Last weekend in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, WWE’s annual entertainment extravaganza Wrestlemania — nicknamed “Showcase of the Immortals”— became the “Showcase of the Invisibles.” Appreciative roars of 75,000 expected fans condensed into the agonizing screams of 46 superstars.
Though this change originates from undisputed world chaos champion COVID-19 scoring a decisive submission victory over Wrestlemania 36, Vince Mcmahon refuses concession to sneezes or the federal government, so the show went on.
Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross and the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) rang in the off-kilter festivities with a title change. Rather than resisting or welcoming change, the title switch to Cross and Bliss feels indifferent. The creative complacency WWE exudes regarding the women’s tag division formulates that harsh verdict. Little evidence from this feud or match surfaced to sway the skeptical court of public wrestling opinion.
Strumming, singing wisecrack Elias aspired to hit a higher note in the following match against unhailed king Baron Corbin. A plodding, nine-minute match spiraled trying to soar like frontman Chris Cornell’s howling vocals. Ultimately, the match landed in the excitement level of former America’s Test Kitchen host Chris Kimbrall’s painfully deadpan delivery.
Becky Lynch and “The Queen of Spades” Shayna Baszler cooked a more palatable performance. Aces eluded The Queen of Spades’ Wrestlemania debut. She folded via pinfall to Lynch after a roll through. Short and-unsweet action hit hard, the punishment penning a decent story within the eight-minute duration.
Though WWE excluded Sami Zayn’s successful title defense against workrate wizard Daniel Bryan from the Wrestlemania highlight video, the match deserved ample review and some praise. As usual, Bryan spearheaded the technical transpiring with raging face fire that would have ignited the capacity crowd. His inability to harness now-extinguished energy neutralized his chances to combat Zayn’s scorched earth strategy, aided by Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro. Bryan’s loss reaffirms his ongoing casting change from WWE’s lead man following Wrestlemania 30 to a venerable supporting act following Wrestlemania 36. Unwavering audience adoration exists for him. However, wrestling’s volatility holds fan support captive behind bars. Only WWE owner/warden Vince Mcmahon possesses the key to escape and Bryan doesn’t fit the profile for pardoning.
Bryan stalled midway on the ladder of success, but John Morrison ascended to the top, grabbing the Smackdown tag titles in tag partner Miz’s absence, defeating Kofi Kingston (representing New Day) and Jimmy Uso (representing Usos). The ladder utilization one wouldn’t find at Home Depot followed standard procedures and amounted to a safe, decent effort swallowed by the shadow of Wrestlemania’s iconic ladder matches.
Familiar foes Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens augmented Wrestlemania’s first night to new heights. An intelligent initial match of subtleties highlighted the qualities of both characters and workmanship of the craftsmen behind them. Subtlety rerouted to the highway to hectic happenings. Rollins deploying the classic heel tactic of hitting the hero with a ring bell birthed a no-disqualification match. Owens capitalized on the stipulation. Jumping off the lofty Wrestlemania 36 sign served as the signature Wrestlemania moment of the event upon occurrence. Owens captured the win alongside fans’ imaginations. The exciting story spearheaded the in-ring contests.
The silent supershow shifted from the spearhead to the spear. Goldberg defended the WWE Universal Championship against Braun Stroman. The former Georgia Bulldog defensive tackle Goldberg sprinted through a two-minute drill, spearing Stroman three times. His eyes reflected the same pinpoint intensity the bulked behemoth gazed at quarterbacks with. Unfortunately for the champ, Stroman’s 6’8, 350-pound hulking frame absorbs exponentially more punishment than 5’11, 220-pound quarterbacks. The “Monster Among Men” validated his nickname, displaying resilience, followed by ample strength, powerslaming Goldberg (no small man either) three times before obtaining his first taste of WWE’s biggest gold. Stroman should savor the flavor, given Roman Reigns will return to the head of the table when virus lockdown ends. Purists gagged like a cookie-addicted child encountering broccoli, considering the match was arguably the most forgettable WWE title match in Wrestlemania history.
“Forgettable” will never associate with the slasher-esque spectacle promoted as a Boneyard Match. The cinematic crescendo located in a graveyard commenced in David-Lynch-meets-Tarantino-fashion. Rather than a Reservoir Dogs-esque opening of smoldering heat blending with swagger, death’s frigid air swirled with apprehension. AJ Styles attempted to lighten the macabre mood by mockingly entering in a casket. Undertaker delivered an equal surprise, trading the undead phenom for the bruising biker fans last witnessed in 2003.
The bike ride ended and the match started. Cusses, fists, bodies, headstones and fire blended comedy and seriousness with impeccable results. Without spoiling specifics, some events authored new entries for Undertaker’s expansive lore. When the dust and rotting soil settled, Undertaker and WWE both stood victorious, knowing the night went out in Style(s).
A match of such caliber typically strengthens pleas for Taker to retire on a grand performance. However, this cinematic style of pre-shot footage preserves his cardio and minimizes limitations while increasing creative possibilities. As a result Undertaker endures another potential decade.
The Boneyard Match will live on much longer, while Owens/Rollins and Zayn/Bryan provided satisfactory support. Sizable portions of the show failing to keep pace or not enjoying enough time to prevented the biggest show of the year from becoming the best, but the first night was a success under tumultuous circumstances.
Wrestlemania night 1 grade: B
