WrestleMania 33 Recap

By Stephen ThompsonWrestling, WWE

WrestleMania 33 is in the books. Despite some interesting booking decisions, the show was still amazing to watch. Held at Orlando, Florida; the WWE put on a true event will have some moments that we will remember. 

Neville defeated Austin Aries

This match was the first match on the pre-show. Both men kept things close. Despite a hearty fight by Aries, Neville stole the win, playing dirty in the process. This match could’ve been way better but at least we have a Cruiserweight title again.

Mojo Rawley wins Andre The Giant Battle Royal

This year’s Andre the Giant Battle Royal was underwhelming. Big Show, Sami Zayn, and Brawn Stroman were the clear cut favorites and that did not happen. Mojo Rawley won with an assist by New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski. Although Gronk’s tackle was magnificent, Mojo Rawley winning confused the whole WWE universe. He’s never really had a good build, even NXT. Despite the negative reaction, Mojo is a true player and I respect that.

Dean Ambrose defeats Baron Corbin

The Intercontinental Title should never be defended on the Pre-Show. Nevertheless, this match a little off. Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin should’ve had a better match and it’s true. Dean picked up the win but he seems tired. I think that Dean should take a slight break from TV and Live Events to charge his batteries. Corbin deserved the win yesterday and he will probably be in the title picture despite his loss. 

AJ Styles defeated Shane McMahon

I had very positive expectations for this match and even my expectations got exceeded. Shane and AJ had a physical match with many bumps. AJ picked up the win and Shane got a few more bumps to add to his highlight reel. Great match to start the show off with.

Kevin Owens defeated Chris Jericho

This match was very physical. The pace was slow and methodical from both sides. Chris Jericho gives another great WrestleMania performance. Owens picked up a win with his powerbomb on the apron. This match was built correctly, unlike the other matches on the card.

Bayley Retains Raw Women’s Title

This match seemed a little bit off. Nia Jax and Sasha was eliminated from the match early. Bayley eliminated Charlotte for the last pinfall. A Sasha heel turn on Bayley was built, but it never happened on the actual show. Bayley put up a good performance but do not expect her to hold her title for long.

Hardy Boyz win Raw Tag Team Titles

This was the best moment of the night. The New Day came out in their wrestling attire and many people thought that they were gonna enter the match, delete that thought. Get it, Delete. Yep, the Hardy Boyz returned to the WWE after long absences. The pop was amazing and even old wrestling fans turned into the PPV just to see this match. This 4-way ladder match was very competitive with many ladder spots. Jeff Hardy leaping off a ladder brought back from great memories. Well deserved win for the Hardy’s.

John Cena and Nikki Bella defeats Miz and Maryse

John Cena and Nikki Bella picked up the win. Although the result was a little obvious, the Miz and Maryse played their role well. The Miz showed signs of improvement since his last WrestleMania match with John Cena. Also, Congrats to Nikki Bella. Despite the jokes and parodies, she finally got her wrong. Good moment.

Seth Rollins defeats Triple H

This match was a really good match. Triple H played a great heel once again and Seth Rollins had a gutsy performance despite his knee injury, that isn’t fully healed yet. This match lasted over 25 minutes and every minute was worth even, especially Stephanie falling through a table. Excellent ending to a great story.

Randy Orton wins WWE Championship

This match was underwhelming in terms of time. I wish this match could’ve went longer. Despite that, Bray Wyatt played some excellent mind games by protecting worms and maggots onto the ring canvas. Despite that, the match quickly ended from an RKO Out Of Nowhere. Congrats to Randy but Wyatt PPV woes continues.

Brock Lesnar wins Universal Title

Spear Spear, Jack Hammer. And 12 Suplexes. That was this match in one line. Probably one of the worse world title matches in WM history. The crowd was booing Goldberg so Brock winning made the crowd somewhat happy. Despite his win, having two part-timers in the main event slot is irritating to the true fans. Please stop this.

Naomi wins SmackDown Women’s title

A Women’s title in the Co-Main Event slot? That’s some true progress right there. This match really didn’t have any memorable moments but Naomi winning the title is well needed.

Roman Reigns defeats the Undertaker

Jim Ross returned to call this match. It was really good to see a legend call this match. Grateful to hear his voice on WWE programming.

This match was like putting a dog down, literally. More and more punishment until the dog gives up. In this match, the dog was The Undertaker. He took a lot of pain and Roman Reigns picked up the win. Yes, we all know that Roman Reigns should’ve not beaten the UnderTaker in his last match. It should’ve been John Cena. Nevertheless, Taker leaving his Gloves and Hat in the ring was very significant and memorable.

The show ending with the dong from his entrance music is powerful.

#ThankYouTaker

 

Stephen Thompson