WWE WrestleMania 33 Review

There's not a load of stand out matches on the WrestleMania card this year but it's always the highlight of the wrestling year. For the first time,  I've tried to fit in as much wrestling over this weekend as possible and it's been great. In theory, this should be the highlight but with so many promotions running top draw cards it's going to be tough.

Let's start with a quick review of NXT Orlando which took place the night before. The eight person tag match between Sanity and Team Perfect 10 was a great choice for an opener. It was fast paced and never let up. Ohno was obviously the fourth person on Tye's team and was far better in this role than No Way Jose. After his awesome "Fade to Black" promos, the former Tommy End delivered against Almas (who is seriously underrated). The three way tag match was the match of the weekend, just straight up awesome. I would question the booking of having DIY being eliminated first but maybe it was more of a send off for the Revival. I had high expectations for the Women's match and considering we've only seen Ember Moon in short matches, I feared it wouldn't live up. I was glad to be disappointed. Ember showed that she can hang with Asuka. I'm surprised Asuka retained but the dusty finish is the right call to set up a rematch. I do fear what the women's division will become when Asuka inevitably gets called up. The main event was good, not great but the crowd helped make it a main event style bout. I've never been impressed by Roode but he did good here. Overall, as normal a great show to watch. All matches above average which is what you expect from a TakeOver.

Onto the WrestleMania Pre-show. I expected Aries to go over but Neville cheating to win (like Asuka the previous day) opens up to a rematch. Neville has been great since returning and is the main reason why 205 Live is still interesting. The Battle Royal was a disappointment. Who the hell booked Braun to go out early and Jinder to be in the final two. I guess it makes sense for the celebrity involvement but I just don't understand how someone as awesome as Sami Zayn made it in here. I would have had Sami, Braun and Dolph as the final three. The IC title match was okay but nothing special, if it was on the main card they could have done with a hard-core stipulation but this was just the pre-show. I'm sure they'll get a rematch. A bit of a comedown for Dean as his Shield buddies take prominent positions on the card and he's stuck in a match that no one cared for.

Onto the main show. The New Day opened. I don't understand why they are 'hosting' and not in a match. Plus, I can't look at Xavier Woods in the same way anymore. AJ versus Shane was a blast and had the benefit for a very hot crowd. Props to AJ who could wrestle air and make it entertaining. He deserved better. It's not like he's a young guy with plenty of Mania's ahead of him. Also credit to Shane, not only did he pull out his insane stunts but he also looked like Zack Sabre Jr with his submission work and busted out a freaking SSP. Probably match of the night. Jericho and Owens went out next and put in a great match. Owens' finger on the bottom rope continues to show why he's one of the best. I bet facing Jericho at Mania meant a lot to Owens and he deserved it. The Raw Women's Four Way felt rushed for time. Considering the awesome match Charlotte, Sasha and Becky put on last year it felt a bit of a let down. The booking leading in wasn't the best either, clearly Bayley should have lost at the Rumble and won the title here.

The only spoiler I read was that the Hardys were back because WWE sent an email about it. Damn it. But it didn't stop me marking out when they came out. They were possibly my second favourite thing about wrestling when I first started wrestling (after the Rock) so it took me back to my childhood to see them hitting the Poetry in Motion and Twists of Fate. I've also seen their recent work for ROH including a contender for match of the weekend 24 hours prior to WrestleMania against the Young Bucks in a ladder match. Jeff did his silly dive like it's 1999 again and Matt got the belts to win. Strange they are doing the delete taunt but not the Broken gimmick. The mixed tag match was fine for what it was. Without the Miz it would have sucked but it worked in a kind of retro way.

I though Seth versus Hunter was a great match. The crowd didn't seem to agree but they may have been tired by this point. I read another review which I agree with which said if you watched the match on mute it may have been match of the night. After his sucky match last year, it showed Triple H can still go if he has the right opponent. Despite a long and interesting build, Orton versus Wyatt always felt like an afterthought. Both can put on great matches but probably need the right opponents, together it didn't quite work. Luckily, they had the projections onto the canvas of worms and other creepy crawlies which kind of saved this match. I'm sure they could have come up with a better finish but it was kept short so it's fine. Lesnar versus Goldberg must be the best under five minute match ever. Just pretty perfect. You have got to question bringing in Goldberg and leaving him squash the monster and win the title when he can't last more than 5 minutes in the match due to his age but nevertheless, the match rocked. Brock is a beast again and hopefully Goldberg is done. The Smackdown Women had to follow, it was fast a little sloppy and over pretty quickly. Did not care about Naomi. Yeah, it's a decent story that she had to give up the title and come back to win it in her hometown but I couldn't care less. After all this Women's Revolution talk, both women's matches were just thrown together multi-women matches that felt rushed.
I

