What Can Save WrestleMania?

[Mr. C]

You look at the card, and it’s not that strong. There’s no match that jumps out at you. We already have a few matchups that are pretty much set in stone, including:

John Cena vs. The Miz
Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge
CM Punk vs. Randy Orton
The Undertaker vs. Triple-H
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole
Money In The Bank
Divas Tag Team

Based off what we can assume the card is going to look like, it does look pretty lackluster compared to last year’s show. It has “the worst WrestleMania” written all over it.

You can put Goldberg vs. Sheamus on the card, and Layla & Michelle McCool vs. Lita & Trish Stratus would be a really nice attraction type bout. Goldberg, Lita, and Trish coming back would bring a lot of attention and gain interest.

John Cena vs. The Miz - The Rock as Special Referee
The Undertaker vs. Triple-H
Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge
CM Punk vs. Randy Orton
Layla & Michelle McCool vs. Lita & Trish Stratus
Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Jack Swagger vs. John Morrison vs. Kane vs. Mark Henry
Big Show vs. Ezekiel Jackson
Goldberg vs. Sheamus
Christian & Kofi Kingston vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio

[Xero]

The Rock saved WrestleMania. He and Triple H vs Undertaker are the selling points outside of it being WrestleMania. I honestly feel that those two situations (with Rock being involved in Miz/Cena somehow, even if not a part of the match directly) are more than enough to make this a successful WrestleMania, business-wise.

And personally, I feel the card is good. I'm looking forward to Cena vs Miz, Del Rio vs. Edge (and whoever they may or may not add to the mix), Punk vs. Orton, Taker vs Hunter and Lawler vs. Cole. I'm also hoping for Sheamus vs Danielson, which would be a fun match.

It's a rebuilding year, and considering that fact, I feel they're exceed any expectation I had for this Mania four months ago.

I think the build has been a little weak for some matches, but nothing that can't be corrected in the next five weeks.

[MoFo]

Cole v Lawler already saved it.

Also, The Rock.

[Xero]

Just saw that you're already calling this the "Worst WrestleMania". If that's what you think, stop watching now. It's obviously POSSIBLE, but from the card you listed, that is by far not one of the worst WrestleManias, both from an in-ring standpoint and build standpoint.

[Lara Emily]

yeah no way is this the worst Mania ever, Mania 12 was saved by one match the rest was shit, Mania 9 sucked really really bad, no way Mania 27 is worse then either of those 2 overall

[MoFo]

25 was the fucking dregs, a one match card.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hype doesn't give the show any extra chance of being great. In fact, it usually puts people's expectations too high and then they will get upset about the smallest details. Remember the hype for Orton/HHH? Then when that sucked people claimed Orton's career was over. Maybe this year people will actually just sit back and enjoy it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I should rephrase that. Hype can make a show better, but it also makes the chances of the show being a disaster ever greater.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Mania doesn't need saving. It will get a large buy rate no matter what, and the build-up for different matches should win over people as well.

Frankly, if the build for HHH/Taker is as intense as the builds for HBK/Taker were the last two years, that will be enough for me to order. Hoping the Cena/Miz build gets improved too after Monday's stupidity.</font>

[YoungFlyFlashy]

Wrestlemania 11 was the worst Wrestlemania.

[Juan]

"Save WrestleMania" he says

[Savio]

Kinda wish it was Punk vs Cena with Punk being the champ.

[JimmyMess]

It actually looks like a pretty good card.

You're just a negative nancy, stop doing that. :)

[Londoner]

'Save Wrestlemania'? Wtf? Its not in any trouble whatsoever.

[YoungFlyFlashy]

LMAO at some people saying "Save Wrestlemania" the minute Shawn Michaels is not on the card, I love the guy too, but it is time to move on guys, he's old.

[Emperor Smeat]

The card looks decent and WWE still has about a month to hype and develop the feuds although none of the feuds are more than a month or two old unlike past years where Mania would have at least one older feud (ex. Taker vs HBK, Jericho vs HBK).

Last year's Mania sounded great on paper but had problems with the flow which made the crowd not react well to some of the big named matches. For example, the crowd died down too much from Hart vs McMahon and hurt Jericho vs Edge as a result.

[Fox]

I think it's disappointing that they didn't push the Nexus storyline to the forefront for the past 2 months in a lead-up to WrestleMania. It really should have been the Corporate VS Austin type of thing that led up to WrestleMania 15. They could've had Orton drop the belt to Punk (or Barrett?), made Nexus a powerful entity on the RAW brand (mass beat downs, constant interference, assistance from the mystery GM and Michael Cole) and made it look like whoever faces the WWE Champ at Mania will have no chance. It was the strongest storyline all year and they should've made the big pay-off moment happen at WrestleMania. Instead, they've basically jobbed out the legitimacy of the Nexus and its leader CM Punk at the last two PPV's.

With Rock coming in to host, it could've been an expected Rock & Cena against Nexus sort of thing, with Punk using his intelligence to pit the two against teach other the way they've been against each other for the past 2 weeks.

I feel like there isn't really a huge draw to Mania this year. Even if Rock referees Miz/Cena, who really cares? We all know how it's going to end - there's no way Miz is walking out with the WWE title at Mania against the biggest face in the company. Del Rio/Edge isn't very interesting and Triple H/Undertaker should be good but it kind of feels like a glory grab for Hunter after HBK's back to back WrestleMania show stealers, and there's no way it's going to be as good as HBK/Taker.

Meh.

