It's been exactly one month since Wrestlemania XXVI, and while a review of the show itself is long overdue, the added time allows an opportunity to reflect on the effects of Wrestlemania throughout the WWE.
I love the outdoor arenas for Wrestlemania. The first Wrestlemania I ever ordered was Wrestlemania XIX, and having an outdoor venue gave the show such a distinct feel from any of the Raw or Smackdown tapings.
The show opens with a performance of "America the Beautiful" by Fantasia. I could've done without this. I don't care for her voice, but it was nice to have at least one star on hand for this event.
The opening montage is, of course, tremendous. I don't know who does all this, but it's an amazing job. It was great to see Bret Hart back in the picture here. It really felt like he was back home. Of course, there is always the looming threat to the end of Shawn Michael's career, which gives the entire experience a sort of ironic and mystical "full-circle" feeling.
It felt wrong somehow to open the show without Jim Ross. I'm so used to hearing his voice at this event, and unfortunately, Michael Cole just never reached that level of excitement. Cole always comes off as a more scientific play-by-play man whereas Good ol' J.R. seemed to bring the passion that is lost in so much of wrestling today.
WWE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
TAG TEAM MATCH
John Morrison & R-Truth vs. Show-Miz
It was great to see new blood here competing for (and holding) tag team gold. The Miz is such a tremendous talent. John Morrison and R-Truth represent the bright future for the young blood in WWE. The Miz seems to be able to work with just about anyone and really do a good job of selling it. The chemistry between Jericho and The Big Show was solid, but I think the Miz brings a young man's passion to the picture that makes a lot of people want to watch.
The match itself was quick, and I've heard a lot of complaints from fans that this entire night felt a bit rushed. Morrison and Truth never really have a chance to get off the ground. Every time they start to build momentum, they are stopped dead. In the end this comes off as more of a squash match than a real competition. It's a shame, because Morrison is so athletically gifted, but is rarely given a chance to shine.
What bothers me most here is that Morrison loses more or less to a punch from Big Show. Not even a chokeslam. If you blink, you missed it.
MY PREDICTION: Show-Miz
WINNERS: WWE Unified Tag Team Champions Show-Miz
WWE airs a brief video package highlighting the events held in Phoenix for Wrestlemania week. This is usually done about mid-way through the show, but they knock it out early here.
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Randy Orton
I mentioned in my Wrestlemania predictions that this match didn't receive the build-up it deserved. Still, for anyone who has been following Randy Orton and his Legacy angle, it was a great opportunity to see who was going to grab the brass ring and rise to the top.
Orton is the clear favorite here, despite being more or less a heel in his abuse of his Legacy brethren.
Matt Striker makes a great point that "WWE is about individual achievement", which would account for their lack of interest in tag team wrestling. Michael Cole also says that Ted and Cody don't care who wins, as long as Randy Orton loses. As I recall, Rhodes and DiBiase almost came to blows over who was going to get the win over Orton.
The match itself is solid work. You can see Orton's influence in his protege's as they dissect Orton piece by piece. It's not so much a Triple Threat Match as it is a handicap tag team match as Rhodes and DiBiase team up to destroy their mentor. Eventually Rhodes and DiBiase get to fight over who covers Orton, and Randy takes advantage. He manages to hit all his signatures (the backbreaker, a double-DDT from the second ring rope, and a punt to Rhodes' head) until the fans are finally chanting for the RKO, which is great because that is the kind of reaction Orton should've been getting for years. Finally he hits the RKO on Ted DiBiase for the win.
I don't understand the outcome of this match for two major reasons. The first, and most obvious is that this match should've been used to elevate one of these young stars to the next level of the WWE ladder. Instead it is simply Orton's opportunity to demonstrate his dominance over the other two, which is basically what he's been doing for the past few months.
