Wrestlemania 36
Recap
As the world faces a virus that has infected over a million, killed over 60,000, the WWE brings the world together to not worry about what is happening in the world but to give us a break and entertain us together.
Thank you, WWE for giving me (and many like me) an escape. As an essential health care worker, I need, correction the world needs this.
being billed as the Wrestlemania that is too big for one night gives us a two-part, two-day Wrestling extravaganza; Here is part 1 "Don't Test Me" - Seth Rollins.
Review
Wrestlemania starts off with an announcement and a thank you from Stephanie McMahon. Acknowledging that it is different than anything they have ever done but will still do their best. Host Rob Gronkowski and Mojo Rawley opening were a bit rough to watch.
First Match
WWE Tag Team Women’s Championship
Nikki Cross and Alexis Bliss Vs The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane and Asuka) (C).
I may be a little bias because I think Asuka is one of the best pound per pound female wrestlers, but I thoroughly enjoyed their dancing. Not because they were good at it, but based on the fact that they are going to perform if there is a live crowd or not. The match itself was decent, with a few missed spots. The warriors, of course, were great with the teamwork, I haven’t seen Bliss in action much, seeing her take some of those hits, I was impressed. Alexis hits the Twisted Bliss to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
Second Match:
King Corbin Vs Elias
The setup for this match is vengeance (actually that can be true for any of the matches tonight). However, we weren’t sure if Elias was even headed to Wrestlemania, but never fear he showed. It was a brawl between the two. I think it was the best way to have a match with these two bigger guys. I did feel it was a set up for a continued feud as Elias wins via the assistance of wrestling tights. Entertaining match non-the-less.
Third Match:
WWE Raw Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch(c) Vs Shayna Baszler
I was really surprised that this was a mid-card match with as much hype as it had. I do appreciate the attempted big entrances as Becky came in with the Semi Truck. Lynch also got to hit the rock bottom on the outside ring apron. Lynch got rocked by some heavy knees, her head was also introduced to the announce table. Becky wins via Pin, but Shayna was thinking she was submitting Lynch. As much hype as this match had I expected a little more but seemed to be more of a build-up match. Do I smell a submissions match in the near future?
Fourth Match:
Intercontinental Championship
Daniel Bryan w/Drew Gulak Vs Sami Zayn (c) w/Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
For most of the match, we see Sami run from Bryan, Drew take out Cesaro and Shinsuke. It seemed that Bryan was a sure win, but Sami pulled it off at the end to retrain the Intercontinental Championship. Sami’s new persona can make you forget he is one helluva wrestler. He does really well with this character, he is someone that all of us know and are generally annoyed by. Also, I can’t help but not see Sami as. Seth Rogen.
Fifth Match
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship
Ladders Match
Jimmy Uso vs Kofi Kingston Vs John Morrison(c) each representing their teams.
They waste no time pulling out the ladders, we are talking crossbodies, walking on the ring rope, Morrison hitting the Spanish fly from the top rope and a weird ending. The belts come down but all three of them have it in hand until Morrison falls on the to the ladder below him, but he doesn’t crash down empty-handed he retained the belts. Also, this gets Match of the night.
Sixth Match:
Seth Rollins Vs Kevin Owens
This was a really good match. It ended quickly however it didn’t end, Owen’s request a NO DQ match, and holy crap they went at each other. Let the bodies hit the floor is an understatement. Owens walks away with the win. He walks away but I am certain there will be a limp to that tomorrow. Possibly could tie with Match of the night, but I think the Tag Team was a smidge better.
Seventh Match:
WWE Universal Championship
Bill Goldberg vs Braun Strowman
We start off the match with three spears from Goldberg, Braun reverse returns 4 power slams and wins. I wish I could use an emoji to respond to how I feel about this match. Disappointing. Big hype little performance.
Eight Match:
Boneyard Match
Undertaker vs AJ Styles
This match was taken outside in a scary-looking field with a shed or two. Undertaker barries AJ styles for the win. It was beautifully done with cinematic experience. Wrestling has a line between sports and entertainment. I think it took away from what pro-wrestling is. Was it a good fight and nice to watch absolutely, but it came off very movie-like.
Final Thoughts
WrestleMania Part 1: Wrestler gave it their all despite circumstance. I am always a big fan of stages. They did really well with what they had. I feel like some matches were really short, and somewhere post edited. Overall it was fun, which is what you want from the WWE. Were things missed yea, but you know what Thank you WWE for bringing us together for a few hours.
From The Top Rope: Wrestlemania 36 “Don’t Test Me” Seth Rollins
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Acting - 6/106/10
- Music - 8/108/10
- Production - 8/108/10