[Londoner]

I think it's disappointing that they didn't push the Nexus storyline to the forefront for the past 2 months in a lead-up to WrestleMania. It really should have been the Corporate VS Austin type of thing that led up to WrestleMania 15. .

Yeah, then everyone would bitch on here about how its "been done before, waaa".

Last years WM had loads of build and failed to deliver for the most part, so that doesn't mean its going to make it a great PPV.

[Disco Apocalypse]

http://www.deviantart.com/download/70954561/Avatar_SAVE_US_Y2J_by_maggot09.jpg

[bigslimjj]

Kinda wish it was Punk vs Cena with Punk being the champ.For all he's done this year,Punk should really be in a title match. I guess him and Orton are in the "special attraction" slot.

[Eklipse]

I'm actually looking forward to this years WM more than the past couple years.

Del Rio vs Edge should be an outstanding match.
Punk vs Orton is shaping up to be a good feud. They're both skilled in the ring, so it should be a good match.
Miz vs Cena should be good as well. As much as I hate to admit, Cena's ringwork has improved vastly lately. Same with Miz.
Undertaker vs. HHH should be another epic confrontation. Maybe not on the level of 'Taker vs HBK, but it is still awesome.

It's amazing that you're probably one of the people that complains that "wwe doesnt have any young talent" or "push the young guys!" and when they have a 'Mania that has quite a few new guys on the card, you bitch calling it "the worst ever." No sense whatsoever.

[bigslimjj]

LMAO at some people saying "Save Wrestlemania" the minute Shawn Michaels is not on the card, I love the guy too, but it is time to move on guys, he's old.Isn't he reffing the Taker/HHH match? Lot of old fellas coming back for this one.

[Disco Apocalypse]

In terms of one or two stand-out build-ups or headline matches, I agree, there is something lacking.

But in terms of the overall ppv, I'm excited about it. Lots of new talent, lots of proven ability in the ring to put on good matches, what's not to like about the card apart from the over-hyped 'wow' factor? I prefer this kind of card to focusing on some celebrity or massive gimmick, it looks like a solid wrestling-fan Wrestlemania, not a Wrestlemania pandering to casual fans.

John Cena vs. The Miz - Rock will make this match interesting

Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge - Del Rio's Wrestlemania entrance will be a wrestlemania moment all in itself.

CM Punk vs. Randy Orton - This could steal the show

The Undertaker vs. Triple-H - I still like their last Wrestlemania match. Involve HBK and I'm hooked.

Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio - This'll be a great opener if MiTB doesn't open.

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole - Fun for everyone, nice and short.

Money In The Bank - Always good, espicially since they have some talent that can win this without a massive surprise factor and still be enjoyable (read: JoMo)

Divas Tag Team - Great oppurtunity to get some beer


Throw in a US and/or IC title match and this card is a keeper.

[Team Sheep]

Some people are rubbishing this Wrestlemania just because there's unfamiliar faces in the title matches. Well we all knew this time had to come sooner or later. There's only so many times you can stick with the same old Cena, Edge, Orton, Taker and Triple H. This Wrestlemania will be interesting as hell and I can't wait for the build over the next few weeks and April 3rd.

[VSG]

Isn't he reffing the Taker/HHH match? Lot of old fellas coming back for this one.

Nothing confirmed officially yet.

[loopydate]

Last year's Mania sounded great on paper but had problems with the flow which made the crowd not react well to some of the big named matches. For example, the crowd died down too much from Hart vs McMahon and hurt Jericho vs Edge as a result.

I felt it was more that Bret beating Vince with a chair for 20 minutes killed the crowd than it was that the crowd was "coming down" during Jericho/Edge. It just didn't feel like the catharsis they were going for of Bret finally getting his revenge as much as it did "Okay, you can stop beating him with a chair now. ...maybe now? Seriously. Put the chair d-- STOP IT!"

[VSG]

MITB is always a sure shot winner in my books, and Kofi + JoMo in there can be pretty awesome. Bourne might make a comeback for it, as might Christian. Nothing wrong with the card, truly Wrestlemania worthy.

Oh, and for all we know Bieber might still sing the anthem for a sudden jump in buy rates if advertised in advance.

[Fignuts]

Was unaware this wrestlemania needed saving.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

yeah the story was just on the front page

do some research

[Loose Cannon]

Wrestlemania needing any kind of saving is so 18 years ago

[Lara Emily]

I felt it was more that Bret beating Vince with a chair for 20 minutes killed the crowd than it was that the crowd was "coming down" during Jericho/Edge. It just didn't feel like the catharsis they were going for of Bret finally getting his revenge as much as it did "Okay, you can stop beating him with a chair now. ...maybe now? Seriously. Put the chair d-- STOP IT!"

The match was dead because they couldn't actually do any sort of real violence. So that chair is all they had. It's too bad how that match turned out.

[loopydate]

Totally agreed. Would probably have been better if they'd saved the Hart Dynasty turn until midway through the match, letting them do the heavy lifting then letting Bret get the feel-good moment with the Sharpshooter.

[Lara Emily]

Totally agreed. Would probably have been better if they'd saved the Hart Dynasty turn until midway through the match, letting them do the heavy lifting then letting Bret get the feel-good moment with the Sharpshooter.

Yeah.. Ah well I enjoyed it for what it was, I wish it were more brutal but ah well, I liked the amount of chair shots honestly, I would have cut out all the crowbar parts.

