(Gustimania) Wrestlemania 25 Review

23.4.2009 6.14 p.m

Hello there! This is actually the first entry in this blog that has to do with something that I have a passion about for the past decade or so; wrestling. Yes, two men fighting each other in a scripted environment is something that I really like. This is the first of perhaps many more reviews of WWE Pay-per-View events. Something that I want to do in the past, but can’t due to my other commitments. Luckily now, I am free to do this. Before the start of the review, let’s lay down some aspects that I will comment on.

The matches itself will be commented in several traits. First, the back story, which is the storyline leading up to the match. Secondly, the match itself. The flow of it, techniques used, characterization and many more. The last trait will be the outcome of the match, the post match actions, whether the result is justified or not. I will also have a say about several aspects of the PPV itself. The aspects are the commentaries, the flow of event and finally the overall verdict. Now, let’s move on with the review of the 25th Wrestlemania, the grand daddy of them all.

#1 Match

Money In the Bank Ladder Match

Kofi Kingston vs Mark Henry vs Shelton Benjamin vs MVP vs CM Punk vs Kane vs Christian vs Finlay

My Pick: Christian

The Back Story: Very simple. Fight for a briefcase containing a contract that gives opportunity for the winner to cash it in for a shot at any world championship within a year. The lead up for this match started right after No Way Out, and we had the complete participants within a month prior to Wrestlemania. It was good in a sense that we know who the actual participants were early on and start to speculate who is going to win it. But, it does not have that excitement factor like past MITB matches where the participants are only confirmed within a week or two before Wrestlemania. It makes for a stalling progress towards Wrestlemania, with matches between the participants of MITB week in, week out.

The Match: A great way to kick off the show. Surprisingly solid, that is for sure. At first, I was worried because it had two big men (Kane and Mark Henry) who will never do any crazy spotfest, first-timer Kofi Kingston, the returning Christian and 4 veterans of this match. It was a spotfest from start to finish, with Holy Sh#t moments left and right. Hornswoggle also helped, with the Tadpole Splash. The sickest one has got to be Shelton Benjamin’s suicide dive from the top of a huge ladder towards his opponents. He was actually nearly landed on his head, which made it sicker. However, the Gold Standard was actually at fault for a botched attempt of a Sunset Flip Powerbomb on MVP. But, props to him for improvising it spontaneously and powerbomb throw MVP to the outside towards Mark Henry and Tony Atlas. MVP was solid. Kofi Kingston showed a lot of his athleticism, Finlay and Kane were the brawlers, and finally Christian and CM Punk bringing out the balance in this match. The flow was good, from the start, elimination of each competitors towards the end, and the finish itself. However, this is NOT the best MITB match, but a solid one, nonetheless.

The Result: CM Punk winning it after knocking Kane off the ladder, becoming the first ever back-to-back MITB winner. First reaction by me was ‘what?’. I really thought that Christian will win it, paving the way for him to go to main event status. Or maybe MVP, as a reward after enduring that losing streak at the end of last year. Then again, I was wrong. I thought that Vince will give that chance. But no, they went back to CM Punk. Perhaps, by this way, Punk will get a better run at the World Championship than last year’s botched attempt. The crowd in Houston, Texas was not into it either, booing CM Punk. A heel turn might be on the cards for the Straight Edge Superstar.

Ratings: 4 Stars (Spotfest!)

#2 Match

25 Diva Battle Royal. Winner will be crowned Miss Wrestlemania.

So many participants that I can’t remember them all.

My Pick: Beth Pheonix

The Back Story: It was basically an idea to put all of the divas of the WWE into one match at Wrestlemania. I was actually disappointed when this match was announced because I want a proper match for the Women’s Title. They even tease for a unification match between Women’s Champion Melina and Diva’s Champion Maryse. And then there was a matter of Santino wanting to get into this match, which I find funny at first, but disturbing later.

