Thread: Ranking the WrestleManias - The Middle 10
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:04 AM   #2
Big Vic
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Not only was this held in the Skydome, but it is memorable only for one match, that involved Hulk Hogan stealing the scene in defeat. But unlike Mania 6, the show kept going after Hogan’s match, which was regrettable, and the decision to put Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho on last was a bad call (interesting how both times babyface HHH has closed Mania, it sucked, huh?).


Hogan Vs. Rock was a very unique match, a magic experience, and it’s not really something that will ever be duplicated given the changes in the business since. I imagine that being there live for this was a surreal, amazing experience that the fans will remember forever. Watching at home, captivating as it was, I was extremely confused. Not only did this piss away the nWo angle (that was botched from the start) once and for all, but it marked the first time in WWF history that nostalgia overruled the here and now. And that’s not a good thing. The period of time between this show and King Of The Ring 2002 is nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. Hogan gets the belt based on this. Taker gets the belt in a horrific match against Hogan. The company name changes, the brand split is executed terribly and Steve Austin quits the company. What sucks about all this is that they had an incredible roster during this time, but it sat there, wasted, when it should have been the focus.
And that’s the story of the rest of this show. Kurt Angle, who at this point was probably the best worker in the company, was stuck with Kane. Steve Austin, who never really recovered from the heel turn, wrestled Scott Hall in a forgettable match. Edge and Booker T have a throwaway feud based on a shampoo commercial, and Rob Van Dam, who had main event potential based on his incredible popularity, was stuck in the opener against William Regal in a short match that cemented both in midcard purgatory.


The only other thing of value was a strong Undertaker/Ric Flair match, featuring the best run-in in WrestleMania history from Arn Anderson, who hits his finisher and blades, all before the match ends.
I for one think the Stone Cold/Hall match was very good. I still love the stunner Hall took in the match, I love that he decided to jump 15 feet in the air afterwards.

RVD vs Regal was a good opener got us pumped for the show; and DDP vs Christian was awesome as well. 90% of the people on the advertised card were former or future world champs This mania was better than much more of the manias moving forward.
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