Wrestlemania 36

[Aaron Kostan]

Alright, you know exactly what I'm about to ask. Amid the virus that's keeping a lot of us away from everyday life, and is ruining events around the world, WWE went through with Wrestlemania in an empty arena. So let's get the rundown. What did you think? Overall, I have to say that it was honestly one of the best Wrestlemanias in recent years, even with the extraordinary circumstances. I love the fact that they split it into two nights, because it was starting to get ridiculous how long these shows last. Anyway, here's my breakdown for the points I feel deserve it...

Intro:
I was trying to figure out if they had REALLY hired a Jack Sparrow impersonator, then they flat out admitted in the intro that they hired a bad Jack Sparrow impersonator...good stuff. The intro got me hyped for the show, granted it was kind of a let down going from that to an empty arena, but still.

Gronk as host:
Not a fan...

Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross vs. Kabuki Warriors:
Probably the best way to start the show in the empty arena. The extra noise from the Kabuki warriors chattering away throughout most of the match kind of helped you forget the arena was empty.

Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler:
Good, exciting match in my opinion. I was kind of surprised when it ended, but I think the right person won. I mean, she's had it this long, she deserve to be champion for 365+ days. To make it better, now the fact that Lynch technically didn't beat Rousey at WM35 and that she barely beat Baszler at WM36 can be used for some good story material.

Zayn vs. Bryan:
I think I would've liked to see more exciting technical wrestling between these two than we got. However, the ending was good with the Helluva kick out of no where off the distraction. Plus, as much as I like Daniel Bryan, I think its good Sami kept the IC title. That beld NEEDS to stay on someone for a while and actually get defended...stop running the IC title into the ground WWE!

Morrison vs. Uso vs. Kingston:
Several great spots, and I loved listening to Jimmy's trash talk during the match. "Smashed your face like a pancake, boy" was one of the best in that it made me laugh for a good few seconds. The ending was about what I expected, with the result that I expected and wanted. Easily one of the best matches of night 1 in my opinion.

Owens vs. Rollins:
Hated the false finish. Also, this would have been a great time for the HOST to come in and restart the match since the host barely did anything...but the restart was great. We transitioned from a match with good wrestling to a match with big shots with weapons. I'll take it! And that spot off the Wrestlemania sign through the announce table was fantastic. My only beef with it is I think Seth Rollins should've won to bolster the Monday Night Messiah gimmick...but at the same time...KO has lost a lot and been mistreated in his WWE career...maybe he did deserve this one.

Strowman vs. Goldberg:
Strowman finally winning the Universal title after trying so many times in the past but this time with absolutely no real buildup was a mistake. As much as I don't like Goldberg as champion, he should have retained here. And...SERIOUSLY...matches of nothing but finishers are trash, and there have been too many of them. Not a good match, not a good result, and I could have dealt without it.

Undertaker vs. Styles:
Phenomenal...I prefer the deadman gimmick to the American Badass, but still phenomenal. And seeing AJ Styles' name was on the tombstone the whole time at the end was the icing on the cake...he dug his own grave. Every single second of this match was great. My only question now is how we get Styles, Gallows, and Anderson back in WWE...because I'm pretty sure they're all dead now.

Flair vs. Ripley:
Good wrestling, good story with the knee of Ripley throughout, good veteran/rookie dynamic and the right person won.

Otis vs. Ziggler:
Good payoff to a well built story.

Edge vs. Randy Orton:
This match felt like it lasted FOREVER, but I mean that in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time...especially when they were on top of the trailer. I kept expecting them to fall off as a part of the finish. I liked that they used the whole facility, and had some good, unique spots with it. The emotion was also displayed so well throughout. This was the best match of night 2 without a doubt. In fact, call it the best match of the whole event.

Wyatt vs. Cena:
Someone on twitter gave the best, and only way to really describe this match...it's like the whole WWE universe was high and had the same crazy trip. Like, I barely know what the heck went down, but it was fantastic! Now though, not going to lie, I would like Cena and Wyatt to have a PROPER match...note the Fiend should win that one too.