wondered why Reigns versus Taker went on last. When they brought out JR for commentary I assumed this was the end for Taker. It sucks because I would have loved to see him against Demon Finn Balor and a blockbuster match against Cena. Taker started strong and it looked like we'll see a great showcase. But Taker looked beaten up and a shell of his former self. Roman didn't really know how to build a match around him so he stuck to his familiar routine. It sucked quite frankly and was a let down in the main event to a pretty great Mania. Reigns won and Taker left his hat, gloves and coat in the ring to retire. It was an awful main event but looking back at it in pure storyline terms it kind of works. Reigns was like the new lion in the pack putting out the old alpha male. Taker tried but couldn't keep up with him and lost.

I'm always going to love Mania even if it sucks (see last year) because all of the pomp and ceremony but this one was everything you'd want in a WrestleMania.

On other WrestleMania Weekend shows, Evolve's highlight was Ricochet versus Keith Lee. Whilst from what I saw from Supercard of Honor, the ladder main event between the Hardy's and the Young Bucks killed it. I still need to watch Mercury Rising and hopefully the Progress event but overall, what a weekend for wrestling.

Wrestlemania 31 Predictions

Some people have been critical of this year’s Wrestlemania build up. Some complaining about the amount of part timers, some complaining about Roman Reigns’ push and other complaining about the storyline build to the matches. However, after watching the Wrestlemania Today programmes, I think they got it right. If you look at it from a storyline point of view they’ve done everything right. Yes, the booking on Raw and Smackdown hasn’t been the best. But from an overall storyline arc point of view, I think they got it right. Here’s my predictions and point of view on this year matches on the Show of Shows.

WWE Tag Team Championships:

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (C) vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos

Story arc: Reigning champions who believe they are the best, put the titles on the line against four teams rather than one.

Prediction: Kidd and Cesaro are great together, they did a good job on Wrestlemania today hyping up the match. This should be a hot opener, expect plenty of high spots and the match ending on a flurry of mayhem. The Uppercats (or the Masters of the WWE Universe or whatever they are called) should leave with the belts. They are the best team in the division and there’s no reason to put the belts on any of the other teams.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Story Arc: Okay, so the pre-show matches don’t really have story arc’s. It’s a repeat of last year’s match which pushed Cesaro so well last year… or not.

Prediction: It’s a shame this match ended up on the pre-show. I understand giving time to the rest of the matches on the main card but this really should be on the main card. Ryback has been booked the strongest going into this but I think that’s too obvious. Sheamus could always return and make an instant impact. Hideo Itami won a tournament to be involved in this, expect a good showing but he won’t win. My prediction is WWE plays the safe card. The Big Show turns on Kane and wins the bout.

Winner: The Big Show

Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Bad News Barrett (C) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan

Story Arc: With such a stacked card, a lot of talented Superstars have entered the race for the Intercontinental title, with the title becoming a hot potato recently.

Prediction: My first prediction for this match is that it will open the main show. Everyone knows a ladder match is an exciting match. It’s a simple formula, put this on first to get the people watching at home pumped up. There are so many choices for this match. Aside from R-Truth and Stardust, anyone could win this (hopefully Goldust reappears to cost Cody the belt, to restart that feud). Some rumours have said Bryan is going to win but I think Barrett’s retaining. Maybe leading to a triple threat between him, Bryan and Ziggler. I’d pay to see that.

Winner: Bad News Barrett.

The Bella Twins vs. AJ Lee and Paige

Story Arc: Mean Girls versus the misfits.

Prediction: A four way for the title may have been more suitable. But maybe their saving that for the next PPV. I must say the women’s division has stepped up this year, I actually care about what happens and I will watch. I think that has a lot to do with Paige and specially NXT. And with more NXT women being called up in the future, I think it’s only going to get better. I’m torn on who is going to win. I’ll say the Bella’s just to keep the champ strong

Winners: The Bella Twins

WWE United States Championship

Rusev (C) vs. John Cena

Story Arc: Undefeated Russian brute facing American Hero (Think Rocky IV but without Apollo Creed dying).

