Rankings (That don’t really matter)
1.) The Undertaker/ Triple H, main eventers- Well. Told. Story. ‘Nuff said.
2.) Jim Ross, wrestling play-by-play man- See above.
3.) Trish Stratus, retired Diva- Yeah, The Rock and Austin came back and certainly made their marks on the event, but Trish showed up to work. She took bumps that we haven’t seen some recent Diva champions take, added to her Hall of Fame-worthy highlight reel, and helped make a potentially forgettable match worth a repeat viewing.
4.) WWE’s production and design crew- While it might not have been one of the best Mania’s, it was certainly one of the prettiest. And what was the Star Trek-like cube that kept coming down to the ring? I kept thinking the Borg were attacking.
5.) The Miz’s cranium- The back of the champ’s noggin smashed up against the floor at the tail end of the main event with such ferocity that it I’m shocked he didn’t get up and start yelling “True story” and challenging Theo Von to a Road Rules/ Real World Inferno showdown. That’s some good skull.
The “why you should really love Indy Wrestling” award of the week:
Ricardo Rodriquez, Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer.
I’ve often tried to explain to family, friends, and bar patrons what “Indy” wrestling is. If you don’t really follow professional wrestling, “Indy” wrestling is a hard concept to grasp. They never quite understand that it is generally not just some hobby for people who “wish” or “want” to be doing the “real WWE stuff.” They confuse it with those “backyard guys” they hear about. Independent wrestling is wrestling. It is the same business as the big leagues. Yeah, yeah… the WWE, and even TNA, are eons away from gyms, bars, and fairground shows, but you get what I mean. The men and women that give their all in the various independent wrestling rings week after week, year after year, are there for the passion, the tradition, and the dream. That dream, though, is often something just short of a complete pipe dream. There are not a lot of chances and opening spots on the “major league” rosters. But where there is hope, (and dedication, training, and skill) there is a chance.
Approximately one year ago the man now known as WWE’s Ricardo Rodriquez worked Millennium Pro Wrestling’s return show in a hot, crowded gym in the far reaches of the San Fernando Valley. He was Chimera then. A quiet, well-respect Indy wrestler as well as a trainer at the Fit Pit pro wrestling school in Chatsworth, California. He worked a great match that night; just one of another of the countless matches he had worked every week for a long time. I stood next to him in the locker room that night. Briefly. Nothing extraordinary in the encounter. He was just another kid chasing a goal and a dream.
A year later, after The Rock’s fifteen minute intro, the first camera shot of WrestleMania was of Ricardo Rodriquez introducing one of the top new heels in the game on the biggest stage in the business. Luck or being in the right place at the right time always factors into any kind of success, but often you will find that the people that are “lucky” have carved their own “luck” out of their dedication, work ethic, and determination. The SoCal urban legend that has already grown is that this was supposed to be a one-time gig, a one off gimmick for Del Rio, but Rodriquez has made it work, made it pop. Before and after shows he ran the ropes and worked in the ring, making WWE officials take notice. He started with no contract, but it is now signed and working in FCW as well as continuing his role as the voice of Del Rio’s entourage. Luck can only take you so far, the rest is up to you.
From a gym to WrestleMania in under a year. You have to love Indy wrestling.
Fast Count…
The way I see it… the world needs a friendly Edge versus Christian feud. Not a turn. Not a back stab. Just a good, solid “hey, friend, you have a title I’ve always wanted, hows about you give me a shot” match. Maybe Christian wins and drops it to Del Rio? Maybe Edge wins and they shake hands? No matter what it is nice to see Edge and Christian’s history remembered after all these years.
I would totally love it if… The Undertaker tried to retire after recovering from the cost of his victory injuries, but Triple H refuses to let him until he get his WrestleMania 28 rematch. But HBK in as special referee and you got your main event. What? You still want ‘Taker to face Sting?
I gotta think… the Snookifest was actually pretty painless and created some decent highlight package moments. Celebrity based gimmick matches and bits will always be a part of WrestleMania’s appeal and folklore and the heat on this match will long be forgotten by the time you buy the next WWE Mania retrospective DVD.
I must confess… Alberto Del Rio came off as a little tired and nervous. I’m certainly not calling out a talented performer from behind the veil of the Internet, but early on Del Rio showed indications of being blown up which one would have to attribute to nerves. (Again… to be fair… I’m a manager and have blown up escorting my wrestlers to the ring before!) He definitely recovered and put on a good show, but it is those little details that make or break pushes.
Come on, admit it… Zack Ryder was the unsung hero of the show. He got a solid laugh with the performance “Friday” in front of Snoop Dog, set-up Piper for a good bit, and a Broski of the Week sign got A LOT of air time. I’m telling you… this time next year Ryder will be a top babyface.
Seriously… I think I’d rather see a CM Punk/ Steve Austin one off match than the inevitable Rock/ Cena encounter. Safe money is that we’ll never see it, but we also never thought The Rock would be back in the WWE in any capacity. As they say, “Vince’s money can change anything can happen.”
Sure… they have the tag belts and I-C title, but The Corre has absolutely no credibility as a threat now. Then again… neither do those championships in general.
Quick… where can I special order a giant, inflatable “Awesome” for my upcoming birthday?
Ken Napzok is a writer, comedian, and pro wrestling manager living in Los Angeles. He ate very, very well during WrestleMania 27. He can be followed online at twitter.com/kozpan and twitter.com/TexTunney or contacted at wzkennapzok@gmail.com.
