5 Top WWE Legends Who Must Be Utilized at WWE WrestleMania 32
WWE's WrestleMania event is nearly here, and as anticipation builds, so too does speculation. This is nothing new for fans, as every year brings hope for big moments and memorable matches.
There is no better wrestling company to deliver those moments, and there is no better stage for them than WrestleMania.
But much of the speculation surrounding WrestleMania 32 involves the unpredictable subject of WWE legends. Many of the company's most profitable and popular stars are still young enough and physically capable enough to make an impact, even if it's not in an actual match.
The only question is, Will any of them be there?
It seems like a foregone conclusion that former top names would want to be at 'Mania and that the company would want to book them in the first place. It's the biggest night of the year for WWE, so why can't the two sides come together to make magic for fans?
But the realities of different schedules and outside projects exist, and sometimes those realities just do not mesh with what WWE wants to do.
However WrestleMania 32 is different. This could potentially be the biggest house WWE has ever drawn and could quite possibly make for the most watched WrestleMania of all time. The company's most legendary stars and personalities should at least be considered for inclusion on April 3, if only in one-off spots.
WrestleMania is the night when careers are made and Superstars become immortal. But more importantly, it's also the night when WWE should be at its finest and do everything possible to entertain like never before.
The best way to make that happen is to book as many top names as possible, and that includes legends who are ready to shine on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
5. Kevin Von Erich
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When fans think of Texas wrestling, they think of the Von Erich family.
Fritz Von Erich's clan ruled Texas, as World Class Championship Wrestling was the place to be. The Von Erichs epitomized American values and hard work, as well as main event stardom. They were the perfect heroes for their time, and though the family faced many tragedies, their impact on the business will never be forgotten.
WrestleMania 32 in Arlington, Texas, would be the perfect night for one of WCCW's favorite sons to shine again.
Kevin Von Erich has been the face of the family for many years, and if anyone deserves a stage on April 3, it's him. Though his heyday was nearly 30 years ago, no wrestling fan in Texas is unaware of his contributions to the business.
He would get a great ovation.
He would not necessarily need a prime spot at 'Mania. A simple backstage interview would perhaps be enough, especially if it was given alongside new Hall of Fame member Michael Hayes.
Or he could actually get physical in the ring at some point, perhaps against a member of The Social Outcasts.
Von Erich is a legend in Texas, and his inclusion at the event would be a great way to show respect to him and his family.
He may not exactly be a WWE legend, but many fans would love to see him involved in some capacity with Vince McMahon's company. Whether that would ever materialize is unknown, but WrestleMania is an easy booking for fans who are anxious for it to happen.
4. Jim Ross
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Jim Ross was the voice of WWE, and for many fans the product has not been the same since he left. He called some of the most memorable matches in pro wrestling history, and he did so with more intensity than perhaps anyone before him.
WrestleMania needs him back, if only for one more night.
This year's event is not exactly primed with top-level Superstars, and if anything could boost the night, it's Ross' commentary. Just to hear him call the action at a 'Mania main event in 2016 would not only be a great bit of nostalgia but would enhance the experience for everyone involved.
Ross was perhaps the best announcer of all time and is always an asset at the table.
He wouldn't need to carry the whole broadcast, however. Michael Cole is still the top man behind the mic, with John Layfield is to his right and Byron Saxton is to his left. Fan favorite Mauro Ranallo from SmackDown will surely be on hand, as will Jerry Lawler and the NXT crew as well.
Ross just would not be needed for the entire event, and it would perhaps be overkill.
But as with any WrestleMania, the question of just how much longer Undertaker will keep going is being asked again. When the time comes for him to work his last match, it's feasible that he would want JR to call it.
Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose deserve the best voice of all time calling their bout as well. The Triple Threat match for the WWE Divas Championship between Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch is also a good option for Ross, as he would treat it with the respect it deserves.
Regardless of the match he calls, Ross' presence at WrestleMania would be a plus.
