The Greatest Night Of My Life
I’m back at the hotel and still not back down to earth. A very, very quick summary.Top 3 Mania ever, maybe even higher.
I have never freaked out more than when the glass shattered.
The place was STUNNED when the three count went down. I literally couldn’t move.
I became a Daniel Bryan guy and I have a piece of the confetti.
More when I can remember what planet I’m on.
What a great show. From the start with Hogan, Stone Cold & The Rock to Damiel Bryans win it was awesome and well worth staying up to 4am for (In UK). I hope this inspires CM Punk to return and he can have the feud with Bryan they were botj birm to have.
It was a great show. It’s not the greatest of all time for a few reasons:
The main event wasn’t as big. It was definitely huge but it doesn’t surpass Rock/Austin from XVII
It didn’t have a match like TLC II. Not that a gimmick match is needed but a match of that caliber being on that card goes a long way.
It was an awesome show and will be very hard to top in the coming years.
I can buy that.
I know you were there KB and are gonna be biased, but let’s not go overboard and call this show better than WM17, it’s not.
Over 17 is a BIG leap and not something I can say 15 hours after the show ended. One of the reasons X7 is so great is because it holds up incredibly well over the years. We’ll have to see if that’s what happens here.
I have no doubt WM30 will hold up, its was a GREAT show. Literally everything you want in a wrestling show, but better than the greatest show of all time? That’ far too much to process the next day.
How was the atmosphere live?, as on tv it came off flat apart from daniel bryan
Not in the slightest. The place was hot all night long and there were chants during every match. White hot crowd, but the building is SO big that you can’t hear a lot of them. They were there though.
I think WM 30 ranks up there with WM 17 & 19. Everything going into it with Hogan being back,Bryan’s push,the young guys like The Shield,The Wyatts,the Usos,Cesaro,etc rising to the top just makes it that much more special.
It felt like a Big Show (no pun intended),Austin & The Rock being there got me pumped right from the start and Daniel Bryan finally getting his moment capped off a very good Wrestlemania.
KB I look forward to your full review when you get back.
After letting this sink in over the morning, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is on par with WM17 as being the greatest Wrestlemania of all-time, perhaps even bigger. I came in expecting something great to the standard of 10 or 24, but what I got blew my expectations out of the water.
The pre-show was a nice enough opening match to get the crowd set up for the show. I’m glad the Usos retained so they can potentially work with the Wyatts over the summer, which will give WWE enough time to bring Ascension up to the main roster. Cesaro turning was a great moment too, and at first, I was sceptical of having it on the pre-show, but that thought was diminished later in the night. Probably would give it a C+.
I loved the opening segment, and it set the standard better than any match could. The prospect of seeing three of the biggest wrestling draws of the last era all together at last was a great tribute to the past 29 Wrestlemanias, and it set the wheels turning for the show.
Triple H vs Bryan might have been my match of the night. The psychology was off the charts and Triple H looked a despicable evil out there, especially with the badass entrance of HHH. Some of the best storytelling was present in that match, and it was perfectly wrestled. Easy A+, and on par with Owen vs Bret for the best Wrestlemania opener ever.
The Shield vs The Authority was just what it needed to be. It helped cement the entire team, Reigns especially as absolute stars and to showcase their bright future in the WWE. There wouldn’t be much sense in having an actual competitive match, so they just let the Shield unleash an onslaught and it worked better than any match could have. Billy Gunn is reported to be coughing up blood, and I hope he makes a speedy recovery if this story proves to be true. No qualms with this match.
The Andre Battle Royale was just as I was predicting it to be, a lot of fun. It had a lot of good moments, and Kofi stole the show as always with his signature theatrics. If I had to nitpick stuff, maybe it would be the order of some eliminations, but as I said, it’s a nitpick. The final 6 was fast-paced and heart-pounding mayhem and the ending was in itself a Wrestlemania moment. What made the moment special for me was the fact that Cole brought up that both Andre and Cesaro were European (imagine that, Cole did something good) and Cesaro hoisting the massive trophy with ease, along with the Big Show handshake. B+ match here, a hell of a lot of fun.