[CSL]

what 'couldn't do any sort of real violence' is a ridiculous excuse. You don't need to get any more violent than beating the fuck out of somebody with a chair. Remember Royal Rumble 99? That was brutal because of how they told the story. The Bret/Vince match sucked because it was 13 years after Montreal, Bret can hardly move so they were never going to get anybody into the match by competitiveness and drama alone and nobody cared anymore. If the exact same match had happened 8-10 years ago, the crowd probably would have eaten it up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

It was doomed the moment they decided to fake turn the entire Hart family for 30 seconds and then have Bret say "Just kidding! We're a family!"

[Mr. Nerfect]

This is the first WrestleMania in a long while that has felt like a WrestleMania to me.

The WWE has brought back some icons from the past recently. The Rock is set to be involved in WrestleMania. But it's a pretty safe prediction that both Stone Cold Steve Austin and Trish Stratus will have roles to play on the show, too. In fact, they have arguably more business being there, since they'll have a WWE show starting to air just after WrestleMania. My gut is telling me that Shawn Michaels will be involved in the build to The Undertaker vs. Triple H too, which may not be a great match like Shawn Michaels vs. Taker, but I do think it will tell a better story. Triple H knows he's not Shawn Michaels in the ring, and is going to sell WrestleMania with the story.

The Miz vs. John Cena will be a really solid in-ring match. Both guys will work hard, and I'm not sold that Cena is walking out of WrestleMania the WWE Champion. I think The Miz could benefit more from a win. Or that a certain Money in the Bank Winner could use the spotlight at Mania to boost their star. Cena and the WWE have a chance to create two new stars here.

Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio will be a great match. Del Rio is amazing, and I'm pretty much in love with the guy. He reminds me of a Mexican Kurt Angle. He just "gets it." And, like John Cena, I'm not completely sold that the challenger is walking away with the belt here. I could see shenanigans allowing Edge to retain. I'm also hoping that Del Rio gets an epic entrance where he has different ring announcers from all over the world introducing him.

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole has been brilliantly set-up, and if you aren't going to mark for King beating Cole senseless, then I do not envy the state of bitterness you must live in.

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk will tell a great story, and Punk has brought his A-game to it already. While Punk is pretty much a solidified main eventer, it still feels like he has something to prove. I predict that this will be his best WrestleMania match ever.

Rey Mysterio and Cody Rhodes are telling a brilliant story over on SmackDown!. Absolutely amazing. I'm already liking this feud more than I do Rey vs. Jericho or Rey vs. Punk. Sincerely. I predict they will work their asses off at Mania.

Daniel Bryan is going to be wrestling at WrestleMania. That's enough of a reason for a smark to buy the PPV right there. Sheamus can work a great match when he's in the ring with someone he can dominate and tell a good story with. If Bryan and Sheamus have half the chemistry that Morrison and Sheamus have, we are in for a treat, and a potentially classic US Title match.

Money in the Bank has the potential to be the best Money in the Bank ever this year. Why? Because just look at the streak John Morrison has been on. He'll do something fucking epic in MITB, and you know it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Also, LayCool will end up exploding at WrestleMania, and I think people will be surprised about how much of a mark-out moment that will be.

[DLVH84]

Well, Kane (XIV and XX) and Shawn Michaels (XXV and XXVI) were beaten twice at WrestleManias by The Undertaker. Will Triple H be next (XVII and XXVII)?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The only problem I have with Taker/HHH is I have no doubt in my mind Taker is going over. Other than that I'm fine with it because their match at X7 was the bomb diggity.

[#1-norm-fan]

It will be fine. It's WrestleMania.

For example:

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes... boring.

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes with the build they are giving it for WrestleMania... awesome.

[Londoner]

Yeh its not always the length of the build that matters but the intensity of it.

[Mr. C]

Just saw that you're already calling this the "Worst WrestleMania". If that's what you think, stop watching now. It's obviously POSSIBLE, but from the card you listed, that is by far not one of the worst WrestleManias, both from an in-ring standpoint and build standpoint.

Wasn't what I said. I said that this has "the worst WrestleMania" written all over it. It's possible that it could or couldn't be the worst. I'll wait to watch the event before I pass judgment, but on paper, it's lacking. We'll see.

With the whole Atlanta/WCW theme going on, getting somebody big from WCW like Goldberg for one night in match with somebody like Sheamus could definitely help this WrestleMania.

[loopydate]

What Atlanta/WCW theme?

[Xero]

What does Goldberg really bring to the table outside of a "lol it's Atlanta/WCW" pop? It's not like he didn't work for WWE for a fucking year, which completely and utterly bombed, partially because WCW was dead for two years and his heat had already died down. Two years after the fact. It's now ten years after the fact.

I honestly feel that Goldberg would bring in a handful of buys at best. And why would you put him with someone like Sheamus to squash him? And if he's not doing his trademark squash (which is all he's really good at) why bring him in at all, outside of a HOF induction?

And outside of Nash and Booker, there's really no high profile WCW guys they could bring in. And even at that, both (and 90% of other guys, like Hogan, Hall, Bischoff and Steiner) had been in WWE within the last ten years. Back to beating a dead horse, Sting was the only one to really generate buzz.

The only thing I really see being done with the WCW gimmick in terms of a match, if at all, is a WCW Battle Royal.

[Mr. C]

His name recognition alone. Along with simply the extra fans, he’ll also lend his name to the Hall of Fame. It’s not like he left because of an injury, and he’s still in his 40’s.

Okay, sure, he’s past it, but come on. He was the Stone Cold Steve Austin of WCW and would be good simply on nostalgia. This is a win-win situation. Goldberg wins, the company wins, and most importantly, the fans win. You’re taking a guy that’s a draw in the business and adding him to your biggest card of the year. I’d love to see a match between Goldberg and Sheamus to make up for the match he and Brock Lesnar had, especially since it’s in Atlanta, Goldberg’s hometown.

