|
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What did you think of WrestleMania 31? What was your favorite match? The following is a case study of WWE’s product for the month of March 2015. Pre-WrestleMania Survived on Nostalgia and Fan-Created Hype Instead of Strong WWE Television Build WrestleMania 31 was never really going to be the kind of show that the LOP Universe or the smart wrestling fan population, at large, attracted most going into it. The Royal Rumble made that clear. The reaction to Roman Reigns being chosen over Daniel Bryan ensured it. Unfortunately, WWE did themselves no favors by, as I now confirm the general consensus, botching the rest of the build-up. It probably won't be remembered as historically terrible, so much as it was just historically lackluster, when all is said and done and time gives us the proper opportunity for hindsight. Yet, there is no denying that put the best creative foot forward they certainly did not. I won't spend much time rehashing, but suffice to say that with no Deadman appearance, limited Lesnar and Sting appearances, contract uncertainty, the lack of a storyline for Bryan that fits his status amongst fans, the apathy toward the heir apparent (Reigns), and the atrocious angle for the IC title match, fans had to create their own reasons to get excited about this year's biggest show. The best booked feuds were for the Divas (strong work by all involved for a year), the US title match (best go-home angle on Raw last week), and Rollins vs. Orton (best long-term booking), but even they struggled to push the right emotional buttons at the appropriate times. Personally, I thought 2014 was a great year for WWE creatively. I came into this year's WrestleMania Season hoping for something akin to last year's organically awesome Yes Movement at the Show of Shows, a well-rounded and well-hyped card like Summerslam, or a show-wide, entire roster-focused angle like that at Survivor Series. Instead, the creative process stalled, leaving us with a bunch of lousy RAWs that brought down everyone's mood at a time of year when interest usually peaks. On the other hand, once I took a step back, I did not have much issue with the card itself or with getting myself hyped sufficiently through both a different perspective on this year's show (a youth movement and a legitimate, on paper, Match of the Night competition) and a healthy dose of celebratory matches from WrestleMania's past. Though negativity, predictably, reigned supreme around numerous circles, my final thoughts shared to my social media pals prior to WrestleMania weekend was that plenty of great “Granddaddys” had come on the heels of booking unbecoming of a “Show of Shows.” Echoing Jim Ross, I suggested that we cannot judge a card that has not happened yet. WrestleMania 31 Review I noticed back in 2008 that poor execution of the WrestleMania build has a tendency to wipe the slate clean of expectations for me. I'm sure that not everyone views it that way, but rather than make me do something unthinkable like skip WrestleMania, lousy hype merely prompts me to do the one thing that I usually suggest you cannot do: watch wrestling in a bubble. In these cases of lackluster TV before PPV, I basically shut out the Raws and Smackdowns and give WWE a chance to completely shape my opinion of the show by what happens at Mania. The well-produced pre-match videos, then, form my memory of the build-up and the matches are, thereby, permitted the opportunity to impress or disappoint solely on the merits of what they do in the ring that night. It's basically just an example of taking the principle that we tell patients, “Don't bring yesterday's pain into today and tomorrow,” and applying it to the wonderful world of pro wrestling. Well, the theory holds true yet again... Just as I was blown away by WrestleMania XXIV seven years ago (and Mania XIX before it) despite lackluster pre-WM hype, I was similarly quite pleased with WrestleMania 31. Frankly, I thought it was a tremendously fun night. In fact, the entire weekend was a continual reminder of why WrestleMania is such a special thing, from a wonderfully entertaining and, at times, emotionally gripping Hall of Fame ceremony to one of the most enjoyable, from opener to main-event, cards in Mania lore. I think that we all have a tendency to get our passion for pro wrestling wrapped up in what we each feel is the best possible scenario for the biggest event of the year. Sometimes, it works out to where we get exactly what we hope for (ie last year) and then, other times, it does not. What Mania has become for me, however, is a celebration of wrestling. Saturday and Sunday night surely were just that. On my podcast two months ago, I looked at the card in its prospective stages and thought it would be more like WrestleMania 26 than more recent shows, which developed a new formula giving several matches the time to become epic; that formula peaked last year with four matches given 23 or more minutes of bell-to-bell time. Mania 26 gave most of its headlining bouts less time, with five matches falling somewhere between 12-16 minutes. WrestleMania 31 turned out to be a lot like Mania 26, as predicted, but it also