Bray vs Cena was another marvel to behold. Again, the psychology and story-telling was off the charts, and perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the show was the fact that it potentially planted seeds for a Cena turn sooner rather than later. Bray was exceptional tonight, and the live band did a great job and were portrayed very well. The smarks will probably scream and moan about Cena winning, but if Bray won, what is there for him to do? He’s beaten Bryan and everyone else would be beneath him. Bray losing here benefits his character in the long run and sets up a gimmick match at Extreme Rules which I imagine to be brutal. A+
Lesnar vs Taker as a match was acceptable. It’s safe to say that this is Taker’s worst Wrestlemania match in quite some time, but that’s not his fault as you could tell that he was trying out there, whereas Brock was being lethargic all things considered. I know they had to be careful with Taker out there, but Brock could have shown a lot more intensity in victory. I’m glad Heyman didn’t get involved as that would have done more harm than good. I’ll give it a C, most of it on Taker’s part.
But the Streak ending here is easily the biggest wrestling swerve since Hogan’s heel turn at BATB 96. I think everyone was in absolute awe when Lesnar won and I honestly thought it was a psych out at first. I don’t think Lesnar winning was very good for business and it should have gone to someone more deserving, though I can see that putting that stock in Reigns or someone else would be too much of a risk. The Streak ending was a necessary evil, and it’s a clear sign that Taker’s time in the ring is drawing to a conclusion. However, I don’t think this’ll be Taker’s final match at Wrestlemania, rather his penultimate. I imagine he’ll have one final showdown against Sting with no streak to cloud our perception, where he goes over and rides off into the sunset. It’s a very sad moment for a huge Undertaker fan like myself, especially the prospect that his career is going to end very soon, but I can grow to accept it. And whatever way you look at it, The Streak is going to be legendary. Bruno’s 11 year reign is still regarded as outstanding, and yet it was broken by Ivan Koloff (who lost to give the title to Morales but whatever). Taker’s Streak will be remembered in the same respect, and there is no cause for concern in that regard.
The Divas Match was better than I thought it would be, although not really great. Granted, I didn’t pay much attention because I was still in awe over the Streak, but I’m glad AJ defended. She’s going to lose it at Payback I think against Tamina to end her one year run with the title. I’ll be nice and give this match a D+
The main-event was chaotic and all kinds of fun. That powerbomb/RKO spot was sick and I think Orton got hurt quite badly by it. All three guys looked incredible but tonight was Bryan’s night, and he won it in the best fashion possible by having Batista tap out. The closing moments of Wrestlemania, despite being expected, were overwhelming and I feel it easily fits in as one of the biggest Mania moments of history. Daniel Bryan has cemented himself as a legend of WWE, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next in the epic Daniel Bryan tale. I’ll give this match an A.
This Wrestlemania is to me is like Iron Maiden’s Powerslave (my favourite album of all-time) in that the entire card felt like an adventure. You had frantic fast-paced action, methodical and complex stories being told, historical moments being made, and emotions on both ends of the spectrum being conveyed. Kudos to WWE for creating a masterful show.
A++ show and in the running for the best show ever.
So happy for you, man.
You may know that Undertaker is my favorite wrestler of all time and Bryan is my current favorite. I defended Daniel since the day he signed with WWE. I remember writing a post on the forums that he will be the next face of the WWE – just two days after he was resigned in August 2010, after being fired for being too hardcore on TV. I should rejoice.
http://forums.wrestlezone.com/showpost.php?p=2336484&postcount=11
But there’s the other thing that towers over it and casts its shadow. When Taker lost, an incredible emptiness filled me and it’s present until now. To me, the Streak was the device that held wrestling history together. Surpassing eras, outliving legends, accompanying milestones and defying change. Held by the guy who is the textbook definition of a professional, immersing people like no one else could, with a character so outlandish it’s almost too much for wrestling and looking believable and strong throughout.
In a sense you could say it wasn’t the Undertaker that lost. It was the mortal that made him live, too broken down to incarnate the ultimate legend that wrestling had. It was depressing to watch and tears have been shed. It’s especially sad that it happened in a terrible match and a throwaway story, against an opponent that won’t be able to build a career and an own legend around it. The whole thing felt like a collossal waste of the possibly greatest moment (broken) or achievement (remains unbroken) in wrestling history, but that’s a topic for itself.
I didn’t really register the main event and am just beginning to feel happy for Bryan after being kind of numb for hours. This may sound inappropriate and probably is, but in a sense it feels like losing your wife and winning the lottery at the same day. Right now, the depression prevails.
