WrestleMania 27 in Review: Defining an Era
WrestleMania 27 is in the books. The Rock electrified, Triple H and the Taker petrified, and the WWE Universe was treated to one of the finest Manias in history.
WrestleMania 27 showcased the best of an era, and also the promise of what's to come as the road to Orlando begins.
We have a lot to cover so let's hit it, if you smell what Bleacher Report is Cookin'!
Oh What Could Have Been
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Before hitting on the remaining bouts it is important to point out the real losers of this year's WrestleMania.
Prior to the event going on the air, the scheduled U.S. Title bout between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan was relegated to a dark match.
Both Sheamus and Bryan have the potential to put on a show, and it is a shame that they fell on the back-burner for the sake of mainstream headlines.
Sheamus would retain the title in a battle royal prior to Mania hitting the airwaves.
Winner and still Champion: Sheamus
What it means: Not being featured on the show is a major disappointment for both stars and fans. The decision to not feature Money in the Bank meant that the WWE had to scramble to fit as many stars as possible into bit roles. Unfortunately these two didn't even make it to squash-match status on the grandest stage of them all, meaning fans will have to wait at least another year to see what the "American Dragon" can do at WrestleMania.
Pure Electricity
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The Rock opened WrestleMania to one of the loudest pops a star can receive.
The energy inside the Georgia Dome was hot for the entire introduction as the Rock kept the crowd rolling for nearly 15 minutes to open the show.
From start to finish, the Rock captivated and entertained the audience. Whether teaching Pee-Wee Herman the merits of Team Bring-It, fending off a strudel-seeking Mae Young, or reminding fans of what was THE rivalry of the 90's with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the Rock delivered.
The Rock reminded everyone that his mere presence can pull an audience to their feet, and would later leave the entire WWE Universe wanting more.
What it means: The Rock proved he still has it, look for him to keep a profile with the WWE
"Rated R Superstar" Prevails as Del Rio Falls Short in Title Bout
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Alberto Del Rio walked onto the grandest stage of them all in style with his Rolls Royce driving up the entrance ramp. He entered WrestleMania in the opening contest looking to prove he belonged on wrestling's biggest stage. In what would set a trend for the rest of Mania, Del Rio and Edge kept the crowd on the edge of their seats for a thrilling contest.
Both superstars exchanged blows, submissions and counters as they battled over the World Heavyweight Championship.
While shocking to find the Heavyweight Championship opening the show, Edge and Del Rio did not disappoint in a match that had the potential to steal the show.
Even with the combined efforts of Del Rio's personal announcer and Brodus Clay, Del Rio fell short after a spear from the "Rated R Superstar."
As the audience recovered their breath, Edge would fulfill unfinished business as he vandalized Del Rio's Rolls Royce with a crowbar. This rivalry is far from over.
Winner and still Champion: Edge via pin-fall
What it means: Despite falling short, Del Rio shined in his Mania debut. Look for Edge to continue his feud with Del Rio into Extreme Rules.
Dirty Win for "Dashing" Cody Rhodes Shows Promise
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Captain America took to the ring against the not-so Red Skull.
Following a running tradition, Rey Mysterio donned the colors of a familiar superhero on his way to another fantastic Mania performance.
Cody Rhodes' scarred psyche provided much drama for this feud, and the two did not disappoint in the "Dashing One's" singles debut.
Stand-out moments from the match included a prolonged vertical-suplex from the middle rope by Rhodes. Rhodes kept Mysterio hanging for well over 10 seconds before sending the Master of the 619 crashing to the mat.
In what would become a trend from the opening match, psychology was at the center of this outstanding bout. Rhodes' mask served as a weapon, though not the way one would think. Mysterio capitalized on Rhodes' protective device falling free and donning the clear mask in an assault on Rhodes.
When it appeared Mysterio was on the way to victory, an alert Rhodes nailed Mysterio with the "619 native's" knee brace. With Mysterio dazed, Rhodes would punctuate his assault with a "Cross Rhodes" to win the bout.
Winner: Cody Rhodes via pin-fall
What it means: Rhodes has tapped into something with his character. Look for a change of scenery in the next month with the WWE Draft looming.
The Corre Falls to the "Cobra" as Team Big Show Squashes Team Barrett
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In a match that was thrown together, the outcome was of no surprise. The Corre made their WrestleMania debut looking to make an impact. The only memory was being squashed on the grandest stage.
With only one tag before a spot fest and the finish, it left many wondering why this match was booked in the first place. The WWE is known for trying to cram as many stars as possible into the biggest event, yet their time on screen is little to none.
Heath Slater fell victim to Santino's "Cobra" before being cratered by the mighty fist of the Big Show as the Corre fell in less than three minutes.
