First let me say what a fantastic WrestleMania the WWE put on this year, it was probably one of the better ones I have seen in the last few years. It was a rare show where each match delivered and told a great story. Usually you will get a one or two memorable matches out of a WrestleMania, but this was a rare year where I thought the WWE Superstars delivered from top to bottom. I could have wrote a review of the show, but by now I am sure you are reviewed out… But I have noticed something going on the last few weeks that I hope keeps up, the WWE is getting more real. Let’s take a look a couple examples.
I understand that what has been going on could easily be attributed to it being WrestleMania season, but I hope it is not. I am enjoying the realism of the top WWE story lines. It is the little things, the wrestlers doing their rounds on ESPN to promote WrestleMania was nice. I understand that ESPN has some wrestling tendencies but most people look at ESPN as a credible destination for sports. I loved the Lesnar contract announcement too, it was like watching a press conference when an athlete signs a new contract. Hell, the WWE even had some highlights on Sports Center after WrestleMania. Now I get it, it’s business and if the WWE and ESPN want to make some money together there is nothing wrong with that. I understand that the WWE struck up a deal with ESPN to help promote their upcoming event, that is fine. I do realize you are not going to see Raw highlights on ESPN anytime soon… But take all the money and advertising out of the equation and just use your imagination for moment like you’re supposed to do with pro wrestling. Being featured on ESPN made the event feel more authentic.
You know what else helps the realism? Having a credible fighter like Ronda Rousey and the Rock confront the Authority in the ring. It was a great segment because it felt real. Look who you had in the ring, the two people that legitimately help make decisions in the WWE (and they are tough) against the real UFC women’s champion, who is more over than any diva in the WWE and she works for a different company, oh and not to mention the Rock.. enough said. The trash talk between the four players felt like it could have been a shoot. Plus when you see Rousey lock up Stephanie, you know this a far cry from Leno putting Hogan in an arm bar, Rousey could literally make Stephanie drink through a straw if she wanted to.
Brock Lesnar…. He is real, so what else can you say? The match with Reigns (and Rollins) looked like a damn fight, suplex city was founded. Lesnar bleeding was nice no matter if it was supposed to happen or not. I am not huge fan of blood in wrestling because I think it got out of control, but when you don’t see it for a while and it happens, it really adds something to a match in the proper context. Next, to follow up a brutal title match, Lesnar treated the fans to an epic flip out on Raw the following night. He went “banana” to the point that you started believing that he had really lost it. That’s how real Lesnar makes wrestling feel. See you over the summer Brock, I can’t wait.
Last but not least, how about the importance of the IC and US titles making a comeback. Why? Because two top stars are holding the belts and they tell you how important they are. Not to mention if each week Bryan and Cena have great matches defending those belts, they too will feel more credible and real.
I always loved wrestling when it felt more authentic and geared like an actual sport. I understand that in a three hour show you are going to have some goofy stuff happen that doesn’t feel real at all. However, if the stories around the titles stay with this new realistic feel, I will be happy. Now that WrestleMania is over I hope they keep up realism for the most part when it comes to the major angles and titles… We shall find out in the coming weeks if this holds true or not.
What do you think? Comment below with your thoughts, opinions, feedback and anything else that was raised.
Ryan Alessio
@ryanalessio