It's finally time again. Wrestlemania. For me, this is the last PPV before I get married and I hope that it lives up to its $70 HD price tag. This PPV is even bigger than last year's Wrestlemania in my opinion. The three major main events have so much on the line in them and the undercard minus a couple of matches really have some potential of being something special. Could this be the best Wrestlemania of the 2010s? Let's break it down.
First and foremost, Antonio Cesaro is not featured on the main card of Wrestlemania. It's a crime and someone in creative needs to be talked to. Isn't this guy suppose to be a future star in the company? Then why not have him defend his title on the grandest stage of them all? I expect no less from WWE though seeing how Cesaro won the belt at their big summer PPV on the pre-card. Regardless, it's a darn shame.
The opening match of Wrestlemania usually sets the pace of the rest of the night. Last year's 18 second World Title match showed that the show was going to be full of surprises and boy was it! Del Rio/Edge from 27 proved it was going to be a slow night and that was right as well. The opening match is very important for this show. It's almost as important as its main event. With that being said, I think WWE should keep the tradition they have put forth in the last two years and have Swagger/Del Rio open up.
Let's be honest, Alberto Del Rio VS Jack Swagger isn't exactly a Wrestlemania worthy World Title match on paper especially when it's paired with mega star filled matches with Brock Lesnar, Triple H, The Rock, John Cena, Punk, and Undertaker. I'm actually looking forward to this match more than Lesnar/HHH though. Anyway, this should be a good show starter between two submission specialists so expect Swagger to go for the leg and Alberto to go for the arm. With Swagger's recent DUI arrest, it still remains to see if WWE will indeed punish him for it. What better punishment than to have your complete push derailed? I hope WWE doesn't do this, but what if Del Rio completely squashes Swagger in less than 18 seconds? WWE's main objective is to push Del Rio to the moon and get him over as the next Latin-American superstar. If he beat a tough opponent like Swagger in quick fashion, that would certainly get him over. I don't want to see it but, it could happen. Regardless, I still believe Alberto Del Rio WILL retain his World Heavyweight Championship against Jack Swagger rather it be quickly or an actual good match is up in the air. Will Del Rio leave MetLife with his title? I don't know seeing how Ziggler has only 3 months left to cash in and surprisingly, there has NEVER been a cash-in attempt at Wrestlemania. That has to change...
Chris Jericho and Fandango is interesting. This is Wrestlemania and you don't see matches like this too often and if they, at least the rookie involved has had one or two matches before hand. Here, Fandango hasn't had ANY. I never followed NXT or seen Johnny Curtis wrestle before, but I have a feeling that he can handle his own in the ring. I don't think WWE would just throw Jericho any old rookie to compete with at their biggest show of the year. With that being said, this could be a really entertaining match-up, if it ever happens. Jericho has done a lot of pushing since his return last year, helping guys like Punk, Sheamus, and Swagger get over by having great matches with them. Jericho will do the same here, but there's only so many matches a guy like Jericho can lose before he loses his crediblity and then his pushes won't mean anything. Fandango may have a future with WWE and if this feud continues post game Wrestlemania, I'm sure he'll get a victory but at WM 29, I'm going with Jericho.
Why oh why are we getting a pointless 8 person tag match on the MAIN card of Wrestlemania? This should be a pre show match AT BEST. I refuse to pick a winner and talking about it gets me angry even more.
Wade Barrett VS The Miz may be a prelude to a future World Title feud, maybe even a Wrestlemania main event down the line so I'm pretty excited to see these two compete at Wrestlemania this year. Both of these guys I've called my favorite over the years so I'm pretty split on this one. On one hand, Wade Barrett hasn't really done much in his 2nd reign as IC Champion. Barrett has so much potential and I don't understand why he's still in the midcard. Hopefully, if he loses he'll finally get that main event push that he deserves. The Miz (on the main card of Wrestlemania) is undefeated having won the last three times he's competed. For history's sake and for Barrett getting pushed even higher, The Miz should regain the IC Title and go 4-0 on the grandest stage. Could WWE be slowly but surely building The Miz up to be the next Undertaker at Wrestlemania or am I reading too much into it? The Miz wins his 2nd IC Title.
The tag titles are on the line this year! Team Hell No faces Ziggy and Biggy in what could be the tag match of the year in WWE. You got a tag team specialist in Kane, the unknown entity in Big E, and two of the best workers in Ziggler and Bryan. This is going to be good. I'm looking forward to seeing Big E getting in the ring with Kane and of course Bryan and Ziggler locking it up is always a special treat for everyone. This is going to be a fast paced match with a lot of near finishes and could be a potential show stealer. The outcome? I don't think Ziggler will be World Champion AND Tag Champion and I really believe Ziggler is going to cash-in at this event due to him having a big following in the NJ/NY area but on the other hand, I think it's time for Team Hell No to break up. They've run their course and it's time to start pushing Daniel Bryan as a single wrestler. Bryan/Cena for SummerSlam anybody? Taking both views in, I think Team Hell No will retain at Mania but lose the next night to the PTP or Team Rhode Scholars.