[bigslimjj]

It will be fine. It's WrestleMania.

For example:

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes... boring.

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes with the build they are giving it for WrestleMania... awesome.I actually think this one could be be quite good,possibly in the show stealer category as well. I don't see a real problem with the card. if they still do MITB then I'm happy. Evan Bourne may be back:y: . The only reason I care about Cena vs Miz is the "Rock factor",which I guess is the point. HHH vs. Taker is going to be a very good wrestling match.Knowing the ending to the Taker's WM matches is redundant now. It's more about the spectacle and the quality of his matches. I think it's shaping up fine.

[Lock Jaw]

This Wrestlemania will be SAVED Anonymously.

[BigCrippyZ]

His name recognition alone. Along with simply the extra fans, he’ll also lend his name to the Hall of Fame. It’s not like he left because of an injury, and he’s still in his 40’s.

Okay, sure, he’s past it, but come on. He was the Stone Cold Steve Austin of WCW and would be good simply on nostalgia. This is a win-win situation. Goldberg wins, the company wins, and most importantly, the fans win. You’re taking a guy that’s a draw in the business and adding him to your biggest card of the year. I’d love to see a match between Goldberg and Sheamus to make up for the match he and Brock Lesnar had, especially since it’s in Atlanta, Goldberg’s hometown.

You know when Goldberg would've been a big draw for Wrestlemania? Nine years ago. Are you serious with this shit? Outside of a HOF induction, nobody with a brain gives a flying fuck about Goldberg or a Goldberg match anymore.

[Schlomey]

Question: I have missed wrestling the last several weeks (I moved).....Everyone keeps talking about MITB. Are they having another one at Mania? Did they mention this yet or is it just internet speculation?

[Lock Jaw]

Internet speculation, so it must be true.

[Schlomey]

yeah the buy rate was absolute shit for MITB (or so i remember reading) but that doesn't mean we will have a 3rd MITB match this year. I am alllll for them creating another amazing gimmick in its place to start a new WM tradition.

[Aguakate]

I didn't know this WrestleMania had to be "saved".

To me, it even looks better than last year's (except the HBK vs Undertaker match, of course).

Looks pretty good to me.

[Mr. C]

Outside of a HOF induction, nobody with a brain gives a flying fuck about Goldberg or a Goldberg match anymore.

Are you serious with this?

[addy2hotty]

What Can Save Wrestlemania?

http://www.bodybuildingshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Chris-Jericho-..png

[Kane Knight]

I didn't know this WrestleMania had to be "saved".

To me, it even looks better than last year's (except the HBK vs Undertaker match, of course).

Looks pretty good to me.

What 'Mania needs is an intervention. Fucker keeps showing up at my door, 3 AM, drunk as a poet on payday.

[Volare]

I wonder at WM if we're going to get "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, or a hell bent Cody Rhodes who will do anything to destroy Rey.

[StevieA79]

I wondered this myself..

Goldberg coming out with a full entrance would blow the roof off literally it always has and it always will he's an iconic star and still have the nostalgia factor. If he humbled a heel who was running his mouth about him or past wrestling stars in general it would be a huge markout moment for the fans.

Are you serious with this?

[StevieA79]

He's kind of going the unpredictable Golddust route and it seems to be a perfect fit. I thought the narcissist character would stick but it seems they've used it to create an aggressive narcissist character who believes he's been made to look like a monster, doesn't like the fans staring at him etc.

He could well destroy Mysterio at WM or Mysterio might get his revenge.

It could be a way for Mysterio to lose the mask potentially? Or to be put out for a while one way or the other.

I am kind of excited about the angle it's a fresh approach that's for sure.


I wonder at WM if we're going to get "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, or a hell bent Cody Rhodes who will do anything to destroy Rey.

[Mr. C]

Goldberg wants one last match to show his son how he was in the ring. Sheamus could drag that match out of him and make it decent.

I can see them making a storyline of Goldberg/Sheamus, seeing as they both won a world title very early in their careers. For those who dislike the idea of Goldberg returning, like him or not, he’d be a draw for WrestleMania due to the fact that it will be held in Atlanta.

Sheamus could get a rub from taking Goldberg to the limit and wouldn’t lose any credibility if he lost.

[Londoner]

Would you stop banging on about Goldberg ffs. Sheamus is facing Bryan at WM anyway.

[Fox]

If Goldberg was coming back I think he'd be back by now.

[Swish]

Justin Bieber is our only hope

[Nicky Fives]

what's the point of having a Money in The Bank Match at Wrestlemania if they have an entire PPV dedicated to the concept 4 months later (July)???????

[VSG]

This should be in here as well:

<a href="http://www.whosay.com/DwayneJohnson/photos/14018" title="...On RAW...my response..."><img src="http://media.whosay.com/14018/14018_la.jpg" alt="...On RAW...my response..." /></a>

[James Steele]

It would be a cool moment if they did with Goldberg what they did with Hogan back at WrestleMania 21. Have a segment where a midcard heel just is talking shit and picking on some poor babyface, and then have him come out and destroy him and pose and such for a "WrestleMania Moment". It would be a good way to use Zack Ryder and Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle and Santino come out to give out shirts and such. Zack Ryder comes out and talks shit to Hornswoggle while Santino runs to the back. Cut to Santino knocking on the door like the old security guards on Goldberg's locker room. BOOM. Goldberg comes out to full entrance. Zack Ryder tells him to take a hike bro or whatever and proceed with an ass-whooping.