McIntyre vs. Lesnar:
Let's be honest, the build for this match has lasted for like the past 10 years. Drew finally got what he deserved so long ago...the chosen one is finally the champion. And that "thank you" he did to the camera at the end just made him so human and so likable. They better book him right!

And that's it! What was your opinion of the show of shows?

Wash your hands, cover your cough, stay inside as much as possible...everyone stay safe out there!

[drakejones]

The majority of the two nights felt like it was a regular raw and smackdown in recent times with it being no fans and with the entire world suffering with the corona virus. Vince McMahon should have just cancelled the show all together. It felt like nothing, which isn't good to say for the performers. All the wrestlers gave it there all. From the matches only a few stood out for me. 

Beck Lynch Vs Shayna Baszler 

IMO Shayna should have went over and defeated Becky. Why build her up stronger than building Ronda Rousey up at the time for Becky to beat her? Didn't make sense.

The Undertaker Vs AJ Styles. 

I'm a huge AJ fan, and have been since his early days of NWA-Wildside. And ever since he got his start in TNA. For AJ to only be in the WWE for six years and pretty much done everything is incredible. And all his hard work has led him to a match with the Undertaker says an incredible lot, AJ will definitely get himself into the hall of fame. The match itself was pretty cool, however it would've been even better if Undertaker used the Kid Rock theme rather than Metallica. Also the match felt like it was a movie with the cinematic style which was cool. 

Edge Vs Randy Orton 

After returning at the royal rumble and having this match with Randy at mania. It felt just lacklustered and diminished due to the no fans. 

Charlotte Flair Vs Rhea Ripley 

Again the same situation with Becky and Shayna. I think Rhea Ripley should've won. It story for Charlotte to work on the leg. 


Brock Lesnar vs Drew McIntyre 

Again feel sorry for Drew aswell. A moment he should have had in-front of thousands of fans. Match itself didn't last long either. 


Overall the majority of the matches I didn't care for. They felt like just another match you'd see on Raw or Smackdown or even a different PPV. The show should have been cancelled. 

[nightmareoliverblack]

I agree most felt like a raw or smack down, and it wasn’t a knock on the roster. The lack of crowd really hurts the product. Could you have imagined the reaction when mandys music hit and her and otis had their moments?

Standouts for me were:

Triple threat ladder match, shame it couldn’t have been actual teams but really solid work. Like you mentioned Uso had me laughing with his insults.

Seth and KO was great! Loved the WM sign spot. Owens deserved it after the shit he’s been dealt. Also it made more sense as Rollins is apparently taking time off.

Flair and Rhipley I thought was the best women’s match of the show. They did a great job telling a story. I’m okay with Flair going over cause I’m a huge Charlotte fan, and rhipley is still new and fresh gives her time to grow a bit more before she is expected to go over the 11 time woman’s champion!?

And highlight of all highlights was the boneyard match. The only thing positive from the coronavirus and WM. I’m sure we would have gotten a sub par match at the actual mania but this forced them to be creative and it paid of big time! It was perfect from start to finish for me! If you know me and my character we love a good story. And this was one to remember for me. Probably the only match from this years mania I’ll ever watch again.

Because of the above mentioned boneyard match I had high hopes for firefly fun house. While I’m happy fiend went over as I have always been a Wyatt fan, I wish it would of had more action. I think the idea wasn’t bad but could have been executed better and made more of an actual fight.

Edge and Orton honestly disappointed me where as the lack of fans I think helped taker and aj it really hurt this match! It seemed long and dragged out, it was just them throwing each other into walls most of the time. The spots they had were good but few and far between would have liked to see more weapons or better use of their surroundings to be honest. Still ecstatic to have edge back and look forward to an other match hopefully at summer slam, and hopefully with a crowd.

Bryan/Sami and the other womans matches were all decent but felt like regular tv matches.

Both world and universal titles matches were a joke, as expected with Goldie and Brock being in them.

