I write a wrestling column ever Monday and Friday for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It can be found on TribLIVE.com.
Today, I wrote my reaction from New Orleans here at WrestleMania 30 involving the end for The Undertaker and beginning for Daniel Bryan. The following is an excerpt:
One era comes to an end and another begins.
WrestleMania 30 saw the start of a new era with Daniel Bryan finally winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
It was the end of an era where The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania of 21 wins came to an end courtesy of Brock Lesnar. I've never been part of a more real and emotionally driven moment than when Lesnar got the win on Undertaker. Be sad those who were with me didn't snap a picture of my face.
The match was too long for what I wanted. It was a fear I had. I had been saying for weeks I only wanted to see a 12- to 15-minute match at most. The two styles isn't one I want to see for too long. Make it hard-hitting and maximize the impact. The match ended up going 25 minutes before the shocking conclusion.
I found myself bored with the match. I saw people around me distracted by their phones. It was a slow-moving match and, let's face it, Undertaker was going to win anyways. So we just waited for the final stretch.
How wrong we all were.
There is good and bad to The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak ending.
WWE missed out on a big-money match in The Undertaker's streak being challenged by John Cena, and also let someone end the phenomenal streak after a poor buildup.
Many aren't happy that Lesnar beat the streak and is a guy who is a “part-timer.” I'll note his contracts typically end around WrestleMania time, so it's possible he could have signed a new deal that includes a more appearances.
The streak being done sets up for a bigger match next year.
CLICK HERE for the match being built, why, how and other quick thoughts on the full WrestleMania show.