To end on an optimistic note: Tonight showed me how much of a mark I can still be, and that’s an incredible thing. As jaded as I often feel and am, wrestling made me cry, and I’m beginning to feel proud and happy for being a small part in the creation of a new megastar. These are feelings only fans can have, and I’m happy I still got them. While nobody will ever achieve the legendary status Taker has (in my opinion, as it’s impossible in this day and age), there is incredible talent rising up. Which makes the waste all the more baffling.
I’m on an emotional rollercoaster and it’s past 8AM here, so please bear with me. I just witnessed the BY FAR most devastating moment for me as an almost 20-years long fan (I didn’t witness the screwjob and Owen’s death live), and quite possibly the greatest. One side of me tells me this is the worst show ever, while another, more rational side puts it around the top. It’s definitely the most memorable.
It would be great if you could make a long entry about Undertaker. You said this changes wrestling forever, and I’d love to read your thoughts.
Oh I think I’ll have a thing or two to say about the Streak and Undertaker in general.
I’ll be honest, I can see why Cena/Wyatt is going to frustrate people since it had Cena win, but I bought it up like mad. I thought the storytelling was AMAZING and now I see why everyone loves Wyatt. Cena was great IMO in his role, and seeing Wyatt use crazy tactics to get him to lose via DQ was great as well.
People that think Wyatt had to win missed the whole point. This is his first Wrestlemania and he’s working against John Cena. The match was great and the end result was the right one. Wyatt is gonna be just fine, regardless of the result of this match.
Awesome show. Even my brother-in-law, who hasn’t watched wrestling since the mid-90’s, flipped out at Cesaro scooping up Show like nothing. Bryan was awesome all night and the show ended on the right note. I’d put it right up there behind 17 as my favorite Mania that I’ve seen. Friggin’ awesome.
Quick summary of your thoughts on Cena/Wyatt?
And is this at least in your top ten PPVs ever?
Nevermind, saw you listed it as one of the top three Manias ever.
Also, did Bryan just give the best performance of a lifetime for a wrestler?
Yeah he did.
I’ll reserve full judgment until I see the show and more importantly let it process. I was in the Super Dome two hours ago so my mind isn’t clear yet.
This is a show you really have to let sink in to know how you feel about it.
I mean, this thing was emotionally charged like I have rarely felt. I couldn’t believe the main event was only 23 minutes and Lesnar/Taker was somehow longer, it felt so much longer given all the stuff that happened and how my emotions were played with like nothing else.
Here’s an interesting one: Quick impression on Cena/Wyatt?
Sorry I forgot you asked that the first time.
That’s probably the biggest question mark for me. It just doesn’t make a ton of sense. The match was good though and the idea of Cena being scared was interesting. The Roddy Piper at Wrestlemania VIII moment worked very well and the crowd bought it BIG. Those two in a gimmick match where they can just break stuff is going to be awesome.
So, WM 30 for you personally will be the best in heart, right? But, this Mania can be placed in the top 2 PPVs right?
A friend of mine said a full grown man ran out of the cinema he was in crying.
It was quite possibly the most shocking thing I’ve ever personally witnessed in wrestling.
Reckon it might be a contender to knock Mania 17 out as the best Mania of all time?
Yes, but again my biases are going to help it a lot. There’s some questionable stuff in there, but man what a night it was. That was all over the place and the Streak being over changes wrestling forever.
Also, and this sounds pathetic, one of the things I wanted to do in life was see the WWE Title change hands. Hearing that announcement was special.
While Mania 17 was a great show from not only a wrestling standpoint but a story standpoint while I think Mania 30 made the most history.
I hear you on the bias thing as I feel x-8 was better than xix though nobody will feel the same if I ask. X-7 is the best though.
Very easily the best show ever.
I’ll need to watch it a few times to know that, but it’s WAY up there.
You might be riding that high a little TOO high there KB lol this wasn’t a terrible Mania or anything but Top 3 of all time? Nah
There’s a good chance of it. However, I remembered why I was a wrestling fan tonight. It was incredible.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, must’ve been a hell of a time.
When you get the chance in your WMXXX review kindly describe the atmosphere after the streak ended if you don’t mind, I’ve never seen more people stunned and shocked in my life. Ever.
Shock. No one believed it. The people next to me were SCREAMING for Hogan to come do something about it. People were actually leaving the building in tears.