I'm going with the overwhelming consensus that the PPV was pretty average. And it started with what could have been a Top 3 match of the card being pulled from the show. I mean seriously, The Colons and Mizorrison would have been a killer match, and the best tag match in years (and who knows it might have been, but people who didnt attend Mania wont know until the DVD). But anyway heres my review:
MITB: Not a bad match to be totally honest. I liked it much more than previous years (except the first). It was good because it wasn't just a spot fest. There was some decent innovation with the ladders, without the match turning into leap, after leap after leap off the ladders. Kofi did some good things, as did Christian, and I was even impressed with Mark Henry. Not that happy that CM Punk won, just because in the match he didnt stand out so i think unworthy of winning. IMO based on who put the best show on in the match Christian or Shelton should have won.
The Diva Battle Royal: Well, it was never going to be that good, it was much too hard to follow in the begining... too many women (never thought that would ever be an issue in my life). "Santina" was obviously going to win... perhaps the women's championship is next on her agenda?
Jericho vs. the Legends: Well with Snuka in it, the match was going to be lackluster at best, so i'm glad he got eliminated quick. Piper imo did pretty well for a guy who has never been athletic (and even more so now) and also has cancer. Steamboat but on the performance of the night i rekon, well maybe not that far, but he was extremely good, and proved he can still go.
Flair was always going to get involved at the end, and also Rourke. The decent thing is Jericho won and then they got involved, I don't care what could have happened during the match, if Jericho lost I would have turned off WWE television for ever.
Jeff vs. Matt: Equal Match of the Night with Taker/Michaels. Both put on a great match, and I think silenced some of those people who were critical of the match up going in to Mania. But my problem with it was that it was too short, why waste our time with a diva Battle Royal and a bullshit performance by Kid Rock (not saying it was bad, just that it didnt need like 6 songs). Good win for Matt hopefully it can push him to a couple of World Title Matches, but I think he still needs to prove himself a few more times in high profile singles matches before he can carry the gold.. but he's on his way.
Rey vs. JBL: I saw it coming from a mile away. A waste of time, Rey's entrance went longer, and was probably more exciting. Now that JBL has "Quit" hopefully he can fill Tazz's void in commentary, or just retire for good, hes lost it in the ring... As for Rey, hopefully he can put on some decent matches for the title. I think The IC title is on its way to Smackdown during the draft, hopefully that can give it some life.
Taker vs. Michaels: Great Match. Started off steady and got better and better, and faster and faster. Seriously, if these guys don't get another title run soon it's bs, they are the oldest guys on the roster and still putting on the best matches. Great finish, with the moonsault reversal. And Good courage by Taker to keep going strong after landing on his head.
Cena vs. Show vs. Edge: Cena was the obvious winner, Edge and Show with continue to fued, and really the title would just get in the way of the storyline. Match was ok at best, not bad, but not Wrestlemania Material... But the highlight of the night came when I heard the Dr. of Thuganomics music, pure gold.
Triple H vs. Orton: I mean I have seen Main Events suck before, but not like this. Not only was it slow and boring, the fans couldn't give two hoots either. Orton needed to win, having Triple H win just solidifies the fact that when push comes to shove, in a match that could absolutely make someone, whether its him or Vince (whoever makes the decision) they can't pull the trigger. Not that the match was any good, but the fued needed to have Orton come out on top winning the title, they built him up as the ultimate bad guy, having him win would solidify that, and then the guy who beats him for the title is the ultimate babyface, and would just work wonders for pushing bigger and better faces.
Other Comments:
-Why was there no blood? A MITB, Extreme Rules, Triple Threat no dq, and a huge Revenge Match. If MITB and the Triple threat mmatch had no blood, why the hell wouldnt the Hardys and Orton v. HHH not have blood? If the rivalries were as intense as they were making out, why not have HHH bloody the crap outta Orton, and The hardy's beat each other to a pulp (with weapons btw).
-So when did storylines become more important than titles? Both World Title matches were overshadowed by storylines. If its a wrestling program the World Titles whould be the biggest part of the show, not a love triangle story and a guy beating on another guys family... just stupid.