Prediction: It’s not a prediction but I hope WWE goes to town on this bout. I’d have Rusev come out with Russian troops with all the cliché’s you can get. Hell, even get a Vladimir Putin impersonator on the stage. Then, have Cena come out with a full American entrance. Bring out Sgt Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan too. Make it so American it hurts. Usually I’d be against all this. But I like the old school feel to this feud and I hope the WWE runs with it. Going by their match at Fast Lane this should be good. With so many big matches on the card, they might get less time than they did last time. Hopefully they get enough time to tell their story and Cena goes over. It might not be a popular choice but I think Cena is the right man to end the streak. It won’t harm Rusev and who else is there to break Rusev’s streak?

Winner: John Cena

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

Story Arc: The handpicked Future of the WWE turns into one of the WWE’s biggest names, returns to the side of his master then is edged out by the new handpicked Future of the WWE.

Prediction: This should just be a brawl from the start to the finish. Orton should be flying at Rollins from the bell. With so many big singles matches, WWE needs to ensure that each match feels different. Make this a brawl from the start to the finish. Hopefully WWE doesn’t pull a DQ or count-out finish on this one. Rollins is a constant top performer and on his WWE singles Wrestlemania debut I expect him to go all out. Expect J&J to get involved at some point. Like the Divas match, this could go either way. But I think Rollins getting the win would open this up for future rematches.

Winner: Seth Rollins

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt

Story Arc: The former King of the jungle disappears after being dethroned, a new hungry lion hopes to defeat the former King to gain respect and put the King to sleep for good.

Prediction: First off let’s praise Bray Wyatt for building up a match (at Wrestlemania no less) without actually having an opponent. We are quick to praise guys like Daniel Bryan who can wrestle anyone and look good but Wyatt has shown just how good he is at promos. Full credit must go to him. My prediction is that ‘Taker will look to make up for last year’s concussion and put on a great bout. If Sting never returned I would have been 100% percent behind Wyatt. Just for him to get that passing of the torch moment. But Wyatt winning would kill dead the build to a potential bout with Sting at next year’s Mania. Wyatt can still look excellent in defeat. So ‘Taker has got to go over to get back on track and set up the ‘Mania match we all dreamed of.

Winner: The Undertaker

Sting vs. Triple H

Story Arc: The blueblood-turned-degenerate-turned-top dog-turned-company man attempts to put the final nail in the coffin of WWE’s biggest rival.

Prediction: The build-up for this one hasn’t been that good but it’s Sting in a WWE ring! Who’d have thought it? I wonder how this one will go down. Maybe a slower pace to the rest of the bouts. Triple H beats down Sting then the Vigilante has the comeback to win the bout. It may not be a mat classic but it should be a nostalgic bout. I might be underestimating these guys too much. Triple H can still put on top matches. Sting is a bit of an unknown factor. He has put on some great bouts in TNA but in the last few years has looked like an old man past his prime. I’m hoping for a Wrestlemania XXIV Ric Flair versus Shawn Michaels kind of feel. Sting has to go over here, I expect some Authority shenanigans which can lead to a baseball bat / sledgehammer fight. But I think Sting going over is the right call.

Winner: Sting

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Roman Reigns

Story Arc: The Beast faces his match.

Prediction: This is the most controversial match, the bout which has had many of the WWE Universe complaining. I think Reigns facing Lesnar is the right choice, it’s just the build-up for Reigns has been a let-down. To be a threat to Lesnar, Reigns should have been spearing everyone, every week, looking unstoppable. But what is done is done, now we just await the match itself. There is a possibility that the fans will turn on Reigns in the match and boo him. Hopefully that doesn’t happen because I am hoping for a good bout. Reigns had good storytelling at Fast Lane and sold well, if he does the same well, it should be a good bout. As long as they don’t book Reigns like Superman bout with Lesnar destroying Reigns, then the former Shield member not selling anything and winning with a Spear. All along I was completely convinced that Reigns would walk out as Champion. But with Lesnar signing on with the company, that makes me less certain. However, Brock signing a new deal is just a red herring, they wouldn’t have him retain after building up Reigns so much. Would they? 

