continued:

“Boy, you really don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into. I am like no-one you have faced before. Like no-one you can compare to. You call yourself an ‘Eater of Worlds’, I will show you what that really looks like. Look into my eyes. See what I have seen. And ask yourself, do you really want to do this. Do you want me to be responsible for what I do to you? I have been resting for 12 months, I am not weakened, I am stronger! No one will ever take my name. There will never be another like me. Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania, you will REST IN PIECE.”

But The Undertaker’s music did not play, instead it was the sound of Bray Wyatt as the lights went black. A lantern then appeared up on the stage. ‘Taker looked on. Then Bray Wyatt walked out, he nodded his head and starred right back at “The Deadman”. He pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Then lifted the lantern and blew it out to finish the segment in darkness.


WrestleMania March 29th

The stage was set.

After a night of action, Bray Wyatt was ready to battle to become “The New Phenom” in one of WrestleMania’s main events. First the entrances:

Bray Wyatt was out first. Darkness covered the arena with mystical music playing. A spotlight appeared on the ramp. A rocking chair alone in a room of black. Then four coffins were moved in place in a semi-circle around the chair. Lights out. “Live in Fear” played and out walked “the Eater of World’s in his ‘Mania attire. A long black sleeveless coat, a nod to the “Deadman” perhaps? His usual straw hat replaced with a black styled hat. A dark red sleeveless top with the words “Your Last Breath” written on it with black trousers with a grey misted scull design. Wyatt brought out his lantern and sat in his chair. The first coffin opened, a man dressed in The Undertaker’s debut attire walked out holding a lantern covering his face. The second then opened with a man dressed in Undertaker’s Ministry attire, the third was an American Badass ‘Taker and the fourth, his return to the Deadman attire. All with lanterns covering their faces. Wyatt then motioned and they all returned to their coffins as he walked down the ramp. He entered the ring and lifted the lantern like The Undertaker on one knee, then blew out the lantern.

Next out was the real Undertaker. The gong sounded and clips of previous WrestleMania’s went by ending with Brock’s win last year as the screen went red. Two hearses pulled up either side of the stage, each with wreaths. One simply read “Bray Wyatt” the other “22-1”. An army of souls then appeared in a chain gang. Fire lit up the stage. Then the “Deadman” himself appeared out of the fire. “A DEADMAN REBORN!” Exclaimed Cole as ‘Taker stood at the entrance. He slowly made his way down to the ring and removed his hat on the steps. He entered the ring and the opponents stood across the ring from one another. The bell sounded.

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt

The crowd were already chanting “This is Awesome” and the match hadn’t even begun. Wyatt stood with his arms outstretched. He then faced up to ‘Taker and said “Welcome back”. Wyatt then went to strike “The Deadman” but ‘Taker blocked it and fired back sending Wyatt into the ropes. He hit and Irish Whip and then a shoulder block. Wyatt stayed down holding his shoulder, a little shocked at the aggression of The Undertaker. “The Demon of Death Valley” just stood over him. He allowed Wyatt to get up and then they locked up in a collar and elbow tie-up. Wyatt took advantage with a knee to the ribs. He sent ‘Taker into the ropes and bent over but ‘Taker saw this and just kicked Wyatt off his feet. Again, Wyatt stunned by the “Deadman”. Once back on his feet Wyatt tried to sucker his opponent in with a lock up but ‘Taker wasn’t having any of it and just punched Wyatt in the face. Wyatt was sent to the floor for a third time. However, this time ‘Taker followed up, pulling Wyatt to his feet by his hair and placing him in the corner for some stiff MMA style strikes. He then grabbed “The Eater of Worlds” around the neck and threw him across the ring. “Look at the fury of the Deadman!” exclaimed Cole. ‘Taker followed up by lifting Wyatt again in the corner and focusing on the mid-section with knees and shoulder barges. Wyatt was again left floored and when he got to his feet he was clotheslined over the top rope. “This match doesn’t look like it will last long,” said JBL. ‘Taker followed to the outside. And bounced Wyatt off everything; the barricade, the ring apron and even smashing his head against the announce table. The “Deadman” entered back inside to break up the count then returned to the floor to throw Wyatt into the steel steps. “It looks like there’s only one dead man in this match, and it’s Bray Wyatt,” Joked Lawler.

