Post by Killian King on Mar 30, 2015 6:54:12 GMT -5
Thoughts, complaints, bitching? Let all out here.
UGWC Heavyweight Champion of the World x 1 UGWC Cross-Hemisphere Champion x 2 UGWC Bedlam (Chaos) Champion x 2 UGWC Cooperative Champions x 4 (w/ Vain) 2015 High Roller's Match Winner
The only ones that really "bug" me are Triple H beating Sting and Big Show winning the Battle Royal.
Triple H winning bugs me because it seemingly renders that entire story line meaningless. If I had any faith in WWE "Creative" turning it into anything meaningful it probably wouldn't bother me. Instead, WWE did all of this build up, made Sting look like a legit threat to Hunter and then got to the end and said "Eh, fuck it". The "DX" and "nWo" parts were nice and made the match a little more interesting. Of course, Hunter not being one to put someone over, let alone someone from the former WCW, had to win with a shortcut. (You could argue that having to win by cheating makes Sting still look strong, it was just a cop out ending in my opinion). Now, WWE "Creative" could do something with that. I doubt that they will, but they could. It just seemed like such a pointless ending to me.
I don't think I need to explain why Show winning the Battle Royal was a waste.
I'd consider Bray a lost opportunity, but as everyone said, he looked like superman in that match which gives him something to build off of.
The Sting story has a point; that you do not fuck with the Authority. If they never win anything at all, it makes them pretty weak heels.
Besides, to hell with Sting. Also the nWo for trying to help him. That's what people should be bitching and moaning, throwing a Zane Scott temper tantrum about. That was retarded.
"A man who is 'sound of mind' is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key." - Paul Valéry
Post by Eden Morgan on Mar 30, 2015 11:03:41 GMT -5
A few thoughts:
- Outdoor arenas suck.
- Fast forwarded through the Rumble (Big Show, really? But I'd have said the same for most of the ones in there had they won. And at least they did something with Sandow/Miz #smallvictories) and the Divas match, cause meh.
- That last RKO where Seth was about to hit the curbstomp and then OUT OF FUCKING NOWHERE RKO was quite possibly the best move of the night. That was a great match.
- Trips had THE best entrance of the night. That was completely badass and probably the first and only time I enjoyed anything related to Terminator. Really enjoyed this match too, and I completely geeked when DX came out. Then nWo. And I was yelling at the tv calling Scott Hall and Kevin Nash traitors. Then Shawn Michaels happened and I completely lost it. I feel bad for ever doubting Trips. I know a lot of people are upset with that match but I'm good with it.
- Ladder match: Ziggler had his hair in a French braid like a fucking cheerleader. Really? But man can that guy scale a ladder. Bryan for the win cause WWE has to placate the goat fans.
- Cena/Rusev: I really can't take Rusev serious with his tiny dancer feet. Every time I see him in the ring, all I hear in my head is Fred Flintstone's twinkle toes when he's going to bowl. And Lana's throwing shoes? Pretty sure those were Jimmy Choo's and should not have been thrown.
- Taker/Wyatt: They had some pretty good entrances which could have been much better if it had only been darker. The scarecrows were suitably creepy but I actually liked Bray's Wrestlemania entrance last year better. Taker's entrance was basic oldschool Undertaker and it was great seeing him after a year. What really made it for me was Bray's face when he was watching him. Looked like he might be on the verge of geeking out a few times lol Pretty damn good match. When Bray kissed Taker that last time and it was longer than usual, in my head he said "thank you" to him. I don't care if that's not what happened, I like it!
- Rock/Rousey/Authority: not a bad seg just went on too long. And while Rousey is a badass, she was pretty clueless in the ring.
- Lesnar/Reigns: 3 F5's. 10 suplexes. Lesnar busted open from Reigns strong pimp hand and the post. Heyman on his knees praying. And Reigns refusing to give up. Loved it. And then Seth's music hit and I'm like "Nooo Seth it's too soon!" And the match became a triple threat. I'm glad Seth cashed in and won, but there should have been a pinfall first. We all know Roman would have beat Brock
First Female World Champ (4x) First Female Grand Slam Champ Massive Melee winner 2013/14 High Roller's winner 2014 Cooperative Champ w/Zane Scott Cooperative Champ w/Gabriel Baal Cooperative Champ w/ Jet Somers Cooperative Champ w/ Donovan Hastings Cross-Hemisphere Champ, IYH 2016 Chaos Champ, BG 2017
We're in agreement on this. That part, other than Nash (Wolfpac), made ZERO sense.
I just don't see the point in having HHH win that match. As I said, if I felt that WWE was going to do anything useful with it, I wouldn't care. I know that they won't, so it was a waste of an angle and a match result that the fans largely really wanted. Instead Sting got the "WWE Mushroom Stamp" thrown on his first WrestleMania appearance. It seemed like a wasted opportunity to me.
