The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)

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(3) BAYLEY vs. CHARLOTTE vs. NIA JAX vs. SASHA BANKS WWE Raw Women's Title match Elimination Rules

 Bayley came out first followed by Sasha, Jax, and Charlotte. Jax caught Charlotte diving at her and shoved her into the corner. All the women went after Jax early, but she fended them off rather easily. Saxton said this is the story of her career complete total domination. Jax sit splashed Bayley in the corner. Charlotte distracted Jax, which gave Bayley an opening to roll to the floor where Banks had been for a while already. Jax then knocked Charlotte off the ring apron onto Bayley and Banks at ringside. All three women returned to the ring, and Jax told them to bring it on. They did, and they triple powerbombed her off the top rope and piled on top of her to pin her. She was eliminated, so it was down to Charlotte, Banks, and Bayley.

 Charlotte offered a high-five, but Bayley and Sasha wouldn't. Charlotte bailed out to the floor and told them to fight instead. They decided to, but quickly Charlotte yanked Bayley to ringside by her foot. Banks then flip dove over the top rope, landing by mistake on Bayley. Graves said it was intentional and told Graves one day he'll figure it out. Charlotte then hit both with a corkscrew moonsault. They replayed it in sl0-mo. Graves said it was a work out of art and should be in a museum. Charlotte went for Natural Selection, but Sasha countered into a Bank Statement. Charlotte fought free and gave Sasha a back-breaker for a two count. Sasha took over with running knees in the corner. Then she dove with the knees onto Charlotte off the top rope and scored a two count. She applied a Bank Statement. Charlotte struggled to escape by standing and lifting Sasha. Sasha countered into a roll-up, but Charlotte pushed out of it and shoved Sasha into a partially exposed turnbuckle for the three count.

 It came down to Bayley vs. Charlotte. Bayley avoided a moonsault, then scored a two count on Charlotte. Bayley leaped off the top rope, but Charlotte caught her and slammed her into the mat. Then she applied a figure-four and shifted into the signature Figure-Eight. Bayley grabbed the bottom rope to force a break. Charlotte hung Bayley upside down in the corner, then worked on her left knee with stomps. Bayley back body dropped Charlotte off the top rope, but was still stuck up there hanging upside down afterward. Bayley eventually shifted out of that position and leaped on Charlotte with a top rope elbow for a three count. She sold her knee afterward. She clutched the title belt on the mat as her music played. She stood up crying and held the belt high in the air. Charlotte caught her breath at ringside.

 WINNER: Bayley at 12:45.

(Keller's Analysis: Good match. I liked how they protected Jax by having her lose only because three others teamed against her. Then they had some good action, although it was just jam packed into 12 minutes, so not enough time to really tell a great story. But overall, definitely acceptable.)

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(4) KARL ANDERSON & LUKE GALLOWS vs. SHEAMUS & CESARO vs. ENZO AMORE & BIG CASS ? WWE Raw World Tag Team Championship match

 After the three scheduled teams were announced and in the ring, New Day came out and said a fourth team has been added. The announcer assumed it?d be New Day. But instead, the Hardys music played. They came out to the biggest pop of the night so far. Cole said it?d been almost 7 years since the Hardys have teamed together in WWE. Graves said everyone in the Citrus Bowl is in shock. The bell rang and the four-way brawl was on. They cleared the ring of all but Anderson and took it to him. The crowd chanted ?This is awesome!? Jeff hit Whisper in the Wind on Sheamus and Cesaro. ?Delete! Delete!? rang out. Then ?Welcome back!? Matt shoved everyone who tried to enter the ring with a ladder. Gallows tipped a ladder over so Jeff fell onto the top rope. Then Gallows and Anderson rammed Matt with a ladder. Cole said the Dudleys, Hardys, and Anderson & Gallows are the only three tag teams in history to win the WWE and IWGP tag team championships.

 Cesaro stepped off of the ladder onto Gallows? shoulders and landed feet-first on Anderson?s chest. Cass went to work with some big boots and then played to the crowd to no reaction. They brawled at ringside. Sheamus then went at it with Gallows on the ring apron. Cesaro used the swing on Anderson as Sheamus pounded Gallows? chest over and over to the pace of Cesaro?s revolutions. Cesaro catapulted Anderson into Sheamus, who powers lamed him. Cesaro then gave Cesaro a 619 on the ring apron. Cole said the tag team titles haven?t changed hands since WM17 when Edge & Christian beat The Dudleys and the Hardy Boyz in a TLC match.

 After several minutes out of the picture, the hardys got back into the mix. Jeff went for a dive off the middle rope onto a crowd at ringside, but Sheamus gave him a Brogue Kick. He landed on a crowd at ringside. A ?Brother Nero? chant broke out. Sheamus and Gallows climbed a ladder and each grabbed at the red belts hanging above the ring. Enzo tipped the ladder over, although it took some real effort. When Enzo climbed the ladder, Cesaro and Gallows made sure that didn?t happen. Sheamus and Gallows tumbled to the floor. Enzo was left on the ladder and reached up for the belts. Anderson raced up to stop Enzo. He knocked him down. Cesaro and Sheamus went for a Crucifix on Anderson, but Gallows intervened. Matt gave a Twist of Fate to Gallows. Anderson threw him out of the ring, then climbed a ladder. Sheamus and Cesaro were KO?d on ladders bridged at ringside. Hardy gave Anderson a Twist of Fate off the ladder. Jeff then climbed to the top of the giant ladder at ringside. He leaped at Cesaro and Sheamus. The ladder broke under Cesaro. Matt then climbed the ladder and grabbed the belts to win. The crowd erupted as Cole declared they are seven-time champions. ?That has to be one of the greatest WrestleMania Moments ever,? said Cole. ?The Brother Hardys are back!?

