WrestleMania 31 – In person thoughts

‘From a creative and booking standpoint, I would say it’s the best show they’ve ever done’ – Dave Meltzer

WrestleMania 31 last night went from a show where people were widely unhappy with the card and the build up, to an event that will long be remembered as one of the greatest shows in the history of wrestling.

Having attended 9 WrestleMania’s now live (17-23, 25 and 31), there’s never been a night where so much clicked and there were so many out of this world moments and a crowd at such a fever pitch. There may not have been a five-star classic match, but in terms of sheer enjoyment I’m not sure this WrestleMania will ever be topped.

Levi’s Stadium was a stunning setting for a truly phenomenal show. I did feel a little sorry for those people sitting opposite me on the non hard camera side as I suspect those who forget sun protection may have woken up today feeling rather sore!

The highlights of the night were numerous, the Sting and Triple H encounter was a very well put together, smoke and mirrors match with some shocking and unexpected run ins. Myself and grown men all around me were literally going nuts for the NWO and the closing moments. The finish made complete sense given where things went later in the show and that this was likely Sting’s only WWE match, unless they decide to do him and ‘Taker next year.

Cena and Rusev, whose entrance on a tank was great, was a fine encounter and Wyatt and Undertaker delivered a decent match especially given Bray’s ankle sprain earlier in the afternoon.

The Triple H/Stephanie/Rock/Rousey segment may have been longer than any match on the show but it had the crowd absolutely gripped. Stephanie was superb as per usual, the Rock fantastic and Ronda Rousey seemed like she was born for that moment. Whether it ends up being a mixed tag match at WrestleMania 32 or each lady in Rock/Triple H’s corner, that is a huge attraction match to go along with an ensemble cast for what is being billed as the biggest WrestleMania of all time.

The booking in the main event was absolute perfection. Reigns looked strong throughout, taking a vicious beating at the hands of the fantastic Lesnar. The near falls, particularly after the Reigns come back, were out of this world and it all led to the cash in and sublime finish with Seth Rollins winning his first World Championship.

There is good business in Rollins vs Reigns, Rollins vs Orton (which may end up being the next pay per view title match) and of course in Lesnar vs Rollins or a rematch with him and Reigns.

Brock truly is special, a legitimate super athlete that the crowd has grown to love. It was probably the right time to get the title back on a full-time star and there is certainly money to be made in Brock challenging whether it be later in the year or not until next years WrestleMania.

In closing, it was a magnificent WrestleMania which surpassed all expectations and then some – roll on Raw!

image via WWE.com

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