The Match: Started off pretty suddenly, at least in my DVD copy. Guess that I missed the performance by Kid Rock prior to this match. Messy all around, which what Battle Royal always does. This one was actually so ugly, it makes the Gimmick Battle Royal back in Wrestlemania 17 looks gold. The crowd was pretty dead for this match. For a match that supposed to feature past and present WWE Divas, my favorite Divas of all time, Lita and Trish Stratus, weren’t even in the damn match. What a bummer. Then I notice that Santino was in this match, looking very ‘mak nyah’ indeed. Crowd even chanting his name. The only highlight of the match really.

The Result: Santino winning it after dumping out his girlfriend, Beth Pheonix. Post-match, he introduced himself as ‘Santina’, twin sister of Santino. ‘Santina’ was crowned as Miss Wrestlemania and started to do some crazy dancing move. I was laughing at first, and then felt disturbed, finally feeling mad. Santino winning it really degrading the current Divas divison to a whole new low. It even mocks and humiliates the history of WWE’s Women Division. Now wonder there were no Trish and Lita.

Ratings: 1 Star (for the entertainment value)

#3 Match

3 on 1 Handicap Elimination Match

Chris Jericho vs Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka, Roddy ‘Rowdy’ Piper, and Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat (with ’Nature Boy’ Ric Flair in their Corner)

My Pick: Chris Jericho

The Back Story: This one revolved around a movie called ‘The Wrestler’ (great movie, I might add). Jericho, in a narcissist character, condemning the movie and the lead actor Mickey Rourke for actually supporting the past generation of wrestler and accusing the movie to be misleading. Out comes the Legends and week by week Jericho punishing and insulting these legendary wrestlers. The outcome was this match. Supposed to be a match between Jericho and Rourke, but Rourke declined the offer. So, WWE planned an escape rout and we have this match. A very emotional back story and I think appealed the past generation of wrestling fans. It was also filled with emotion which makes it a much anticipated contest.

The Match: Another surprisingly solid match. I thought it was going to bowling shoe ugly, due to the fact that the legends are not in their best shape and Jericho was not very solid since Royal Rumble. But, boy d they really do put on a show. Snuka and Piper was eliminated early, basically because they were out of shape. Then, Steamboat appeared and he truly excelled in this match. This came from a veteran that had his last match at a grand scale more than 15 years ago! I got goose bumps watching him doing the legendary arm drag, the dives of the top rope and many more. The only other match that I watched involving him was back in Wrestlemania 3, in one of the greatest Wrestlemania matches of all time against the ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Title. He hung on with Jericho until the end. Props also to Jericho who truly carried the match all the way. This performance justified him as one of the top competitors in the WWE right now.

The Result: In the end, Jericho defeated Steamboat with the Codeberaker. Post-match, Flair was beaten down. Then, Jericho called out Mickey Rourke. Confrontation ensued and with a let hand hook, Rourke knocked out Y2J. A crowd pleasing moment. And it was the best way to end this story line with the two that actually started it. All came out strong in the end, especially Jericho. Now, he has another achievement that he can boast about other than the ‘beating The Rock and Stone Cold in one night’ rant. I foresee something special in offer for Y2J this year.

Rating: 3 Stars (4 Stars for the Steamboat performance and the post-match)

#4 Match

Extreme Rules Match (fancy name for a Hardcore Match)

Matt Hardy vs Jeff Hardy

My Pick: Jeff Hardy

The Back Story: Jealousy is the theme of this sibling rivalry. Jeff came out from the end of last year as the WWE Champion. Then several mishaps followed. At the Royal Rumble, Matt screwed his brother out of the WWE Championship and held responsible for the mishaps. This lead to this match. Reminds me of the Owen vs Bret Hart feud back in early 90’s that produced many memorable matches. I was afraid that this one will go down in a wrong way because both of them are fan favorites. But, Matt held his own and had been a very good heel in this program which leads to another emotional build up for this particular match. Great video package before this match, I have to say.