Overall for what it was it wasn’t terrible but obviously no where near where it could have been had it been postponed

[Blaise]

The second day was a lot stronger. I feel like a lot of matches should not have been on the card, although on the same note I love the opportunities many people got. Like the Street Profits match could have not been included, as much as I loved Bianca making an appearance. 

Even with the show split in two, it was still a lot. I can't lie and say I didn't fall asleep, have to drink coffee to get through it all. 

Bliss & Nikki vs. Kabuki Warriors
I don't get what is going on in this division. The match was decent, but I'm hoping this reign actually has some defenses and something to be interested in. 

Becky vs. Shayna Baszler
It wasn't a bad match, but nothing memorable. When it ended I thought... that was it? All that build-up from Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber where Shayna dominates the competition, just for that? I'm sure it's not the end of their story, but I thought it could have been better. 

Triple Threat Ladder Match
It was so great. At first I thought the idea of one representative of each time competing was a bit stupid, but these guys are just so athletic and entertaining to watch. Kofi's sour gummy worm hair is everything. The finish was lame.

Strowman vs. Goldberg
Absolute trash match. What a trash memory for that being how you won your first major title. Also Strowman winning the title at this moment was not a good call. It just should happened a long time ago when he had a lot of support. A complete waste of time imo. But fingers crossed this means Goldberg goes away soon. 

Undertaker vs. AJ Styles
aka Highlight of Wrestlemania. Taker has always been a favourite of mine. So seeing the American Badass make his return on his bike made me quite happy. It made me pop in my living room.. by myself wearing my Taker shirt like a loser. I thought it made AJ look good as well, even though he was... murdered and everything. I'm curious to see what is to come for the OC moving forward. It was like a movie, so well shot, nice music. It was everything I hoped for. I kinda wish the whole show had matches like this, but realistically it obviously took a lot of work.

Ripley vs. Charlotte
I agree as well with saying this was the best women's match of the card. Also as much as everyone I would have loved to see Rhea win, but realistically Charlotte is supposed to be this seasoned veteran. As much as she's over pushed, she's an amazing athlete. Always puts on a great match and good character work. Everyone knows that the women's division in NXT is the best and there's so many great matches she can put on with those women. So much more attention that can be brought as well which these women deserve. Anyway,  it would be pretty upsetting if she lost on the big stage. Rhea looked amazing and got to be on the card, which is a huge win. If Rhea retained, it would be a huge win for her... in front of no one. It just wasn't the right timing. Good call.

Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler
The right man won. Dolph is a good wrestler, but nothing is interesting about him to me. It's about time they broke up Fire & Desire. They will both do really well in singles division, so I'm excited for that freshness of their feud. 

Edge vs. Randy Orton
It was an okay but way too long. I think more people would be shitting on if it were two others wrestling doing the same thing. But since it is Edge and Randy, everyone is like... eh, they're allowed I guess. It had a great finish though and made Randy interesting again. Sometimes I forgot about him, lol. A few things threw me off was when Randy said something like, "I love and I own you?" Something like that... OBVIOUSLY Edge was going to win going into this match, so it was no surprise. I'm hoping down the line things change though because while Edge can play both sides, I think he is his best when he is on a mean streak. That's the Edge I love. I can't wait for the feuds to come. There's so many to pick from.

Banks vs. Bayley vs. Evans vs. Tamina vs. Naomi
It was a decent match, but I was more excited about them seeing those seeds planted for the future. My girl Sasha Banks is coming for that gold... someday.

[William James Cordova]

Apr 6, 2020 9:06:15 GMT -8 Aaron Kostan said:

Alright, you know exactly what I'm about to ask. Amid the virus that's keeping a lot of us away from everyday life, and is ruining events around the world, WWE went through with Wrestlemania in an empty arena. So let's get the rundown. What did you think? Overall, I have to say that it was honestly one of the best Wrestlemanias in recent years, even with the extraordinary circumstances. I love the fact that they split it into two nights, because it was starting to get ridiculous how long these shows last. Anyway, here's my breakdown for the points I feel deserve it...

