WrestleMania. The Grandest Stage of them all. The show that all aspiring professional wrestlers want to get to, yet a dream that so few realize. For fans and performers alike, WrestleMania is one of the greatest events of the year. WrestleMania 32, in Dallas, Texas, was no different with swerves and many moments THAT WERE AWE-SOME! (clap clap clap-clap-clap)
1. Lita unveils the WWE Women's Championship
During the Kickoff Show, former WWE Women's Champion Lita spoke to the audience about the history of women's wrestling as well as the Women's Division in WWE. After this, she made the announcement that the winner of the Triple Threat Match between Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks would be the new WWE Women's Champion!
2. Zack Ryder winning the Intercontinental Championship
It was announced that Kevin Owens would defend his Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match against 5 other competitors: The Miz, Stardust, Sin Cara, Zack Ryder, and Sami Zayn. This was an action packed match that ultimately set the tone for the rest of the show. The match itself was phenomenal with everyone having time to shine. It was a truly amazing feeling to watch Zack Ryder, the ultimate underdog, climb the ladder and realize a dream. He even got Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) to take a picture with him after the fact, bringing full circle a childhood and the realization of a childhood dream.
3. Shawn Michaels, Cactus Jack, and Stone Cold Steve Austin against The League of Nations/The New Day
After The League of Nations emerged victorious against The New Day, the nefarious faction boldy asserted that no one could take them on. Well out comes Shawn Michaels in full wrestling gear, something fans hadn't seen since WrestleMania 26, where he was retired by The Undertaker. Then out comes Cactus Jack ready to go. Then just when you thought there was no one else......STONE COLD! STONE COLD! STONE COLD! Out comes the Texas Rattlesnake to join the fray. There were plenty of Sweet Chin Musics, Stunners, and Mandible Claws to go around for everyone. The New Day then came into the ring to celebrate, which even Stone Cold got in on......temporarily. A few smiles and hip twists, Xavier Woods got a stunner from Steve Austin.
4. Undertaker's entrance
Undertaker's entrance is always a sight to behold and this year was no different. Through 50 foot flames, walks the Demon of Death Valley. There is always a chill that comes over you when you watch his entrance, whether it is on TV or in person.
5. Shane McMahon from the top of the Cell
Shane McMahon took on The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match with the stipulation that if Shane won, he would be in control of Monday Night RAW. During this match, Shane cut one of the panels from the devilish structure, hoping to take the fight outside. Eventually it did. Shane had Undertaker positioned on the announce table and then climbed up the cell. Looking with a bit of apprehension he hurled himself off only to go into a vacant table. Shane is no stranger to such feats, but this one was something else.
6. Surprise Battle Royal entrant: Shaquille O'Neal
WrestleMania is a night in WWE where anything can happen. So imagine the surprise when Shaq made his entrance into the annual Andre the Giant Battle Royal. This wouldn't last long though as the other competitors ganged up to eliminate him and Big Show from the match.
7. The Rock/Bray Wyatt
In semi-annual fashion, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made an appearance at the Show of Shows. After announcing a broken WrestleMania attendance record (101,763 fans!), The Rock was unceremoniously interrupted by The Wyatt Family. After he had heard enough, The Rock made another announcement. That he was going to have a match. He challenged any member of The Wyatt Family to a one on one match. Erik Rowan stepped up to the plate and was defeated in 6 seconds (a WrestleMania record!!!). After this impromtu matchup, The Wyatts surrounded the ring and the surprises kept mounting as we saw the return of the one and only....John Cena.
WrestleMania 32 was an amazing show. Not without its problems, but there were enough twists and turns to make it interesting. Thanks for the ride WWE!