The second reason has to do with Orton's history with Triple H. Orton's career was more or less buried by The Game after "The Legend Killer" broke from Evolution. The young man who was hailed as "the future of the WWE" was brought to a screeching halt as he was first turned face and then buried week after week by a tyrannical Triple H. You would think that Orton would recognize this as an opportunity to do right by the younger generation, but instead his career path seems to mirror that of his own mentor has he buries Legacy here at Wrestlemania.
MY PREDICTION: Ted DiBiase
WINNER: "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton
Josh Matthews interviews Vickie Guerrero for her upcoming match. Vickie does a nice job backstage, but really has no business entering the wrestling ring. A mediocre promo is capped off by Jillian Hall's voice. To make things better, Santino Marella comes around to plug the "Slim James", the bites of which bring Mae Young, "Mean" Gene Okerland, and finally, Melina. It's sad when that little bit of humor is more entertaining than the promo for the actual wrestling.
MONEY-IN-THE-BANK LADDER MATCH
Kofi Kingston vs. Montel Vontavious Porter vs. Evan Bourne vs. "The All-American American" Jack Swagger vs. "The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kane vs. Chrstian
The introductions for this match are just awful. While it is certainly nice to have some diversity when it comes to ring announcing, after the awesome work Lillian Garcia did for WWE for so many years, it's hard to imagine any other woman taking her place. Hopefully, Savannah is not the heir to that throne.
Matt Striker than says that Kane was the only man to win two Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Matches, cash them both in, and become World Champion.
Um...I think that was C.M. Punk, Matt. Where were you?
I won't go into detail about this match simply because it is much too chaotic to keep track of anything. My biggest issue with the MITB matches is that they are little more than spot-fests for everyone involved. The fact that there are ten competitors this year means that any attempt at pacing this match will be impossible.
I think most people expected Chrstian to win, but Jack Swagger eventually climbs to the top and retrieves the briefcase (after fighting with the latch) which guarantees him a World Championship match at any time in the near future.
There's really no harm in saying this, since most people who read this have already seen the show, but on Raw the previous week, Jack Swagger told Michael Cole that, should he win MITB at Wrestlemania, he would cash it in at Wrestlemania to become the new Champion.
Well, Jack, you won. But you never cashed it in. Talk about false advertising.
MY PREDICTION: "The All-American American" Jack Swagger
WINNER: "The All-American American" Jack Swagger
WWE then shows a preview for WWE Extreme Rules, which will take the place of WWE Backlash after Wrestelmania. It's ironic that the advertisement claims "Count outs? Keep counting", and yet Batista would challenge John Cena to a Last Man Standing match in which the only way to win is to be counted out.
There's a recap of Hall of Fame induction ceAgaremony. Unfortunately, Bob Euker, whose contributions to wrestling last a matter of hours, outshines the contributions of Stu Hart, who trained men like Chris Jericho, and Antonio Inoki, whose impact can be felt to this day.
Howard Finkel presents the inductees of 2010. It was great to see the Hart Family accept on Stu's behalf.
Triple H vs. Sheamus
I'm not sure who expected Sheamus to win. This is Wrestlemania, and this is Triple H. Sheamus tries to make himself look good, but the unconquerable Game of course, comes out on top. There's no sense talking about it. It is merely a formality. I guess after doing the job for Cena and Batista, Triple H feels he's entitled to squash just one more star.
MY PREDICTION: Triple H
WINNER: Triple H
C.M. Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
I just want to say that C.M. Punk is an amazing star who has really shone through in the last year. He has exhibited more personality in the past six months than any time before. I love the angle with the Straight-Edge Society and Punk sells it so perfectly well. This is what Legacy should've been and never got to be.
The stipulation here is that if Punk wins, Rey must swear in to the Straight-Edge Society.
Punk cuts a fantastic promo coming down to the ring, and the crowd just eats it up. This is a great example of what charisma and good storytelling can do for wrestling. Even "The King" Jerry Lawler admits after Punks closing creed, "That's scary." I've said before that any good heel will always be able to justify his actions, and that is what makes Punk so great: he really believes he is doing the right thing.
