What the WWE did wrong at WrestleMania 34

By Stephen ThompsonWrestling, WWE
WrestleMania 34 was a PPV for the record books.

The best wrestlers in the WWE came on “The Grandest Stage of Them All” and tore the house down. The Women’s division surely gained a boost after a very terrible history at WrestleMania. Some superstars had their big moments while some fell short. Overall, the card as great but there were a few mistakes along the way. Here are the things the WWE got wrong at WrestleMania 34.

WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal: Buildup & End Result

The WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal was a pretty good match. Before we talk about what was wrong on last night, we need to mention how the WWE got this whole situation wrong. The Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal situation really put this match in bad taste. Next, the Trophy did not look great at all. There could’ve been a few other options in terms of promise. Also, the build-up on commentary for this match was a bit contradicting. Calling it the “First WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal” does not make any sense. There’s obviously been a few Battle Royals in the past for the Women’s roster.

Now, let’s talk about the match. The producing staff did a good job blending storylines and giving everyone their shine. In the end, Sasha and Bayley were in the ring after eliminating Riott Squad. Sasha and Bayley briefly made contact and boom; Sasha was eliminated by Bayley. But there was an issue, mainly for Bayley. Naomi was still in the match and she quickly disposed on Bayley.

Here’s what should’ve really happened. It’s a two-way street. The first option is having Bayley finish the match as the winner. Her win would embarrass Sasha on the grandest stage of them all, pushing Sasha to another great heel moment. Another option was to have Sasha help eliminate Bayley for Naomi. That decision would’ve gotten a huge crowd pop and planted some fire in their brewing rivalry.

Charlotte vs Asuka: Card Placement

Charlotte defeating Asuka isn’t really my issue with the match. Charlotte beating her makes sense on paper. The issue with this match is the placement on the card. For it to be the best Women’s card on the match and to be second during the night doesn’t make sense. If the WWE really wanted to push their “Women’s Evolution” this match should’ve been the second to the last match of the night. Having such an important Women’s match so late in the night would really spice up the show and made some history in the process.

Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss: Card Placement

Just like the previous point, this match should’ve had a different place on the card. Although the moment was huge, this match wasn’t good enough to be so late in the night. Maybe having this match earlier in the night would’ve made more sense.

AJ Styles vs Nakamura: Match Timing & Card Placement

This match should’ve been the main event of the night. You have probably the best two performers at the current moment having a rematch that fans have been waiting two years for. And it’s for the WWE Title. Put it in the main event. This WWE Championship match had the least amount of build up compared to other WWE Title matches at WrestleMania as of late. It didn’t need the build up. True wrestling fans already knew the significance of this match. And for the more WWE based fans, the timing of this match could’ve proven why.

This match was too short. It should’ve gone over 30 minutes to really tell a story. It did not. The ball was dropped and it was due to a large card. Luckily, turning Nakamura heel really can expand this story.

Braun Strowman & Nicholas vs The Bar: The Whole Storyline

The Bar and Bruan Strowman in a storyline did not make sense at all. Since the WWE has experienced a true Tag Team revival over the past few years, this could’ve been an opportunity for the WWE to have another tag team clinic at WrestleMania. For a true fan like me, the situation does not sit well. To be the second to last match on the card is rather distasteful.

Overall, this match was fun and something cool to look back on.

Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns: Match Placement & Storytelling

The result was surprising. Many expected Lesnar to drop the title, but he’s still here and he’s still champ. Now, this match should’ve been in the middle of the card for sure. It wasn’t really that long and the crowd did not respond well to the match.

The storytelling here was off. Besides Roman taking a lot of bumps and kicking out; even his blood spot. This match was not worthy of a WrestleMania main event. Point blank, period. It shows that Vince still wants part-timers to get the numbers he wants, but those days are over. The WWE has signed some of the best independent stars and grown a few ones within the past years. Due to this, Vince Mcmahon should use those guys effectively. Having Brock holding a title that he’s barely defended is embarrassing and holds some things back.

Good match by Roman, but he was just put in a bad storyline once again.

Stephen Thompson