Aw man! This is where things start getting real!
Ryback and Mark Henry is going to either be very good and or very bad. Mark Henry usually has good matches against other big guys like Sheamus and Big Show so I gotta be positive and think this is going to be the same. Henry is doing the right thing here in pushing a future star in Ryback and I expect Henry to dominate most of the match up before Ryback comes back. The question on everyone's mind is simple; can Ryback lift Mark Henry over his head and deliver his devasting ShellShock finisher? He had problems with Tensai but he eventually did. If Ryback can't do it and botches it, he will get BOOED out of the building! I hope they have been practicing the finish. Even if Ryback messes up and ruins his career, he will defeat Mark Henry. Just hope he gets his Wrestlemania moment.
The Shield is 4-0 ladies and gentlemen and they will be facing Big Show, Sheamus, and Orton. This should be another hard hitting Shield like match with chaos all around the ring. All of The Shield's matches on PPV have had big spots and their Wrestlemania clash should be no different. It's very unlikely that The Shield would defeat another 3 man group of former World Champions but after The Shield won against Super Cena and friends, anything is possible for them. Randy Orton is going to turn heel soon and what better way for people to remember it by having him turn at the biggest show of the year. I don' think Orton will become The Shield leader or anything, I just think he'll start a feud with Sheamus afterwards. The Shield will defeat another 3 Man team.
Triple H will defeat Brock Lesnar. I don't really care about the match but maybe it will surprise me.
My most anticipated Wrestlemania match since HBK/Taker I. This is why I love Wrestlemania, for huge matches like this. CM Punk has earned this match with The Undertaker after his amazing 2012. If only he was still WWE Champion. Anyway, this should be fantastic. It could be Match of The Night if Taker can still hold his own. There are going to be A LOT of false finishes in this one. Punk's going to hit about 5 GTSs before the match is over. So, bottom line, is this the year that The Undertaker's amazing 20-0 streak at Wrestlemania will come to an end? Is CM Punk really the 1 in 20-1? Probably not, but it's going to be hella awesome to see him try and do whatever it takes to be the one. I'm obviously going to pick The Undertaker in this one and go 21-0. Next year? It HAS to be John Cena. If Lesnar faces The Rock, Cena doesn't have a dance partner for the big event. Anyway, Taker wins.
For the first time ever, the main event of last year's Wrestlemania will main event this year's Wrestlemania. The Rock and John Cena have unfinished business from last year and it's clear that the match from last year hasn't proven anything. This match has a different dimension in it seeing how the WWE Championship is up for grabs this year. Rock and Cena will have another great main event but the outcome will be different this year. John Cena hasn't been WWE Champion since October 2011. That is the longest drought in Cena's career so it only makes sense for Cena to avenge his lost to The Rock and regain the title he hasn't held in 18 months. What if he doesn't though? What would happen if Cena lost AGAIN? Would he snap? What exactly would happen? That's an interesting development so if The Rock DID in fact win and unfortunately continued to carry around the WWE Championship, something would have to happen to Cena's character. I don't think WWE has the balls to change Cena so I'm going with John Cena to defeat The Rock and win his 11th WWE Championship. Holy crap.
Wrestlemania is 1 weeks away and I can't wait! Really looking forward to if Ziggler cashes in, what finish the Shield/Team WWE match takes, and of course the Punk/Taker match. This could be the best Mania of the 2010s.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Pro/Cons of The Shield VS Team WWE
The Shield have defeated Kane, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Ryback, Chris Jericho, and the mighty John Cena in their tear through WWE. They are currently 3-0 and now go on to face the team of Big Show, Sheamus, and Randy Orton. Here's my favorite undercard match, let's get into it.
1. Booking
This is my 2nd favorite match of Wrestlemania. It showcases some of the future stars of WWE versus some of the talented veterans of the company on WWE's biggest stage. THIS IS SMART. If you want to get guys over, you have to give them key victories against some of the big guns. The Shield already have done that but on small stages such as TLC and Elimination Chamber. Now they get a chance to showcase their talents to the world and with a win here, The Shield will take their place as one of the best factions in the PG Era. This match also makes sense because Sheamus and Orton were two guys The Shield have been targeting since they formed so it's nice to see everything come together.
2. Good match-up
The Shield have had three previous matches. Their first was easily a contender for match of the year in 2012. The other two were solid chaotic 6 man brawls. If WWE continues this trend, then the match at Wrestlemania should be the same. Don't expect a wrestling classic with this one. Expect hard hits, big moves, and maybe even a Wrestlemania worthy spot. Reigns has already speared Sheamus through the barricade, what else can they do? Maybe a powerbomb to Big Show through the table? That would be pretty epic.
