Post by CM Tusk on Mar 3, 2022 14:11:11 GMT -5
Ok, first off I expect to get a lot of push back here, but upon a recent rewatch I have to question if this event is really one of the greatest of all time or just heavily nostalgia influenced. Obviously most of pro wrestling enjoyment comes from nostalgic feelings. This event itself does have a lot of great elements that still hold up over 20 years later. Even so, half the show really just feels like filler. Let’s look at the card.
Intercontinental Championship: Jericho vs Regal
Obviously two very skilled individuals in a match with a decent build. The major thing here was Jericho pissing in Regals tea which is ridiculous but given the era it works. The match is good but nothing to write home about. Easily a “could be on any ppv at the time” or even a random RAW kind of match. Even so, it’s a solid Wrestlemania opener.
Taz and APA vs RTC
I imagine this was supposed to be Lawler instead of Taz, right? I get that RTC were over as hell as heels during the time period. Even so this is the definition of filler. You can’t hold it against anyone as it’s a four minute match, but still on the “greatest Wrestlemania” this feels very out of place. I’m a big Taz mark so it hurts to know this was his big Wrestlemania match. When someone claims a match isn’t “Wrestlemania worthy”, this is a good example to point out that even the best Mania’s have random crap on them.
Hardcore Championship: Kane vs Show vs Raven
Fun match? Hell yeah, of course. A random match that could have easily been on RAW? Yep. Kane coming off the most dominating Rumble showcase in history winning a belt that really just felt flat by that point is such an odd move. Add that Show had just returned at the Rumble too and probably should have also had more to work with. I’m happy Raven got a Mania match but this despite being fun is still filler.
European Championship: Eddie vs Test
Love me some Eddie Guerrero. In my top ten of all time. I never got on the Test train outside his match with Shane. Rest In Peace to both men. That all said, really just feels like a match to get both men and the title on the card. There little to no heat in the feud itself and again, during the time, this could have just been a random RAW match. They had a solid match but it doesn’t really contribute to the show.
Angle vs Benoit
Honestly the first match on the card that makes this show great. The chemistry these two had was off the charts. There’s a build, theres heat, and there ends up being a match that more than delivers. No criticism here.
Women’s Championship: Chyna vs Ivory
I’m actually 100% behind all of this. Again, RTC was red hot and Ivory was a major reason. She made you want to see her just get her ass kicked. I loved Chyna getting a Wrestlemania moment and the story made sense. As a fan of womens wrestling, of course I would have loved to see an actually match but this worked and at the time the title didn’t mean a whole lot anyways.
Shane vs Vince
A fun brawl with plenty of story behind it. This made perfect sense to be on the card and had all the elements to it to make it worthy to be considered great. Shane really doesn’t get enough credit for his Wrestlemania resume. You really can’t be mad here unless you’re one of those odd “They are taking spots away from actual wrestlers!” people.
Tag Team Championship TLC
Such a
ing blast. One of the greatest tag team stipulation matches you’ll ever find. I have nothing but going things to say here.
Gimmick Battle Royal
Great to hear Brain on commentary at a Wrestlemania for the last time. Outside that? Holy sh** it’s bad. So bad. It’s the perfect example of how nostalgia can go wrong. No place on this card. FILLER.
Triple H vs Undertaker
Solid match. Not their strongest but definitely not their worst. Had a good story going into it and had everything you would need out of a brawl. Good addition to the early days of the streak.
WWF Championship: Austin vs Rock
The build. The promo. The heat. The two biggest stars in the company at the time. It had everything you need for a main event of the biggest show of the year. This match is fondly looked back on and for good reason. I have issues with the end, but unlike most it’s not the turn but the way Austin wins. Beating the Rock basically to death with a chair and just pinning him always fell flat for me. Hit that one last Stunner Steve! Beat him with your move. Ignoring what comes after the event, I thought the alliance with Vince was fresh and intriguing. I do think it’s hilarious they did it because they thought it was The Rocks time even though he leaves for the summer on the next night. It’s hard to deny that the first week of Austin’s heel run was such good tv too. Still, at the end of the day one of the greatest main events to not just a Wrestlemania but also a wrestling show.