 WINNERS: Matt & Jeff Hardy to capture the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships. (***)

 (Keller?s Analysis: A lot of fans who knew to chant ?Delete!? were also aware that they might be arriving today or later this week. The Hardys threw some red herrings out there to try to throw people off. The way it was done was a clever swerve in that it seemed New Day, without a match and only hosting duties, teased they had been added. So the Hardys music was, to many, a double-surprise. Well done. The Hardys did their thing and looked the part, not just a nostalgia act. The Hardys didn?t take over the entire match, and all the teams had their moments. Good match, and Cole added a lot to the moment by seeming genuinely excited himself. The Hardys have a lot of ways to make money for WWE the next couple of years if they can work together that long. It could be a fun journey. If you?re a Smackdown fan, pin your hopes on Shinsuke Nakamura, I suppose.)

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(5) JOHN CENA & NIKKI BELLA vs. THE MIZ & MARYSE

 Miz and Maryse came out first. They had other announce teams from around the globe introduce themselves on camera. Then Nikki and Cena came out separately. Cena sprinted to catch up to Nikki. Cena ran full speed and slid into the ring. Roker was, as expected, awful at ring announcing and also totally unselfaware of the fact. Nikki and Maryse began, but Maryse tagged out before a lock-up. Lawler said he got a kick out of the Total Bellas spoofs. Lawler said he's surprised Miz and Maryse's marriage has lasted this long because it not typical for Hollywood marriages. Lawler said people didn't expect it to last long because at their wedding they were throwing Minute Rice. Miz stomped away at Cena early and then played to the crowd. Maryse slapped Cena after Miz broke a sleeper against the ropes. Miz taunted Nikki.

 Miz got a sustained beatdown on Cena. Lawler said he doesn't believe things are great between Miz and Maryse. He said it's a big front and a big show. He said he heard the other morning Miz asked for breakfast in bed and Maryse told him to go sleep in the kitchen. JBL said Miz is the modern day Gregory Peck. Lawler said the fifties want his reference back. Miz gave Cena a DDT for a near fall. Miz threw a barrage of round kicks at Cena's chest as the crowd chanted Yes! with each kick. JBL said Miz does that better than Bryan did. When Miz taunted Nikki with a You can't see me hand save, Nikki slapped Miz. Cena then knocked Miz to the floor. Cena crawled over to Nikki and gave her a hot-tag. Nikki tackled Maryse. Maryse bailed out to the ringside to regroup with Miz. Nikki dove through the ropes, but hit Miz instead of Maryse. Nikki KO'ed Maryse with a forearm. Cena then entered and gave Cena a side slam. They played to the crowd before doing the You Can't See Me routine. Then they dropped five knuckle shuffles. They scored stereo pins with a Rack Attack and Attitude Adjustment combo.

 WINNERS: Cena & Bella.

 (Keller's Analysis: The match itself was a virtual night off for Cena, and even more so for Nikki. It was what it needed to be, though, because it was just filler for what was coming next.)

 -Cena grabbed the mic afterward and looked over at Nikki. He said, This is what you wanted over a year ago. You broke your neck and you did everything you could to come back because you wanted a WrestleMania Moment. He said how proud he is of her. He said after she went into surgery, he said there'd be a time she'd be a little loopy and she'd given him an honest answer and she wouldn't remember what she talked about. He said not a week went by when she didn't ask what happened and he promised to eventually tell her when the time was right. He said right as they were wheeling her into the E.R., she was glassy eyed. He leaned in and asked if she could hear him. She said yes. He said, Well, I have only have one question. He said, Do you know one day I'm going to marry you. And she said yes. I just need you to say yes one more time. He reached into his pocket and got on his knees and showed her the ring. His voice quivered as he said he has been waitiing so long to ask her this. Will you marry me? She nodded and said yes and hugged him. The crowd was mic'd odd during this as only some localized screeches from a girl could be heart. She put on the ring and hugged John. They exchanged some private off-mic words. Then they kissed. They went to ringside and hugged some family members.

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(6) TRIPLE H vs. SETH ROLLINS

 Triple H's ring entrance this year was one of the anticipated moments of the show. He rode to the ring with Stephanie McMahon behind him on a motorcycle led by a parade of motorcycles with sirens in front of him. Clever way to avoid walking to the ring like a real man (or running like Cena did). Stephanie looked like Lita. Cole said this is Triple H's 21st match at a WrestleMania, second only to Undertaker. He said his debut was in 1996 and he'd missed just one with a torn quad at WM23. Next out came Seth. he carried a torch to the ring. I appreciate the product placement. Seth took it to Hunter at the start, overwhelming him with punches. Seth kicked Triple H into a ringpost at ringside a minute in. Cole said it's non-sanctions and pretty much anything goes. Hunter dragon screw leg whipped Seth from his good knee. Then they tumbled over the barricade to fight in the WWE Universe in Orlando. Now we know where the WWE Universe is located, apparently. Boy does that always sound stupid. Graves said Seth has been battling a 103 degree temperature the last three days. He clew at Triple H with a springboard clothesline off the ringside barrier. He eyed Stephanie, who was at ringside for Hunter. Hunter grabbed Seth's leg mid-air as Seth flew at him off the top rope. Seth hit Hunter with an enzuigiri. Hunter rolled to the floor. Seth did a running dive and tackled Hunter. He did it again. Not much crowd reaction. They're at the five hour mark since the Kickoff Show began. Half of them have been there that long. It's 75 degrees and not sunny.

 Seth set up a Pedigree on an announce table. Hunter countered with a DDT. Triple H hit Seth with a chair on his bad knee. Hunter dropped a knee on the back of Seth's knee, then threw him back into the ring. Hunter settled into a leglock on the mat. Seth went for a sunset flip off the top rope. Hunter held on. Seth landed hard and clutched his knee. Graves said that's the same move that first injured his knee in Europe that caused him to miss WrestleMania 32. Seth tried to powerbomb Hunter off the top rope, but his legs gave out. Hunter stood over him and then set up a Pedigree. Seth blocked it and gave Hunter a buckle bomb. He went down clutching his knee. Seth got up and whipped Hunter into the corner and Hunter spilled over to the floor. Seth then dove off the top rope. Seth scored a two count after a Falcon's Arrow.

