Wrestlemania Build

With Fastlane done and over with, all shows will now build towards Wrestlemania. Raw did a great job at building anticipation towards the event in many different ways.

The Shield farewell address was Roman Reigns just talking. He put over Rollins and Dean and him left. Heyman had Shelton Benjamin attack Rollins, which led to a good match between the two. Rollins went over of course. I was convinced that Rollins was going to slay Lesnar at Mania but now, I'm not so sure. I hope I'm wrong.

Bobby Lashley beat Finn Balor to become Intercontinental Champion for the 2nd time in his career. I don't know where this is leading for Mania but I can only assume they're going to bring out Demon Balor to end their feud.

Ricochet and Aleister Black faced Bobby Roode and Chad Gable in a quick match, which led to The Revival attack the winning Ricochet and Black. I think Black and Ricochet are going win tag team gold at Mania, but don't know if it will be a multi man match or just two on two.

Ronda's heel turn continued as she ran down the WWE Universe and assaulted Dana Brooke, who tried to make an opportunity for herself. That opportunity was get her ass beat. I love heel Ronda and I hope she sticks around after Mania.

Alexa Bliss is hosting Wrestlemania because why not?

Batista and Triple H had a shouting match promo which led to the inevitable; Batstia VS Triple H at Wrestlemania 35. As I suggested, it will be No Holds Barred, which would be best for both wrestlers who are 50 (HHH will be in July). I like both guys, the promo was fun and I think the stipulation will help both guys in the match.

The shenanigans from the WWE Women's Tag Team Title match continued on Raw, with Natalya taking on Nia Jax...but the match lasted one minute before Beth came in and attacked Nia. They fought and chased off The Samoan Slaughterhouse, who then were attacked by Boss N Hug Connection backstage. I'm guessing the Fatal Four Way for the Women's Tag Titles is happening. We just need a Smackdown team to get involved, as they should. Sasha and Bayley need to go to Smackdown tomorrow.

Kurt Angle announced that he will be having his retirement match at Wrestlemania. There are so many dream matches for Angle left in WWE but it unfortunately, none of them will happen at Mania because most of the guys are already or will be busy. Styles will definitely be facing Orton, Bryan will most likely face Kofi and Rollins is busy with The Beast. Shinsuke Nakamura would be my choice if we're going with a dream match. The Internet seems to think John Cena will get the nod which would be nice, but I'm already all in on Samoa Joe VS John Cena. I think we'll get the direction for the US Title picture after Joe defends against R Truth. I would also be OK with either Rey Mysterio or Andrade, who could definitely use the momentum for his post Mania life. Cena/Angle makes sense but so does Joe/Cena if Truth is Cena's hero.

Roman Reigns was going to return to action on Raw this week against Baron Corbin but Drew McIntyre had other plans and laid the Big Dog OUT. An attack from behind, followed by two massive Claymore kicks, including one into the ringpost. McIntyre just booked his match for Wrestlemania folks. This did not sit well with Ambrose who demanded a Falls Count Anywhere match with McIntyre to Triple H, who just happened to be trying to check on Reigns. HHH agreed and we got a brutal main event, one that saw McIntyre 'stab' a pencil into Ambrose's eye, javelin him into the LED board and gave him a vicious Claymore kick while Dean's head was in a steel handrail. McIntyre destroyed Ambrose. Was this a way to write Ambrose off TV and out of the WWE? Time will tell but I'l tell you one thing; if Seth Rollins doesn't find a way to defeat Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania, Drew McIntyre has to be the one to stop him. He just has to get past The Big Dog first. The problem with a McIntyre/Reigns match is that one of them has to lose. This will be McIntyre's first Wrestlemania back on the main roster after his return in 2017. This will be Roman's grand return to Wrestlemania after returning from cancer. McIntyre is looking to push his way up the card while Reigns is looking to reclaim his top spot. I'm a huge fan of McIntyre and while a great showing would be fantastic for his stock, a victory over the four consecutive Wrestlemania main event Reigns would do wonders for his career. This is a tough one.

WWE did a great job of building excitement for Wrestlemania. I hope they can continue the trend. I'l do a post after Smackdown to see how they build the next step towards #kofimania.