turned out to be better, overall, despite not having an HBK vs. Taker (epic) to anchor it. It was a show with a lot of really good matches and, what it lacked in an epic match, it made up for with an epic moment. Seth Rollins cashing in the Money in the Bank contract during the main-event has the potential to be one of the most iconic moments of this or any generation. Daniel Bryan winning the IC title turned out to be a nice gesture. They made a big deal out of it both at the end of the Ladder match, via the commentary, and in the backstage segment with legendary former IC champions. He well-represents the belt. The bout in which he won the strap was a nice spectacle. It did what curtain jerkers are designed to do and got the crowd warmed up, while also laying down the gauntlet for the rest of the roster to step up their games. I don't want to read like the literary version of a broken record, but it has become so difficult for wrestlers to make Ladder matches stand out. This version, as with many others, featured some things that I liked and some things that I did not. I really liked the focus on winning; that's the point, after all. From early on to the climax, they were gunning to reach the title. There was a little too much telegraphing for my tastes, particularly from Luke Harper. Everyone got a chance to shine and I, for one, feel as though excelling in WWE's most popular gimmick match sure trumps a tag team match or six pack challenge or whatever other cluster stipulation could have been chosen for these seven talents. (*** ¼) Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins took the cue from the opener and ratcheted the show up to the next level – a level that the event arguably remained at for the duration of the evening. As I'd sincerely hoped, Orton and Rollins had very good chemistry, allowing them to put on a content-heavy match that watched like a miniature main-event. There was no down time, thanks to the additions of J&J Security to the proceedings to keep the pace progressively increasing. It helped that there was a rivalry in play that, at least at various times, was red hot; as the intensity increased, the heat on the match followed nicely. The WWE main-event style dictates that near falls are often earned via kick outs of finishing moves. Some of my colleagues are not so fond of that element, but it was a popular theme of the night that began with Orton and Rollins failing to put each other away with their home run shots. I thought it added a layer of depth to the match that otherwise would have been lacking. Rollins kicking out of the RKO made him look like a bigger game player on a stage which had never previously showcased his talents, individually. Orton kicking out of the Curb Stomp merely sold the nature of the feud. The climactic 2nd RKO out of the attempted 2nd Curb Stomp was incredible. (*** ¾) Sting, Triple H, and whichever agent helped put together this match did their best to give the nostalgic festival of this year's WrestleMania a great chance to unseat Orton-Rollins as the MOTN. The unique entrances added that extra flair that only the Mania atmosphere can provide. I had no idea how they would book this one, but I surely never imagined that the WWE vs. WCW theme from Triple H's part of the build-up would take on a life of its own to such a degree that Degeneration X vs. The New World Order would become one of this bout's defining elements. I walked away from this thinking that Sting must have flat out told WWE management that he did not think himself capable of having a feature-length match anymore. He told Trips once it was over and they were having their breaking kayfabe handshake that it was “awesome.” Fans of his might be irritated by the finish and the structure that saw his biggest Crow-version rivals join forces with him, but if you keep in mind that it's 2015 – eighteen years since that issue's peak in a company that has been defunct for fourteen years – I don't think it's a big deal. The bottom line was that the NWO vs. DX ordeal and the meat and potatoes of what Sting and Trips did independent of it was a blast to watch. Part of the formula for the modern Mania is nostalgia. Sting vs. Trips will be remembered as a nostalgic thrill ride. (*** ½) AJ and Paige vs. The Bellas was the best women's match at Mania since the greatest women's match I've ever seen nine years ago. That's not saying much given all the Playboy bunnies and Lumber “Jills” and other such garbage, but I was very happy with the way that the tag team bout turned out this year. They structured it well and executed it quite well. (** ¼) John Cena beating Rusev for the US Championship was another very good match between those two. Rusev coming out to such pageantry – a TANK for crying out loud – says a lot about how he is viewed by WWE brass, in my opinion. Sure, he lost, but he had to lose eventually and Cena was as good a choice as anyone to end his undefeated streak. What Cena provides his opponents, more than anything, is a platform to showcase their abilities at the highest level that they can. He may not necessarily be overtly capable of putting over his adversaries when he defeats them, but there is no questioning the