Lesnar/Reigns: 3 F5's. 10 suplexes. Lesnar busted open from Reigns strong pimp hand and the post. Heyman on his knees praying. And Reigns refusing to give up. Loved it. And then Seth's music hit and I'm like "Nooo Seth it's too soon!" And the match became a triple threat. I'm glad Seth cashed in and won, but there should have been a pinfall first.
At least Reigns looks like a legit badass now and not like he's all filler and no killer. He might actually be legitimately over now. We'll find out tonight.
We're in agreement on this. That part, other than Nash (Wolfpac), made ZERO sense.
I just don't see the point in having HHH win that match. As I said, if I felt that WWE was going to do anything useful with it, I wouldn't care. I know that they won't, so it was a waste of an angle and a match result that the fans largely really wanted. Instead Sting got the "WWE Mushroom Stamp" thrown on his first WrestleMania appearance. It seemed like a wasted opportunity to me.
Lesnar/Reigns: 3 F5's. 10 suplexes. Lesnar busted open from Reigns strong pimp hand and the post. Heyman on his knees praying. And Reigns refusing to give up. Loved it. And then Seth's music hit and I'm like "Nooo Seth it's too soon!" And the match became a triple threat. I'm glad Seth cashed in and won, but there should have been a pinfall first.
At least Reigns looks like a legit badass now and not like he's all filler and no killer. He might actually be legitimately over now. We'll find out tonight.
I suppose I should have spoken more specifically. Trips jobbed to DB last year, and to Brock back in 2013. Having him lose nearly every match he's in would severely undermine his whole existence as "the boss."
"A man who is 'sound of mind' is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key." - Paul Valéry
I see where you're coming from Wayne. I don't entirely agree in this instance, but I get it. I don't think he'd have looked weak at all. Bryan was the top guy (other than Cena) last year when he lost to him. Lesnar has always been portrayed like a monster, so losing to him after taking a hellacious beating doesn't hurt him either. They used that stunt this year to try and get Reigns over. Losing to Sting wouldn't have hurt him. Like him or not, Sting is a bona fide legend in wrestling (and future Hall of Famer) with a lot history behind him and a genuine aura of being tough and indomitable now. Losing to him wouldn't have hurt Hunter at all.
Like I said, I understand your meaning and in many (if not most) cases that would be true. I don't think that this is one of them. That's just my opinion though.
They've ignored everything Sting did while working for Dixie, so as far as their storyline goes, he was sitting at home for 14 years. It was Sting's first WrestleMania ever, and there was a LOT of interference. The idea that he could overcome all of that and still win would be ridiculous.
Trips is a future HoF member, himself. Possibly a two-time inductee, as I'm sure D-X could be inducted either as the whole faction or just the tag team with him and Shawn. Why are you so bent? A loss to Trips under those conditions doesn't make Sting look any weaker. Doing the job there and then getting his "monkey ass" whooped by The Rock and having Ronda Rousey hiptoss him out of the ring later in the night would have made Trips look like J&J Security. He had more to lose, which is why he won.
Fact!
"A man who is 'sound of mind' is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key." - Paul Valéry
Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Mar 30, 2015 16:27:53 GMT -5
Kickoff Show
So the Tag Team and Andre BR were the kick off show, and did no more than you'd expect from matches that didn't make it to the main card, people trying really hard, but ultimately proving why they were left to this stage.
I thought it was fitting The BR had been moved to the kickoff show seeing as that's exactly where it's winner from last year now resides. Just puts an explanation point on just how irrelevant they made it with their Cesaro anti-push.
It was also amusing how both the matches that exist solely to get as many members of the roster on the card, don't actually get on the proper card.
The Tag match was a mess, sure it had some fun spots, but all of them felt contrived and it didn't help the flow. It was perfect for a pre-show when you don't really care. I feel for Natalya, whilst the Bella's get on the main card, she puts a little person in a Sharpshooter.
So, like all 7 of the guys who'd been in the Tag Match are in the BR too? That's nearly half the field, I'd honestly have preferred 7 other guys from NXT to get some experience and spotlight.
Big Show winning didn't bother me, it seemed pretty obvious most of the month, plus it just cements the fact the BR doesn't mean anything. I thought he'd win last year, and I see it like a gold watch for long service. Hopefully that's Show's swan song and from now on he'll be used to put others over. Shame looks like he'll start with Ryback.
IC Ladder Match
This was a solid real start to the entire event, some high paced action, everyone got a fairly decent spot or two, and had a decent amount of fun spots. However it's getting to the point where I do wonder whether a Ladder Match, especially one with 5 or more competitors, will ever captivate me as much as they used to.