Winner: Roman Reigns

Of course, there is one more prediction to make. Will Seth Rollins end the night as champion? Will he cash in his briefcase and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship? If it happened it would surely be one of the most iconic moments at Wrestlemania. Rollins has defiantly got the skills to be the top guy in the business. He’s proven he has what it takes ever since breaking away from the Shield. Plus cashing in on Roman would re-awaken their feud. But I can’t see it happening. WWE had a plan to put the title on Reigns and I don’t see it ending straight away. Maybe in a month or two.

So that’s the ‘Mania predictions done. With some hope, this should be a great Wrestlemania. But anything is possible with the WWE. Do you agree with my choices, who do you think will be victorious at Wrestlemania? 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.

Royal Rumble 2015 Review

First off, I know there’s a lot of internet fans hurt over the booking of the Royal Rumble. This review isn’t just going to be me ranting at WWE in 1000 words. I aim to take a slightly alternative view on the controversial event.

Let’s start at the very beginning, the pre-show. The pre-show match was changed from the originally planned six-man to another tag match (making it four tag matches in a row). WWE got their first warning they got a smarky crowd with Cesaro getting big chants and the New Day getting heat. At this point WWE should have gone, ‘have we booked this Rumble correctly?’ Anyway, we’ll get to that later. We get a good tag match, helped by a lively crowd and some awesome faux-Bullet Club T-shirts. You can’t go wrong with Cesaro and Kidd, they make a great team. Adam Rose makes the distraction (who is at ringside, someone forgot tell him it wasn’t a six-man tag anymore) which leads to the finish where Kidd and Cesaro pick up the win.

The main show opens with the New Age Outlaws hyping up the Philly crowd (as if they need to). The Ascension then make their way out.  On a side note, I’m glad the camera angles stayed the same from WWE to NXT, Ascension make a cool entrance. This does what it needs to do, Dogg and Gunn do their old moves but Ascension win and look strong. All okay but why the hell did they have to look weak on Raw? Surely that could have been done with the Ascension beating some jobbers then the legends berating them on the mic?

What’s next? Another tag match. Yay! The Uso’s put the titles on the line against Miz and the stupidly, but rightfully over Mizdow. Miz refuses to tag out to his stunt double and looks good against both Uso’s. The match is booked well as the dissention continues to brew between the two Miz’s but the match being relatively even. Uso’s go for dives but one of them lands on his head trying to do a sention. I’ve never liked the Uso’s suicide dives, they look like backyard kids trying something they saw on TV, just sloppy. In the end the Uso’s retain and Miz blames Mizdow for the loss. I like the Miz, I have always liked him. He’s always great at getting heat and can put on a good match between the ropes. The eventual feud between the A-Lister and his stunt double should be fun. I just wonder what happens to Damien after that?

And now, for the fourth time tonight, a tag team match. I have no problem with this, it does fit more people onto the card. This time it was Divas action, as the Bella twins took on Paige and Nattie. It was a good little tag match. Strangely the referee was pretty noticeable here. It’s an odd thing to say but a good referee is one you don’t notice. Here, he repeatedly kept bothering Paige to stand in her corner. Paige and Nattie controlled the match at first until the Bella’s isolated Nattie. Nattie then went to make the hot tag but Paige was pulled off the apron and the Bella’s won with a punch. Yes, the Bella’s won with a forearm strike. What is she the female Big Show? Really, Nattie and Paige should have won leading to Nikki v Nattie, Nikki v Paige then either a triple threat or a four way. Easy booking but who knows, maybe in some sort of way this will still happen.

Onto the big title bout. And it was epic. Totally worth going out of your way to watch. Right away Brock goes into rampage mode. Rollins plays the sneaky heel exiting to the outside, allowing Cena to take suplex after suplex. Rollins gets involved, takes some suplexes then hits his first cool spot of the night,a springboard knee to Lesnar’s head. Later, Lesnar catches a springboarding Rollins onto his shoulders for the F5, great spot.  J & J Security get involved, they do the Shield triple Powerbomb on Cena but he soon gets revenge hitting a double AA on both Mercury and Noble which they sell for the rest of the bout. The action spills to the outside where Cena tackles Brock through the timekeeper’s wall. Brock soon finds himself on the announce table but where’s Seth? Oww, he’s just about to steal the show. He hits an insane diving elbow from the top rope through the Spanish announce table. Brock stays down and medics come out.