Winner: Team Big Show
What it Means: Absolutely nothing as the Corre will continue to be a force on SmackDown for weeks to come. Look for a more fulfilling contest at next month's Extreme Rules to compensate for a lackluster match.
Observation: By cutting some of the segments and video packages, these younger stars could have a chance to shine and showcase why they are the future of the WWE.
Viper Slithers to Another Mania Classic
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Wrestlezone.Com reports that Randy Orton was frustrated that his match with C.M. Punk was relegated to lower-mid card status.
To add to the "Viper's" frustration, Wrestlezone.Com reports that agent Arn Anderson informed Orton that the time for his match would also be scaled back.
Despite less time than anticipated, Orton and Punk delivered in a match that showcased how valuable in-ring psychology is to a match. Punk and Orton are excellent story tellers, and their Mania bout in no way disappointed.
From the beginning, the match boiled down to whether or not Orton could pull out a victory on his one leg. Punk and Orton masterfully showcased their abilities, and kept the audience engrossed throughout their entire contest. With several false finishes and a steady pace, these two showcased why they both have more gold in their WWE futures.
Orton would seal the victory with an R.K.O. in mid-air as Punk attempted an aerial manuever. Orton quickly caught the overzealous Punk on the way to the pin and the victory.
Winner: Randy Orton by pin-fall
What it Means: This feud is far from over with Extreme Rules next on the agenda. Look for Punk and Orton to captivate the audience for at least another month before the WWE Draft sends Punk back to SmackDown for another reign as the top heel.
Lawler-Cole Payoff Too Little Too Long in Mania Low-Light
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For nearly a year Michael Cole has annoyed the WWE Universe every Monday night.
At WrestleMania Michael Cole finally had to face the music against Jerry "the King" Lawler in their Mania debut.
In what should have been a quick and easy blow-off to a nearly 6 month feud, the moment was bitter-sweet for all who witnessed it.
Instead of what would seem to be a quick demolishing of Cole's heel character, the WWE Universe was treated to a match that seemed too little, too long.
After dominating Lawler for nearly 10 minutes, the "King" grabbed the upper-hand and crushed Cole with a Memphis fist before forcing the "Voice of the WWE" to submit to an ankle lock.
The Anonymous Raw General Manager then chimed in, taking the match away from Lawler and awarding a victory by disqualification to a disheartened Cole. Citing abuse of authority, the Raw G.M. placed the blame squarely on "Stone Cold" for excessive force.
In what was easily a way to dispatch the one remaining obstacle for a Jim Ross/Jerry Lawler reunion, Josh Matthews wound up on the receiving end of a "Stone Cold Stunner".
Winner: Michael Cole by DQ
Observation: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin provided the saving grace in this match with a few stunners, some "steveweisers" and a wild four-wheel ride to the ring. It is obvious why it felt necessary to bring Austin in as his presence saved what was a lack-luster match.
The End of an Era: Taker Improves to 19-0 but at What Cost?
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It wasn't pretty, but it was pretty damn good.
Make no mistake, Triple H and Undertaker did define an era in their WrestleMania bout. This match was not about titles, or careers. For a match with so little on the line, it held so much value.
Prior to the past few weeks this match lacked the typical hype that fans had become accustomed to following two outstanding Mania bouts with WWE Hall-of-Fame inductee Shawn Michaels.
What Triple H and Taker could not make up for with in-ring prowess, they more than matched in psychology and story-telling. From a story-telling perspective, Triple H took the Undertaker to a truly career-defining match on wrestling's grandest stage.
It wasn't a technical masterpiece. Instead of trying to replicate the magic of HBK-Taker from the years prior WrestleManias, Triple H and Taker set out to forge a new and defining legacy in the squared-circle.
They did not disappoint as these two titans clashed over the Undertaker's Mania Streak. The story was about Triple H's desire to be "the one." This was sold very well by a returning Jim Ross, who has always had a knack for creating a narrative in big matches.
Triple H took the Taker to the limits, utilizing tables, chairs and even the Undertaker's signature "tombstone pile-driver" in attempts to slay the "Dead man."
As Triple H pleaded for Taker to "stay down," one could feel a change in the air. For once the Undertaker was the prey at WrestleMania. He was weak, exposed and showed his age. The Taker looked like a legend near the end of his road, kept alive by a winning streak that will never be duplicated.
As Triple H sought to finish the Taker with the trademark sledgehammer, a desperate Undertaker caught "the Game" in the "Devil's Triangle" submission. This trademark maneuver, a gogoplata choke hold, kept "the Game" off guard and sealed another impressive victory for the "Dead man."
Unlike prior WrestleMania victories, there would be no celebration. No crowd-pleasing pose before an awe-inspired audience. Instead, the loser would walk away—the winner left laying on his back before being carried out on a stretcher. The final chapter had been written.