Rey Mysterio plays the fan favorite. I'm not exactly sure what James Cameron's "Avatar" has to do with any of this, but that's the costume Rey dons this year. Of course this is going to make him an instant favorite with all the fans.
This is by far the most solid match of the night to this point. Like the matches before it, it goes by quickly, but little time is wasted. I like the overall package this match presents, there's a lot going on here. Rey manages to take out the entire Straight Edge Society and defeat Punk to avoid joining his twisted cult.
MY PREDICTION: Rey Mysterio
WINNER: Rey Mysterio
NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. Mr. McMahon
This match was preceded by yet another fabulous video package that chronicled Bret Hart's career and the Montreal Incident and then everything that happened since his return to the WWE. Again, I don't know who to credit with this, but it was just a fantastic package that brings back a lot of emotion and builds the anticipation for this match.
Watching Bret make his triumphant return to Wrestlemania was an incredible feeling. Again, I don't think a lot of the young fans can comprehend just what this match meant to wrestling. It's something we never thought we'd see: one of those dream matches that everyone talks about, but never really thought would come true. Bret is truly home at Wrestlemania, where he had some of the greatest matches of his career.
Vince McMahon comes out and says he's literally bought the loyalty of the Hart family, which is now going to help him beat Bret down. Bret says he knew about Vince's plot all along, and the Harts, after depositing the money in their bank accounts, banded together and vowed to destroy Vince.
It was a great move to include the Hart Dynasty in this match simply because it will help their career to align themselves directly with Bret.
The match drags on just a little too long for my taste. Vince McMahon mounts zero offense during the entire affair. The entire family batters, bruises, and bloodies Vince to no end. Lead pipes, steel chairs, it's all legal. To cap it all off, Bret locks Vince in the Sharpshooter to close the match.
While the match did carry on just a little long, Bret deserved his moment, and it was great to let him finish things on his own terms. Kudos also go to Vince McMahon, who gets a rep for being an ego-maniac, but humbles himself enough here to let himself be humiliated and disgraced on the grandest stage he ever created.
In November 1997, Bret screwed Bret.
In March 2010, Vince screwed Vince.
At Wrestlemania XXVI, Bret screwed Vince.
MY PREDICTION: Bret "Hitman" Hart
WINNER: Bret "Hitman" Hart
Next it was announced that Wrestlemania XXVII would emanate from Atlanta, GA on April 3, 2011.
A new attendance record was set for the University of Phoenix Stadium: 72,219.
Hey, why not? That deserves a shot of pyro.
WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. "The Rated R Superstar" Edge
This was one of the most anticipated matches of the night, and it did not disappoint. These are two of the most solid in-ring performers in the company, and they were at their A-Game for Wrestlemania.
It was also nice to see a title match at Wrestlemania that did not involve Randy Orton, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, or the Big Show.
It was a shoc k to most people that Chris Jericho retained in this match, but it sets up a nice feud between the two that can carry on into the coming year. Edge gets the last word, however, by spearing Jericho off the two announce tables and through the barricade.
It's amazing to see how far these two have come: Edge from having tag teamed with Christian to become one of the greatest tag teams of all time, and Jericho from being the young upstart that took The Rock and Steve Austin head on to become the first ever Undisputed Champion. I'm looking forward to seeing how these two play off of each other in the coming year.
MY PREDICTION: Edge
WINNER: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho
DARK MATCH: 26-MAN OVER-THE-TOP-ROPE BATTLE ROYAL
Apparently there was a 26-man Battle Royal to kick off the night. This is basically a nod to all the mid-card talents. Yoshi Tatsu was the winner. Apparently it wasn't worth airing, but it was worth recapping.
MY PREDICTION: N/A
WINNER: YOSHI TATSU
10-DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH
Layla, Alica Fox, Vickie Guerrero, WWE Divas Champion Maryse, & WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool vs. Kelly Kelly, Eve Tores, Mickie James, "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix, & Gail Kim
Not sure what anyone was expecting from this match, but they most likely didn't get it. Eventually it turns into a finish-fest as each girl steps into the ring, hits their finisher, and then gets mowed down by the next girl. Eventually Vickie hits the "hog splash" (or "bull frog" splash) off the ropes to get the win.
