WWE WrestleMania 28: Jericho vs. Punk Is the Only Choice to Begin the Show

WrestleMania XXVIII is just seven days away. The event has a great set of matches, and I am looking forward to purchasing the show next Sunday.

As we get closer and closer to Miami, many topics will be brought. Some will be interesting, while others will be just ridiculous.

One intriguing issue is the order of matches. It is not just the feuds, but also the video packages. Also, the Hall of Fame inductees will get their proper due.

I think most understand The Rock vs. John Cena will close the show. They should. No argument can convince me (or WWE) otherwise.

However, what match will open Mania?

That is always an interesting question. I compare it to the first entrants in the Royal Rumble. They may not be a major factor, but it sets the stage for what to expect.

Many seem to have this mindset that the opening match is the "curtain jerker" and means nothing. Thus, it is treated as the least important match on the card.

That is such an old line of thinking it isn't even funny anymore. The days of being insulted as a "curtain jerker" are long over!

I suppose last month's WWE Championship Elimination match was the least important then, huh?

I guess nobody cared about Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart at WrestleMania X?

I suppose Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle at Summerslam 2002 meant nothing?

There are tons of examples to use. The bottom line is, the opening match sets the tone for the show. It certainly isn't "buried" in the beginning, like some will tell you.

Looking at this year's WrestleMania, there is a very clear path to opening the show. Let's go through the eight matches, shall we?

1. The diva's tag team match is not opening the show. I highly doubt that would be a "hot" opener to get the crowd on their feet. I am looking forward to the match, but it is best served towards the end.

Snooki's match was second to last at WrestleMania XXVII. That doesn't mean it was the second most important. It simply meant that was the best place to put that segment on.

2. Triple H vs. Undertaker is not opening the show. Shawn Michaels may be the guest referee, but it won't matter. The Heck on a Deck structure won't be lowered for awhile.

3. As mentioned already, Cena vs. Rock is going to get the final spot.

4. Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show may seem like a nice choice to open the show, but I don't see it. This is your classic "big man vs. little man" match, so it is going to be nothing special.

5. Randy Orton vs. Kane could work. Honestly, the only thing stopping this as being the opener is their feud. It will be a nice match in the second or third hour to fill 10 minutes.

6. I believe Sheamus defeating Daniel Bryan would be a nice start to the show. However, I see their match being very short; thus, it would not work for the live audience.

7. Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny is the only other logical selection left. The problem with this match is the long entrances for a ton of performers. It would take too much time (like 2007) and almost kill the crowd before even starting.

Next to the WWE Title match, the general manager's battle may make the most sense. We shall see though who the final participants are this week.

8. Finally, we get to the only choice there can be. Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk is the perfect opener for Mania next Sunday night.

Both man can "go" in the ring. Both men have added greatly to their feud. The crowd will be invested in the battle. Add in the WWE Championship being on the line, and you have a huge opportunity here.

The title won't be devalued or any nonsense like that. The two are top-notch performers, and everybody knows it. On top of that, the opening match of every show has one major advantage!

The opening match can't be cut down in length due to time constraints.

I don't know about you, but that sounds great in a Jericho and Punk match.

Imagine if a few segments run long at Wrestle Mania. It is live television, so it is bound to happen. We have seen it many times in the wrestling business.

Right as Jericho and Punk are ready to head to the ramp during the third hour of the show, the producers (or Vince McMahon) tell them they have to cut the match from 20 minutes to 10 minutes total to save time.

Do you want that?

I don't.

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