spotlight that he gives them. Rusev made the most of his chance despite losing for the first time. The point is that they made him look like a stud. Just like at Fast Lane, Rusev's performance provided much of the talking points. He continues to improve each month and, thus, his match with Cena was a strong contender for Match of the Night. Cena's spurts of offense in this shorter outing than their February clash came a little more frequently and, though he still was dominated, he had a more pronounced impact on the quality via his moveset. How about that springboard into a Stunner? This was as good a match as Rollins vs. Orton, but for different reasons. (*** ¾) The Rock and Rhonda Rousey mixing it up with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H hopefully sets up a pair of matches for next year's WrestleMania. I think Steph is an untapped resource. She proved at Summerslam last year that she is more than capable of giving a substantial boost to a card as a feature attraction if they can find her someone to work with that is on her level. While they're building their women's roster up to her level, in steps someone like Rousey who is probably the biggest drawing female athlete on the planet. Meanwhile, there's another Rock-Hunter tease. Sign me up, man. I'm well aware that you're not going to make WM32 the biggest ever with just current roster members; not at this point in time, anyway. Stack the deck. I'm all for it. I'll be there with bells on. Bray Wyatt and Undertaker had another of the night's long list of really strong efforts. Taker certainly did not add a match to his resume that was the caliber of the “Streak Within the Streak,” but it was far better than what he did last year. He looked like Biker Taker circa 2003 (meaning he looked healthy and a little larger than in previous years). I heard, after the fact, that Wyatt came in with an injured ankle. He didn't wrestle like it. He made his usually hard-hitting, intensity-to-spare squared circle appearance and delivered what we've become accustomed to from him. The question was really about Taker's ability to match him. I think that the shorter length of the bout helped Taker to answer the question in the affirmative. The match reminded me a lot of the Taker-Orton match at Mania 21. Interestingly, that match in 2005 had been about redeeming Orton's status as a top-tier player for the future after his face turn in 2004 was so badly botched that, to many, it threatened him moving forward. This year, it was Taker battling for redemption in more ways than one. I would have loved to have seen Bray get the win, but I was happier to see Taker put on a performance worthy of the last decade of his career than I was unhappy to see Wyatt lose. (*** ¼) I have to say: I think it's great that I've seen so many positive ratings given to the main-event featuring Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (and Seth Rollins). So much negativity surrounded it prior to. It was, perhaps, the most uncertain World Championship match in Mania history given all the issues (crowd reaction, Brock resigning, no ring general, etc.). I thought it was great; right on par with the other two top choices for MOTN, to be honest. They booked the match like last year's Cena-Lesnar bouts and, similarly, the crowd responded with great appreciation. It seemed fitting that, after all the apathy, Reigns would take a good beating. Take a good beating he surely did. He got his butt kicked and he came away oddly stronger for it. By the end of the match, fans were audibly beginning to turn in his favor (not everyone, granted). The use of blood helped the match immeasurably, in my opinion. We don't need blood in every title match like there seemingly was a decade ago, but it can be very useful in a situation like Lesnar-Reigns. It made the Beast seem human finally. I thought Reigns had him...and then Rollins cashed in. OMG! I couldn't believe it. I listened to LOP Radio's Right Side of the Pond and heard my fellow columnists Samuel Plan and Maverick talk with such certainty of a cash-in and I thought, “You guys are nuts; this is about putting over Reigns.” Wrong I was and I'm happy to have been wrong. Frankly, Daniel Bryan didn't earn this year's WrestleMania main-event-closing moment; Seth Rollins did. I'm thrilled that he got that moment. ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS (added after 3rd watch): As I sat down to write the remainder of this column, I could not shake the urge to re-watch the top three matches one more time, mainly because the last match kept popping into my head the last three days. Little moments here and there made me want to study the nuances and, once I did, it became clearer how awesome this match really was. Rewind the clock to 2012 and I was blown away the first time that we saw the “Lesnar style” of dominating his opponent mercilessly. When we saw its return against Cena last summer, it did little for me. Part of that was my disillusion with the Golden Boy's character at the time (that I'll admit), but another part of it – that hindsight has allowed me to see – is that I had assumed the Lesnar style to be a novelty; something to be done once and left