 Hunter made a comeback and methodically beat down Seth and worked over his knee. He put Seth in a figure-four at ringside. When Seth escaped, Hunter produced a sledge hammer. When he entered the ring, Seth punched Hunter until he dropped it. Hunter gave Seth a knee to the face and a clothesline. Seth did a 360 bump. Stephanie yelled to Hunter, Twist his knee off. A Let's go Rollins! chant started. Hunter grabbed the sledgehammer. Seth hit Hunter with an enzuigiri. Seth then picked up the sledgehammer. Steph yanked it away. Hunter then surprised Seth a Pedigree for a believable near fall. Hunter set up a top rope Pedigree, but Seth backdropped out of it. He then climbed to the top rope and hit a Phoenix Splash for a near fall. Cole said that's something you'd see on 205 Live. Saxton put over how gutsy Seth has been. Hunter went for another Pedigree, but Rollins escaped and set up a Pedigree. Hunter backdropped out of it. Seth landed hard and sold knee pain again. Hunter then set up a Pedigree, but Rollins countered with is own attempt. Hunter gave Seth a forearm to the knee. Steph stood on the ring apron and held Seth by his throat. Seth moved and Hunter almost hit Steph. Seth then shoved Hunter into Steph, who went crashing off the ring through a table below. Seth then gave Hunter a Pedigree for the win. Cole called him a King Slayer! Graves said Hunter's kingdom is burning and Seth holds the torch.

 WINNER: Seth Rollins at 25:50. (***1/2)

 (Keller's Analysis: Okay, if that was there main event of a three hour PPV, that'd be a fitting main event. For an event where half the fans have been there for five hours already, and just about everyone for over four, with a live music performance and four more matches to do, that was excessive. Just get to the point faster given the situation, especially since poor Seth was suffering from a 103 degree fever the last three days. In any case, there was a lot good in that battle. The finishing sequence is intriguing. Does plant a seed of a storyline divide with Steph and Hunter since her attempt to interfere cost him the match? Or was that just an out for Hunter to lose as he showed concern for his wife's well-being? They told the story of working over Seth's knee. It got repetitive that Seth would do a big move, sell his knee in pain, do a big move, sell his knee in pain. Yet he kept getting up to do another big move. The crowd was into at the end, but live reports indicate they were dead for a lot of the body of the match. Cut this down by ten minutes and it's a better match and better for the show.)

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(7) BRAY WYATT vs. RANDY ORTON WWE Championship match

 Bray came out first. Then Orton. The walk to the ring was so long, they seemed to play Orton's song on a loop three times. The bell rang to start this 32 minutes into the fourth hour of the show, not counting the two hour Kickoff Show. So over five-and-a-half hours deep since the Kickoff Show started. Randy went for an early RKO out of nowhere. Bray leaped to ringside. Orton went right after him. They exchanged strikes at ringside. Orton threw Bray into the ring. Bray caught him with a forearm and then a running headbutt to the chest. Bray bent over backwards. The camera showed the action from overhead. They projected maggots on the ring surface. The crowd got all grossed out and let out a collective Ewwww! JBL said he's never seen anything like that in his life. Otunga said Bray's been different since Orton burned down ?he place that houses Sister Abigail's ashes. They won't say compound or shed or anything. It's just that place. Bray methodically beat up Orton. He bent over backwards again and the ring filled with earthworms crawling through dirt. Orton acted creeped out again. Bray pounded on the back of Orton's head with elbows, then yelled out, I am a god! He hit a senton for a two count.

 JBL said Orton was as fired up on his way to the ring as he has ever seen him, but the images of the worms and the psychological warfare has taken him out of it completely. JBL said the place is in shock, noting the silence in the stadium. Orton rolled out of the ring and took a breather. Bray rolled out the other side and jogged at him with a running clothesline. Orton gave him an RKO out of nowhere at ringside. Back in the ring and waited for Bray to stand, and he went for the running punt. Bray avoided it and went for Sister Abigail. Orton blocked it and landed a DDT off the second rope. Orton pounded the mat and then charged at Bray, but Bray gave him Sister Abigail. Orton kicked out. Just silence afterward. Now we had a ring full of some sort of bugs. Randy didn't seem to notice, which made it even sillier. Bray pounded on Orton methodically with forearms, but Orton hit an RKO out of nowhere for the pin. They cut to a shocked fan. Or else he's frozen in fear from those creepy bugs.

 WINNER: Orton to capture the WWE Championship at 10:30. (**1/2)

 (Keller's Analysis: I don't know what to say. The match was what I expected, but worms and bugs were an added bonus? It works in the sense that this whole feud has been about nonsense spookiness, so why get serious now? When someone at WWE HQ said, Wouldn't it be neat if... that person should have been shot down immediately and moved to new division.)

 ( GOLDBERG vs. BROCK LESNAR (w/Paul Heyman) WWE Universal Title match

 Lesnar ran the ropes after he arrived in the ring and his music stopped. Then Goldberg's music played. The crowd seemed fatigued. A weak Goldberg chant fizzled quickly. Someone knocked on his door, and Goldberg came out of his locker room. He walked too the ring with the belt around his waist. He looks the part. More gray in the beard, but he looks badass. He walked the whole way to the ring. They should have had the champ come out first in this match, of all matches, so Goldberg could rest up a bit. Heyman insisted on introducing Brock, yanking the mic from JoJo. When Jo Jo got to Goldberg, the crowd booed with whatever little energy they had left. Lesnar sidestepped a spear and gave Goldberg a German Suplex. And two more. Goldberg popped up and speared Lesnar into the bottom rope. Lesnar staggered to his feet and ate another spear. Lesnar rolled out of the ring. Goldberg snuck around the ring and went for a third spear. He speared Lesnar into the time keeper's area through the barricade. Both were slow to get up. Goldberg was selling convincingly. Back in the ring, Goldberg signaled for a Jackhammer. Lesnar countered into an F5 attempt. Goldberg escaped and hit a spear again. Lesnar struggled to stand. Goldberg seemed to be handling the cardio well so far. He set up a Jackhammer and landed it. Lesnar kicked out. Goldberg looked down at him in shock. Heyman pounded the mat as the crowd woke up and cheered. Goldberg waited for Lesnar to stand and set up a spear. He charged, but Lesnar leapfrogged him. Goldberg's head might have caught Lesnar's knee. Lesnar then took Goldberg back to Suplex City. Sexaton said he's trying to make Goldberg a permanent member. After five more, Lesnar staggered to his feet and delivered a ninth overall. The crowd chanted for Tye Dillinger. Lesnar delivered. Then he gave Goldberg an F5. Cole said Lesnar has finally exorcised his demons.