Intro:
I was trying to figure out if they had REALLY hired a Jack Sparrow impersonator, then they flat out admitted in the intro that they hired a bad Jack Sparrow impersonator...good stuff. The intro got me hyped for the show, granted it was kind of a let down going from that to an empty arena, but still.

Gronk as host:
Not a fan...

Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross vs. Kabuki Warriors:
Probably the best way to start the show in the empty arena. The extra noise from the Kabuki warriors chattering away throughout most of the match kind of helped you forget the arena was empty.

Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler:
Good, exciting match in my opinion. I was kind of surprised when it ended, but I think the right person won. I mean, she's had it this long, she deserve to be champion for 365+ days. To make it better, now the fact that Lynch technically didn't beat Rousey at WM35 and that she barely beat Baszler at WM36 can be used for some good story material.

Zayn vs. Bryan:
I think I would've liked to see more exciting technical wrestling between these two than we got. However, the ending was good with the Helluva kick out of no where off the distraction. Plus, as much as I like Daniel Bryan, I think its good Sami kept the IC title. That beld NEEDS to stay on someone for a while and actually get defended...stop running the IC title into the ground WWE!

Morrison vs. Uso vs. Kingston:
Several great spots, and I loved listening to Jimmy's trash talk during the match. "Smashed your face like a pancake, boy" was one of the best in that it made me laugh for a good few seconds. The ending was about what I expected, with the result that I expected and wanted. Easily one of the best matches of night 1 in my opinion.

Owens vs. Rollins:
Hated the false finish. Also, this would have been a great time for the HOST to come in and restart the match since the host barely did anything...but the restart was great. We transitioned from a match with good wrestling to a match with big shots with weapons. I'll take it! And that spot off the Wrestlemania sign through the announce table was fantastic. My only beef with it is I think Seth Rollins should've won to bolster the Monday Night Messiah gimmick...but at the same time...KO has lost a lot and been mistreated in his WWE career...maybe he did deserve this one.

Strowman vs. Goldberg:
Strowman finally winning the Universal title after trying so many times in the past but this time with absolutely no real buildup was a mistake. As much as I don't like Goldberg as champion, he should have retained here. And...SERIOUSLY...matches of nothing but finishers are trash, and there have been too many of them. Not a good match, not a good result, and I could have dealt without it.

Undertaker vs. Styles:
Phenomenal...I prefer the deadman gimmick to the American Badass, but still phenomenal. And seeing AJ Styles' name was on the tombstone the whole time at the end was the icing on the cake...he dug his own grave. Every single second of this match was great. My only question now is how we get Styles, Gallows, and Anderson back in WWE...because I'm pretty sure they're all dead now.

Flair vs. Ripley:
Good wrestling, good story with the knee of Ripley throughout, good veteran/rookie dynamic and the right person won.

Otis vs. Ziggler:
Good payoff to a well built story.

Edge vs. Randy Orton:
This match felt like it lasted FOREVER, but I mean that in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time...especially when they were on top of the trailer. I kept expecting them to fall off as a part of the finish. I liked that they used the whole facility, and had some good, unique spots with it. The emotion was also displayed so well throughout. This was the best match of night 2 without a doubt. In fact, call it the best match of the whole event.

Wyatt vs. Cena:
Someone on twitter gave the best, and only way to really describe this match...it's like the whole WWE universe was high and had the same crazy trip. Like, I barely know what the heck went down, but it was fantastic! Now though, not going to lie, I would like Cena and Wyatt to have a PROPER match...note the Fiend should win that one too.

McIntyre vs. Lesnar:
Let's be honest, the build for this match has lasted for like the past 10 years. Drew finally got what he deserved so long ago...the chosen one is finally the champion. And that "thank you" he did to the camera at the end just made him so human and so likable. They better book him right!

And that's it! What was your opinion of the show of shows?

Wash your hands, cover your cough, stay inside as much as possible...everyone stay safe out there!


Gronk as host:

Not a fan... 

I knew there was something I admired about you, Kostan.