One of my friends on Facebook commented regarding the skit later on with Daniel Bryan and the former IC Champs and said 'When Bret Hart towers over you, you're not a Main Event guy.' I think this friend seemed to miss the reaction to Bryan. Whether you love him, or hate him, what you cannot deny is that no-one got a bigger reception than him all night. Whilst some people may suggest him winning is to placate his noisy fans, I think it's a lot more about bringing some credibility back to the title. Do bear in mind he never 'lost' the World title (I know there's a few people with that argument now, but he wasn't even in a match to lose it).
Orton vs Rollins
Was nice to see some psychology worked into a match after the first three being more about spots than story. I've seen both men put on far better matches, but as has been pointed out the RKO to win it was superb, it was like something out of a video game.
Sting vs Triple H
I loved this match, it was precisely what WrestleMania is all about, spectacle, nostalgia and surprises. This was exactly the sort of match a 56 year old Sting needed (56 he's 4 days older than my mother.) after so long out of the ring, and even longer being misused in TNA. This was what could have happened after the death of WCW had contracts etc been sorted out, obviously it would have been better a decade or so ago, but hell I loved every minute.
As for the result, it was obviously going to split everyone down the middle. Now I understand people wanting Sting to win, but I reject the idea that this was a ridiculous waste of the match. Firstly, the idea HHH 'buries' everyone is pure fallacy created by smarks online to help whatever argument they wish to prove any given week. He is 9-10 at WrestleMania and has put over numerous people in his career. Also he wouldn't be as respected backstage, as he obviously is, if he prescribed to behaviour attributed to him.
In a way it's also funny to think this would go any way. Vince ensured ex-WCW guys were buried in pretty much every encounter they had after the merger, Sting was just the last hold out. And he wasn't buried, it was by no way a clean win for HHH.
Also, why does Sting 'deserve' to win? Just because it's his first, and possibly only, match in WWE and it's at WrestleMania? What good does that do for the WWE right now? It's not like a win would have sold more of his DVD's. Same people that were gonna buy them before will now and he was unlikely to gain a legion of new fans. He didn't need putting over, whereas HHH is still used to put over new talent (Bryan and the Shield last year for example), and this adds to his legacy. You know? The guy that’s worked for Vince for 20 years, on the other hand Sting has done the square root of fuck all for the company. Last year everyone was complaining a part timer in Brock Lesnar broke the streak, why the hell is everyone losing their minds that a ONE-timer didn't win?
I don't think there were any plans to have Sting wrestle again until maybe next year vs Taker, and this result does nothing to change the legendary nature of that match up. Would Sting winning have made it any more exciting? Will less people buy WrestleMania if that match is on it next year? No.
I think a loss for HHH would have damaged him more going forward, he's got a fair few matches in him left, and the people that go over him now will not be going over the guy that couldn't beat a 56 year old who's been out of the ring for god knows how long, despite help from an entire stable. As it stands, it took DX and a sledgehammer to put Sting down. Personally I think he looked pretty damn good.
Least it got people talking. That's what a 'WrestleMania' moment is.
Diva's Match
Whilst a lot of people like to dismiss the Diva's division I think all four involved can be proud of themselves. Both Nikki and Brie have improved immeasurably over the past 18-24 months, and the fact they can hang with two of the best female wrestlers in the world right now is a credit to them. It was just about the right length, especially given the dreadful build to it, and was a nice little tag match, with some good psychology. And now Paige goes 1-0 at WrestleMania, I'm happy with a UK girl done good.
Cena vs Rusev
Spent most of this match singing the version of Cena's theme music from 'Wrestling isn't Wrestling', which made this match more entertaining for me. This was probably the most predictable match of the night, and did nothing to surprise me throughout. It was clear Lana was going to 'cost' Rusev the match in some dubious way. Whilst he was just another 'monster' fed to Cena, he still came out looking relatively strong and could see him regaining the title at Extreme Rules.
Big question is what happens to Lana if she eventually leaves Rusev's side. I'm not sure how much use a Russian translator who looks good in short skirts and high heels will be to others on the roster. She's popular though so it'll be interesting to see what direction she takes.
HHH, Steph, Rock, Rousey
So, firstly, behind Heyman Steph is without doubt the best mic working in the company now. Vince got a lot of credit for turning himself into an on screen villain, Steph has taken that blueprint from the first time she started playing the heel and has perfected it. I remember when she was a shrill and annoying McMahon, she was a big catalyst for people getting sick of them. Not any more, she works the crowd in ways the majority of that roster can only dream of.
Her and The Rock trading words is destined to be an underrated WrestleMania moment, you can see that Dwayne is impressed with how far little Steph has come since his time, and I think most people watching almost forgot about Triple H.
Then bringing in Rousey was a smart move, she's one of the most over sports stars in the world, and a well known wrestling fan. Getting her involved is nothing but a bonus.
Thought this was just long enough for me, although I'd have let them go another hour in hopes of vanquishing WrestleMania 31's biggest heel: Daylight.
