The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RKOwnage" data-cite="RKOwnage" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> I also don't agree with this - the second Reigns turns heel is the second the fans explode for him.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It might get a pop at first but I can tell there is a great heel ready to burst out of Reigns....there is not enough fanbase that can relate to him to be cheered right now (Same problem The Rock had coincidentally). He needs to get over as a heel before being the face of the company.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Devilb0y" data-cite="Devilb0y" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It doesn't really matter when the tickets were sold though, because I'm not claiming that Roman is the guy that drew the crowds, I'm just saying that him being on top isn't turning crowds away as so many people seem to think. You can argue until you're blue in the face that Roman is terrible, but the numbers show that at the very least he's no worse than Rollins or Lesnar. No one is claiming that Reigns is a mega-draw, but the gross at WM32 and house show figures while he's been on top make it impossible to argue that he's hurting the company, because by all those figures they're doing pretty good.<p> </p><p> Fans can boo who they want. Vince doesn't care so long as they're still putting money in his pocket, which they have demonstrably been doing while Roman has been on top. Now if you want to say that - from a booking perspective - Roman should be a heel, then yeah, I think he should. But the company is making money off of him without doing that, so the chances of it happening are very low.</p></div></blockquote><p> It doesn't matter who is on top. If Roman were a top heel, or a job guy, or working in a local VFW hall, the WWE would still be doing the same business. It's the WWE brand that they rely on to make them money these days.</p>

[moon_lit_tears]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smurphy1014" data-cite="smurphy1014" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The crowd exploded last night when he speared Steph. Granted, they went back to booing shortly afterwards.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I noticed that.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> My biggest question of all is what was the point of the Shane/Undertaker match?</p><p> </p><p> Unregistered had an idea that Shane was going to win, and debut Bullet Club to help him take over SmackDown.</p><p> </p><p> I honestly think that's up there with the "oldtimers" coming out as being unnecessary.</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Devilb0y" data-cite="Devilb0y" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Fans can boo who they want. Vince doesn't care so long as they're still putting money in his pocket, which they have demonstrably been doing while Roman has been on top. Now if you want to say that - from a booking perspective - Roman should be a heel, then yeah, I think he should. But the company is making money off of him without doing that, so the chances of it happening are very low.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Ignoring the boos is going to rub off on the casual fan eventually. It's like Cena in 2013 a lot of people that haven't watched him for 10 years were asking me around my circle why is he getting booed everyday because he don't seem like that bad of a guy. </p><p> </p><p> I casually laughed and asked them why they don't read superman comics. One of them said it's been the same story that has been told for 50 years besides that one swerve in the 90s of him dying. I told him he just answered the Cena question. The character never grows and evolves and the hardcore fans have seen the same Cena story retold for over 10 years. They are doing a blander version with Roman today.</p><p> </p><p> They have enough marketable babyfaces that they can sacrifice Roman to tell better stories.</p>

[LigerLiger]

<p>What killed the 'Mania Main Event wasn't the result itself,it was that the result was too predictable and the ending also sucked.I mean,Roman Spears Steph(accidentaly) and THE GAME,THE 14X WORLD CHAMPION,THE CEREBRAL ASSASSIN,THE KING OF KINGS,THE MAN WHO BEAT STING AND LITERALLY INVADED RANDY ORTON'S HOUSE LIVE IN RAW(kayfabe,I know).........tries to DQ himself to retain the title.Really WWE?Really?Is like Godzilla trying to dig a hole in the deep sea to escape the humans who just threw a bomb in his mother.It doesn't make sense when you think about Triple H's character,he is supposed to be a treath to names like Sting,Brock Lesnar(kinda),The Undertaker,and not someone who tries do DQ himself.THIS didn't help the Main Event in any way.Wouldn't it be easier to have the ref knocked down or something?</p><p> </p><p>

Also,this match was a chance that WWE lost to set up a Vince&Reigns vs Triple H&Shane feud.Would it make sense?No,but this could at least make the fans pop like if it was a WrestleMania and not a regular Monday Night RAW.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Heck,I feel I always become a smark when it come to WrestleManias.</p><p> </p><p>

It's not like I'm against Reigns winning,I'm against the way he won.Am I being clear here?</p><p> </p><p>

Other than that,I really marked out in the Taker-Shane match and when Zack Ryder won the IC Title.Period.</p>

[RKOwnage]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="AfRoMaN36" data-cite="AfRoMaN36" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wouldn't that be the point? Turn him heel so you can turn him face when he gets over? It worked wonders for the Rock. Imagine if the WWF covered their ears and put the title on Rocky Miavia despite mega go away heat.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I completely agree, I was just disagreeing with what K-Nection had said about him getting heat with a heel turn. I just don't think that would happen.</p>