The Match: When the match is Hardcore, and you get the Hardys, it will always going to end up as a spotfest. It was, actually. From start to finish, these two brothers from North Carolina delivered a heck of a show. Extreme offense with weapons and many more. So many spots, the sickest was actually near the end of the match, where Jeff missed his leg drop from the top of the mega huge ladder. I forgot about the splash by Jeff Hardy on two tables stacked with Matt laying between them. They were very innovative with the weapons. I am sure that both of them will be very proud fighting each other at this historic stage.

The Result: Eventually, Matt won the match with a sickening Twist of Fate while Jeff’s head was in between a folded steel chair. A sick move to end a sick match. I think there are more to offer in this feud with Matt winning this one. Hopefully it can be furthered for the rest of the year, and it does not end here. Well, if it ends here, what a match to finish it.

Ratings: 4 Stars (For the Hardcore spots)

#5 Match

Intercontinental Title Match

JBL (c) vs Rey Mysterio

My Pick: Rey Mysterio

The Back Story: The storyline seemed to be pretty patched up for this one. JBL just won the IC title from CM Punk weeks before Wrestlemania, then challenging Rey Mysterio and gave him the shot at the title, promising the most dominating win ever on the grandest stage of them all. The outcome of this match is very predictable, with JBL stating that he would retire for good and Rey pretty much do not have anything to do for Wrestlemania. Not a very good back story for an IC title match, which by the way was last contested at Wrestlemania during Wrestlemania 17, a very long time ago.

The Match: First of all, I love the Heath Ledger’s ‘Joker’ look of Rey Mysterio. He always came up with something special in terms of attire for Wrestlemania. This one was the best of them all. The match, was not a match at all. Ended in just 21 seconds, with Rey hitting 619 and a splash from the top rope to end it. Very short, and perhaps devalued the IC title even more. A sad thing considering the history behind this prestigious title.

The Result: Rey winning it, thus becoming the smallest triple crown winner ever in the WWE. Post-match, a shell-shocked JBL announced that he quit. Wow, what a way to retire by announcing it at Wrestlemania. That was pretty historic. I hope that he will come back in an announcing role, considering the lack of heel commentators these days. He was a pretty darn good commentator at Smackdown before. With that win, the IC title picture will be interesting for sure, with the Masked One holding it.

Ratings: 1 Star (2 stars for Rey’s mask)

#6 Match

Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker

My Pick: The Undertaker

The Back Story: This epic battle can be summed up as the battle of ‘Light against Darkness’. Shawn Michaels challenging the Phenom at Wrestlemania, vowing to end the 16-0 streak of the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Weeks before Wrestlemania, the Heart Break Kid gaining psychological advantage over the Undertaker, something that usually the Phenom does. I was very excited when the match was confirmed. This was Mr. Wrestlemania against the guy who never loses at Wrestlemania. What more can you ask for? A very intriguing contest with some people genuinely believes that Michaels could be the one that can end the streak.

The Match: The entrance said it all. Michaels ascending from the top, and Undertaker appearing from beneath. A simple act that summed up what this feud is all about. The match itself, for me is THE legitimate candidate for Match of The Year by some miles. This came from two wrestlers who are well into their 40’s! 5 minutes into the match and I knew this was a special match. The chemistry between this two were very good, reminiscing the days their feud which culminated with the first Hell in A Cell a decade ago. It was all about one-upsmanship and ‘I am better than you’ kind of deal at the start. Then, the last third of the match were pure classic. Started of with Michaels missing the Moonsault, followed by Undertaker missing his patented Torpedo dive (landed on his head, which was pretty sick indeed). Then both competitors kicking out of signature moves (Chokeslam, Last Ride and Sweet Chin Music). Then, Undertaker managed to hit the Tombstone Piledriver. 1…2… and Michaels kick out! JR’s commentary said it all, “I just got an out-of-body experience!!” I was feeling that too. That moment made me love wrestling all over again. Michaels was only the second gut to straightfully kick out from a Tombstone Piledriver. The other was Undertaker’s brother, Kane. After several back and forth action, finally the match ended. The crowd was so into this match. Actually, this match was the only of the night that the crowd was emotionally and deeply involved in. Damn, a classic match indeed. I would rate it as one of the top three matches of this decade, the others are Rock-Hogan and Rock-Austin at Wrestlemania 18 and Wrestlemania 17.