[XL]

That would actually be pretty cool.

[Mr. C]

Would you stop banging on about Goldberg ffs. Sheamus is facing Bryan at WM anyway.

Not official. If Bryan is even at WrestleMania, it will be in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

[CSL]

Who needs Meltzer when you have the expert inside analysis from Rated R Classic

[Providence Peep]

Well, according to Google Images.........

http://www.teawithtlr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/LegendsOfWrestlemaniaRoster.jpg

http://www.worldwrestlinginsanity.com/artman/uploads/hunterchairman.gif

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2_ZnXDzx4ub4pkExmhmGJ3fZt2V3jJn7qBTQoepMrkx8ZpV8L&t=1

[Supreme Olajuwon]

God dammit, Pete.

[Eklipse]

All this talk about Goldberg reminds me of something...

He was part of the WORST WrestleMania match in HISTORY.
So anyone that says that an un-talented, un-charismatic persona such as Goldberg can "save" a WrestleMania card that is in no way "lacking," needs to have their head examined.

[CSL]

Could say the same thing about anybody that thinks that Goldberg/Lesnar was the worst match in WrestleMania history.

[ooTin]

I'VE GOT IT!!!

underTaker vs. underTaker Round 2, return of Nash.
So Taker vs. Taker is billed.
Match starts.
Mid way through, we find out is Nash.
For some reason no one had noticed until now......
So this would be Kevin's first real match back.
Then Nash and Taker feud.
Something good happens.

Cena vs. Cena Battle of the Seperated Twins.
Somehow we find out that Cena has a scar on his hip.
Thus he digs in to it origin.
He finds that he has an evil twin brother who.... is... also named Cena.
Build hype.
Have match.
Everybody leaves disappointed.


Mr. McMahon, you can just make the check out to Chris Chaney... cuz that sir, is money!

[Lock Jaw]

Not official. If Bryan is even at WrestleMania, it will be in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

I like how you are saying one match is not official, while putting forth yet another match that is not official.

[Juan]

lol csl

[Eklipse]

Could say the same thing about anybody that thinks that Goldberg/Lesnar was the worst match in WrestleMania history.

Then what is? I remember being very disappointed in that match. Best part about it was when it was over. That's a crap match.

What makes it the worst match is the fact that it wasn't one of those "go out and have a cigarette or go grab another beer" matches. It was supposed to be a great match, but failed miserably.

Usually, you know what is going to be a good match or not before it starts. This one had the promise of being a good match, yet was painful to watch. This is what makes it the worst match in 'Mania history.

[loopydate]

Then what is?

Blindfold Match - Jake Roberts vs. Rick Martel - WM7
Hulk Hogan vs. Sid Justice - WM8
Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez - WM9
Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow - WM11
Hell In A Cell - Undertaker vs. Big Boss Man - WM16

Five off the top of my head.

[Emperor Smeat]

The crowd made Lesnar-Goldberg an amazing match even if the match itself was bland. The crowd showed no mercy to either wrestler with all the booing and taunting while Stone Cold got the loudest cheers when he stunned both guys after the match.

Much better than a "dead"/silent crowd going with a bland or boring match.

[Eklipse]

The crowd made Lesnar-Goldberg an amazing match even if the match itself was bland. The crowd showed no mercy to either wrestler with all the booing and taunting while Stone Cold got the loudest cheers when he stunned both guys after the match.

Much better than a "dead"/silent crowd going with a bland or boring match.

Oh, you mean the crowd booing the whole match? Wow. Yeah. That makes an awesome match.

This was one of the most hyped matches in 'Mania history, and failed to deliver on so many levels.

All the other matches that have been mentioned were probably expected to be bad, or did not have the hype and expectation of the Lesnar/Goldberg match at 'Mania XX.

Therefore, as I said...WORST MATCH IN 'MANIA HISTORY. And I'll always stand beside that.

[CSL]

This was not 'one of the most hyped matches in 'Mania history' since just about everybody knew in the leadup and during the match that both guys were done with afterwards. If anything, once that stuff came out, it was all quite anti-climatic, hence them being booed out of the building. And even if you were right about hype, expectations etc, no matter how you tart it up, there is no chance in hell that Goldberg/Lesnar was worse than David Sammartino/Beefcake, Andre/Big John Studd, Wendi Richter/Leilani Kai/most of the divas matches ever, Adrian Adonis/Uncle Elmer, the 6 'man' from WM III, Khali/Kane, Show/Akebono, Taker/Gonzalez, Taker/Bossman, Hogan/Bundy etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc (the list could go on a bit)

[CSL]

And for somebody so insistent on Goldberg/Brock being the worst, I take it that means you've seen all of the WrestleMania's in their entirety?

[Eklipse]

I agree to disagree with you and anyone else who has a different view. Goldberg/Lesnar is the worst match in 'Mania history in my opinion. I remember watching it live and thinking "I can't wait for this match to end." I have never felt that way about any other match at 'Mania that I have watched live.

[Aguakate]

It wasn't THE WORST MATCH IN WRESTLEMANIA HISTORY.

Remember the Gimmick Battle Royal?

Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez?

We've seen worse.

[James Steele]

I didn't think LT/Bam Bam or Taker/Bossman were THAT bad. Personally, Warrior/Helmsley is the worst match in WrestleMania history. Chavo/Kane gets a nod also.

[Eklipse]

There's a difference in watching a match live and watching a match that was done 5 years before you were born, or even a match that you watched so long after the event.

None of the other matches that have been talked about I have seen live.