This match was announced after my "Wrestlemania Predictions" post, but I probably would've guess Mickie James' team would get the win.
MY PREDICTION: N/A
WINERS: Layla, Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, WWE Divas Champion Maryse, & WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
WWE Champion "The Animal" Batista vs. John Cena
I'm not a big fan of either of these men, but I love this angle. Batista in particular, really shines here where he's allowed to be himself and not waste his time pandering to the fans. The company needs good strong heels right now, and Batista has become exactly that.
The matches have gotten progressively better as the night goes on, and this match is no different. The intensity in this match is tangible. Batista takes a very Orton-esque route with his entrance by allowing the lights to cut and have just a single spotlight on him. This is great because it keeps distractions to a minimum. Forget the spectacles around you: make yourself the spectacle. You are what these people came to see.
Of course, Cena always has something special planned for his entrance. This time it's a division of our armed forces giving an amazing performance with their firearms. Most people won't appreciate the precision and discipline this takes, but it was amazing to watch and got a nice reaction from the fans. I'm not sure I appreciate Cena using this for his entrance simply because it makes him too clear a face, and plays more on people's allegiance to their country rather than their allegiance to Cena himself. It brainwashes people into thinking it is somehow "unpatriotic" not to be a John Cena fan, and I don't like that kind of self-promotion.
The match has some great back-and-forth action that keeps the fans guessing as to who is going to win. Batista really looks like a million bucks during this entire bout, and calls Cena on a lot of the gimmicky moves that he uses. He doesn't give Cena a chance to breathe, to pander to the crowd, to taunt, or to show off. He goes right for the kill every time, and it makes the match edge-of-your-seat exciting.
Of course, in case there was any doubt in anyone's mind, Cena makes Batista tap to the STF to reclaim the WWE Championship.
This was a great feud and a solid match, but, as Michael Cole pointed out, Cena and Batista have fourteen world championships between them. They need to start working Cena with some younger stars. I thought Cena vs. Sheamus would be a good feud to start with, but Sheamus is now preoccupied with Triple H. Still, there are plenty of young stars to choose from (Christian, MVP, The Miz, etc.) Batista and Cena need to start ushering in a new era of champions. I hope to see some new blood competing in the main event at Wrestlemania XXVII.
MY PREDICTION: John Cena
WINNER: John Cena
There's one more promo for WWE Extreme Rules before the true main event of the night is introduced.
CAREER VS. STREAK MATCH
Win by Pinfall or Submission Only
The Undertaker vs. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels
I wonder sometimes what people would've said if they'd known that they were watching Steve Austin's last match at Wrestlemania XIX. He was the biggest star the company had ever seen (at the very least, the biggest star since Hulk Hogan), but he didn't ask for a grand send-off. He went quietly, and though he continued to make appearances after his loss to The Rock, his in-ring career was over.
In 2008, everyone was pretty certain they were watching Ric Flair walk the aisle for the last time against Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XXIV. The match's emotional impact comes largely from the subconscious affirmation that HBK was going to end "The Nature Boy"'s career.
And I guess, subconsciously, we all knew that no one, not even HBK, was going to break The Undertaker's Wrestlemania undefeated streak. Even when I had myself convinced that HBK could not lose, I watched him walk down the ramp, all the while thinking, "what if this is his last match?"
There have been three match-ups at Wrestlemania that, in my opinion, transcended the sport itself.
The first was Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III.
The second was Shawn Michaels vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin with "Iron" Mike Tyson as Special Enforcer for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania XIV.
The third is Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania XVI.
This match, whichever way it turned, would truly change the landscape of wrestling. You have a winning streak 20 years in the making, and a 20 year career that forever changed the face of the industry. There is nothing bigger in this sport than these two elements, and they collided here for the last time.