[Nathers7]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="moon_lit_tears" data-cite="moon_lit_tears" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My biggest question of all is what was the point of the Shane/Undertaker match?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> There was no point to it at all. Shane decided to come back and Vince thought it would be a great idea to put him in a match. Shane kayfabe thought he could beat Taker inside the cell without any outside help. All we can conclude is that his character is a moron <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RKOwnage" data-cite="RKOwnage" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I completely agree, I was just disagreeing with what K-Nection had said about him getting heat with a heel turn. I just don't think that would happen.[/Quote]<p> </p><p> I'm confused? Turning him heel would change the go away heat to I want to see this guy get beat heat.</p></div></blockquote>

[Derek B]

The point of Undertaker/Shane was that Taker is a huge draw and he didn't have an opponent due to so many people getting injured. To make it more interesting they dangled the carrot of change in front of us, they made it look like something incredibly unlikely could happen and we could get what we (the IWC) want with a change in authority. There was lots of talk and interest in that match and it may have helped buy rates for anyone without access to email addresses.... so it was what it was.

 

I'm a bit sleep deprived just now due the combination of a cold and staying up until 5am last night, but I still can't believe Zack Ryder is the IC champion. I'm like... 99% convinced I dreamed that and most of what went on last night, though I was sad there was a lack of unicorn themed ziplines from high up in the arena for a New Day entrance cos that would have been the best thing ever.

[lukess11]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Derek B" data-cite="Derek B" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The point of Undertaker/Shane was that Taker is a huge draw and he didn't have an opponent due to so many people getting injured. To make it more interesting they dangled the carrot of change in front of us, they made it look like something incredibly unlikely could happen and we could get what we (the IWC) want with a change in authority. There was lots of talk and interest in that match and it may have helped buy rates for anyone without access to email addresses.... so it was what it was.<p> </p><p> I'm a bit sleep deprived just now due the combination of a cold and staying up until 5am last night, but I still can't believe Zack Ryder is the IC champion. I'm like... 99% convinced I dreamed that and most of what went on last night, though I was sad there was a lack of unicorn themed ziplines from high up in the arena for a New Day entrance cos that would have been the best thing ever. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think the unicorns didn't happen because WWE doesn't want another Owen to happen on PPV.</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="lukess11" data-cite="lukess11" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think the unicorns didn't happen because WWE doesn't want another Owen to happen on PPV.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I was content with the Sayain Armor we can save the ziplines for next year.</p>

[AfRoMaN36]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm confused? Turning him heel would change the go away heat to I want to see this guy get beat heat.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Even so, at least it's the proper response. Best case scenario he gets more freedom as a heel and shows more personality, allowing more people to relate to him. Then you turn him face but keep the personality (Ala Rock or New Day).</p>

[smurphy1014]

Something I thought of regarding the Shane/Taker match. Was Shane's getting control of Raw based on his winning against Taker or just wrestling him? I know Vince put the stipulation of Taker winning or else he was done at Mania but I don't remember it ever being said that Shane <strong>had</strong> to win in order to get control of Raw. Granted I only watch the Youtube highlights of Raw and read recaps so I ma have missed that point.

[TheCrippler]

<p>I knew I had seen that outfit Stephanie wore last night somewhere before....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="11012851_833474653424108_3460768080867046708_n.jpg?oh=7a7b9210d1c5ea50a1ca94a3e9eb985c&oe=57753A4C" data-src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11012851_833474653424108_3460768080867046708_n.jpg?oh=7a7b9210d1c5ea50a1ca94a3e9eb985c&oe=57753A4C" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Killagy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smurphy1014" data-cite="smurphy1014" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Something I thought of regarding the Shane/Taker match. Was Shane's getting control of Raw based on his winning against Taker or just wrestling him? I know Vince put the stipulation of Taker winning or else he was done at Mania but I don't remember it ever being said that Shane <strong>had</strong> to win in order to get control of Raw. Granted I only watch the Youtube highlights of Raw and read recaps so I ma have missed that point.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I vaguely remember Vince telling Shane he had to "survive"?.... Hmmmm...</p>