[ooTin]

Hell In A Cell - Undertaker vs. Big Boss Man - WM16

Craziest ending ever!!!

[Aguakate]

There's a difference in watching a match live and watching a match that was done 5 years before you were born, or even a match that you watched so long after the event.

None of the other matches that have been talked about I have seen live.

You never saw the Gimmick Battle Royal? It was like 6 years ago or something.

[Eklipse]

Nopers. Didn't get 'Mania that year. Only ones I've seen live are 20, 24, 25, and 26. I went a few years without watching wrestling at all. I think it was during the McMahon-Helmsley era.

[Aguakate]

Nopers. Didn't get 'Mania that year. Only ones I've seen live are 20, 24, 25, and 26. I went a few years without watching wrestling at all. I think it was during the McMahon-Helmsley era.

Well, still...Goldberg/Lesnar wasn't the WORST. It was just a case of WWE putting a match together between two guys who couldn't call a match and had to be carried by a more knowledgeable opponent in order to look good.

The outcome, was the two of them being lost in the ring, not knowing how to start off the match.

That's all that happened.

[Eklipse]

I see where everyone is coming from.
Goldberg/Lesnar is the match that I've been the most disappointed in out of all 'Mania matches. It's hard for me to be really disappointed in any matches that I didn't watch live or wasn't even into wrestling when they happened.

[Fox]

Well, still...Goldberg/Lesnar wasn't the WORST. It was just a case of WWE putting a match together between two guys who couldn't call a match and had to be carried by a more knowledgeable opponent in order to look good.

The outcome, was the two of them being lost in the ring, not knowing how to start off the match.

That's all that happened.

I disagree. I think that given the right circumstance and the right frame of mind for both men that it could've been a great powerhouse wrestler type of match. The problem was that the crowd psyched them both out to the point that they really couldn't do anything. Both men had limitations inside the ring and the crowd fucked with their heads so badly that their limitations became their most prominent attributes. It could've been a great match but neither man "had it in them" that night.

Still isn't the worst match in Mania history though, by far. Playboy Pillow Fight anyone? Even some of the horribly thrown together tag matches from WM2000 were far worse. Lesnar/Goldberg is fun to watch if only for that "holy shit what a train wreck" feeling and the insanity of the crowd in MSG that night.

[Aguakate]

I disagree. I think that given the right circumstance and the right frame of mind for both men that it could've been a great powerhouse wrestler type of match. The problem was that the crowd psyched them both out to the point that they really couldn't do anything. Both men had limitations inside the ring and the crowd fucked with their heads so badly that their limitations became their most prominent attributes. It could've been a great match but neither man "had it in them" that night.

Still isn't the worst match in Mania history though, by far. Playboy Pillow Fight anyone? Even some of the horribly thrown together tag matches from WM2000 were far worse. Lesnar/Goldberg is fun to watch if only for that "holy shit what a train wreck" feeling and the insanity of the crowd in MSG that night.

In every match, there comes a point where one of the 2 guys has to lead, and neither Brock nor Goldberg had THAT "in them", since they were both pushed to the moon very quickly, having guys with more experience put them over as these "machines" who were indestructible. When the time came for them both to face each other, THAT was the difference.

Goldberg fought Hogan for the Title in the Georgia Dome in front of, what, 80 thousand people or something? He had been in front of huge crowds before, as had Lesnar.

It was just a case of them not having someone to lead.

[Mr. C]

Who needs Meltzer when you have the expert inside analysis from Rated R Classic

Good one. Somebody obviously has never seen a Goldberg match.

So anyone that says that an un-talented, un-charismatic persona such as Goldberg can "save" a WrestleMania card that is in no way "lacking," needs to have their head examined.

But it wouldn't hurt. He's still a big name.

I like how you are saying one match is not official, while putting forth yet another match that is not official.

If the WWE ever wants to induct Goldberg, this would be the best time. Considering the man lives in Atlanta and won his first world title in the Georgia Dome. If the money is right, Goldberg will be willing to appear and have another match. Goldberg vs. Sheamus in Atlanta would be massive. Not official, sure.

[CSL]

Goldberg's press slam into a spinebuster alone makes the match far from the worst ever. One of the most impressive things I've ever seen anybody do in a wrestling ring. The fact that a crowd that were trying their hardest to shit on the match and bury it still popped tells you everything about how impressive that was.

[CSL]

Good one. Somebody obviously has never seen a Goldberg match.

What are you banging on about? Are you going for typical dickhead internet insinuation that Goldberg was worthless? Which wouldn't make sense since you've mentioned Goldberg god knows how many times. And not to mention my comment was aimed at your 'factual information' about Daniel Bryan's Mania plans.

[CSL]

Fucking muties

[MoFo]

Goldberg had exciting matches.

End of.

[Aguakate]

Goldberg's press slam into a spinebuster alone makes the match far from the worst ever. One of the most impressive things I've ever seen anybody do in a wrestling ring. The fact that a crowd that were trying their hardest to shit on the match and bury it still popped tells you everything about how impressive that was.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9zItE5ivDRo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Mr. C]

What are you banging on about? Are you going for typical dickhead internet insinuation that Goldberg was worthless? Which wouldn't make sense since you've mentioned Goldberg god knows how many times. And not to mention my comment was aimed at your 'factual information' about Daniel Bryan's Mania plans.

How in the world did I insinuate that Goldberg was worthless? It's a fact that Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus still isn't official. Plain and simple.

[XL]

Is the 2011 version of "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT"?

[Kane Knight]

Is the 2011 version of "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT"?

It's not quite that retarded.