Of course, the first question on everyone's mind is: Was it as good as Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25?
The short answer is "no". But this match had more to it than simply wrestling. This was about the end of a legacy, and, considering their match at Wrestlemania 25, no time was wasted in the "feeling out" process. These two started strong and ended strong with little time to breathe in between. It will go down as one of the greatest matches in history, not just for the match itself, but its impact on the industry.
Shawn Michaels makes his entrance very simple, classic Shawn. The Undertaker's entrance, including a few extra tolls of the trademark bell, seem to be ringing in memorial to the career he is about to end. He rises from beneath the stage amidst fire and smoke, and begins the long walk to the ring where his opponent waits. He walks with purpose, his face hidden beneath a black hood. His opponent's face is hidden behind the mask of serenity. Neither will waver in their resolve.
There is a long stare down before HBK signals the end of the Streak with Undertaker's trademark cutthroat taunt. A chopping battle ensues, and the match is on. Shawn is whipped from post to post by the Deadman, who hits Old School early. He attempts to follow it up with a chokeslam, but Shawn battles out.
HBK counters a Tombstone into a side headlock, attempting to wear down his opponent. There is a lot of back and forth action before The Undertaker narrowly avoids Sweet Chin Music. From there, Shawn takes control, backing the Phenom into the corner. The Undertaker battles out and sends Michaels over the top rope and onto the floor. He attempts a diving shoulder block from Wrestlemania 25, but Shawn races into the ring and knocks the Deadman down.
The Undertaker hits the leg drop on the apron. There is no rush to get back in the ring because there are no count-outs, and no disqualification. The only way to win is by pinfall or submission.
Back inside, HBK hits the Figure-Four Leglock. The Undertaker is almost pinned while fighting the leglock, but quickly reverses the pressure before HBK breaks the hold. Shawn starts trading punches with The Undertaker, which is never a good idea.
After a lengthy battle, Shawn comes off the ropes with the shoulder block. He nips up in vintage HBK form, but finds himself quickly locked into a chockeslam. The Undertaker goes for the cover, but Shawn kicks out and reverses a Tombstone Piledriver into the Ankle Lock, locking in the grapevine on the Deadman's legs in the center of the ring. The Undertaker ties to keep his shoulders off the mat while he fights out of the hold.
Shawn breaks the hold and charges The Undertaker, taking them both over the top rope. Shawn hits the springboard crossbody off the ring apron, but is caught by the Undertaker who reverses it into a Tombstone on the floor. There are no count-outs, so The Undertaker struggles to his feet, using the steps for support, before rolling a seemingly unconscious HBK back into the ring for a long two-count.
When both men reach their feet, The Undertaker goes for the Last Ride, but Shawn reverses it into a facebuster. With the Phenom down, HBK goes for the elbow off the top rope, and The Undertaker gets his knees up to block it.
Shawn crawls for the cover, but is caught in Hell's Gate which The Showstopper reverses into a cover, forcing The Undertaker to break the hold. Both men lean on each other to get to their feet, and Shawn immediately hits Sweet Chin Music, which earns him a two-count.
With The Undertaker down, Shawn starts tuning up the band while The Undertaker crawls to his knees. The kick is blocked, and The Undertaker sends Shawn for a devastating Last Ride. Shawn kicks out at two.
In frustration, The Deadman throws Michaels to the outside and begins disassembling the U.S. announce table. An attempt for the Last Ride through the table gets countered, and Shawn hits Sweet Chin Music to send The Undertaker back onto the table. With his opponent sprawled out, Shawn gets on the top turnbuckle and moonsaults the Deadman through the table. The move seems to have been hit wrong. Shawn landed on The Undertaker's legs instead of his chest. A rush of adrenaline sends Shawn instantly to his feet where he flails about for a moment and then quickly falls to the floor.
Eventually, Shawn rolls The Undertaker back into the ring and gets into the corner as The Phenom gets to his feet. Without wasting time to tune up the band, Shawn bolts from the corner with Sweet Chin Music and crawls to The Undertaker for another near fall.