While time will tell whether the Undertaker will return, in his victory to attain 19-0, he may have given the last of who he is. Triple H may not have ended the streak, but in his attempt he may have ended the career of the Undertaker.
The Winner: Undertaker via submission
What it Means: Triple H and Taker defined their careers in a truly memorable match. In what may have been his final stand, the Undertaker leaves WrestleMania battered, broken...and undefeated.
Snookimania...Really? Really?
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Dating back to the event's conception, celebrities have always played an important part in garnering mainstream attention.
The match, while brief, allowed the WWE to utilize the Jersey Shore reality-star to garner what will surely be more press with an impressive showing in her Mania bout.
Snooki performed not only an impressive flip bump, but also a somersault flip for the pin on Michelle McCool.
While the WWE will benefit from more mainstream press and Snooki will have the memories, the real losers of this bout were the WWE stars involved in the match.
Roddy Piper once said "you never let an outsider come in and pin you." Unfortunately McCool did the honors, showing that a Jersey Shore reality star can be just as good as these talented performers.
If this wasn't bad enough, the two promising stars in John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler found themselves practically non-factors in a quick Mania match.
Winner: Team Snooki via pin-fall
What it Means: Just as the lack of a U.S. title bout, and a squash eight-man tag match showed, Money-in-the-Bank was dearly missed. Morrison and Ziggler exhibit so much promise, yet were not even given a chance to showcase on the grand stage of WrestleMania. With Triple H and Taker heading off to the sunset soon, it is imperative that the WWE prepare these stars, and the audience for the future.
Miz Retains Gold in "Miz"erable Mania Finish
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It wasn't expected to be a classic. It wasn't even the most talked about match on the Mania card, yet it is safe to say that the Rock saved this Mania bout.
The Miz entered following one off the better entrance packages to date. His package embodied all that the Miz is about dating back to his time on "Real World" and leading up to his Championship success.
Even a Gospel Choir could not save John Cena from the chorus of boos as he made his entrance inside the Georgia Dome. After a deeply religious video package showcasing all that embodies his "Super Cena" character, Cena was met with boos as he made his way to the ring.
The match was lackluster, as the stars tried to keep the crowd involved. Going on last, following the typical "bathroom break" that is a diva-related match, it was easy to anticipate at least a decent crowd following. Unfortunately this was not to be as these two tried to put on a decent match.
There is a saying in wrestling that "you are only as good as your dancing partner." If that's the case then Cena and Miz go together like oil and water.
Following interference by Alex Riley and even an F-U, the match continued to drag on. Cena would make one major spot by tackling a dazed Miz into the time-keeper's station before re-entering the ring to break the referee count.
Cena would then exit the ring and clothesline Miz into the crowd as the ref continued to count. The match would be decided in a double count-out, sucking the final wind out of the audience.
Double Count Out: Still Champion by default The Miz
Give the People What They Want
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As the Miz was awarded the WWE Title due to a double count-out, the "People's Champ"
would have none of it as he made his way to the ring.
Upon silencing the Raw General Manager, the Rock restarted the match with the added stipulation of no count-out and no disqualification.
The Rock was adamant that it was "time to give the people what they want," as he exited the ring.
Cena threw Miz back in the ring and attempted an "Attitude Adjustment," only to have the Rock waiting behind him. Cena walked right into a "Rock Bottom" from the "People's Champ," as the Miz made the cover to retain.
The Rock made good on his promise to leave WrestleMania memorable, as he not only cost Cena the Gold, but then finished off the reigning WWE Champ with a spine-buster and "People's Elbow" to send the people home happy.
Winner and still Champion: The Miz by pin-fall
What it Means: The countdown begins for Cena vs. Rock at a later venue. Look for the Miz to have a new challenge in the coming weeks while Cena pursues that illusive match with "the Great One".
Observation: Never before has it felt that one man could be bigger than an event, but The Rock shined in every way for WrestleMania. In some ways the locker room is found lacking when compared to what defined an era in Stone Cold, the Rock, Triple H and Undertaker. Time will tell where the promising superstars of the future find themselves under the bright lights of WrestleMania.
Putting It All Together—The Road to WrestleMania 28
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WrestleMania 27 showcased the best of an era that was, and offered glimpses of what is to come.
It was a swan-song for the Attitude Era, and a reminder of the magic those years encompassed for many wrestling fans.
It offered hope in the flashes of brilliance showcased by some of the younger stars. It left a longing for the talents of some superstars to eventually come to the forefront as the WWE seeks to develop the stars of the future.
Win or lose, each and every superstar sought to make their mark on the "grandest stage of them all." Some succeeded, others will seek their next opportunity in the years to come.
Fans will look back at WrestleMania 27 with fond memories of an era that was, and high hopes for the magical moments that are yet to be realized.
This is WrestleMania, the showcase of the Immortals. Those that were, those that are, and those that are still to come.
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