WrestleMania 28: The Big Event Will Be a Disappointment

When the Cena-Rock match was booked for WrestleMania 28 a year ago, every professional wrestling fan was excited at the prospect of seeing the two headliners of their respective eras clash at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Fans couldn't wait for April 1 2012.

WrestleMania 28 is now just over a week away, and surprisingly most fans are not as anxious as they were months ago.

This year's WrestleMania, in my opinion, would have been one of the greatest of all time, but poor decision making by WWE officials and bookers will see the event fall short of expectations.

I know some readers may not necessarily agree with the opinion expressed in this article, but I nonetheless welcome your views—whether negative or positive.

Let's go through the card.

Big Show vs Cody Rhodes

I have utmost respect for these guys, but with the huge size difference involved, you can expect at best a two-star quality match out of these Superstars.

But why did WWE have to book this match anyway?

The match that everyone wanted to see Cody involved in at this year's 'Mania was against Goldust in a brother-brother clash.

WWE teased that possibility in early January when the two siblings had a confrontation on Smackdown.

Who would have known it would amount to nothing? Following that episode Goldust was taken off TV and a feud between Cody and Big Show was given the nod instead.

Maria Menounos and Kelly Kelly vs Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres

Again, this is not the match that fans were anticipating. Fans were desperate for a Phoenix-Kharma or a Beth-Natalya bout.

How did Maria Menounos even get her way into a WrestleMania match? Word is that WWE officials contacted her for a possible WrestleMania appearance because they felt she is better looking than "most" of the WWE Divas.

With her wrestling ability, Phoenix's inclusion is always welcome. Eve and Kelly are always improving but they are more of models than wrestlers.

This match will probably put fans to sleep. The shorter it lasts the better.

Team Teddy vs Team Johnny

While this feud is picking some steam, judging from live crowds' response, a Money in the Bank Ladder match would have been a better option.

With the match a six-on-six, WWE obviously set it up  in order to accommodate most of their mid-card superstars, who have no feud to earn them a spot on the card.

It is disappointing, especially, as there were rumors earlier in the year that the MITB ladder match would be returning to 'Mania this year.

With the short amount of time that will probably be allocated to the Teddy-Johnny match, do not expect an entertaining bout.

Randy Orton vs Kane

The Viper is undoubtedly one of WWE's best grapplers of the current era. I therefore do not think a match with Kane is the best way to utilize Orton's availability, especially at WrestleMania.

Orton hasn't competed for a title at WrestleMania since 2009, why not include him in the Bryan-Sheamus matchup, making it a triple threat? That would definitely have added more star-power to the world heavyweight title match.

While Kane is not a bad wrestler for a man of his size, he is at best average in terms of athleticism and agility. The Big Red Machine will therefore definitely have to rely on Orton to "carry him" throughout the encounter.

This match will struggle to capture fans' attention.

Daniel Bryan vs Sheamus

While the build-up has not been the best, Mr. Yes Yes and The Celtic Warrior have the potential of pulling off one of the best matches of the night.

The time allocated to this match will be the difference-maker. If they are given sufficient time, I have no doubt it will be an unforgettable one. But knowing the WWE booking team, this bout will probably not last over 10 minutes.

CM Punk vs Chris Jericho

This is one match I am fully excited about and one that I am sure will not disappoint. Punk and Jericho are both tremendous performers who have wrestled very entertaining matches in the past.

This bout will steal the show and could well go down as one of the best of all time if Punk and Jericho are given the time they need to showcase their talent and ability.

The build-up to the bout has also been good, especially since Jericho turned it personal by dragging in Punk's "drug addicted" father and sister into their rivalry.

Triple H vs Undertaker (Hell in a Cell)

When rumors surfaced late last year that this match had been booked for WrestleMania 28, most fans were critical of the idea. Some fans went to the Internet and expressed their views, making it clear they were not keen for a third Taker-HHH 'Mania bout.

Fans' pleas, however, fell to deaf ears as WWE went ahead and made the match official in early February.

Most fans' opinion is that WWE should have given an up-and-coming star the chance to have a shot at the Phenom's streak instead of the veteran Triple H, who lost to Taker at WrestleManias 17 and 27.

The confirmation of Shawn Michaels as the special guest has not done the match any favors. The Show Stopper's inclusion brings the feeling that the match will not have a fair winner—with Michaels either inadvertently making the wrong call in the final decision or intentionally "screwing" HHH or Taker.

While the two had a great match at last year's "Showcase of Immortals" (and could still match it this year, especially in a hell in a cell environment), fans have little interest in the bout this time.

John Cena vs The Rock

Just like Hogan against The Rock at WrestleMania 18, Cena-Rock will be an iconic encounter. It is a match few people thought they would see.

Despite the fact that both Cena and Rock are not the best technical wrestlers, they have in the past been involved in several highly entertaining matches. Think of The Rock's match against Steve Austin at WrestleMania 17, and Cena's bout against CM Punk at last year's MITB pay-per-view.

But can The People's Champion and The Champ pull off a five-star quality match at this year's 'Mania?

The build-up to this encounter has—in my opinion—been ruined by Rock' recent below-par performances on the microphone, with claims emerging that The Great One is under orders to hold himself back so as to give Cena the edge heading into their showdown.

This match will struggle to live up to the expectations, especially with the pressure on the two competitors.