[OldStingberg]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Derek B" data-cite="Derek B" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The point of Undertaker/Shane was that Taker is a huge draw and he didn't have an opponent due to so many people getting injured. To make it more interesting they dangled the carrot of change in front of us, they made it look like something incredibly unlikely could happen and we could get what we (the IWC) want with a change in authority. There was lots of talk and interest in that match and it may have helped buy rates for anyone without access to email addresses.... so it was what it was.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, but Disney doesn't advertise a new Star Wars addition to Disneyworld for months only to essentially say "ha ha, just kidding" when it was supposed to open and then justify it by saying "At least it got people excited for opening day!" Dangling something that consumers want in front of their face and then yanking it away from them is usually not a good idea. And that's what they did. And it's not like they even got a heel over in the process of doing that. It was just Vince saying '**** you' to his consumers.</p><p> </p><p> If they didn't want to actually do anything with Shane other than pop a WM buyrate, why not do something good with the appearance? Why just feed him to Taker? It's just stupid booking. Let him work with the New Day against the LON or something.</p><p> </p><p> Let Taker help elevate someone like Ambrose. Imagine Ambrose in Shane's position last night. It would have solidified him as a star for <em>years</em>, probably similar to Austin at WM13.</p><p> </p><p> Instead Shane was fed to Taker in a nonsensical story that ultimately meant nothing and Ambrose was fed to Lesnar, whose (German) suplex city thing is making his matches nearly unwatchable at this point.</p>

[Russelrules44]

<p>I think this night was IMO (for better or worse) the night of surprises. And believe me; there were a lot.</p><p> </p><p>

(And for a reminder, Only going to talk about the main show)</p><p> </p><p>

The Ladder Match- Crazy. That's pretty much all you can say, there were bumps, insane moves, false finishes and a polka dotted ladder.</p><p> </p><p>

And ZACK RYDER WON! AT WRESTLEMANIA! I don't know if this is just because why not or if they plan on doing something better, but as it stands; I am so happy for that guy.</p><p> </p><p>

AJ Styles vs Y2J- Great match, Jericho made AJ look pretty good all things considered; really surprised by the outcome, as this really should have been AJ's time.</p><p> </p><p>

The New Day vs The League of Nations- I'm probably the only person I know who at least tolerates the LADS, (mostly because I created that very same stable in an EWR game) regardless; this definitely should have been The New Day's win. But then again, they haven't exactly fought in a tag team title match in a PPV yet, so I don't know. (Oh, and HBK, Austin and Foley came out; it actually makes sense considering that they all come from Texas)</p><p> </p><p>

Brock Lesnar vs Dean Ambrose- This was what I knew was going to happen. A no holds barred street fight to death combined with the godly powers of Brock Lesnar. Should have gone on a little longer personally, as for Lesnar winning? Eh.</p><p> </p><p>

Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch for the Woman's Title- Oh hell. This is the match EVERYONE'S going to remember, and for good reason; this match was everything we've wanted and waited for. As for Charlotte winning; I would have loved to have seen Becky Lynch win, but I wouldn't be lying if I said Charlotte has been pretty decent as a champion. Good job and good luck to all the ladies in their future.</p><p> </p><p>

Shane McMahon vs The Undertaker- The only way I realistically thought was possible was that Undertaker was going to win, and he did. Obviously, the weakest match in the card in terms of actual wrestling, but in terms of drama was really good.</p><p> </p><p>

Especially that crazy as hell dive near the end, What was Shane thinking?</p><p> </p><p>

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal- Fun little battle royal like the last two, Shaq and Big Show finally got to face off for a little while; (I would pay to see this two face off in the ring at Extreme Rules) Tatanka and DDP made some nice cameos and BARON CORBIN won. Does that mean Baron's going to be on the main roster from now on? (Because if he is, I want him to be in a tag team with either Ryback and Kevin Owens as soon as possible)</p><p> </p><p>

Roman Reigns vs Triple H- Started off slow, but worked it way up to a great climax. Who knew that Stephanie McMahon was the key to getting Roman Reigns cheered? (or maybe it was the whole Attitude Era vibe it gave off) I think Roman's reign can go two ways, three if Seth comes back.</p><p> </p><p>

1. Roman can turn heel and face either Dean Ambrose or John Cena.</p><p>

2. Roman can face either Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho or Rusev as a test to see if Roman has any staying power.</p><p>

Or 3. Have him face Rollins and do a double turn.</p><p> </p><p>

Final Thoughts: So yeah, that was WrestleMania 32. It was better than what most people were thinking, but there was absolutely no way it was going to top the masterpiece that was last year. We had a few solid matches, some awesome moments and a few surprises along the way.</p><p> </p><p>

If I had to place it amongst the modern day WrestleManias, i'd say better than 29, a little worse off than 25.</p>