The Result: Undertaker winning after the second Tombstone Piledriver, extending his Wrestlemania streak to 17-0. A reasonable result in the end, Undertaker keeping his streak intact. But you have got to give credit to Shawn Michaels. He truly is Mr. Wrestlemania. Since returning at Wrestlemania 20, he always be the guy who stole the show. This edition of Wrestlemania is no different either. I would love to see what is in store for both of these future hall-of-famers, since they are both in the twilight of their careers. I hope that both of them will end their career on a high, because they deserved it.

Ratings: 5 Stars (more if I can give it)

#7 Match

Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

Edge (c) vs John Cena vs Big Show

My Pick: John Cena

The Back Story: First, I thought it was going to be a one-on-one contest between Cena and Edge, then they put the Big Show into the title picture and we have got a storyline similar to the Rock-Triple H-Kurt Angle situation back leading up to Summerslam in the year 2000. Only in this case, Cena played the role of Rock, Edge as Triple H, Big Show as Angle, and the last piece of the puzzle, Vickie Guerrero as Stephanie Mcmahon. You know what I mean, the triangle love story affair. For my taste, I think that it is fresh, albeit copying the storyline that has been done 9 years ago, because this one was the lead up for Wrestlemania. We had solid entertainment and matches between all who were involved in this storyline weeks prior to Wrestlemania.

The Match: The first time I saw it, I thought that this was not a solid match. Looking at it again, I realized that this match was after an epic battle that was hard to follow. It was actually a good triple threat match, using the structure of a triple threat match effectively. The structure was one-on-one matchup with the other combatant at the outside, then the spell of domination by all of the combatants at one point or another, the inadvertent teamwork, and the finishing sequence. This match however, was not as solid as other triple threats that happened in the past Wrestlemanias (the best one had got to be Triple H-Shawn Michaels-Chris Benoit back in Wrestlmania 20), but it was very good nonetheless. I wished that the ending sequence can be stretched a little bit more. Cena was solid, Big Show was as agile as I can remember, and Edge basically doing his thing. Ended in a tad too short for me.

The Result: Cena winning after hitting the FU (I will never call it the ‘Attitude Adjustment’, sounds too corny to me) on Big Show, and then on Edge. Not a popular result, as you saw the mixed reactions of the crowd, which pretty much something that Cena always get since his arrival to the main event stage. I wonder if this year, they turn Cena heel. That will lead up to many more interesting programs throughout the year. Big Show might fall back to upper mid card status and for Edge will continue as the main heel of Smackdown.

Ratings: 3 ½ Stars (Good, but not a great triple threat match)

Introduction of WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009

The inductees were the Funk brothers (the ones who define what ‘Hardcore’ is all about), Cowboy Bill Watts (promoter and influential figure during the territorial wrestling days), Howard Finkel (the voice of the WWE for so many damn years), Koko B Ware (before there was the Rock, he was the one that bring out the entertainment factor into wrestling), the Von Erichs (before there was the Mcmahons, they were the people who brought the whole family thing into wrestling), Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat (the most technically gifted and truly one of the legendary figures during the 80’s and early 90’s), and last but not least, Stone Cold Steve Austin, in my book, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He was the one who carried WWE during the war against WCW and defined what anti-face character is. He was the face of the Attitude Era. That is for sure. I only have one thing to say. I will definitely be mad if they do not induct The Rock next year.

