#UnderdogMania

Now that the dust has settled from another Wrestlemania week, I can take a step back and examine it. I've already talked about the near perfection that was NXT Takeover New York and with Johnny Gargano finally realizing his dream, it looked like that trend was going to continue. And continue it did as all the underdogs in the major matches were able to overcome the powers at be. I'm not going to discuss the whole Mania card but I will say that on predictions, I was 9-6-1. I'm not counting the Women's Battle Royal as Lacey Evans wasn't in. Surprised she wasn't, especially seeing her interactions with the new double women's champion the nights following Mania. A win there could have solidified her status as a major threat to come.

Rollins/Lesnar starting Mania was smart. The match was a short affair as expected but the winner wasn't as expected. Yes, it was the logical choice for Lesnar to drop the title but we all remember what happened last year with Roman Reigns. This was not the case this year. After getting a low blow in against Lesnar, Rollins proceeded to hit a thrust kick followed by three Curb Stomps and it was enough to put down The Beast and win the WWE Universal Championship in an absolute shocker. The crowd popped big, I popped big, it was an amazing way to start Mania. Plus, we got a near repeat of what happened in the main event of Wrestlemania 31, title swing and all! I'm very happy for Rollins, who won his first World Title in 3 YEARS. Rollins' journey back to the main event picture has been exciting and I'm glad all the hard work he's done in the midcard and always putting on exciting matches has translated to this win. I'm happy for Raw in general, who now have a World Champion who will at least defend the title on more PPVs. This is big for stars like Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman, both who are still looking for that ever elusive first World Title reign. Rollins winning was the perfect start to Mania.

Another big moment was in the Women's Tag divisions. In another shocking moment, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay of the IIconics shockingly won the titles at Wrestlemania. The emotion on both of their faces told the whole story. It even made me a little emotional. I've been a big fan of these two once they turned heel and became a duo. To see their dream realized on such a big stage to such an amazing reaction, it was perfect. I obviously feel for Sasha and Bayley, mainly because they just got the titles and I was looking forward to them going to face Kairi and Io in the future but I think that's going to be a dream Wrestlemania 36 match as Kairi might be on her way up to Raw or Smackdown. It has been reported that the decision took Sasha by surprise as well who was so emotional about it ended up threatening to quit the company. She's apparently on vacation while she thinks about it. I would hate for a simple title change to end her young career in WWE. She'd obviously do well outside of the company but I want all The Four Horsewomen together for the inevitable feud with the Ronda's group. Sasha's (and apparently Bayley's) response has put a bad taste in my mouth about her. I understand her frustrations but you can't win them all. Regardless, the IIconics will flourish in their new role. On a more storyline front, Paige was backstage at Smackdown and said she would be bringing a new team in, leading to ride speculations from everyone. The Sky Pirates seem to be the favorite from everyone but I'm looking for a twist, like Rhea Ripley and Reina Gonzalez, two insanely powerful women who would be game changers in the absence of Nia Jax and Tamina (Nia is getting double knee surgery). Maybe Absolution with Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose will be getting back with their old mentor? Regardless, it's going to be a must see segment.

In what was my most anticipated match of this year's Wrestlemania, Kofi Kingston challenged Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. This was Kofi's first one on one shot for the title in his 11 year career. He was hungry and resilient and would not be denied. Bryan even hit Kofi with his signature flying knee and Kofi kicked out of that. Clearly, Johnny Wrestling's actions at Takeover New York motivated Kofi and despite taking everything Bryan had, Kofi was able to fight back, get the crowd solely on his side and hit a major league Trouble in Paradise. I thought Bryan would kick out so I didn't get too excited but when that final three count hit, I screamed. I stood up and clapped. There were tears in my eyes, some even fell. Kofi Kingston had just become WWE Champion in front of my very eyes. On January 1st, 2019, NO one could have said that Kofi Kingston would defeat Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 35. That sentence made no sense but on April 7th, 2019, it was the reality. Big E and Xavier Woods celebrated with their friend, Woods was bawling, overcome with emotions. Woods said in multiple interviews way before Wrestlemania 35 that his main goal was to make sure Kofi became a World champion. Goal achieved. Woods and E discarded Bryan's eco friendly title for the authentic WWE Championship, fit with Kofi sideplates. Fun fact, they accidentally showed the podium the title was sitting on BEFORE putting Bryan's title on it was a clear sign the title change was going to happen. They lifted Kofi up, fireworks went off and WWE finally has a champion that a whole different audience can identify with. The icing on the cake? He was able to celebrate with his two sons. Kai, the oldest, stole the show, lifting up the championship and even throwing out the new merchandise to fans at ringside. THIS is a Wrestlemania moment, one that will be played for years to come, hopefully one that my future children will see and be inspired by. Not only was it one of the best matches of the night, it was easily the biggest moment of the entire show.

Triple H and Batista went to war. I was a little skeptic of this match, just because of the age of the two men competing, mixed with ring ruse and of course, Crown Jewel 2018. Thankfully, both guys benefited from the No Holds Barred stipulation. Trips pulling out Batista's nose ring with the pliers?!? Amazing. It was brutal but it ended the way I thought. Sledgehammer shot and then the Pedigree. Flair even got involved as well. Batista announced his retirement the night after Mania so it really was his swansong. I'm glad everything fell into place, like Triple H recovering fast enough for the match and Batista's busy schedule allowing him to wrestle in the first place. It was a fantastic feud throughout the years and it's great to have come full circle here.

Fun fact, did you know Triple H has wrestled every member of the infamous Class of 2002 at Wrestlemania? He actually accomplished this 6 years ago when he faced Lesnar at Wrestlemania 29. With his win over Batista, he's now defeated 3 of the 4 at Wrestlemania. So book it now. Cena/HHH, WM36. HHH will get a full blown Pirates of the Caribbean entrance.

Main event was good! Yes, it was a VERY weird and abrupt ending and I'm insanely mad Charlotte didn't do a corkscrew moonsault through a table but I liked what they presented. Kudos for them to try and keep things interesting on HOUR 8 of Wrestlemania. Becky winning was the obvious outcome but once the other underdogs started to win, I got nervous. Becky has come A LONG WAY and to see her get her just due, it's amazing.

So, Johnny Gargano won. Seth Rollins won. KOFI KINGSTON WON. Becky Lynch won. Why are we complaining? We have #johnnywrestling, The Beastslayer, Mr. 24/7 and The Man running things right now. It's insane to even think about! I leave you saying this; I enjoyed Mania. Only thing I absolutely hated was Reigns/McIntyre. I knew McIntyre would lose but to one silly spear? That's ridiculous. The Corbin/Angle match wasn't nothing amazing either but I expected that. Anyway, good show, I'd rate a solid 8/10, based on moments alone.

Superstar Shakeup is coming this week so I wonder what big stars are coming to Raw and Smackdown. I still believe Reigns will be going to Raw. I realize I said that last year as well but I really feel it this time!

Thanks for all the fun this week WWE.