[OldStingberg]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Devilb0y" data-cite="Devilb0y" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That's probably true, but the point remains that for all the hatred Reigns gets he was still the main event of the highest grossing live event the WWE has ever put on. There might be money left on the table, there might not. I doubt the WWE care if they're already pulling good figures with Roman (a bird in the hand, and all that).<p> </p><p> Where is the motivation for the WWE to change things if that's the case? Fan's that pay to come and boo are still fans that pay to come. If I were in Vince's shoes I'd be looking at the bottom line and dismissing the boos as fans being contrary.</p><p> </p><p> I really don't care for Reigns, but I feel like a huge majority of modern wrestling fans delude themselves into thinking that they're making a difference by paying to show up and boo. The only time WWE will ever change is if they stop making money, and right now that's not happening, so neither will change.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> WrestleMania is pretty invincible, but WWE's net income is actually down quite dramatically in the last few years. From '98-'11, the WWE made around $50 million per year on average (though the XFL flop and a couple big movie flops dropped their net income in a couple years). From 2012-2015, though, yearly net income has averaged just $7 million. And that's not the WWE Network costs dragging things down. $4 million in network start-up costs were actually counted in the 2011 financials.</p><p> </p><p> The WWE is still making money, but they're making considerably less money than in the past even without adjusting for inflation.</p>

[LigerLiger]

<p>I just remembered something,isn't hitting women(when you're a man) "illegal" in WWE?At least in the games i always got DQed when I threw my opponent's valet off the apron and I recall it happening once or twice,but I may be wrong.</p><p> </p><p>

Also,I just realized something:What if The Authority put the 24/7 rule in Reigns's strap?I'd pay to see that.As long as Reigns don't cut any promos,I'd indeed pay to see that.</p>

[packerman120]

Go Roman Reigns. And I second Ayden's earlier comments about giving Stephanie a spear.

[K-Nection]

I just remembered something,isn't hitting women(when you're a man) "illegal" in WWE?At least in the games i always got DQed when I threw my opponent's valet off the apron and I recall it happening once or twice,but I may be wrong.

 

In 2k16 I had Emma as my valet and Kevin Owens attacked her during our title match and got DQ'ed....screwed me out of the NXT championship. I had to remove Emma as my manager so I got a straight up match.

[Fleisch]

I liked some of the show, I didn't like other parts, either way though I have cancelled the WWE Network because it's just so predictable for the most part

(except Ryder and Corbin wins). Every other match was obvious. The death of the Wyatts was solidified in an absolutely pointless segment just so Cena could return and along with the Rock did a good job of burying the group. They have no more credibility as a fearsome group. Really liked the Ambrose v. Lesnar fight despite the obvious outcome - but it was good enough that I didn't care if the outcome was obvious. Liked the women's match, again the winner was obvious (to me) before the bell rang. I HATE the New Day and went and made dinner for most of that, although seeing HBK, Foley and Austin come and kick LONs asses was fun. Corbin winning the Battle Royal was good to see. I'm a fan of the guys no crap attitude and lack of respect. AJ v Jericho was pretty decent but again after AJ dominating on TV I was again certain of a Jericho victory. Being "surprised" in only 2 matches of a near 5 hour event though was a bit underwhelming. Just my random thoughts.

[lr10540]

I finally got to live my childhood dream and be in the crowd for a Wrestlemania. Since I was there live, my thoughts may be biased towards the positive.

 

Pre-Show

Kalisto vs Ryback

Ryback got ate up by the couple thousand that were actually in their seats. Kalisto got a solid response. The match was what it was. I've been a Ryback fan for a while now, but I'm even beginning to sour on him.

 

Total Divas vs Bad & Blonde

Eva had nuclear heat. She got absolutely ate alive. I loved how she basked in it. I could definitely see her as a top heel. Nattie got a solid pop. Foxxy looked good as did Emma. Lana looked mouth watering. I love me some Lana. The 2 moves she did looked brutal. Can't wait to see her work some more. Brie picked up the win as I expected. I think we (live crowd) pretty much all cheered for her as she did her thing. Seeing Nikki come out at the end was a nice cherry on top.

 

Dudleys vs Usos

Worst match of the night. Very short, very anticlimactic. We wanted to see the Usos go through the tables, and we booed heavily when they splashed the Dudleys. Bubba took part of the broken table with him to the back, I'd assume as a memento of this Mania.

 

Women's title angle

Seeing Lita was sweet. Seeing the new title was awesome as well.

 

Main Show

7 Man Ladder Match

Ziggler actually didn't get a great response. Zayn and Owens got the biggest pops. Ryder was pretty over with the crowd as well. Zayn vs Owens was the best part of the match. Sin Cara going through Cody+Ladder was neat, but same spot I've seen numerous times so it was okay for me. Crowd was ready to come unglued for Zayn. I loved how Miz lost the match. Ryder's win was puzzling. I'm not much of a fan of his. He hasn't won a match on Raw since Austin & Rock were full time competitors. Crowd ate it up though.