 WINNER: Lesnar to capture the WWE Universal Championship. (**)

 (Keller's Analysis: That was a best case scenario for this match. Goldberg pulled off the moves well. Neither was asked to do anything they weren't able to do or that the fans weren't in seeing. It delivered Suplex City and some teases of finishers, a bit spot at ringside, and then more of the same in the ring leading to the logical finish. Had Goldberg not been so vocal about regrouping and reassessing after WM, the outcome might have been a bigger mystery.)

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(9) ALEXA BLISS vs. NAOMI vs. MICKEI JAMES vs. BECKY LYNCH vs. NATALYA vs. CARMELLA (w/James Ellsworth) WWE Smackdown Women's Title match

 Alexa came out first. Naomi made a grand entrance with the whole arena staging going neon. After some early chaos, it came down to Bliss vs. Carmella. Alexa yelled a lot. Natalya re-entered and charged at her. Bliss gave Natalya a DDT and made the cover. Carmella broke it up. When Ellsworth got involved, Becky suplexed him out of the ring. Natalya went at Lynch. Naomi kicked Becky in the chest and setoff ora sunset flip, which turned into a powerbomb and a two count. Natalya went for a sharpshooter on Naomi, but Carmella interfered. Natalya went for a double sharpshooter on both Naomi and Carmella. Mickie scored a near fall on Becky a minute later, Carmella broke it up. Naomi then hit the Rear View on Bliss, then landed a dive onto a crowd at ringside. Naomi threw Bliss into the ring, then springboarded at her. Bliss just nailed her with a strike to the face out of mid-air. Naomi applied a submission hold mid-ring and Bliss tapped out.

 WINNER: Naomi to capture the WWE Smackdown Women's Championship.

 -Jim Ross walked to the ring to his music to announce this match as a special guest announcer. He hugged Cole and shook JBL's hand. JBL said, It's so good to see you. Cole said it's an absolute treat. He said it's been a rough couple of weeks for him, but he wants him to do what he does best. Let's raise some hell and have some fun, said Ross.

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10) UNDERTAKER vs. ROMAN REIGNS

Ross noted that it was a No Holds Barred match and would not be for the faint of heart. Taker jumped out to the quick start and tossed Reigns to ringside. You're in my yard, Taker said while looking down at Reigns. Roman walked around the ring and climbed on the apron. Taker met him, and Reigns clotheslined him over the top rope. Reigns threw punches at Taker, then clotheslined him over the top rope, but Taker landed on his feet.

 Taker pulled Reigns to ringside and ran Reigns into the ring steps. A Roman sucks chant started and faded quickly. Cole noted that this was the first ever one-on-one match between the two. He said their only in-ring confrontation occurred when Reigns eliminated Taker from the Royal Rumble match. They fought at ringside again. Taker headbutted Reigns and picked him up on his shoulder, but Reigns slipped off and shoved Taker into the ring post and then delivered a Drive By, which Ross called a toxic kick.

 Back inside the ring, Taker and Reigns traded punches. JBL said Reigns appeared to be relishing the moment. Taker no-sold a Reigns kick and then punched him. Taker connected with a running clothesline in the corner and then followed up with Snake Eyes, a big boot, and a leg drop for a two count. Taker signaled for the chokeslam, but Reigns rolled to ringside.

 Taker followed. Reigns went for another Drive By, but Taker caught him with a punch. Taker cleared off the Ross broadcast table and JBL jokingly welcomed Ross back. A short time later, Taker chokeslammed Reigns onto the German broadcast table, but it didn't break.

 Taker tore apart the Spanish broadcast table. Taker stood on the table as Reigns crawled onto the Ross table. Taker made the throat slashing gesture only to have Reigns spear him through the table. Cool spot. Ross noted that the referee has the authority to stop the match if Taker can? defend himself. Reigns entered the ring and the fans booed. Taker suddenly sat up in his typical style at ringside. When Taker tried to enter the ring, Reigns greeted him with knees and kicks.

 Reigns threw clotheslines at Taker in the corner. Reigns stood over Taker on the ropes and punched him, then told him that it's his yard. Taker responded with a Last Ride for a two count. Taker went to ringside and grabbed a chair. He slid it inside the ring and Reigns grabbed it, but Taker blasted him with a kick to the head. Taker slammed the chair over the back of Reigns. Roman rolled to ringside. The fans booed. The broadcast team said it was sound strategy.

 Back inside the ring, Reigns hit Taker with two Superman punches. He went for a third, but Taker grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him onto a chair for a two count. JBL said it seemed like it was just a matter of time before Taker put Reigns away. Taker scooped up Reigns and put him down with a Tombstone piledriver. Taker covered Reigns with his arms over his chest and stuck his tongue out. Reigns kicked out. Taker sold it with a look of surprise.

 Taker went for another Tombstone at 14:50. They tried to do the reversal spot and failed twice (Adam Cole feels a lot better right now as he had the same issue in his match with Marty Scurll last night). Reigns punched Taker and got a two count. Reigns backed into the corner, let out the war cry, and spared Taker at 16:00. Taker reached up and applied the Hell's Gate submission hold. Reigns reached the rope with his foot while Ross pointed out that the submission had to happen in the ring.

