WrestleMania 42: Night 1 - Matches of Interest

 How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Welcome to WrestleMania 42. On paper we should be thoroughly entertained but it’s always a crapshoot as to whether we actually will be or not. Both nights have 7 matches scheduled so we’ll be close to sick of wrestling by the end and then still have to watch RAW on Monday. This is work sometimes, I tell ya 😉 

In any case, I’m looking at 3 matches tonight. Let’s see if they have a chance of living up to their expectations. The first one is Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee. This one is interesting for all sorts of reasons, the main one being that most would never had figured Lee would return to WWE. 

Personally, I’ve noticed that WWE has a history of welcoming back wrestlers if there’s enough interest in it and in some cases if someone just needs a job so, it’s no surprise in that respect. But given the circumstances she left under, it was hard to tell if there was any ill will. Yet, apparently enough water has passed under the bridge for this to make sense again.

Given what Lee and CM Punk left behind at the time, I don’t blame either one. The product sucked and didn’t appear to be getting better. So, jumping ship made sense. Yet, now that there appears to be an effort to actually let this product evolve, it’s fertile ground. On top of that, Lee and Punk never lost fans so they might as well give it a second shot. 

So far so good, I would say. Lee is still in good fighting shape and is willing to lose her mind when the situation calls for it so it’s only natural to put a Title on her and put her in WrestleMania. So, where does that leave Lynch? I think this match will answer a lot of that. Lynch has been solid in a comedic sense of late and kayfabe wise has a lot to lose and a lot to be “jealous” of. I don’t mind seeing Lee lose but if she does, it will be due to some sort of shenanigans on Lynch’s part. I wouldn’t put it past them to have some sort of “surprise” prompt a disqualification so this is finished later. All this match has to be is good and with who’s involved, that shouldn’t be too hard to do. I hope they have fun with it.  

It’s only natural to follow this match with Seth Rollins vs. GUNTHER. This may be a bit understated. It can appear to be a mismatch of styles but that doesn’t mean it will be a bad match. Both are intellectuals of the sport/art so, how they manage to put a dent in each other is what piques interest. I’m thinking Rollins is the first to get “underhanded” but that will allow Gunther to take the gloves off so…this is either one’s to win or lose. I think many would be happy to see Gunther lose but giving him the win maintains his prestige. I’m thinking that Gunther keeps prestige. If not that, some bullshit goes down and it’s a no-contest or something. Protects them both, sort of thinking. There’s time to fill. I can see them dragging it out. We’ll see how they play it.

That leaves the main event in Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes. Though Rhodes has proven a commendable Face for the company, I’m kinda down with an Orton win. I guess it could be argued that Rhodes needs it more and if so, I hope they work that into the storyline. Perhaps Rhodes semi-Heel turns and does something “low” to secure the win. It causes a sort of identity crisis? I’m not sure Rhodes could make it interesting but it's something that could entertain if done right. 

I’m not upset if Rhodes takes the noble route it’s just Orton is so fun when he’s off his meds. He deserves the Employee of the Month from time to time. He earned it. 

So, that’s where my head’s at. You can see the train of thought. It’s very down the middle ‘cause that’s how WWE has been playing it of late and I don’t blame them. There’s a lot to consider and anything can happen so, it’s fair to stick to the tried and true. 

What appears to be the thing to get the FOMO going this time around is the surprises. Rumor has it that Paige is set to return to counter Nikki Bella being injured. This doesn’t do a lot for me but it could for some. She does have her fans. I’m not sure what else to expect. There’s talk that Steve Austin may make an appearance which is always nice, but I’m not sure what would jaw drop under these circumstances. 

That doesn’t mean I won’t be entertained. I’m looking forward to the show. I don’t think it will lack good action and entertainment. That has been solid in recent years. It’s just a matter of whether they keep us interested. 

As much as people have been harping on the state of SmackDown, it’s been flying by for me. I haven’t been feeling the 3 hours. That tends to be a good sign. As They say, time flies when you’re having fun. I must be enjoying myself. I’m at the least engaged. 

Also, I get the feeling that we have less to worry about this year because there’s a sense that WWE has something to prove. With talk of bumpy relations with ESPN and the double down on Las Vegas, WWE/TKO has to show it knows what it’s doing. I guess it's a case of, “I’m not the problem”. If WWE wants to show it’s not them, this is the time.

All right, I’ll leave everyone to it. I have takeout coming and I’ll be taking it all in. Get your spread set and get settled in. We got a lot of sports entertainment to digest. 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)