 

Styles vs Jericho

Match was solid. Crowd was pretty split. Disagree with the finish. Styles could have been a big deal with 3 out of 4 and a win at Mania. Oh well.

 

New Day vs Job Squad

This felt like an instance of not having any crediblr challengers for New Day. The job squad can mix it up with the Usos then the Dudleys then drop it back to New Day I guess. The tag division is sad at the moment.

 

Legends vs Job Squad angle

HBK, Foley and Austin. Crowd exploded for Austin. We ate this up. This angle got a ton of flak and I can't understand why. Barrett is leaving, Sheamus and Del Rio are both creeping up on 40 and also get minimal crowd reaction. And Rusev has been dead since being split from Lana. If you wanna complain about Woods, we're talking about the de facto manager of The New Day. Big E and Kofi came out unharmed, and that's what's important.

 

Brock vs Ambrose

Match seemed really short. Very underwhelming. Dean could've lost and been golden if he would've absorbed massive amount of punishment. Instead it was short, the weapons that were passed down to him didn't get used and Ambrose lost.

 

Triangle Woman's Match

The entrances were great. Snoop rapping and Charlotte in Flair's robe were nice to watch. Then the match. Man what a good match. Becky took out Flair, Charlotte hit a moonsault to the outside and Sasha paid homage to Eddie Guerrero with the little shuffle and all. I love Sasha more for that. Very disappointed that Sasha lost, but since she didn't take the fall, we may get the singles program now.

 

Shane McMahon vs Taker

It was what I expected. A train wreck. Shane did his wonderful stunt that had us all in holy **** mode.

 

Battle Royal

Big pop for DDP. Show vs Shaq was pretty sweet. Didn't notice that Tatanka or Corbin were in until the end. I was hoping Henry would win. Corbin was nice too. Just get rid of that stupid ass pose with the trophy and it would've been cool.

 

Our Beautiful Cheerleaders

It was nice for a bathroom break. I'm not a big fan of cheerleaders in general, but my Cowboys certainly have some nice cheerleaders!

 

The Rock

Always nice to see Rocky. All the energy I had left got expended for Rocky. Through the finallys and the millions, I'll forever be a Rock fan.

 

Wyatts vs Rocky

Wyatt actually wasn't out of place verbally sparring with Rock. I think Rock put over Bray in a big way with his words. He got the crowd to play along once everyone else finally caught on. The announcement of a Rock match was thrilling, but it wound up being a Rock Bottom and that's it.

 

Cena's Return

Good pop. Nice to see him back.

 

HHH vs Roman

This was a bizarre match. We were spent, energy wise. Mostly dead as well. Roman got eviscerated until he speared Steph, and even that was a short lived cheer. That's more from finally seeing Steph get some sort of come uppance. When Reigns won he actually got a decent pop. But then it was as if everyone realized what just happened and then really gave it to him. A lot of people started leaving during this match, presumably to beat traffic.

 

 

Overall thoughts

Fun show. Definitely glad I got to be a part of it. The booking decisions leave me a bit puzzled.

Both Shane and HHH lost so what direction are we getting post Mania? Surely we won't have HHH finding another guy to fight to Roman, since that story sucked the first time, bu he certainly won't let Roman get away with spearing his wife.

What top contenders do we have for Roman? Jericho? He's just .500 in his last feud. Owens? I doubt we see that since he'll probably feel screwed by Steph for making it a multiman ladder match. Brock? We've already seen it. Orton? Seen that too. Cena? That's a Summerslam or Mania match imo. Rollins? Last I heard, he's still out a while.

There's not really anything I see for Roman unless you go completely out of left field and have Balor + Bullet Club debut tonight and destroy him. Roman can then feud with Balor and co. until we get the roster back, or a proper challenger for him. With this option you could have Balor Club then destroy Ambrose at Summerslam, have Rollins return baby face to make the save and set up a Shield vs Balor Club maybe at The Rumble? Get a 3 month Shield reunion and then have them breakup in a loss to Balor Club so we get our Shield 3 way next year!

[K-Nection]

Ryder's win was puzzling. I'm not much of a fan of his. He hasn't won a match on Raw since Austin & Rock were full time competitors. Crowd ate it up though.

 

I think you may be a little confused....Ryder wasn't around in 2001?

[lr10540]

I think you may be a little confused....Ryder wasn't around in 2001?

 

That was sarcasm!