So there it is. In my opinion four great matches, a few good ones, and a couple of all time blah. I’d still consider it one of the best Wrestlemanias of all time but I do think nostalgia does play a big role in all of it. So your thoughts and opinions? Feel free to discuss and even tell me you disagree.
Intercontinental Championship: Jericho vs Regal
Obviously two very skilled individuals in a match with a decent build. The major thing here was Jericho pissing in Regals tea which is ridiculous but given the era it works. The match is good but nothing to write home about. Easily a “could be on any ppv at the time” or even a random RAW kind of match. Even so, it’s a solid Wrestlemania opener.
Taz and APA vs RTC
I imagine this was supposed to be Lawler instead of Taz, right? I get that RTC were over as hell as heels during the time period. Even so this is the definition of filler. You can’t hold it against anyone as it’s a four minute match, but still on the “greatest Wrestlemania” this feels very out of place. I’m a big Taz mark so it hurts to know this was his big Wrestlemania match. When someone claims a match isn’t “Wrestlemania worthy”, this is a good example to point out that even the best Mania’s have random crap on them.
Hardcore Championship: Kane vs Show vs Raven
Fun match? Hell yeah, of course. A random match that could have easily been on RAW? Yep. Kane coming off the most dominating Rumble showcase in history winning a belt that really just felt flat by that point is such an odd move. Add that Show had just returned at the Rumble too and probably should have also had more to work with. I’m happy Raven got a Mania match but this despite being fun is still filler.
European Championship: Eddie vs Test
Love me some Eddie Guerrero. In my top ten of all time. I never got on the Test train outside his match with Shane. Rest In Peace to both men. That all said, really just feels like a match to get both men and the title on the card. There little to no heat in the feud itself and again, during the time, this could have just been a random RAW match. They had a solid match but it doesn’t really contribute to the show.
Angle vs Benoit
Honestly the first match on the card that makes this show great. The chemistry these two had was off the charts. There’s a build, theres heat, and there ends up being a match that more than delivers. No criticism here.
Women’s Championship: Chyna vs Ivory
I’m actually 100% behind all of this. Again, RTC was red hot and Ivory was a major reason. She made you want to see her just get her ass kicked. I loved Chyna getting a Wrestlemania moment and the story made sense. As a fan of womens wrestling, of course I would have loved to see an actually match but this worked and at the time the title didn’t mean a whole lot anyways.
Shane vs Vince
A fun brawl with plenty of story behind it. This made perfect sense to be on the card and had all the elements to it to make it worthy to be considered great. Shane really doesn’t get enough credit for his Wrestlemania resume. You really can’t be mad here unless you’re one of those odd “They are taking spots away from actual wrestlers!” people.
Tag Team Championship TLC
Such a
ing blast. One of the greatest tag team stipulation matches you’ll ever find. I have nothing but going things to say here. Gimmick Battle Royal
Great to hear Brain on commentary at a Wrestlemania for the last time. Outside that? Holy sh** it’s bad. So bad. It’s the perfect example of how nostalgia can go wrong. No place on this card. FILLER.
Triple H vs Undertaker
Solid match. Not their strongest but definitely not their worst. Had a good story going into it and had everything you would need out of a brawl. Good addition to the early days of the streak.
WWF Championship: Austin vs Rock
The build. The promo. The heat. The two biggest stars in the company at the time. It had everything you need for a main event of the biggest show of the year. This match is fondly looked back on and for good reason. I have issues with the end, but unlike most it’s not the turn but the way Austin wins. Beating the Rock basically to death with a chair and just pinning him always fell flat for me. Hit that one last Stunner Steve! Beat him with your move. Ignoring what comes after the event, I thought the alliance with Vince was fresh and intriguing. I do think it’s hilarious they did it because they thought it was The Rocks time even though he leaves for the summer on the next night. It’s hard to deny that the first week of Austin’s heel run was such good tv too. Still, at the end of the day one of the greatest main events to not just a Wrestlemania but also a wrestling show.
So there it is. In my opinion four great matches, a few good ones, and a couple of all time blah. I’d still consider it one of the best Wrestlemanias of all time but I do think nostalgia does play a big role in all of it. So your thoughts and opinions? Feel free to discuss and even tell me you disagree.