 Reigns ended up taking the chair and worked over Taker with it. Taker used the ropes to pull himself up as the fans chanted his name. Reigns waited in the corner and speared Taker once he was on his feet and covered him for a good near fall that the fans reacted to. Cole said Reigns is beginning to understand why Taker is the phenom. Ross said that's the heart of Taker, JBL said it's the soul.

 Taker pulled himself up again. Reigns jawed at him from the corner and looked upset. Roman Reigns is going to have to put the phenom down, JBL said. Reigns let out a war cry and spared Taker again for another two count. The fans roared and chanted Yes! when Taker kicked out at 20:20. A loud Undertaker chant followed while Reigns showed frustration over not being able to put Taker away.

 Reigns went to the corner again and this time hit Taker with a Superman Punch. Reigns looked down at Taker and shook his head. Taker sat up, but then fell over. He tried to sit up, but his body would not allow it, Ross said. JBL questioned whether Taker's body was quitting on him, then said he wasn't counting him out.

 Reigns continued to talk at Taker and swatted his hand away when he tried to use him to stand up. Taker said something to Reigns about not having the balls. Reigns threw punches at Taker, then ran the ropes repeatedly, speared Taker, and pinned him clean.

 Roman Reigns pinned Undertaker in 23:00.

 Reigns left the ring without a major celebration. He stopped halfway up the stage and looked back at the ring, then raised his hands and pyro shot off on the stage and all around the stadium. The broadcast team said Reigns is the big dog and it is his yard.

[Arcademan]

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's real-time report).

KICKOFF SHOW

(A)  ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL

It came down to Mojo Rawley and Baron Corbin arrogantly double-teaming Matt when the lights went out. When they came back on, Bray appeared in the ring and helped Matt win. Matt and Bray hugged. During the match, they showed John Cena sitting in the front row with a beer reacting like a fan.

WINNER: Matt Hardy.

(B) CEDRIC ALEXANDER vs. MUSTAFA ALI ? Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Final

Drake Maverick was shown at ringside. When the bell rang, Nigel said, ?Drink it in, boys, this is a moment you will never forget.? They squared off, smiled, acknowledged it?s WrestleMania and they were ready to put on a great effort. Nice smooth athleticism beginning. They cut to an early break. After Cedric knocked Ali off the top rope, they went to split screen and showed an ad for the Ronda Rousey match later.

Back in the ring, Ali landed his 054 for a near fall, but Cedric put his foot on the bottom rope. Ali reacted with disbelief, then stomped away at Cedric. Cedric landed two spinning elbows. Ali stood. Cedric told him to stop and said it?s enough, but hit a third back elbow. Then he hit the Lumbar Check for the clean win. Cedric moved in and cradle?s

WINNER: Cedric to capture the Cruiserweight Title.

WOMEN?S BATTLE ROYAL

Paige and Beth Phoenix did guest commentary with Michael Cole and Corey Graves. The women surrounded and eliminated Carmella early and eliminated her first. It came down to Sasha and Bayley. Sasha got that look in her eyes that said their friendship was more important than anything they?ve disagreed about. She moved in with a smile. Bayley promptly threw her over the top rope and eliminated her. She celebrated like she won, but instead Naomi re-entered the ring ? having not been officially eliminated earlier ? and gave a hip attack to Bayley and then tossed her out. Naomi celebrated with her Cervix Trophy.

WINNER: Naomi.

(1) THE MIZ vs. SETH ROLLINS vs. FINN BALOR

They all came out with new ring jackets and ring gear. Balor had rainbow colored accents on his black boots and trunks. Rollins had blue contact lenses. Miz had red gear with gold accents. Miz sent Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas to the back. Cole said fatherhood has changed him. This was a good match to start the main part of the show. Cole said this was a pick ?em match with three equal wrestlers. Seth hit some dives on both sides of the ring rapid-fire five minutes in. They showed Sean in the crowd. Miz put Balor in a figure-four, prompting Cole to mention that odd pairing of Miz as Ric Flair?s protege years ago. The hold was broken up by a big Seth splash. Balor landed a Pel? kick, which Cole called an ?overhead kick,? leading to a near fall. Miz launched Seth out of air toward the mat with a variation of the Skull Crushing Finale. He made the cover, but Balor leaped off the top rope with a Coup de Grace and broke it up. Balor lived afterward. A ?Let?s Go Balor? chant started. Balor hit Miz with a sling blade and a running dropkick. Balor leaped off the top rope and hit the Coup de Grave, but Seth gave him the Stomp as he went for the cover. Seth then stomped the mat and moved for another Stomp on Miz, driving his face into the mat for the three count.

WINNER: Seth Rollins in 16:00 to capture the Intercontinental Title. (***1/2)

Good match, exactly what you?d expect from these three in an opening match high-energy but not exhausting match. The only surprise is they didn?t do anything with Miz and whether he really has become a good sportsman because fatherhood changed him.

(2) CHARLOTTE vs. ASUKA ? WWE Smackdown Women?s Title match

Back and forth healthy methodical pace early, with Asuka on offense at first and then Charlotte taking over. Charlotte went for a top rope moonsault, but Asuka spread her legs and caught her in a leg triangle. Graves called it a Venus Flytrap. Charlotte shifted into a Boston Crab. They leveraged each other in near falls. The crowd applauded as the match was about to shift into second gear. Asuka suplexed Charlotte off the ring apron onto the floor. Both were down and slow to get up. (I bet Phillips almost reflexively threw to a commercial break.)

Charlotte gave Asuka a Spanish Fly off the top rope. Both were slow to recover. Asuka caught Charlotte in a twisting torquing submission. Charlotte escaped and set up a figure-four, but Asuka kicked out and the match hit third gear. Asuka kicked. Charlotte chopped. Asuka went for an Asuka lock. Charlotte resisted. Charlotte speared Asuka for a two count at 12:00. Charlotte then put Asuka into the Figure-Eight. She couldn?t put weight on her right arm and bridged on two legs and one arm. Asuka rather quickly tapped out.