3. Unpredictability
The Shield have always been the underdogs in their matches. Why? They have faced plenty of World Champions in just the three matches they had. When they defeated Team Hell No and Ryback, that was shocking. When they defeated Super Cena and friends, THAT WAS MIND BLOWING. If they are able to knock off another three World Champions, it would be monumental. The big reason why I'm looking forward to the match is the end. How will it all go down? Randy Orton has been rumored to turn heel for about a year now. Why not feature the turn on the biggest show of the year? Will The Shield finally lose a match? There are just so many different outcomes to this match. In a Wrestlemania where we know most of the winners (Taker, Cena, and HHH) it's good to have a little chaos in there.
CONS
1. No special match type
I think the reason why The Shield's first match was so well received because the feud and match type complimented each other SO well. It was a hard hitting feud between two teams who didn't like each other. A normal match between the teams just wouldn't have made sense. Now it made sense at EC because they couldn't injure Super Cena before his huge main event rematch with The Rock but now, it's Wrestlemania. This match needs a match type to display all the chaos and insanity of The Shield. This is the match that should have been no holds barred. While I think it will still be a good match, I just think a match type would have made it the IT match of the undercard.
I'm so high on this match, I can't reall think of any cons. It really is my 2nd favorite match on the card. I just don't hope they screw it up!
1. Booking
This is my 2nd favorite match of Wrestlemania. It showcases some of the future stars of WWE versus some of the talented veterans of the company on WWE's biggest stage. THIS IS SMART. If you want to get guys over, you have to give them key victories against some of the big guns. The Shield already have done that but on small stages such as TLC and Elimination Chamber. Now they get a chance to showcase their talents to the world and with a win here, The Shield will take their place as one of the best factions in the PG Era. This match also makes sense because Sheamus and Orton were two guys The Shield have been targeting since they formed so it's nice to see everything come together.
2. Good match-up
The Shield have had three previous matches. Their first was easily a contender for match of the year in 2012. The other two were solid chaotic 6 man brawls. If WWE continues this trend, then the match at Wrestlemania should be the same. Don't expect a wrestling classic with this one. Expect hard hits, big moves, and maybe even a Wrestlemania worthy spot. Reigns has already speared Sheamus through the barricade, what else can they do? Maybe a powerbomb to Big Show through the table? That would be pretty epic.
3. Unpredictability
The Shield have always been the underdogs in their matches. Why? They have faced plenty of World Champions in just the three matches they had. When they defeated Team Hell No and Ryback, that was shocking. When they defeated Super Cena and friends, THAT WAS MIND BLOWING. If they are able to knock off another three World Champions, it would be monumental. The big reason why I'm looking forward to the match is the end. How will it all go down? Randy Orton has been rumored to turn heel for about a year now. Why not feature the turn on the biggest show of the year? Will The Shield finally lose a match? There are just so many different outcomes to this match. In a Wrestlemania where we know most of the winners (Taker, Cena, and HHH) it's good to have a little chaos in there.
CONS
1. No special match type
I think the reason why The Shield's first match was so well received because the feud and match type complimented each other SO well. It was a hard hitting feud between two teams who didn't like each other. A normal match between the teams just wouldn't have made sense. Now it made sense at EC because they couldn't injure Super Cena before his huge main event rematch with The Rock but now, it's Wrestlemania. This match needs a match type to display all the chaos and insanity of The Shield. This is the match that should have been no holds barred. While I think it will still be a good match, I just think a match type would have made it the IT match of the undercard.
I'm so high on this match, I can't reall think of any cons. It really is my 2nd favorite match on the card. I just don't hope they screw it up!
Pros/Cons of HHH/Lesnar II
The main event I'm looking forward to least. When they first met, I was happy and the match was OK, I just don't think I need to see it again. I think I'm going to be stretching for pros here...Let's go!
PROS
1. Stipulation included
Call them cliche, but career ending matches work. And at Wrestlemania, they're usual fantastic matches. Savage/Warrior, Flair/HBK and HBK/Taker are all good examples of that. With HHH's career at stake, the match takes on a whole different approach. Will HHH's career end at the hands of Lesnar? It wouldn't really make sense but it gives the match a new kind of tension that make it's different from their match at SummerSlam.
2. Selling point
Triple H and Brock Lesnar sold SummerSlam for many a WWE fans. It was the 2nd most bought WWE PPV of the year which means one thing. If WWE can make money off of it the 1st time, it only makes sense for WWE to do it a 2nd time. It's just a smart business move. That's the whole reason we're getting Rock/Cena II!
CONS
1. REMATCHMANIA
Triple H VS Brock Lesnar has happened before as has the main event for the PPV. That is my main concern for this match. I saw the match at SummerSlam and I didn't want to see a rematch. It was interesting the 1st time but a 2nd time isn't needed at all. It's kind of pointless to me actually.
2. SO many other choices
Triple H and Brock Lesnar are two well established stars. Yes, it makes sense seeing how Wrestlemania is the showcase of the immortals and pairing the two together sells well but come on, the WWE Universe wants to see different matches, especially if the people involved only wrestle once in a blue moon anyway. Triple H could have easily did what he did at WM26. There, he faced Sheamus and made him look good in the process. Why not do that again this year with so many guys who are on the verge of breaking out? A Wade Barrett/Triple H match would have been SO amazing! Cesaro or Ziggler would have done wonders as well. As for Lesnar, a match with Sheamus or the rumored match with Randy Orton for SS 2012 would have been perfect here. The point is, they had the match once and while it made money, I don't know if it was as well received as WWE thinks.