#8 Match

WWE Championship Match

Triple H (c) vs Randy Orton
(If Triple H gets disqualified or counted out, the title changes hand)

My Pick: Randy Orton

The Back Story: Revenge, anger, retribution. Several words that can be associated with this feud. 5 years ago, after Orton became the youngest World Champion in the history of the WWE, Triple H screwed him out. Now, he is out for revenge. Starting it all of by punting the head The Game’s father-in-law, Vince Mcmahon, a week before Royal Rumble. Then, he does it again, a few weeks later, this time on Shane Mcmahon. It culminated with the RKO on Triple H’s wife, Stephanie Mcmahon. The feud ensued. On eof the longest back story leading up to Wrestlemania. This one was really emotionally-driven, with Triple H had revenge on his mind for everything that Orton had done towards his family. And so does the Legend Killer, after Triple H screwing him out years ago. This feud was really fresh, using the Austin-Mcmahon formula, but this time the role was reversed, with Orton as the heel character and Mcmahons as the faces. It builded up nicely for an intense, grueling match at Wrestlemania.

The Match: A huge letdown, to say the least. The intensity level never reached the heights that it supposed to have. Started of nicely, with both men trading signature moves. Then, it went a bit downhill in terms of pace and crowd involvement. For the majority of the match, the crowd was pretty dead. Few spots here and there, then the ending sequence was very short indeed. Made me wondered for a rivalry that was so intense, the match itself ended very abruptly. There was not even blood shredded in this match, which does not justify the rivalry again. This was about revenge and rage. Even weapons were not used frequently, with one sledgehammer shot in the end. The stipulation for this match does not help either.

The Result: Triple H retaining the title, after a Pedigree. I felt pretty bummed with this result. I really thought that Orton going to win it and cement his place as the top heel for this year. Guess that I am wrong. A lot of people were truly upset with this outcome. But, come to think of it, The Game’s last Wrestlemania victory was back in Wrestlemania 19. So, this victory was long overdue for Triple H. I guess this will prolong the feud between these two guys and generally, the feud between the Mcmahons and Legacy. Hopefully, it will retain the level of intensity and give us a more quality match than this one.

Ratings: 3 Stars (Solid, but the match does not justify the back story)

Now that I am done reviewing the matches, the two cents on the event shall now be given.

Commentaries: The commentary team was Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. At first, I had doubts over this team because of the below par performance of Cole and Lawler over at Raw. But, they actually deliver a pretty strong and solid commentary throughout the event. With the exception of the Divas Battle Royal (can’t blame them really), they truly delivered on every match. The most solid one was definitely the HBK-Taker match. They even tried to make the main event interesting, despite the uneventfulness of the match. Cole was pretty solid doin the play-by-play, which makes me wondered why he can’t do this on a consistent note at Raw. JR doing the color commentary was also solid, showing good emotions in some of the matches. WWE is going to have a hard time finding JR’s replacement if he decided to retire. Lawler was surprisingly good. He gave further input in every matches and very compatible with both Cole and JR. But I missed the days during the period where he played the heel commentator role. That was his golden period. All in all, a pretty strong showing by the team for this Wrestlemania.

Flow of Event: The flow of event was very weak indeed and does not flow very well. Started of nicely with the MITB match, but then it was all over the place. The main event should have been the HBK-Taker match. Yet, they put that match earlier than the two title matches. Totally misplaced that because the crowd was so into that match that they were pretty exhausted when it came to the title matches. Lack of filler segments also made the event seemed pretty rushed. The biggest mistake was perhaps launching the triple threat right after HBK-Taker, and not putting a filler match or segment in between them. I think this was the weakest Wrestlemania in terms of flow (the best was definitely at Wrestlemania 17 and Wrestlemania 22).

Overall: Not the best Wrestlemania, but definitely not the worst Wrestlemania. But one can say that it does not justify the celebration of a quarter of century celebration of the Superbowl of Wrestling. This particular Wrestlemania were saved by the epic battle between the HBK-Taker and the matches before it. The main events were a disappointment, considering the huge amount of build up to them. Hopefully, in future Wrestlemanias, the event will live up to its expectation, not like this one.

Overall Ratings: B (good, but not great)

Wow, that was long. Thanks to those who bear with me reading this entry. More on wrestling in the future. That is a promise.

Ciao.