Back in the ring, ‘Taker got a close count. He lifted Wyatt yet again by his hair and hoisted him up for the Snake Eyes. He hit it then went to follow up with the Big Boot but Wyatt ducked, hit the ropes and hit his massive cross body. ‘Taker sold the move well, grabbing his ribs as a replay showed. Wyatt stayed on his knees, not looking too worn out considering what he has already been through, he shouted “You didn’t think I was done, did you? I’m just getting started.” Wyatt then rushed ‘Taker and hammered away at the “Phenom” on his knees. The referee had to pull him away but then Wyatt returned to dish out more punishment. Then, when pulled away again, Wyatt stuck the boots to ‘Taker. The Undertaker pulled himself back to his feet and fired away with some strikes until Wyatt cut him off with a knee to the ribs and a body slam. He then hit the ropes and hit a running senton for a two-count.

The crowd then began to sing, “He’s got the Whole World in his Hands” and Wyatt stopped to conduct them. He returned to ‘Taker with some stomps before lifting him and hitting a sidewalk slam for another close count. “Are we seeing the end of the Undertaker right here tonight Cole?” asked JBL. “He’s already been defeated once John but Wyatt wants to finish off The Undertaker for good tonight,” replied Cole. Wyatt then placed ‘Taker in the corner and after a few elbows he lifted Taker to the top. "The Pied Piper of Terror" went for a superplex but ‘Taker slipped out of it and hit a bit Last Ride from the corner. However, he was too tired to make the cover right away and by the time he did, Wyatt kicked out at one. Both men struggled to their feet and traded blows, ‘Taker getting cheers while Wyatt got a mixture of mainly cheers and a few boo’s. The Undertaker, being the better striker, got the advantage and then followed it up by grabbing Wyatt’s neck, setting up for a chokeslam. Wyatt fought out of it with rib shots and elbows to the head then went on the attack but was caught again by a Chokeslam. Two count only as Wyatt kicked out.

‘Taker brought Wyatt back to his feet and went up top for the Old School but Wyatt tugged at “The Deadman’s” arm and sent him crashing into the referee. “The Eater of Worlds” then pulled ‘Taker in for a clothesline but ‘Taker ducked and flipped Wyatt into a Tombstone Piledriver! But it didn’t matter, there was no referee and Wyatt rolled to the ring apron. ‘Taker followed up and big booted Wyatt off the apron and he took a hard bump to the floor. When he was back on his feet, Wyatt saw ‘Taker running at the opposite ropes and then diving over the ropes at him in an over-the-top-rope suicide dive. The two men stayed down and eventually the referee got back to his feet and started counting. Both men entered just before the count out. Wyatt was first up to his feet and whipped ‘Taker into the ropes but it was reversed and “The New Face of Fear” ate a flying clothesline. ‘Taker had enough and sliced his thumb across his throat. He waited for Wyatt and lifted him in a Tombstone Piledriver. Wyatt managed to turn it around and hit a Sister Abigail! 1…2… kick out!

“How close was that!” shouted Lawler. The WWE Universe thought that might have been it, especially after the finish Taker’s bout last year. Wyatt sat with ‘Taker’s head in his lap. He got to his feet staggered back into the turnbuckle. He regained his bearings and went for the downed ‘Taker but “The Phenom” locked in the Hell’s Gate submission. Wyatt struggled and struggled until he eventually managed to lift The Undertaker while in the hold, just enough to lift him off the ground and swing him into the turnbuckle. “What a match Cole, what a match,” commented JBL. Both men struggled to their feet and teed off again. Strike after strike and both men were really feeling the effects, Wyatt’s knees were going wobbly and the commentators played up 'Taker's concussion from last year. Eventually, one shot sent Wyatt on his back in the corner and ‘Taker waited positioning himself for a Chokeslam. Wyatt pulled himself up by the ropes and then went into his Spider Walk. ‘Taker just looked at “The New Face of Fear” then walked over and booted Wyatt in the face! “That’s one way to deal with him Cole,” Said Lawler. Lifting him one more time The Undertaker hit the Tombstone with the Rest in Piece pin and the tongue sticking out. But the arm came up! Wyatt is still in this!

‘Taker looked shocked then collapsed next to Wyatt. Then in a perfect picture moment, Wyatt sat up just like The Undertaker usually does. Then ‘Taker did. The two stared across from each other before pulling themselves back to their feet one last time. “How are these guys still going?” JBL questioned. ‘Taker went for a whip, Wyatt reversed with a knee, hit the ropes and got caught in a chokeslam. Before ‘Taker could go for a pin. Wyatt got on his knees. “Give up Mark, you know you are just a man.” The commentators fell silent. ‘Taker grabbed him by the throat and chokeslamed him again. Wyatt again, groggily getting to his knees, “It’s okay Mark. Do not fear the Reaper. Your time has come.” Again, ‘Taker grabbed him by the throat but this time Wyatt jumped out of it, hit ‘Taker in the ribs and hit a Sister Abigail. Then a pause.