3. No Holds Barred again?
All good Wrestlemania rematches have something in common. The first match is usually one stipulation while the second match has a different stipulation. Notable examples include Rock/Austin having a normal match at WM15 then have a No DQ Match at WM17. How about HBK/Taker having a normal match at WM25 then having a No DQ No Countout match at WM26? I'm guessing Lesnar/HHH didn't get the memo. If you're going to give the people the SAME match from the summer, they could at least change the match type. Why not have the match be a Last Man Standing? Or rather, the match type that would fit the stipulation would be an I Quit match. It just doesn't make any sense to have the SAME MATCH TYPE for the SAME MATCH. Am I the only one bothered by that?
I'm not really looking forward to this match at all. There are better decisions than this. Next up, The Shield make their Wrestlemania debut! Will they go to 4-0?
PROS
1. Stipulation included
Call them cliche, but career ending matches work. And at Wrestlemania, they're usual fantastic matches. Savage/Warrior, Flair/HBK and HBK/Taker are all good examples of that. With HHH's career at stake, the match takes on a whole different approach. Will HHH's career end at the hands of Lesnar? It wouldn't really make sense but it gives the match a new kind of tension that make it's different from their match at SummerSlam.
2. Selling point
Triple H and Brock Lesnar sold SummerSlam for many a WWE fans. It was the 2nd most bought WWE PPV of the year which means one thing. If WWE can make money off of it the 1st time, it only makes sense for WWE to do it a 2nd time. It's just a smart business move. That's the whole reason we're getting Rock/Cena II!
CONS
1. REMATCHMANIA
Triple H VS Brock Lesnar has happened before as has the main event for the PPV. That is my main concern for this match. I saw the match at SummerSlam and I didn't want to see a rematch. It was interesting the 1st time but a 2nd time isn't needed at all. It's kind of pointless to me actually.
2. SO many other choices
Triple H and Brock Lesnar are two well established stars. Yes, it makes sense seeing how Wrestlemania is the showcase of the immortals and pairing the two together sells well but come on, the WWE Universe wants to see different matches, especially if the people involved only wrestle once in a blue moon anyway. Triple H could have easily did what he did at WM26. There, he faced Sheamus and made him look good in the process. Why not do that again this year with so many guys who are on the verge of breaking out? A Wade Barrett/Triple H match would have been SO amazing! Cesaro or Ziggler would have done wonders as well. As for Lesnar, a match with Sheamus or the rumored match with Randy Orton for SS 2012 would have been perfect here. The point is, they had the match once and while it made money, I don't know if it was as well received as WWE thinks.
3. No Holds Barred again?
All good Wrestlemania rematches have something in common. The first match is usually one stipulation while the second match has a different stipulation. Notable examples include Rock/Austin having a normal match at WM15 then have a No DQ Match at WM17. How about HBK/Taker having a normal match at WM25 then having a No DQ No Countout match at WM26? I'm guessing Lesnar/HHH didn't get the memo. If you're going to give the people the SAME match from the summer, they could at least change the match type. Why not have the match be a Last Man Standing? Or rather, the match type that would fit the stipulation would be an I Quit match. It just doesn't make any sense to have the SAME MATCH TYPE for the SAME MATCH. Am I the only one bothered by that?
I'm not really looking forward to this match at all. There are better decisions than this. Next up, The Shield make their Wrestlemania debut! Will they go to 4-0?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Pros/Cons of Swagger/Del Rio
The match no one saw coming. This here is the dark horse match of this year's Mania but it could end up being a really great match-up. Let's get right to it.
PROS
1. It's different
Let's all be honest, did you EVER think these two would be in the World title match at Wrestlemania? I for sure thought Jericho was going to win the EC and Ziggler was going to cash in and their rematch would've been set. That didn't happen though and now we have a battle between two of WWE's future stars. The World Title match for the past couple of years have featured fresh faces in Del Rio, Sheamus, and Daniel Bryan and it looks like this trend will continue. I like it. Although they may open Wrestlemania, at least their match will be for a World Title. In a Wrestlemania that's jampacked with rematches and part time superstars, it's refreshing to see something as bold and as different as this on the card.
2. Technical match-up
When's the last time two guys with submission finishing moves fought for a World Title? Excluding Bryan and Punk, I can't think of one recently. My point being, this has all the makings of being a technical ground based match-up, which is something that has been sorely missing in WWE. A match-up between two submission specialists. The Armbreaker VS The Ankle Lock. It's got something to it. The match has the chance to be the most pure wrestling match at this year's Wrestlemania. That is, unless Jericho faces Ziggler or Bryan. Or Bryan faces Ziggler...