 

Keeping Brock out allows Cena and Seth to go at it. It’s a little bit over the top as they kick out of each other’s finishers but it’s keeping me on the edge of my seat as I think Seth is about to win the title. Mr. Money in the Bank climbs the top rope and I’m thinking he’s going for a moonsault, instead he busts out the Phoenix Splash, madness. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s a corkscrew 450 and it’s insane. Especially the height he got on it. Someone needs to check he hasn’t got rabbit legs. Lesnar then enters but Seth hits him twice with the briefcase. He goes for the Curb Stomp on the case but Lensar scoops him up and hits the F5 for the win. What a match. And best of all of three men are booked looking strong. Cena gets his whole hero role and was never pinned, so stays Strong. Rollins steals the show with that performance and guarantees his role as the future of WWE. They would be mad to misuse him now but then again, they’ve done stranger things. And Lesnar looks unstoppable heading into 'Mania.

 

 

How do you follow that? Well, it’s the Royal Rumble match, that can’t let us down right? So the first two out are The Miz and R-Truth. Never mind, I’m let down already. The early highlight was Bubba Ray Dudley who does his Dudley Boy move-set with R-Truth because D-Von isn’t here. Slightly racist booking by WWE, don’t ya think? Bray Wyatt comes in and goes on an absolute tear, evening cutting a promo waiting for people to come out. Would have made more sense if he was entrant one or two. There’s a cool moment where Wyatt, Harper and Rowan face-off. It looks like Harper and Rowan will team up, then Harper turns on sheep-face, then Wyatt eliminates both. But Rowan took Curtis Axel’s spot which would make sense but Cole kept putting over that Rowan isn’t in the rumble, that means Axel’s still in right? Wrong, apparently we are meant forget about this. Rusev then comes in and teams with Wyatt throughout the Rumble becoming the best thing in the Rumble. Although, I did see Wyatt hit Rusev once, why I don’t know. Maybe he said something about his Sister Abigale.

Kofi does his Rumble spot but it’s really tame compared to his usual madness. He gets thrown over the top rope onto the Rosebuds. They catch him and carry him around the ring, that’s it. Miz and Mizdow have an altercation, Miz wants his stunt double’s spot but gets knocked out before entering, allowing Mizdow to enter. He hits a few moves then like most of the competitors gets eliminated needlessly early, a list that includes fan favourite Daniel Bryan. Fans get pissed and boo the majority of the competitors in the match. Next up they try and break Santino’s record of one second with Titus O’Neil but he botches falling over the top rope, lame. The Big Show and Kane begin to look strong but the commentators ruin the rest of the rumble with their constant spouting of statistics. I don’t care, commentate on the match, tell me after the match has finished. Ziggler is the final man, that must mean something right? Nope, he gets the Knockout Punch from Show and gets hoisted out by Kane and Show.

We’re down to the final four: Kane, Show, Reigns and Ambrose. Ambrose soon goes out because WWE doesn’t care about what the fans want. Instead we get Kane and Show versus Reigns and we all know how this is going to end. Show tries to turn on Kane and they argue. Why do WWE think we are interested in Kane and Show? Kane and Show re-enter and attack Reigns until The Rock shows up. He’s clearly there because they’ve failed at building up Reigns successfully. It doesn’t help, after he deals with Kane and Show, the fans still boo Reigns. The match isn’t over because Rusev was never eliminated (neither was Curtis Axel but whatever), Reigns spears him and dumps him over the top to win. Cue more boo’s.

Many people think the problem is Reigns. They feel that this push has come too early. For me that’s not the problem. The problem isn’t Reigns, it is the booking. If booked correctly Reigns could have won the Rumble and be cheered. Instead WWE booked Reigns as if he was Cena which was the exact opposite of how they should have booked him in Philly. It wasn’t just Reigns booked badly, it was the entire Rumble match. All of the booking went to hell: Why was there so many jobbers (Ryder, Sin Cara, Fandango etc), where was the NXT star (Neville or Zayn would have gone down huge) or big returning name (Orton or Sheamus) and where was the plucky early entrant who constantly avoids elimination?

 

It’s going to be interesting what happens next leading to Mania. WWE are going to have to work hard to get the fans believing in Reigns. You would have thought they would have learnt from their Batista mistake last year. They certainly aren’t going to turn him heel after all the effort they’ve put into him. Brock v Reigns should be a massive fight, Reigns being built up as the only man who can match Lesnar’s power and de-throne the Beast. Instead, if WWE continues like this, the rest of the card may push the title fight out of the main event spot. Especially with the card including Rusev v Cena, Sting in some match and Rollins, Bryan and Ambrose all in other matches.