WINNER: Charlotte in 13:00. (***)

Wow. Surprising finish in that it wasn?t much of an end to the streak in terms of Asuka having a chance to really showcase her signature spots before losing. It almost felt like a downgrade in Vince McMahon?s faith in her not that she lost, but how she lost.

-After the match Asuka asked for a mic. She said, ?Charlotte! Was! Ready! For Asuka!? She congratulated her and hugged her.

(3) RANDY ORTON vs. BOBBY ROODE vs. JINDER MAHAL (w/Samil Singh) vs. RUSEV (w/Aiden English)

They went to a parade of announce teams from around the world. Big pop for Rusev and a ?Rusev Day? chant as he came out. English introduced him. Jinder blocked a Rusev dive through the ropes early. Everybody got spots in early. At 6:00 Orton gave an RKO to English as he interfered. Then he gave Rusev an RKO. The crowd booed. He then gave an RKO to Jinder. Roode broke up the in attempt (well, not really, since Roode piled on top of Orton who was still covering Jinder whose shoulders were still down).R Roode tossed Rusev out of the ring, then blocked an RKO attempt by Orton and hit a sudden Glorious DDT. Jinder broke up the pin (and Orton actually lifted his shoulder). Rusev entered with a Machka Kick on Roode and then Jinder. He looked around as the crowd loudly chanted ?Rusev Day!? He stomped on Jinder and then went for the Accolade. Samil distracted Rusev. Jinder then gave him his Khalas Kick for the win.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 9:00 to capture the U.S. Title. (**1/2)
 
This wasn?t designed to be a show-stealer. Some matches have to be kept short to keep the show from running way too long, and this was a good choice. I suppose in a way this title change frees up everyone else to be part of a Superstar Shake-up and switch brands without affecting the title. It also puts a belt on Smackdown on a heel to even things out with the other two major titles on babyfaces, no matter which way A.J. Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura goes later ? barring a turn.

[Arcademan]

(4) RONDA ROUSEY & KURT ANGLE vs. TRIPLE H & STEPHANIE MCMAHON

Triple H and Stephanie came out on three wheel motorcycles. That likely means no Biker Taker tonight. The announcers just gushed about the ring entrance and talked up the career of Triple H like their jobs depended on it. Then Angle came out to his music. Finally Rousey in a kilt and a Roddy Piper jacket. She was wearing her Facil Expression #2 ? her smile. (Cole said only two people have transitioned from ?starting in UFC? to WWE ? Ken Shamrock and now Ronda Rousey. Shamrock was a pro wrestler before UFC existed, so if you include him, then you include Brock Lesnar, unless he?s talking strictly WWE and UFC as brands.)

A loud ?Ronda Rousey? chant broke out early. Steph and Hunter entered the ring to boos. Stephanie pie-faced Rousey pre-match. She ran up behind Rousey and yanked her down by her hair. The ref separated them and then the bell rang. Angle began against Triple H. Cole said Hunter and Steph told the referee before the match, ?Remember who signs your paychecks.? (I half-expected Cole to say, ?They usually only tell us that.?) Stephanie pulled the top rope down so Angle tumbled over the top rope and crashed at ringside. Hunter then whipped Angle into the ringside steps. Hunter walked over and trash-talked Rousey. (Foreshadowing that Rousey taps out Hunter to end the match?)

Hunter was calling spots pretty loud as he carried Angle through the early minutes one laborious move at a time. Hunter charged at Angle, but Angle ducked and Hunter almost hit Stephanie. They froze in place. When Angle reached for a tag to Ronda, Stephanie ran over and yanked her off the ring apron. Cole said: ?It is completely manipulation of rules tonight by Triple H and Stephanie.? (That phrase doesn?t sound accidental or impromptu.) Steph smiled. Angle locked a Pedigree attempt and threw Hunter into the corner and Hunter bumped to the floor. Steph called out, ?Hunter! Hunter!? Angle crawled over milked it but tagged in Rousey. Rousey yanked Steph into the ring  by her hair, flipping her over the top rope. She had a great intense look. She ducked a clothesline and then clotheslined Steph, flipping over herself afterward. Then she one-arm slammed her. Rousey punched away at Steph in the corner. The crowd ate it up. Intense heat. Fans were standing. She whipped Steph across the ring by her hair.

Rousey grounded Steph and set up an armbar. Stephanie blocked it by holding her hands together and pulling back. Take notes, MMA students. ?Ronda might get pinned!? said Graves. Steph raked Ronda?s eyes, then crawled over for a tag. Hunter hadn?t returned to the ring apron yet. Steph turned and kicked Rousey and then DDT?d her for a two count. Coach said he was surprised at how good Rousey has looked, but Stephanie has surprised her too. Stephanie applied a standing surfboard. Rousey cried out in pain and then stood and poured out, but Steph yanked her down hard by her hair.

Steph charged, but Rousey grabbed her by her throat. She got her intense look, then lifted Stephanie on her shoulders and gave her a spinning Samoan drop for a two count. Hunter yanked the ref out as he was about to try for a third slap. Rousey yelled at Hunter and said she?s going to go back to beating up his wife. Hunter yanked Rousey out of the ring by her leg. Angle ran over and attacked Hunter. He set up a back suplex on the announce table. Hunter blocked it and threw Angle onto the next table.

Rousey re-entered the ring and looked ready to fight. Hunter stood up and looked around. Rousey looked ready to fight him. The ref told him he had to leave. Rousey said she wanted him. Hunter pushed the referee into the corner as if to signal that he signs the checks. Hunter turned around and smiled and said, sure, if that?s what you want. Rousey punched away at Hunter?s face and body rapid-fire.

Ronda then lifted Hunter for a Samoan slam, but Steph saved him and yanked him down, then slapped Rousey. Rousey turned and stared at her. Steph bailed out and ran. Rousey chased after her and caught her. (She?d have never caught Braun Strowman.) Rousey lifted Steph, but Steph slipped free and shoved Rousey into the ringpost face-first. Angle came up behind Hunter and gave him two belly-to-belly suplexes. Hunter came back with a knee to the face, but Angle then went into his unreleased German suplex sequence ? three in a row. Hunter tried for a Pedigree, but Angle went for an Anklelock. Hunter blocked it and again went for a Pedigree. Angle catapulted Hunter into the top turnbuckle and then hit an Angle Slam for a near fall that popped the crowd.