3. Young Guns
This match features two of the young stars of WWE. That's good! Especially on the grand stage of Wrestlemania. These two guys have the chance to prove they belong in the main event scene with this one match. I know many say that WWE doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in their youth talent and trust me, I hear that, but there must be something said for the World Title match featuring young superstars for the 3rd year in a row. Hopefully, this is something that will happen at every Wrestlemania to come as guys like Ziggler, Cesaro, Barrett, and each member of The Shield continue to grow and become main event players in WWE. Ziggler and Bryan for WM 30, just saying...
CONS
1. Del Rio Vs Who?
Jack Swagger has been back for a month and a half and he already has a World Title match at Wrestlemania? I don't know if that was the best decision. You have guys like Cesaro and Barrett who didn't take breaks like Swagger did and were getting over and refining themselves and out of nowhere, Swagger comes out and gets a golden opportunity? It's not fair to them or for any of the other superstars who worked hard as well, like Orton and Sheamus. I'm all for using different people in the main event, but was Swagger the most deserving in the locker room? The obvious answer is now. His name wasn't even being mentioned two months ago. Though I like Swagger's new attitude and Real American gimmick, I think he should have been the one to take the back seat to someone else.
2. Lost in the shuffle
With HUGE MEGA stars such as The Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar all wrestling in one night. this match won't get as much buzz as it would if it were a post Wrestlemania feud. And it's really not Swagger or Del Rio's fault per se, that's just how it works. You have some of the biggest names in wrestling history competing in some huge matches. There's bound to be more focus on those matches than this. It happened at the last two Manias and this won't be any different.
3. Could've been more
While I'm onboard for the whole Mexican VS American two young guns fight for the title thing, I just think of what could have been more. I was really looking forward to Jericho and Ziggler settling their feud with one more match with the title at stake or a heel Orton chasing the unstoppable Sheamus. While WWE has now convinced me that this can be a fantastic contest, it just doesn't feel like a Wrestlemania match. Over the Limit, TLC, yeah, I'd buy it. Wrestlemania? Not really.
To be honest, I'm really looking forward to this match. It could be a surprising show stealer if given enough time. Next up, Lesnar/HHH!
PROS
1. It's different
Let's all be honest, did you EVER think these two would be in the World title match at Wrestlemania? I for sure thought Jericho was going to win the EC and Ziggler was going to cash in and their rematch would've been set. That didn't happen though and now we have a battle between two of WWE's future stars. The World Title match for the past couple of years have featured fresh faces in Del Rio, Sheamus, and Daniel Bryan and it looks like this trend will continue. I like it. Although they may open Wrestlemania, at least their match will be for a World Title. In a Wrestlemania that's jampacked with rematches and part time superstars, it's refreshing to see something as bold and as different as this on the card.
2. Technical match-up
When's the last time two guys with submission finishing moves fought for a World Title? Excluding Bryan and Punk, I can't think of one recently. My point being, this has all the makings of being a technical ground based match-up, which is something that has been sorely missing in WWE. A match-up between two submission specialists. The Armbreaker VS The Ankle Lock. It's got something to it. The match has the chance to be the most pure wrestling match at this year's Wrestlemania. That is, unless Jericho faces Ziggler or Bryan. Or Bryan faces Ziggler...
3. Young Guns
This match features two of the young stars of WWE. That's good! Especially on the grand stage of Wrestlemania. These two guys have the chance to prove they belong in the main event scene with this one match. I know many say that WWE doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in their youth talent and trust me, I hear that, but there must be something said for the World Title match featuring young superstars for the 3rd year in a row. Hopefully, this is something that will happen at every Wrestlemania to come as guys like Ziggler, Cesaro, Barrett, and each member of The Shield continue to grow and become main event players in WWE. Ziggler and Bryan for WM 30, just saying...
CONS
1. Del Rio Vs Who?
Jack Swagger has been back for a month and a half and he already has a World Title match at Wrestlemania? I don't know if that was the best decision. You have guys like Cesaro and Barrett who didn't take breaks like Swagger did and were getting over and refining themselves and out of nowhere, Swagger comes out and gets a golden opportunity? It's not fair to them or for any of the other superstars who worked hard as well, like Orton and Sheamus. I'm all for using different people in the main event, but was Swagger the most deserving in the locker room? The obvious answer is now. His name wasn't even being mentioned two months ago. Though I like Swagger's new attitude and Real American gimmick, I think he should have been the one to take the back seat to someone else.
2. Lost in the shuffle
With HUGE MEGA stars such as The Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar all wrestling in one night. this match won't get as much buzz as it would if it were a post Wrestlemania feud. And it's really not Swagger or Del Rio's fault per se, that's just how it works. You have some of the biggest names in wrestling history competing in some huge matches. There's bound to be more focus on those matches than this. It happened at the last two Manias and this won't be any different.
3. Could've been more
While I'm onboard for the whole Mexican VS American two young guns fight for the title thing, I just think of what could have been more. I was really looking forward to Jericho and Ziggler settling their feud with one more match with the title at stake or a heel Orton chasing the unstoppable Sheamus. While WWE has now convinced me that this can be a fantastic contest, it just doesn't feel like a Wrestlemania match. Over the Limit, TLC, yeah, I'd buy it. Wrestlemania? Not really.
