WingedEagle

Thats just wrong. Both statements are incorrect. Like just about everything, its not that black and white. In many fields there are likely countless anecdotes suggesting that performers are not fans, and others suggesting they very much are. But people like big, loud statements and aren't on board with exceptions or contrary evidence that adds any kind of nuance to such discussions.

Where does this rank among in Sid's career? Hell of a start with some really nice lockups, which I always appreciate. We quickly move to Sid's strengths with a power game featuring a lariat on the floor and a nice front suplex toss. It all looked really nice and tight, but undoubtedly much of the credit for that goes to Benoit and how strongly he bumped and put it over. What really shocked me here was Sid actually selling the leg throughout the match as Benoit focused his attack there. We're talking dropkicks to the leg, a figure-four, even a dragon screw to *SID*. Some great action down the stretch including Sid taking a German and putting over Benoit as his equal before hulking up and hitting some big spots of his own. Perhaps I'm being harsh here, but the finish really held this back for me even if I loved the match until then. Simply wish all the leg work would've played more into the finish, or that the tap out wasn't quite so quick without any struggle. Fully recognize that I'm picking nits here, but a finish can -- strong or weak -- can really take a match up or down. ***1/2

Still waiting for CMLL to knock my socks off. This was a solid match with good heat for the heels and a few nice dives at the finish, but lacking any real substance to raise it beyond that. **3/4

I think there are definitely more opportunities to increase business by expanding the weekend activities for Rumble, Summerslam, etc. rather than cannibalize Wrestlemania. As others have noted, the weekend is already pretty packed between Axxess, NXT, HOF, Raw, Smackdown and who knows how many other events I'm overlooking. There's only one big event. Much easier to build around that capstone than try to break it down.

I'd agree with this as the beginning and end of a casual fan's engagement with wrestling.

For those who closely follow the Mexican scene, any thoughts on how this will impact the company as well as in relations with international partners?

I need to post more about this match when I'm home. Not only the best of its kind, but I think its up right up there with the best outings of either man's career. Love it!

Because Smackdown is the better show and that would completely fuck Smackdown over. Smackdown is already stuck with trash like Ambrose, Dolph & Bray in the upper midcard, don't need to take AJ away and replace him with even more trash. This basically. During a Draft I am thinking only of the good of Smackdown. Also in turn, AJ deserves to be on a good show and not a shit show like Raw. Strong odds are that a show prominently featuring AJ is going to be strong. He's not quite incredible enough to turn 3+ hours into 2, but there are so many new matches to look forward to if he is indeed moved. Much as Reigns makes sense, it does seem unlikely after the Taker win and how he was presented Monday, but that would really leave Smackdown with a hole on top as it'd be losing the babyface and heel that have carried the show since the split. Perhaps Nakamura is given a chance to fill the 1b babyface role, but depth looks to be an issue.

I haven't watched it, but from everything I read the Janela show sounded like an absolute trip and incredibly fun live experience, but also the type of show looked like a disaster if you weren't in the building.

You are not. Lot of promise there. Only concern is that there aren't too many matchups that really intrigue me. Presumably Wyatt & Orton at some point -- the former could be interesting without the hocus pocus, while the latter will undoubtedly happen and likely be underwhelming. Nakamura should be terrific if/when. Perhaps Miz at some point, although it doesn't feel like an ideal prolonged feud but I'm open to having my mind changed. He might have some real chemistry with Ambrose. Who else am I missing?

Did you watch him in NJ in recent years or are you coming into him somewhat fresh?

So Brock's already made his appearance. What closes the show? Balor or Nakamura in a program against Roman?

That's the bad side of the post-Mania Raw crowd. Very interested to see what brings Vince on camera.

I hope everyone who watched Mania joins the TV thread tonight. Explained to the wife this is basically fashion police + season premiere rolled into one. Let's enjoy!

Five words! Are we getting that heel turn?

Roman is owning this crowd. And hasn't spoken a word yet. Love it.

Balor & Rollins are possible. Have to think they're keeping him & Reigns apart for now. Strowman is possible but unlikely. Perhaps debut Nakamura in a high profile manner?

Remember when people liked talking about how the company was out to get Reigns? Despite headlining 1, then 2 and now 3 Manias? Amazing how that took off for a bit.

This combined with Cena's absence over the next few months create a big gap at the top there. I figured an Orton win was likely as him vs. AJ is a new pairing and presumably we'll see that title program sooner rather than later. Curious to see how any call-ups or potential draft changes things.

Great show. I loved Bayley/Charlotte/Sasha/Nia, Brock vs. Goldberg and Roman vs. Taker. All were great and memorable. Cena did his thing and kept it short. Hardy's were a terrific moment and made a questionable match a very fun one. Trips/Rollins gave us Steph despite being exactly what it shouldn't have been. Bray/Orton was horrific and would've been comically so had we not been 6 hours into the show but at least you guys made it fun. Overall this show very much exceeded expectations and was truly fun and memorable. Tonight we do it again! Can't believe I'm awake what feels like a few minutes after it ended.

I'm more than happy to see Brock & Roman do it again. Very curious to see how its framed and put together differently from 31 if we do indeed get there. The original was a classic so why not?

Maybe I'm crazy but I thought it was pretty great. The botches were unfortunate, and a crowd zapped by being in the stadium for 7-8 hours hurt, but I thought it was a terrific match on par with Brock/Goldberg and the Raw women's title for best of the night.

Loved it. BOOM. Great stuff.

This is also exactly what it should be (minus the botches). MORE CHAIRS.

Well that reversal didn't come off too well. We'll see if they go back to it.