But I'm gonna throw this out now: Wrestlemania will never take off. Mark my words.

(Wonder if Krispy is retarded enough to feel the need to correct that one< TOO)

[XL]

Seriously though, I'm more hyped about this Mania than I ever have been.

WWE has the best chance it's ever gonna get to push some of the "new"/"younger" talent.

Having said that, if I don't get wins for Miz & Rhodes and to a lesser extent Del Rio/Barrett/etc my opinion could change.

[loopydate]

Nopers. Didn't get 'Mania that year. Only ones I've seen live are 20, 24, 25, and 26. I went a few years without watching wrestling at all. I think it was during the McMahon-Helmsley era.

So it's the worst match in the history of those four Manias?

[Volare]

You never saw the Gimmick Battle Royal? It was like 6 years ago or something.

Close try 10. (WM X-7)

[Kane Knight]

Seriously though, I'm more hyped about this Mania than I ever have been.

WWE has the best chance it's ever gonna get to push some of the "new"/"younger" talent.

Having said that, if I don't get wins for Miz & Rhodes and to a lesser extent Del Rio/Barrett/etc my opinion could change.

I'm not more hyped than I've ever been, but it doesn't look bad.

Last year had me hyped because even if everything else sucked, there was HBK/Taker. It's rare to have a match that excites me that much, but at the same time, this year lacks that same sort of "big" match.

So far the only thing that's got that "big" feel is a retired wrestling-cum-movie star returning, and he's not even wrestling. That's not to say this won't be a good Mania, or that there won't be great matches, mind. I'm seriously not out to tear down this year's event.

[Aguakate]

Close try 10. (WM X-7)

Well, I wasn't sure, just threw a number out there :-\

[XL]

So far the only thing that's got that "big" feel is a retired wrestling-cum-movie star returning, and he's not even wrestling. That's not to say this won't be a good Mania, or that there won't be great matches, mind. I'm seriously not out to tear down this year's event.
Heh. Rock's return (and those of Austin or Trish or anyone else really) doesn't excite me all that much. Bringing him in is looking backwards, I want this Mania to look to the present/future.

Ideally it's time for "Cena's generation" to "pass the torch" to the next set of guys. So I'm looking for (but by no means expecting) wins for Miz, Rhodes, Punk, ADR, etc.

Plus, I think HHH v Taker has the potential to rival HBK v Taker in terms of build. For all the talking up of these "new/young" guys, I do like this match up.

[Swish]

Thing that can save Mania

Goldberg vs Gillberg.

[dronepool]

The Brooklyn Brawler vs Gillberg.

[Volare]

Well, I wasn't sure, just threw a number out there :-\

No sweat, just backin ya up.

[VSG]

lol: http://www.wrestlingforum.com/general-wwe/537216-who-can-save-wrestlemania.html

[Fox]

A same night MITB cash-in by Christian on Del Rio would make this Mania for me. It'd be like WrestleMania X when Bret won the WWF Title and Owen stared at him like "I beat you earlier you fucker!"

Christian wins MITB, Edge gets screwed out of the World Title by Del Rio, Christian cashes in and we have a kick-start to an Edge VS Christian program.

[Eklipse]

So it's the worst match in the history of those four Manias?

Those are the only ones I've seen live. I've seen all, I think...if not most. I used to have the 'Mania dvd set.

Anyway, yeah. Of all 'Mania matches I've seen, I think Lesnar/Goldberg is the worst. I've stated my reasons for feeling that way, and don't feel like giving them anymore.

[XL]

A same night MITB cash-in by Christian on Del Rio would make this Mania for me. It'd be like WrestleMania X when Bret won the WWF Title and Owen stared at him like "I beat you earlier you fucker!"

Christian wins MITB, Edge gets screwed out of the World Title by Del Rio, Christian cashes in and we have a kick-start to an Edge VS Christian program.
I like the idea of Christian cashing in to make it a Triple Threat, mainly cos we've seen the "instant cash in" already with Kane (although not at Mania) but cashing in to "right a wrong" against his former partner (not brother) is just as good.

[Kane Knight]

Heh. Rock's return (and those of Austin or Trish or anyone else really) doesn't excite me all that much. Bringing him in is looking backwards, I want this Mania to look to the present/future.

Ideally it's time for "Cena's generation" to "pass the torch" to the next set of guys. So I'm looking for (but by no means expecting) wins for Miz, Rhodes, Punk, ADR, etc.

Plus, I think HHH v Taker has the potential to rival HBK v Taker in terms of build. For all the talking up of these "new/young" guys, I do like this match up.
The next generation is so "meh." Can't really give a shit.

And there's a strong fan correlation there, too.

Now, I know how TPWW logic works, so let's just get it out of the way. It goes somethign like this.

"I like so and so, so they're successful. I found a bunch of like-minded people in a very limited aspect of the overall community to agree, so it's justified."

It's dumb. And the problem is, it doesn't play with the overall crowd.

If the idea here is to pass the torch, they're doing it wrong. And part of it is not really having a group who's going to carry that torch.

...Okay, okay, except with the aforementioned TPWW logic of "but I like him, so...."

And that's, in a nutshell, why we have a "save Wrestlemania" thread.

And honestly, "Cena's Generation" is in no way old enough to need to pass it. Don't be daft. And there's such a bizarre overlap. It'd be like talking abotu passing the Torch to Batista, a man who was older than many of the öld guard" of the day.

Guys like triple H and Undertaker should be passing the torch. Oh, look. Those two are facing each other. Well, shit. That really blew that idea.