To be honest, I'm really looking forward to this match. It could be a surprising show stealer if given enough time. Next up, Lesnar/HHH!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pros/Cons of Rock/Cena II
Well, Taker/Punk is confirmed and the storyline looks to be that Punk will take the streak away from us. That's very interesting but this post is all about the main event, which is the rematch from last year's Mania, Rock and Cena. Here's the pros and cons of the 2nd mega match between these two.
PROS
1. Big match feel
When you think of Wrestlemania, you think of some of the greatest match-ups of all time. Hulk and Andre, HBK and Bret, and Rock and Austin just to name a few. This one is the same. In case anyone forget, these two already met last year and the anticipation for that one was crazy. What makes you think this is any different now with the WWE Championship on the line? These two men have 22 World Title between them. 22! That's more than the WHOLE World Title Elimination Chamber match from this year COMBINED! It's a huge match that will put butts in seats.
2. The storyline
When the Rumble was over, I sighed in disbelief as WWE seemed to be heading for the 2nd straight match-up between Rock and Cena. That feeling was confirmed once Cena defeated Punk in what is the match of the year right now, but on the old-school Raw last week, Rock/Cena had a promo that sold me on the match. John Cena blamed The Rock for his rocky (no pun intended) 2012 year, that losing to him made Cena obsessed. Cena sounded different than he has before. He sounded desperate. He NEEDS to win this match to solidify his career and to prove to everyone that he hasn't lost it. The potential for a Cena character change is through the roof. Could you imagine if Cena loses again? Would he snap? What would be possible for the Cenation Leader next if that happened? I think WWE has a golden opportunity here if Cena does lose. Either way, the storyline is far better than last year's generic mega match between the two top stars in WWE history. And that video package was pretty amazing from this past Raw as well.
3. Come on, it's The Rock and John Cena!
Whether I like Rock and Cena or not, these guys draw numbers! Wrestlemania 28 was the highest grossing WWE PPV, I'm sorry, PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING PPV of ALL TIME! If the 1st one did that, why NOT do a rematch and milk the match for all its worth? It's simple. At the end of the day, it's all about them dead presidents and Rock/Cena II will make PLENTY of those. We may not like it, but WWE is a business and they need to make money to survive.
CONS
1. IT'S THE SAME MATCH AT THE SAME PPV
I'm not against rematches, as I loved every match that Punk/Bryan and HBK/Taker had, I just don't think it should be the main event TWO YEARS IN A ROW, especially when there are so many other options they could've done, like Punk/Rock/Cena or Lesnar/Rock etc. It's kinda like Vince doesn't trust anything else in the main event BUT Rock and Cena. While it has the Mania match feel, it's repetitive. Why do we have to see it again?
2. They're hogging the spotlight
Dolph Ziggler had a great 2012. So did Antonio Cesaro and Wade Barrett. All three of those guys don't have Wrestlemania matches. It's really ashame, seeing how those guys were there for most of the year. It's not fair for The Rock to come in, take the spotlight from guys who deserve it and then vanish off until the next big event comes along. While The Rock is a household name, that doesn't mean he can just come up and take over EVERYTHING. That has been my main gripe with Rock since July and it won't change.
3. Potential for other things
CM Punk was WWE Champion for 434 days before The Rock ended it. They had the potential for a huge main event between CM Punk and The Undertaker. It would have been the longest WWE Title reign in 25 years VS The Greatest Streak in Wrestling, giving Taker his last WWE Title in his Hall of Fame career. That is only a dream now. Yes, Punk and Taker are still wrestling, but it's under different circumstances. Punk is only facing Taker because there is nothing else to do. He just came out of nowhere and wanted to end the streak. That was my biggest fear in this. Now if Punk was still the champion, it would have flown more smoothly. Rock could've faced Lesnar and Cena could've pushed a young guy like Cesaro or even face Ryback. All I'm saying is, there were better options than Rock/Cena II. I knew it was inevitable, but they could've used that at SummerSlam at least!
There's the main event done! Next up, the dark horse match, Del Rio VS Swagger!
PROS
1. Big match feel
When you think of Wrestlemania, you think of some of the greatest match-ups of all time. Hulk and Andre, HBK and Bret, and Rock and Austin just to name a few. This one is the same. In case anyone forget, these two already met last year and the anticipation for that one was crazy. What makes you think this is any different now with the WWE Championship on the line? These two men have 22 World Title between them. 22! That's more than the WHOLE World Title Elimination Chamber match from this year COMBINED! It's a huge match that will put butts in seats.