Stephanie entered the ring and yelled at Angle, saying this whole thing is his fault. She tried to kick him, but he grabbed her leg and held it. The ref told Angle to let go. The crowd chanted ?Yes!? Angle put her in the Anklelock. Hunter made the save and gave Angle a Pedigree. Rousey broke up the pin. Hunter stood and stared down Rousey. Fan chanted ?This is awesome!? Cole said fans were chanting it for Rousey. Hunter then set up a Pedigree, but instead set up a powerbomb. Rousey countered with a a huracanrana and applied her armbar with a leg scissors. Steph made the save and put Rousey in a rear naked choke. ?Rousey could fade here!? Cole said.

Rousey stood and flailed to escape and eventually flipped out and put an armbar on Stephanie. Angle put Hunter in an ankle lock to stop him from breaking it up. It looked like a possible finish, but Hunter escaped and flung Angle into Rousey and he clotheslined her. Oops.

Cole called it an incredible match. Hunter shoved Angle into the corner ringpost shoulder-first. Stephanie got up and checked for a plan with Hunter. They set up stereo Pedigrees. Angle backdropped Hunter out of the ring. Rousey then broke free and went for her armbar. Stephanie blocked it and yelled, ?Please, no! No! No!? Then she made her tap. They cut to Dana White in the front row applauding the win. Cole said he was very impressed with Rousey ?as she embarks on her career here in WWE.? Angle hugged her.

WINNER: Rousey & Angle when Rousey tapped out Stephanie.

[Arcademan]

(5) THE USOS vs. THE NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Big E w/Xavier Woods) vs. THE BLUDGEON BROTHERS

The New Day came out to a virtual giant stack of pancakes on both sides of the entrance stage. Phillips stressed that New Day were inspired to bring pancakes to the ring because of the lumberjack match way back (it wasn?t based on a century-long stereotype, in other words!). They were joined by seven little people wearing pancake body suits. New Day tossed real pancakes to the crowd on their way to the ring. Byron: ?This is a parade of pancakes!?

The Bludgeon Brothers came out and immediately took it to the Usos and New Day at ringside. They threw Xavier into the ringpost and then threw Kofi into the ring. When the Usos dove at Erick Rowan at ringside a few minutes in, Rowan caught them. They still managed to slam him. Back in the ring, Big E lifted Luke Harper for a slam, then tagged in Kofi. Harper ducked and then slammed Kofi in a slightly botched spot as he didn?t get any lift.

The Usos set up a double suplex of Harper, but Down broke it up. Kofi kicked Rowan over the top rope. Kofi charged at Harper, but got head butted. Rowan then powerbombed Kofi. That set up a double powerbomb off the top rope for the win.

WINNERS: The Bludgeon Brothers in 5:00 to capture the Smackdown Tag Team Titles.

That worked fine. It put over the Bludgeon Brothers strong and didn?t overstay its welcome. This isn?t the show for a tag team classic.

-John Cena came out to his entrance music. ?It?s about to get interesting,? he said. ?Welcome to WrestleMania? Then suddenly Jo Jo introduced him for an unnamed match. Cole said he just heard Cena say, ?He is here.? He said he must be talking about Undertaker.

A referee ran out and told Cena something. Cena didn?t seem to like what he heard. He looked dejected again. Fans chanted ?Un-der-taker!? Cena left the ring and slapped fans? hands. The lights went out. The crowd popped. Then Elias strummed his guitar and walked onto the stage. (Psych!)

Elias asked if they were expecting someone else. He said that somebody else doesn?t have his unmatched charisma and athleticism, nor does he have the unlimited talent he carries in his soul. Fans chanted ?You suck!? at him. He said if they thought it?d be another walk in the park, ?not with me.? Cena left and sat back at ringside, but eventually had enough of Elias?s lyrics and attacked him. Elias bailed out after his diving shoulder tackles, side slam, fist drop, and Attitude Adjustment. Elias rolled out of the ring. Cena looked discouraged as fans began chanting ?Un-der-taker!? again. Cole asked if that counts as a WrestleMania Moment for Cena. Coach said this isn?t the night Cena wanted to have. ?I?ve never seen him more not into something than he is right now,? Coach said. (He didn?t watch his Summerslam match against Baron Corbin last year, then.)

Cena?s music stopped halfway up the ramp. He stopped. The lights went out. The crowd cheered. And then inside the ring was the Undertaker ?Dead Man? hat and robe. Then lightning struck and the lights went dark again. Then when they came back on, the ring was empty again. Cena looked a little wide-eyed. The lights went out yet again. Then came the ?Dong!? and a huge pop. Pyro began blasting and the anticipation built. Undertaker?s music played. And then he appeared on the stage ? as the Dead Man, not Biker Taker. Long hair. Cena?s jaw dropped. ?The Dead Man has risen!? said Cole, starting to get hoarse. Cole called Taker the ?most prolific? WWE performer in history. Graves said he knew all along he?d answer. Coach said everyone is in disbelief. ?This is surreal,? said Graves. He added the old adage, ?Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.? Cena kneeled in a corner of the ring. Coach said Cena brought Taker back, nobody else. Taker stared a hole in Cena. Cena hyperventilated a bit.

(6) JOHN CENA vs. THE UNDERTAKER

Taker took it to Cena as soon as the bell rang wit punches and a flying clothesline. Then he walked the top rope and came off with a forearm to Cena?s back. Cole said Taker is focused and in a zone. A fan held up an ?RIP Cena? sign. Graves said Cena just be regretting callout The Dead Man. Coach said surely Cena got under the skin of Undertaker. Taker gave Cena snake eyes. He gave Cena a big boot, which showed a lot of light (blame Cena). Taker legdropped him. Cena back suplexed Taker. The crowd booed. Cena began his You Can?t See Me routine, but Taker sat up. Taker then gave Cena a chokeslam. Taker lowered his straps and signaled for a chokeslam. Then he picked up Cena and gave him a Tombstone for the three count. Cole said Taker didn?t just beat Cena, he routed Cena.