3. Sting
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TMZ reports that Sting's ring career is over. The legendary star has not been the same since his match with Seth Rollins at 2015's Night of Champions, and now it appears the time has come to hang up the bat.
It could not have come at a worse time for fans.
The fact is Sting was never utilized to his full potential. While his match with Triple H at WrestleMania 31 was good, many felt it was not great. Sting was perhaps wasted in that spot, as he likely was against Rollins at Night of Champions.
WrestleMania 32 could have been the night when he was put on the right track.
Shane McMahon needs to beat The Undertaker on April 3 if he's to take control of Monday Night Raw. But imagining Shane getting the three-count on Taker seems like too much to fathom for many fans. This is where Sting could have made a huge impact.
Sting could have interfered, distracting The Deadman and allowing Shane to win the match. Sting's reasoning could have been that he wanted to ensure The Authority was finally laid to rest, which would have immediately sparked heat between him and Undertaker.
That heat could have led to the ultimate showdown.
But that may not be possible now, and if the retirement is true, then Sting should at least say hello to The Phenom at WrestleMania 32.
A simple staredown, handshake and brief acknowledgement would be enough for WWE fans. The sight of these two industry icons sharing the same ring at WrestleMania would be a moment no one would ever forget.
2. Shawn Michaels
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Shawn Michaels is one of WWE's top Texas-born legends and a favorite of fans all over the world. When he walked away from the business, he left behind a grateful audience that begged for just one more match.
But that match never came.
The Heartbreak Kid has moved on with his life, and though he's proud of his career, he's had no desire to revisit it in the ring. But considering WWE needs as much star power as possible to sell WrestleMania 32, maybe this is the time HBK could make a comeback.
That comeback would probably not happen as a competitor, however.
He could perhaps step in as the special guest referee in the match between his best friend Triple H and Roman Reigns. It's the main event of the night and one that has long-lasting implications on WWE.
This is Roman's chance to finally overcome The Game, to take his spot on top and realize his dreams of being the man in WWE. He has momentum, he has heart, and he has the desire to be the best. If Hunter is to beat him, he may need an assist.
Shawn could give that assist.
Triple H would definitely be relying on HBK to have his back and to give him the upper hand so he could get rid of Roman and the threat he poses. Michaels would surely be up to the challenge and could even go into 'Mania as a heel.
But when Hunter needs him the most, Michaels could either turn on him or decide to call the match fairly. If that happens, then the advantage will go to Reigns, and there will be a new WWE world heavyweight champion crowned at 'Mania.
The Authority has been in power on TV since 2013, and at this point it will take something big for that group to finally meet its demise. Michaels could fill that role.
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin
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Stone Cold Steve Austin is the most popular Texas native in the history of WWE. He is synonymous with the state, and the only other man who could even come close is Dusty Rhodes. So when WrestleMania 32 happens, The Texas Rattlesnake should be there.
This is one opportunity that WWE can't afford to miss.
Austin is needed for 'Mania, if only to help hype the event. The Rock is booked for that night, and if no other legends are in attendance other than him and Stone Cold, then that's all the company would really need.
WWE wants to hit the 100,000 mark for attendance, and the only way to do that is call in the big guns.
The best part about booking Austin at 'Mania is that he doesn't need an elaborate plan. Stone Cold is at his best when he's riffing on the mic, just being himself and entertaining like no one else can. No setup is needed here, and no shocking twist is required for him to help get the show over.
Of course, if WWE wanted to go that route, it definitely could.
Stone Cold has no immediate heat with anyone on the current roster, but that could change in a heartbeat. All that needs to happen is one encounter, one brief exchange, for Austin to snap and stomp a mud hole in someone.
An actual match is not needed here, and there's been no indication that he would be interested in one anyway. But just his presence on April 3 would be enough to get the night moving in the right direction while giving fans a great moment as only he can.
Texas is Stone Cold's territory, and WrestleMania is where he built his legend. When the two come together on April 3, The Rattlesnake should be in the thick of it.
Tom Clark can regularly be found on Bleacher Report. His podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online here.
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