2. The storyline
When the Rumble was over, I sighed in disbelief as WWE seemed to be heading for the 2nd straight match-up between Rock and Cena. That feeling was confirmed once Cena defeated Punk in what is the match of the year right now, but on the old-school Raw last week, Rock/Cena had a promo that sold me on the match. John Cena blamed The Rock for his rocky (no pun intended) 2012 year, that losing to him made Cena obsessed. Cena sounded different than he has before. He sounded desperate. He NEEDS to win this match to solidify his career and to prove to everyone that he hasn't lost it. The potential for a Cena character change is through the roof. Could you imagine if Cena loses again? Would he snap? What would be possible for the Cenation Leader next if that happened? I think WWE has a golden opportunity here if Cena does lose. Either way, the storyline is far better than last year's generic mega match between the two top stars in WWE history. And that video package was pretty amazing from this past Raw as well.
3. Come on, it's The Rock and John Cena!
Whether I like Rock and Cena or not, these guys draw numbers! Wrestlemania 28 was the highest grossing WWE PPV, I'm sorry, PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING PPV of ALL TIME! If the 1st one did that, why NOT do a rematch and milk the match for all its worth? It's simple. At the end of the day, it's all about them dead presidents and Rock/Cena II will make PLENTY of those. We may not like it, but WWE is a business and they need to make money to survive.
CONS
1. IT'S THE SAME MATCH AT THE SAME PPV
I'm not against rematches, as I loved every match that Punk/Bryan and HBK/Taker had, I just don't think it should be the main event TWO YEARS IN A ROW, especially when there are so many other options they could've done, like Punk/Rock/Cena or Lesnar/Rock etc. It's kinda like Vince doesn't trust anything else in the main event BUT Rock and Cena. While it has the Mania match feel, it's repetitive. Why do we have to see it again?
2. They're hogging the spotlight
Dolph Ziggler had a great 2012. So did Antonio Cesaro and Wade Barrett. All three of those guys don't have Wrestlemania matches. It's really ashame, seeing how those guys were there for most of the year. It's not fair for The Rock to come in, take the spotlight from guys who deserve it and then vanish off until the next big event comes along. While The Rock is a household name, that doesn't mean he can just come up and take over EVERYTHING. That has been my main gripe with Rock since July and it won't change.
3. Potential for other things
CM Punk was WWE Champion for 434 days before The Rock ended it. They had the potential for a huge main event between CM Punk and The Undertaker. It would have been the longest WWE Title reign in 25 years VS The Greatest Streak in Wrestling, giving Taker his last WWE Title in his Hall of Fame career. That is only a dream now. Yes, Punk and Taker are still wrestling, but it's under different circumstances. Punk is only facing Taker because there is nothing else to do. He just came out of nowhere and wanted to end the streak. That was my biggest fear in this. Now if Punk was still the champion, it would have flown more smoothly. Rock could've faced Lesnar and Cena could've pushed a young guy like Cesaro or even face Ryback. All I'm saying is, there were better options than Rock/Cena II. I knew it was inevitable, but they could've used that at SummerSlam at least!
There's the main event done! Next up, the dark horse match, Del Rio VS Swagger!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Pros and Cons of Punk/Taker
I'm going to start doing the pros and cons of WWE, starting with Wrestlemania and one of its potential main events in CM Punk facing The Undertaker. This match-up has a lot of potential but it could've been something much more if WWE had planned it right. First, the pros!
PROS
1. It's a Wrestlemania quality match
When you think of past Wrestlemanias and Undertaker, you usually think of fantastic matches that usually end up stealing the show and are the ones you and your friends talk about most when the night is over. A Punk/Taker match will have that same effect. Punk is one of the- if not the-best workers in WWE. I don't think I need to prove that but if you have any doubts, just watch most of his one one one matches from last year, in fact, just watch that classic with Cena from this past Raw and you'll see what I mean. Undertaker's matches at Mania are legendary. His past four clashes have all been called the best in the history of Wrestlemania. If Taker did in fact face Punk, I think we could be seeing another epic Taker match and it could also be the match of the night, given the right amount of time.
2. It's the ultimate honor for Punk
What do Edge, Batista, and Orton have in common? They faced Undertaker at Mania and put on fantastic performances. Their careers thrived from it as well. Orton, had a complete character change and won 8 more World Titles. Batista had the feud of the year with the man and Edge, Hall of Famer. Punk had a fantastic 2012, going undefeated at PPVs, holding the WWE Title all year, and had so many match of the year candidates. Though Punk has lost that title AND lost twice to The Rock, he's still a househould name in WWE and this is the only match that makes sense for someone of his high calibur. Well, this and against Austin but I don't think they would rush a big match like that. CM Punk doesn't have to win, as the other men have proven, but he just needs to give Taker a run for his money and make us believe he can win and I'm sure Punk will thrive off of this match, even in defeat.
3. It's different
CM Punk and Undertaker have wrestled before but that was in 2009 when Punk wasn't the superstar that he is now. With theis Mania having two matches that took place at big PPVs LAST year, having Taker defend his streak against Punk is fresh. It's new and exciting. It has the potential to be a crazy feud with some very interesting promos and Punk has already fired the first shot by proclaiming himself God and Immortal. What else will Punk say in the weeks to come? I can't wait to see it.