WINNER: Undertaker in 3:00.

That was crowd pleasing. The psychology, now in retrospect, makes sense. Have Cena be a jerk about it and lower expectations so when fans get Undertaker and the match lasts just three minutes and Taker wins decisively, fans feel they got more than was actually promised and the right guy lost decisively. Not the classic once hoped for, but taking into consideration Taker?s physical condition at his age, that was a special bonus chapter of his career, but to be judged differently than the rest.

[Arcademan]

(9) A.J. STYLES vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA ? WWE Title match

They locked up mid-ring and there was a palpable buzz in the crowd. Phillips noted Styles seems really emotional and that?s something Nakamura believes he can take advantage of that. First gear pace for the next six minutes after some intensity early. The crowd seemed to welcome the rest as it?s now six hours since the Kickoff Show began.

At 11:00 Nakamura caught Styles on a springboard and turned into a ?landslide? sitout cradle slam out of a Samoan drop position. Nakamura put Styles on the top rope and then high kicked him. Styles escaped and then worked over Nakamura?s knee. Nakamura trapped Styles in a head triangle. Styles lifted and then dropped Nakamura on his head. The crowd gasped at the impact. Both were down and slow to get up.

At 16:00 Nakamura kicked Styles, but clutched his left knee in pain afterward. Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm for a near fall. Styles misfired on a springboard flip splash, landing Nakamura?s knees. He scored a two count. Styles head butted Nakamura as soon as both stood. They exchanged blows mid-ring. Styles landed a Pel? kick. Nakamura fired back with a knee to the back of his head for a near fall. Next he signaled for his finisher, but Styles moved and hit the Styles Clash for the clean win.

WINNER: Styles in 21:00. (***1/2)

It was good, no doubt, but considering expectations, it felt like a letdown.

-Styles helped Nakamura up and they hugged. He kneeled and presented Styles with the belt. Then he delivered a low blow. Nakamura began mocking Styles and he kicked at him and shoved him out of the ring. He beat him up some more including a Kinshasa Kick. The crowd booed as Nakamura walked up the ramp.

Had Nakamura?s push gone better, I?d be against this. I think this is a potentially invigorating change for him in WWE. I wonder if he?ll end up with a manager, though?


-Braun said everyone wants to know who his partner is. He said it?s one of the fans. They showed fans volunteering. Strowman circled ringside and scanned the crowd. He then walked into the crowd and kept looking. Graves said he has 78,000 options, so this could take a while. He picked out a boy in the crowd. Strowman asked him his name. It?s Nicholas.

(10) SHEAMUS & CESARO vs. BRAUN STROWMAN & A KID NAMED NICHOLAS

Strowman beat up Cesaro at first and made the cover. Sheamus broke up the pin. Strowman chased him out of the ring. Graves criticized Nicholas for not tripping Sheamus. The heel duel took over with a double-team. Nicholas watched nervously. Nicholas reached for a tag. Nicholas entered the ring. He looked scared and tagged right back out. Strowman caught Cesaro and gave him a running powerslam or the three count.

Strowman and Nicholas celebrated mid-ring, holding up the belts. Graves said he hopes Nicholas doesn?t get first class tickets before he does. Strowman led a smiling Nicholas up the ramp.

WINNER: Strowman & Nicholas in 5:00 to capture the WWE Raw Tag Team Titles.

Cute, I suppose. It?s one of those Pure Sports Entertainment Moments that will get some mainstream media play and certain type of fan will like, but another big portion won?t at all.

(11) BROCK LESNAR vs. ROMAN REIGNS ? WWE Title match

More boos for Reigns during formal ring introductions. Heyman stopped Jo Jo from introducing Lesnar. He took over. The crowd talked along with him.

Lesnar took it to Reigns early with some suplexes. Reigns followed with Superman Punches, which drew boos. He knocked Lesnar over the top rope with a clothesline. Lesnar took it too Reigns at ringside and suplexed him on top of his head. He hit his head hard. The crowd began chanting ?C.M. Punk.? Lesnar then threw Reigns hard and awkwardly into the announce table. Back in the ring, he gave Reigns a released German suplex. More suplexes. Lesnar jogged in place.

Lesnar overhead suplexed Reigns onto his shoulder. They replayed it in slo-mo. Lesnar whipped Reigns hard into the barricade a minute later. Reigns came back by slipped out of Lesnar?s grip and shoved Lesnar hard into the ringpost. Reigns struggled to stay standing. Reigns charged and speared Lesnar onto the announce table, which switched

(Cole?s mic to be heard in the entire arena briefly. That was quite a visual. Reigns threw Lesnar back into the ring. A beach ball broke out in the crowd. Reigns signaled for the Superman Punch and hit it. Then he hit a spear. Then he hit a second spear. Two count.

Reigns went for a spear, but Lesnar kneed him out of mid-air and scored a very near three count. Then an F5 for a near fall. Another F5 and another kickout. Lesnar yelled out in frustration. The crowd didn?t care either way. Then a third F5 and Reigns kicked out again. ?Boring!? chanted the crowd. Lesnar then gave Reigns an F5 onto the table. Not much of a reaction. Tired and disinterested crowd. Lesnar hit a fifth F5. ?This is awful!? chants the crowd. Lesnar not sure what to do with this. Reigns came up bleeding heavily, perhaps hard-way from a vicious elbow. That?s a lot of blood. Wow.

Reigns slipped out of another F5, speared Lesnar twice and got a near fall. His face was covered in red blood. Lesnar lifted Reigns and gave him another F5 and scored the pin. Big pop.

WINNER: Lesnar to retain the WWE Title.

Disaster.