[XL]

Maybe "sharing the torch" would be more apt. Y'think we can get that phrase going KK?

Guys like Miz and Morrison and Rhodes won't ever be seen on the same level as a Cena or an Orton unless they start beating those guys. And doing it fairly legitimately (or as much as being a heel allows for legit wins).

With Takers streak, there's little point putting it on the line against the likes of Barrett or Sheamus. We all know the outcome of the match. And whilst it might be possible to "make a star" even in a losing effort against Taker, I honestly can't remember the last time that happened (if in fact it ever has).

And I'm not using this TPWW Logic© you speak of here. I don't really go in for the bandwagon jumping that it appears a lot of guys around here do. There are some guys in this "generation" that I see as "worthy" and I'd like them to be presented as such.

Where's the benefit in Mysterio beating Rhodes? Or Cena getting ANOTHER WrestleMania Moment?

[Aguakate]

Or Cena getting ANOTHER WrestleMania Moment?

...A HUGE payday.

[Jeritron]

Wrestlemania now needs to be saved because Sting didn't show?

Personally I think The Rock returning after 7 years is pretty damn good. Especially based on how people clammored for it over the past years. And they're making the best of it thus far.
But now it's here and it's not enough for some, I guess.

I think fans are way spoiled when it comes to Wrestlemania. Every year people expect more and more out of the cards, and it's because since WWE bought WCW, they've given it.
Look at Wrestlemania pre-17. It's a wrestling show. Yes, it's supposed to be the best of the year, but they should do their best with what they have on the roster, and provide hot storylines and matchups that serve the current direction.
But now people want multiple dream matches, and every star from the 90s.

The past year has been a huge youth movement. The matchups aren't dream matches because this early in a generation you just aren't going to have dream matchups.
If you ever want to see dream matchups and hugely anticipated feuds again, there is going to have to be a period where they are forged.

That's how it was at the beginning of the attitude era, and there are only so many years and matchups left in the tank from that generation.
It's time to let the new guys stand on their own. The Rock and HHH/Taker seems like more than enough veteran presence.

I also don't think Goldberg showing up is in any way going to "save" a show that The Rock is already on.
It would be a nice addition, but hardly make or break.

[Aguakate]

Wrestlemania now needs to be saved because Sting didn't show?

Personally I think The Rock returning after 7 years is pretty damn good. Especially based on how people clammored for it over the past years. And they're making the best of it thus far.
But now it's here and it's not enough for some, I guess.

I think fans are way spoiled when it comes to Wrestlemania. Every year people expect more and more out of the cards, and it's because since WWE bought WCW, they've given it.
Look at Wrestlemania pre-17. It's a wrestling show. Yes, it's supposed to be the best of the year, but they should do their best with what they have on the roster, and provide hot storylines and matchups that serve the current direction.
But now people want multiple dream matches, and every star from the 90s.

The past year has been a huge youth movement. The matchups aren't dream matches because this early in a generation you just aren't going to have dream matchups.
If you ever want to see dream matchups and hugely anticipated feuds again, there is going to have to be a period where they are forged.

That's how it was at the beginning of the attitude era, and there are only so many years and matchups left in the tank from that generation.
It's time to let the new guys stand on their own. The Rock and HHH/Taker seems like more than enough veteran presence.

I also don't think Goldberg showing up is in any way going to "save" a show that The Rock is already on.
It would be a nice addition, but hardly make or break.


That's why fans are so stupid.

They had been clamoring for Bret Hart to return to the WWE for YEARS. Once he did last year, it was "He looks old", "He can't move", "He looks like Ozzy Osbourne", etc.

This year, after so much bitching and moaning for YEARS, The Rock is back in the WWE, and it's not enough for some. They (fans) went along with rumors about Sting going to WWE, something WWE NEVER publicized, and all of a sudden who cares if The Rock is back? Sting didn't go to WWE, so now all of a sudden the WWE is the bad guy, and WrestleMania is in trouble.

Pfft.

:nono:

[Jeritron]

I'm pretty sure that the fans who care about the undercard are the ones who will order/watch Mania regardless.

The average and casual fan really only cares about the main attractions, and that will involve the names The Rock, John Cena, HHH, Undertaker and possibly Shawn Michaels (ref).
That'll do. It's hardly in trouble.

[Fox]

Maybe "sharing the torch" would be more apt. Y'think we can get that phrase going KK?

Guys like Miz and Morrison and Rhodes won't ever be seen on the same level as a Cena or an Orton unless they start beating those guys. And doing it fairly legitimately (or as much as being a heel allows for legit wins).

With Takers streak, there's little point putting it on the line against the likes of Barrett or Sheamus. We all know the outcome of the match. And whilst it might be possible to "make a star" even in a losing effort against Taker, I honestly can't remember the last time that happened (if in fact it ever has).


Orton got a bit of a bump after his Mania match against Taker at WrestleMania 21, if only for looking like a bad ass after his chokeslam reversal into the RKO.

But I agree with you. There's no way to make the new generation into legitimate stars until they start getting legitimate wins. Even CM Punk hasn't really reached "that level" yet, despite being a former World Champion and PPV main eventer. I think the only legit wins he's gotten over main eventers were against Jeff Hardy, and that's not that much to brag about. They need to not be afraid of having their top guys like Cena, Orton, Taker and Triple H lose clean from time to time. There's nothing interesting about a face versus heel match if you don't feel like the heel has a chance of winning the thing. When Jeff got a couple clean wins over Triple H in the build-up to his WWE Title push it did wonders for him. Why can't they do the same for their bad guys, too?