CONS
1. We know the victor
Undertaker is 20-0 at Wrestlemania. 20 victories, no defeats. He's defeated Hall of Famers, future Hall of Famers, and some of the greatest of all time. How many of us truly believe that CM Punk, who just lost to Rock, a part timer, twice, will be the one after 23 years to end the most important streak in WWE history? It's just not believable to me. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see it but I just don't believe it. Maybe if he had the WWE Title still, there would be a little more suspense but without it, Punk doesn't stand much of a chance.
2. Rushed feud
There are only 5 weeks left to Wrestlemania, which means this match will basically come out of nowhere and not have the build-up it truly deserves. I think WWE can do it well, but it's just going to feel rushed and forced to me. I mean, how is Punk going to do it? Just come out and randomly say he wants to beat the Streak? What about the WWE Title? Once again, WWE can make it work but if they would've started the program back in February, it would've had a much better build.
3. Undertaker's condition
Undertaker is getting of age. He will be 48 when he faces his opponent at Wrestlemania 29. That means he can do some of the things he did at say Wrestlemania 25, when he had that classic with HBK. Not only is he older, but he has lagging injuries from his past matches which have caused Taker to have a lighter schedule as of late AKA ONE MATCH A YEAR. My main concern is is Taker's health. Can he wrestle another big match against one of the greatest in-ring generals in WWE right now? Will it be a match that will live up the high quality of matches that Taker has at Mania. Will Punk look strong in defeat?
Just some of my thoughts of the potential mega main event of Punk/Taker. I'll be doing the pros/cons of every big Mania match so stay tuned. Next; the main event of Wrestlemania gets evaluated!
PROS
1. It's a Wrestlemania quality match
When you think of past Wrestlemanias and Undertaker, you usually think of fantastic matches that usually end up stealing the show and are the ones you and your friends talk about most when the night is over. A Punk/Taker match will have that same effect. Punk is one of the- if not the-best workers in WWE. I don't think I need to prove that but if you have any doubts, just watch most of his one one one matches from last year, in fact, just watch that classic with Cena from this past Raw and you'll see what I mean. Undertaker's matches at Mania are legendary. His past four clashes have all been called the best in the history of Wrestlemania. If Taker did in fact face Punk, I think we could be seeing another epic Taker match and it could also be the match of the night, given the right amount of time.
2. It's the ultimate honor for Punk
What do Edge, Batista, and Orton have in common? They faced Undertaker at Mania and put on fantastic performances. Their careers thrived from it as well. Orton, had a complete character change and won 8 more World Titles. Batista had the feud of the year with the man and Edge, Hall of Famer. Punk had a fantastic 2012, going undefeated at PPVs, holding the WWE Title all year, and had so many match of the year candidates. Though Punk has lost that title AND lost twice to The Rock, he's still a househould name in WWE and this is the only match that makes sense for someone of his high calibur. Well, this and against Austin but I don't think they would rush a big match like that. CM Punk doesn't have to win, as the other men have proven, but he just needs to give Taker a run for his money and make us believe he can win and I'm sure Punk will thrive off of this match, even in defeat.
3. It's different
CM Punk and Undertaker have wrestled before but that was in 2009 when Punk wasn't the superstar that he is now. With theis Mania having two matches that took place at big PPVs LAST year, having Taker defend his streak against Punk is fresh. It's new and exciting. It has the potential to be a crazy feud with some very interesting promos and Punk has already fired the first shot by proclaiming himself God and Immortal. What else will Punk say in the weeks to come? I can't wait to see it.
CONS
1. We know the victor
Undertaker is 20-0 at Wrestlemania. 20 victories, no defeats. He's defeated Hall of Famers, future Hall of Famers, and some of the greatest of all time. How many of us truly believe that CM Punk, who just lost to Rock, a part timer, twice, will be the one after 23 years to end the most important streak in WWE history? It's just not believable to me. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see it but I just don't believe it. Maybe if he had the WWE Title still, there would be a little more suspense but without it, Punk doesn't stand much of a chance.
2. Rushed feud
There are only 5 weeks left to Wrestlemania, which means this match will basically come out of nowhere and not have the build-up it truly deserves. I think WWE can do it well, but it's just going to feel rushed and forced to me. I mean, how is Punk going to do it? Just come out and randomly say he wants to beat the Streak? What about the WWE Title? Once again, WWE can make it work but if they would've started the program back in February, it would've had a much better build.
3. Undertaker's condition
Undertaker is getting of age. He will be 48 when he faces his opponent at Wrestlemania 29. That means he can do some of the things he did at say Wrestlemania 25, when he had that classic with HBK. Not only is he older, but he has lagging injuries from his past matches which have caused Taker to have a lighter schedule as of late AKA ONE MATCH A YEAR. My main concern is is Taker's health. Can he wrestle another big match against one of the greatest in-ring generals in WWE right now? Will it be a match that will live up the high quality of matches that Taker has at Mania. Will Punk look strong in defeat?
Just some of my thoughts of the potential mega main event of Punk/Taker. I'll be doing the pros/cons of every big Mania match so stay tuned. Next; the main event of Wrestlemania gets evaluated!
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