What are your thoughts on the Rumble? Was Reigns winning the right call? How would you have booked the bout? Let me know @marcusandberg

 

Royal Rumble 2015 Predictions

It’s that time of year again, the ultimate opportunity. 30 men go in (apart from 2011) but only one will leave (apart from in 1994) with a guaranteed WWE World title shot. Here are 5 possible winners, some more probable than others:

 

1) Daniel Bryan – You got to admit from a storyline point of view, this makes perfect sense. The underdog overcomes the Authority wins the belt, gets injured, recovers, wins the Rumble and goes onto reclaim the title he never lost (and it makes up for the awful decision to have Batista win the Rumble last year, while the crowd chanted for Bryan who wasn’t even in the match!). I admit, it does sound good until you realise that it will be the same story as last year: Bryan versus the Authority. But the situation has changed. Batista is gone, Orton is seemingly not with the Authority and they wouldn’t put him against Triple H again. Which would suggest a bout against Seth Rollins. If that is the case, sign me up right away and give me a magic remote, so that I can travel forward to ‘Mania early.

 

2) Roman Reigns – Ever since his epic performance last year this guy has been favourite to win this year’s Rumble. The company seems to invest a lot in this guy and see him as their big name going forward. Is this his year? Yes, most likely. Despite Bryan’s comeback throwing a spanner into the works, Reigns is still the favourite to win. They got to be careful how they do it, push him too hard or have him eliminate someone like Bryan would be disastrous for his push. He doesn’t need another elimination frenzy like last year, just a clean performance to set up a most likely clash with Lesnar at ‘Mania. He is the favourite but are WWE really that predictable? Is Roman just a big red herring?

3) Dolph Ziggler – Hey, stranger things have happened. I know he’s currently fired and WWE seemingly doesn’t see him as a main event star but this could be a great opportunity for the “Showoff” to… well… show-off. He’s currently ‘fired’ at the moment which would make a great surprise at the Rumble and his win would really irk the Authority and allow him to fight to get his and his friends jobs back. The real question is whether WWE would really put Ziggler in a ‘Mania main event. You would think not but just look back to Survivor Series, I bet no-one predicted that either.

 

4) Randy Orton – It’s a given that he is going to make an appearance at the Rumble, it is just a question of ‘to do what?’ Will he interfere in the World title match? He’s got unfinished business with Seth Rollins. Could he cost him the win? It would be a bad move by WWE to just bring him back for the interference, so why not put him in the Rumble as well. It would provide a nice shock and if done well, get the crowd on his side. Of course, it could go horribly wrong like last year with Batista but Orton is WWE’s safe pair of hands. The only doubt is the Mania match. Storyline wise, it would make sense for him to face Rollins but would that really main event over guys like Cena, Lesnar, Bryan and Roman all of whom are going to be involved in the card. Most likely those two will get a grudge match at ‘Mania without the title, so the Rumble win for RKO is unlikely.

5) Cesaro – Dude can lift the Big Show over the top, surely he can… oh wait, we’ve forgotten that ever happened? Okay, WWE…

6) Triple H – Yeah, I said it. Personally I think it’d be awesome. It would be an obvious call-back to 1999 when Vinny Mac won the Rumble. But Triple H would make this work much better, mainly because as he has proven, he can still go in the ring. I’m still trying to work out the details, like who would he face at Mania. But let’s forget about that, how awesome would it be for Bryan to be the final guy and Triple H enter himself into the Rumble just to dump Bryan out. Imagine the heat. Yeah, it’s not going to happen but let me fantasy book in my head.

Others:

 

Bray Wyatt – It would be nice to see the WWE book him strong for once but this seems a step too much. Some promos cut during the match would be cool to see.

 

Dean Ambrose – A fan favourite and a winner the WWE Universe would get behind. But if he can’t even win a match on television, he’s not going to win the Rumble.

 

Either loser from the WWE title bout – This could be any of the three depending on the result. Lesnar losing the belt and winning the belt would be cool to see but would annoy a lot of people thereafter. Since they already complain about him being a part-time champ. Rollins winning the Rumble would also be cool to see but does he really need it? He’s already Mr. Money in the Bank and his time will come. And Cena, no, just no.

Do you agree with the predictions? Or do you have a different prediction for Rumble winner. Let me know @marcusandberg