Both men crawl to their feet, shaking with emotion, using the ropes for support. Shawn gets up first and begins tuning up the band for the rising Deadman. The Undertaker turns in time to block the kick and hit another chokeslam. He finally gets up and picks Shawn up for a Tombstone Piledriver. He goes for a very emphatic cover, folding Shawn's arms onto his chest, but Shawn manages to kick out before the three.
The crowd is electric now, waiting for the final blow. The Undertaker looks on in disbelief at the prone body of his victim. With 70,000 fans ringing throughout the arena, The Phenom rises, frustration etched on his face. He stumbles to Shawn's twisted, motionless body, and takes the straps down off his shoulders.
Standing over his opponent, The Undertaker raises his arms to make the cutthroat gesture that would signal the end for Shawn Michaels, but instead hesitates, looking down almost with mercy at The Showstopper.
Shawn begins to stir, grabbing The Undertaker's legs for support as he crawls to his knees.
The Undertaker can be heard telling Shawn Michaels to "Stay down!" He shakes his head, almost in pity, for the man known to many as Mr. Wrestlemania.
Instead the defiant Michaels looks up into the eyes of The Deadman and signals the end of the streak with the same cutthroat taunt. There is a brief moment of shock as The Phenom absorbs this message. In that moment, Shawn Michaels slaps the look off the Undertaker's face. In a flash, pity becomes fury.
With that, The Undertaker hoists Shawn Michaels over his shoulders once more and delivers a Tombstone Piledriver to a helpless Michaels. The Undertaker folds The Heartbreak Kid's arms across his chest as the referee counts three for the final time.
An exhausted Undertaker collapses on Michaels before the bell has a chance to sound. Spent, yet victorious, The Undertaker knees at the head of his victim as a pale blue light shines down to celebrate his triumph. He moves to exit the ring, but returns to help Shawn to his feet.
I wish I could tell you what was said between these two, but I was never a good lip reader. With tears in their eyes, the two embrace as the ultimate show of respect before The Undertaker exits the ring. Shawn gets a standing ovation from all in attendance.
The Heartbreak Kid waves goodbye to the crowd, shakes hands with a few of the men in the front row, and takes his final Wrestlemania bow in front of the TitanTron as Jerry Lawler laments: "Shawn, it's over. Goodbye. We will miss you."
Without question, this was the best match of the night, and certainly had the most emotional impact of any other match on the card. It was certainly an eerie feeling to end Wrestlemania on such a somber note, but the match itself will go down as one of the greatest in wrestling history.
MY PREDICTION: The Undertaker
WINNER: The Undertaker
OTHER THOUGHTS: It will be interesting to see what direction the company takes with the departure of HBK. With Cena as WWE Champion, Chris Jericho as World Heavyweight Champion, and the loss of Shawn Michaels, it would see the last few vestiges of the "Attitude Era" are leaving quickly. Yes, we still have Edge, Triple H, The Undertaker and (hopefully) Bret Hart, but the major players of that era, the ones that have kept fans watching for so many years, are beginning to fade into wrestling history.
I don't think this Wrestlemania had quite the "big-time" feel that other Wrestlemanias have had. The matches were generally good, but, aside from HBK vs. The Undertaker, Bret vs. Vince, and perhaps even Cena vs. Batista, I just didn't get the feeling I was watching something big. I felt like most of these matches could've happened on just about any WWE Pay-Per-View.
It will be interesting to see what the company does in the coming months to keep fans interested. It is always difficult to keep the momentum of Wrestlemania going for very long.
In any case, it is still the greatest spectacle in the industry, the grandest stage of them all. It wasn't perfect, but it was still Wrestlemania.
For those of you keeping score, I was 7-9 with my predictions. I don't count the Divas Tag Team Match (would've made me 7-10) or the Dark Match Battle Royal (7-11) since they were both late announcements and one wasn't even televised.
