If you’re a wrestling fan, yesterday was like Christmas. WrestleMania 32 went down at AT&T Stadium, with what some are calling one of the worst build ups in the events history.
So, did the “Grandest Stage of them All” prove it had more to offer than the build? Or did the event flop like the Cowboys do every year?
Let’s find out as we break down WrestleMania 32…By The Grade.
UNITED STATES TITLE MATCH: RYBACK VS. KALISTO
With an event that ended up going almost 6 hours long, some matches had to be scheduled for the Pre-Show, but I question how you can elevate a title by keeping it off the main stage, but that’s exactly what happened to the United States Title.
The match did exactly what most were expecting; build Kalisto as the luchador that can defeat the giants, in hopes of creating the next Rey Mysterio Jr.
Winner: Kalisto
Match Grade: B
TEAM BAD VS. TEAM TOTAL DIVAS
In hindsight, this can be viewed as the death of what was women’s wrestling in the WWE, but more on that later.
This match was simply put together to make sure everyone got a paycheck, and it showed. I just thank God that it was on the Pre-Show, rather than stink of the main card.
Winners: Team Total Divas
Match Grade: T for Terrible
LITA UNVEILS THE NEW WOMEN’S TITLE
Normally I wouldn’t give a grade to a segment, but this one deserved it. Lita came out for a presentation of the new Women’s Title, which would be given to the winner of the Triple Threat later in the night.
THIS, in my eyes, was the true start to the “Divas Revolution” simply because it took the word “Diva” out of the equation. These women are wrestlers, and should be treated as such.
On top of that, the belt looks on par with the male counterpart, proving they are just as important to the brand.
Winner: The Fans
Segment Grade: A+
THE USOS VS. THE DUDLEY BOYZ
At one point in time this match would have been viewed as a dream match, or at the very least, a much anticipated rivalry. Unfortunately, between the Usos becoming stale, and the Dudleyz being used as fodder for bigger things, it just felt stale and underwhelming.
Match Grade: C
LADDER MATCH FOR THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE
This is the way every show should start. Not necessarily a ladder match, but a match that gets our blood flowing. Sure, the match was spotty, but let’s face it, that’s what a ladder match is.
Now, everyone’s assumption was that Kevin Owens would continue his reign as champ, or at the very least Sami Zayn would take the win to start a feud between the two on the main roster.
But, the WWE threw us a HUGE curveball, and that was a good thing.
The much forgotten about, Zack Ryder took home the win, after a helluva performance, which works 2 fold. It gives us a fresh champion, and allows Owens and Zayne to properly build their feud on the main roster, for the rights to face Mr. Ryder.
That’s the way you build depth to a division, people, and for the first time in a long time, the IC Title is on a good track to bring back some of it’s glory.
Winner and New IC Champ: Zack Ryder
Match Grade: A
AJ STYLES VS CHRIS JERICHO
This match had me scratching my head. Not because these guys can’t go, although I think Jericho is starting to show a little age, not being able to keep up with Styles, but because of the ending.
How do you let a guy that you touted as a MAJOR SIGNING, lose at his very first Wrestlemania?
Unless this is leading the Styles turning, and joining the rumored Bullet (Balor) Club, I do not see the benefit of the result.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Match Grade: C+
THE NEW DAY VS. THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Well, I guess the WWE just wanted to get all of the questionable endings out in a row.
Now, while The New Day had a spectacular “Booty O’s” entrance, they were dumbed down by losing to the League of Nations, who I view as on the same level as the Social Outcasts. And some will argue they only did this to set up the return of HBK, Mick Foley, and Steve Austin (Which was an awesome surprise).
But, they could have done this same scenario while letting The New Day get the win.
Winners: The League of Nations
Match Grade: C+
BROCK LESNAR VS. DEAN AMRBOSE
After our talk with Lordsofpain.net’s The Doc on our last episode, we were all in agreeance that this could be the match of the night, but once it started, it was apparent something was off.
The chemistry just didn’t seem to be there, and I think that had a lot to do with the “No Holds Barred” stipulation. Brock Lesnar isn’t meant for this type of match up. He’s meant for brutal fights, not weapons.
This, coupled with the short time it was given, led to a fevered match-up to fall flat.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Match Grade: C+
TRIPLE THREAT FOR THE WOMEN’S TITLE
The revealing of the Diva’s Title turning into the Women’s Title, as I mentioned before, was the start of wonderful things. This match was the cement in what I hope will be a bright future for the women of the WWE.
There’s a reason Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte were so loved in NXT. THEY CAN WRESTLE! And it showed in this match.
It’s been awhile since we were able to say a Women’s Title match stole the night, but they definitely did it. Performing moves that weren’t “girl moves”, and showing the ladies can bring it to the table as much as any other male on the roster.
Kudos to all 3 of them, because women’s wrestling has never looked better.
Winner: Charlotte
Match Grade: A+
SHANE MCMAHON VS. THE UNDERTAKER
The speculations were high for this one, and I think we can all agree we expected to see some sort of outside interference to help Shane take home the win….but it didn’t happen.
What DID happen is we saw a boring beat down of Shane McMahon, that’s only saving grace was when Shane took that huge dive off the cell.
Now, as of this writing, the Raw After Wrestlemania hasn’t happened yet, and I only hope they swerve the Universe by telling us Vince just said he had to face Undertaker to get control of Raw, and not actually beat him, but if not, this was just one big money grab, with no payoff for the fans.
Winner: The Undertaker
Match Grade: C
THE ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL
I can’t be the only one who marked out when Shaq came out for this thing, right? I mean in what lifetime could we have expected to see Tatanka and Shaq in the same ring at the same time?
Either way, the annual tribute to the legend finally had some purpose other than to fill up time. It allowed NXT veteran Baron Corbin to make an excellent debut, proving he’s a force heading to the main roster.
Winner: Baron Corbin
Match Grade: B
THE ROCK VS. ERICK ROWAN
WHY DO THEY KEEP BURYING THE WYATTS?!?!?!?
Winner: The Rock
Match Grade: WHY?!?!?
ROMAN REIGNS VS TRIPLE H
At this point, it was already 11 o’clock on the East Coast, which I can only imagine they did in order to tire fans out enough, so they wouldn’t care about the inevitable.
Now, I’ve tried to understand the reasoning behind the WWE getting behind Reigns, despite the Universes hatred for him, but I just don’t get it. I mean, they tried every tactic to get cheers for him during the match, and it only worked when he ended up delivering an epic speak to Stephanie McMahon.
So, what are you trying to tell me WWE, that abusing women is the only way to get Reigns over?!?!?
But even that moment only last for a little. The boos continued to poor in, which only got louder when the 1-2-3 went down. So much so, that it was pretty obvious that the WWE audio team muted the crowd at the end to soften the blow.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Match Grade: D+
In what could have been a slightly above average WrestleMania, was ruined by the WWE trying to force feed a Superstar down our throats. And I’m not against Reigns, I’m really not. It’s just that his build has been everything, but good. They need to repackage this heir to the throne, or else the company better get ready for those ratings to continue to drop.
WrestleMania 32 Grade: C