Wyatt vs Taker
The blue skies destroyed the atmosphere for this match from the get go. As Britt said the entrances fell flat and I felt that really hurt the energy of the match. We've been spoilt, before last year, with a run of incredible Taker matches. Whilst this was not his worst, it was a long way off the best.
I'm not sure what I think about the result, last year before Brock broke the streak I said Bray should break it, the whole 'New Face of Fear' thing was clear last year. He is the natural successor to Taker's throne, and I'm not sure I agree with him losing.
Sure it keeps Brock special, but if it's to give more uncertainty to a potential Sting match (had he lost 2 in a row it would have been a lock he'd beat him) as I said earlier, I don't think that match needs protecting.
Bray did look strong, but once again he's fallen short. It's really getting to the point where he's going to need to go on a year long tear to build his reputation to what it needs to be to remain credible. He's not the guy who needs to be undefeated to get over, but he needs to look effective once in a while, and so far when he gets to the BIG guys, the Cena's and the Takers, he loses. That needs to stop.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Well that's how you book yourselves out of a hole.
I can't help but feel sorry for Reigns, the WWE have botched this guy so much. This time last year everyone knew Reigns was going to go against Brock, and it was likely going to be for the title, and no-one was particularly pissed. It's just the horrible way they got to it that caused it all. He's on the verge of being the new Lex Luger, he had it all but the fans rejected him ferociously. The difference in reactions for Reigns and Lesnar was hugely apparent, The Beast was the clear fan favourite at the start and during the match.
Maybe this will be enough to win the fans over, maybe they'll see this loss as him paying his dues. It'll be interesting how they build it next. If Reigns tries to claim he was on the verge of victory had it not been for Rollins he's likely to get buried by the fans again. He got tossed around like a rag doll and had a couple of Cena-esque sequences of moves. The most he did was make the beast bleed, and he shouldn't play it up any further, unless he loves rejection.
Anyone else notice him shoulder barge the fan during his entrance? That is also not how to get over with the fans, especially when your flanked by security who should do that job for you. Plus, doesn't getting escorted by like 10 security guards kind of lessen the impact of the 'through the crowd' entrance?
The reaction to Rollins cash in just at it seemed we might be getting a Reigns win, and the subsequent reaction to his victory just show that a Reigns win was a formula for a disaster. This way, they keep him looking strong (best performance against Brock by anyone since he beat the Streak), Brock still looks like a monster, and they get a full time champion again, which a lot of people wanted.
The last couple of WrestleMania's certainly suggest the WWE is more tapped into the fan base than they're given credit for, but can also still surprise and outrage them (Which is what keeps business strong). With Brock re-signing, Rollins becoming the first of a New Era of World Champions and Main Eventers, the future could be really interesting.
Hanson: "May Roberts' soul go to a better place, free of chunky Asians, who do flips."
Post by Eden Morgan on Mar 30, 2015 20:08:21 GMT -5
So I'm just gonna follow this up with what I want to see on Raw tonight but probably won't: Seth Rollins comes out to make a speech in-ring, title draped across his shoulder. Mid-speech (and after much bragging/gloating) Lesnar's music hits. Seth is like... Oh snap! Lesnar's coming after him, Seth cuts out through the crowd. And then- Roman Reigns' music hits. Seth looks up and sees Reigns coming through the crowd with a bead right on him. Seth looking around with this growing horror... Windmills... And takes off while "yakety sax" plays.
I need. To see. This.
First Female World Champ (4x) First Female Grand Slam Champ Massive Melee winner 2013/14 High Roller's winner 2014 Cooperative Champ w/Zane Scott Cooperative Champ w/Gabriel Baal Cooperative Champ w/ Jet Somers Cooperative Champ w/ Donovan Hastings Cross-Hemisphere Champ, IYH 2016 Chaos Champ, BG 2017
Post by Holden Orson on Apr 2, 2015 18:29:51 GMT -5
Suplex city!
It's starting to irritate me how much I'm starting to like Brock. I've always hated him.
I'm the world's biggest Sting fan. I loved the match and I'm okay with the outcome. I just hated JBLs commentary.
Wyatt taker disappointed. Wyatt didn't look as good as he needed to. There should have been something to aknowledge Wyatt. Taker never showed up around him, had an ever age wrestling match then that was it. I heard Wyatt was injured before the show started hence the hobbling. Not being on Raw the next night ruined this whole feud.
Main event was great. Ladder match was no better or worse that I expected it to be.
OH MY FUCKING GOD THAT RKO. that was the best shit ive seen in my life. Fuck the rest of wrestlemania. That kicked ass.
3 x International Jan Wnęk Cup winner (current) 2 x Akeem the African Dream look alike contest runner-up 4 x UGWC After-Hours Costume Party Winner (current)
2013, '18, '23 
2013 