A kneeling Wyatt leant over ‘Taker, laughing. Just laughing. An end to an Era. But Wyatt wasn’t done, like a sick super villain, he hoisted ‘Taker up in a Tombstone Piledriver and before he hit the final move, the camera zoomed in on his face as he shouted “THE END!” Then the drop, Wyatt copying ‘Taker’s pin and it was all over. Bray Wyatt had defeated The Undertaker.

Silence. No commentary, no music. Just the sight of Wyatt kneeling over The Undertaker. He began to laugh, so much so he couldn’t stand. He eventually did and was handed his lantern. He placed it on the Undertaker’s chest then, swivelled it around to reveal the words “In this lantern it doth contain the soul of The Undertaker.” Wyatt celebrated briefly, resting on the ropes for support. He then picked up the lantern, standing over the Undertaker and blew it out. Black out.
----That was the last we saw of The Undertaker.

A New Phenom was born.

And his name is Bray Wyatt.

Alternative Reigns ‘Mania matches

On January 25^th when Roman Reigns won the main event of the twenty-eighth annual Royal Rumble event, we all thought Reigns versus Brock at ‘Mania was dead certain. But with Triple H’s announcement and Daniel Bryan’s subsequent win, maybe ‘Mania isn’t cut and dry as we first thought.

Of course, Reigns not being in the ‘Mania main event will make his Rumble win a bit of a joke and that cool segment between the champion and challenger on the Raw after the Rumble pointless. But what are the alternatives to Brock versus Reigns and where does that leave the Royal Rumble winner?

1) Roman Reigns versus Triple H: This seems the only reasonable alternative. Have DBry go over at Fast Lane but make Reigns look strong in the process. Reigns goes after ‘the King of Kings’ after screwing him over one too many times. Triple H heavily hinted that he was getting back in shape on the Stone Cold Podcast, this would be a great return and a call back to his last set of matches (Evolution versus Shield). The result is the perfect way to create your new babyface. The problem being Sting. ‘The Icon’ is on a collision course with ‘The Game’ with the two meeting at Fast Lane. But maybe they’ll keep Sting out of the ring and keep his ‘vigilante’ character going.

2) Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins: A little bit different but the booking writes itself. Reigns has never really got payback on Rollins for stabbing him in the back. With Rollins being the Authorities golden boy at the moment, it would make perfect sense. With the two being old Shield buddies, I’m sure these two could put on a great match, possibly even show stealing if Rollins pushes himself like he did at the Rumble. Hell, add in Ambrose for a Shield triple threat #FantasyBooking

3) Roman Reigns versus Randy Orton: Reigns and Bryan clash at Fast Lane but wait, there’s a ref bump, who’s that? RKO to Reigns, RKO to Reigns! That’s how you set up this match, why? I don’t know but does it need a reason, WWE usually don’t. Like versus Triple H, this would be a good way of setting Roman up as ‘the man’. The problem arises that Orton isn’t back in action yet and if he is to return it is likely to be against the Authority, not fighting one of their main rivals.

4) Roman Reigns versus Rusev: Wait? Isn’t Rusev feuding with Cena? Hear me out; Rusev beats Cena at Fast Lane (yeah, not going to happen but stay with me), Rusev gets put over as unstoppable, enter Roman Reigns. The two meet on Raw’s leading to Mania in little fights and brawls but they get their first bout at Mania, where Reigns goes over. Should put over both men as top talents. The problem with this one is what does Cena do at Mania and would this match be a good enough match to be on the Mania card?

5) Roman Reigns versus the Authority: A little bit of 1 and 3 together. I think Mania is destined for some kind of multi-man tag bout between the Authority and Cena’s new reinstated buddies. Reigns would add the firepower to Team Cena (which would likely be without Cena since he would be up against Rusev). Some combination of Reigns, Ziggler, Ryback, Rowan or maybe Ambrose versus Rollins, Big Show, Kane, Harper or possibly Triple H. Although I see this kind of match happening, wouldn’t it be a sad sight to see the Royal Rumble winner reduced to what is essentially a filler.

Despite the alternatives, it seems most likely that Reigns versus Brock is our ‘Mania main event. It’s a catch 22 situation, you take Reigns out of the match now and you annoy another bunch of fans or you stick with Reigns and annoy those who wanted Bryan to win. WWE are going to have to be very careful of how they book the match at Fast Lane. One alternative not mentioned but would satisfy both set of fans is a triple threat.

Do you want to see Reigns versus Brock? What alterative bout would you book? Let me know @marcusandberg