alone, for all intents and purposes. It's now been utilized enough to be less a novelty and more a distinctly unique philosophy of match booking. Viewed as a novelty, it wears off the more its employed. Viewed as a booking philosophy, it becomes a match construct that allows someone like Reigns to look amazing by absorbing so much punishment and coming back for more; Roman's performance, I believe, has been supremely underrated. (revised Doc rating - ****) Match of the Month: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (vs. Seth Rollins) at WrestleMania 31 I had difficulty choosing between the three top matches at Mania (Rollins-Orton, Reigns-Lesnar, and Rusev-Cena). Each one of them brought something to the table that the other did not. Rusev-Cena did a great job building to the use of their respective finishers, particularly Rusev's Accolade. Lesnar-Reigns had the best moment (Rollins cashing in) and crowd response, plus it was the most effective storytelling of the night. Orton-Rollins had the best finish and was the most excitingly executed, with several noteworthy spots throughout the match. Rollins vs. Orton ended up beating out Rusev vs. Cena based on what I will refer to as the “HBK Effect.” Shawn Michaels had a knack for outperforming his contemporaries by being just as good as them in certain areas of the game, but a little bit better in the entertainment department because of his unmatched athleticism. Rollins is fast becoming an HBK-HHH hybrid. That's scary. Rusev-Cena was about as well-structured a standard pro-wrestling match as you will see, but when I compared it to Rollins vs. Orton, I simply could not help but choose the match that featured the more entertaining flow. So, then it was down to Rollins vs. Orton and Reigns vs. Lesnar. To be honest, if I had to pick a favorite match, I'd pick Orton-Rollins. I foresee myself going back and watching that dozens of times in the future. It was cut from the same mold as Orton vs. Punk, Bret vs. Roddy, and Christian vs. Jericho; it's destined to be underrated but repeatedly viewed. However, the greatest match of the lot was the main-event. The use of blood in that match was, though accidental, an absolutely perfect and much-needed addition. I thought that it enhanced the “fight” aura. Combine that with the Rollins cash-in and the superb selling and psychology of the match and it still only just gets the nod from me, but it does get the nod nonetheless. Lesnar is on a roll right now. I cannot wait to see him back in the ring this summer. Previous MOTM winners: Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena at Royal Rumble (Jan) and Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns at Fast Lane (Feb) Wrestler of the Month: Seth Rollins I cannot help but feel as if this will be the first of many times that the defending Wrestler of the Year will win Wrestler of the Month awards in 2015. He narrowly lost out to Brock in January, but his showstealing efforts at Mania and the sheer amount of attention given on TV to his match with Orton prior to Mania have cemented him as the clear winner for March. Last year in New Orleans, Daniel Bryan had one of the greatest one-night efforts in WWE history. I don't think that we can possibly discount what Rollins did this year. Though not quite on the Bryan-level, it was pretty amazing in its own right. Seth Rollins is just the third heel in WrestleMania lore to close the biggest show of the year with the WWE Championship. The present and future alike are very bright for the Architect. Previous WOTM winners: Brock Lesnar (Jan) and Daniel Bryan (Feb) April Predictions The most intriguing storyline in WWE will be put on hold for the foreseeable future thanks to Brock Lesnar's “suspension.” In the meantime, Seth Rollins has a lot on his plate. I think that the Rollins vs. Orton rematch for the WWE Championship will be the first of many thoroughly enjoyable title defenses for the new face of the brand. I assume that Cena and Rusev will rekindle their rivalry at Extreme Rules, as well. With Sheamus coming back, it would not be surprising to see Daniel Bryan defend in a triple threat also involving Wade Barrett, but there's time enough to get BNB's rematch out of the way so that Bryan can have a strong title feud with the Celtic Warrior's intentions being revealed along the way. That's some quality mid-card title focus in the making. The three guys in whose forward movement I'll be most intrigued are Reigns, Wyatt, and Ambrose. I've got my fingers crossed (both hands) that we get the Shield Triple Threat for the WWE Championship at Mania 32. Ambrose has got some catching up to do after taking the lead late last year with a pair of singles PPV main-events to close out 2014. I just hope he doesn't get lost in the shuffle. It wouldn't shock me if Wyatt disappeared for a month. Reigns, if not in the title picture, could use a month to regroup, as well, but preferably in a strong mid-card story arc. Perhaps Wyatt sticks around and a multi-month saga unfolds between The Eater of Worlds and Reigns? I expect Miz and Sandow to blowoff their angle and I'd love to see the incredibly exciting Kalisto (what a debut!) in action at the April PPV.
|
