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Another spectacular Wrestlemania is in the history books, and this one may have been one of the most significant nights in the history of the PPV event.
Wrestlemania is often seen as both the beginning and the end for WWE's loosely defined 'season.' It's the end, because of so many storylines that reach their culmination, such as Becky Lynch's quest for the title being fulfilled. It's also the beginning because Wrestlemania sets the stage for the rest of the year with new pushes, new angles, and new directions planned.
It's been this way for a long time in the WWE. Normally, fans could expect a 'purge' where numerous superstars are released or not re-signed to new contracts. However, with All Elite Wrestling nipping at their heels, this particular post Wrestlemania tradition might be suspended for the time being.
Now that the mega event has wrapped, it's time to analyze the fallout. Here are ten ways that Wrestlemania 35 set the stage for the coming year.
#1 Buddy Murphy is ready to graduate from 205 Live
Not so terribly long ago, many fans would have said "Buddy who?" if you mentioned the Australian sensation's name. Certainly, no one is going to make that mistake any longer.
The man once called NXT's best-kept secret revealed his absolutely stunning in-ring skills when he joined the 205 Live rosters. Buddy Murphy claimed early on that he only wanted to face the 'elite of the elite'. Given the five star matches he's had with talents like Ali, Alexander, and now, Tony Nese, it's safe to say he's gotten what he wanted.
Murphy won in losing, displaying excellent poise and not missing a beat--or a spot -- in his title defence against former ally Nese. Buddy Murphy is so good, he transcends the Cruiserweight division; If WWE is looking for the next AJ Styles, they already have him under contract.
And his name is Buddy Murphy, future Hall of Famer. You heard it here first.
#2 Carmella won the women's battle royal, but WWE has plans for Sarah Logan
The women's Battle Royal was full of bread crumbs and hints as to what WWE is planning for the rest of the year.
Ember Moon looked great coming back from a long injury hiatus. Obviously, she will continue to be a major force in the women's division. Riott Squad teamed up to great effect during the battle royal, but it was Sarah Logan who received the strongest booking. She nearly had the event won until a devious Carmella snuck back into the ring after hiding and eliminated Logan with a superkick move.
This will possibly set up a program between the two women, and look for Logan to come out on top. Dana Brooke continues to display that she's not willing to be an afterthought any longer, eliminating the other two members of Riott Squad. Obviously, WWE will be featuring all of these women in their programming for at least the coming year.
#3 Brock Lesnar will not be part of any storylines for the immediate future
Brock Lesnar's advocate Paul Heyman said it quite succinctly when he claimed that Brock wanted to hurry up and 'get to Vegas where he is ultimately appreciated.'
This is, of course, a reference to the fact that Brock Lesnar will likely be facing UFC champion Daniel Cormier in the near future. Brock Lesnar will be taking a sabbatical from the WWE while he trains and fights in the Octagon, meaning he's off the table for any current storylines.
But don't count out Brock Lesnar completely; This is just the second loss in over two years for the Beast Incarnate, and it took an illegal low blow for Seth Rollins to finish him off. Once Brock is finished in UFC, he just might come back for a rubber match with Rollins.
#4 AJ Styles and Randy Orton are still golden
There is little doubt that both Randy Orton and AJ Styles are future Hall of Fame material. Between the two of them, they have almost forty years of experience in the ring.
AJ Styles dazzled with his phenomenal agility and speed, as always, as well as his extreme technical precision. Meanwhile, the Viper proved he is the master ring psychologist, teasing his RKO multiple times only for AJ Styles to slip out at the last moment.
When Orton did finally hit the RKO, the two ring generals had successfully made it seem as if that was the end for AJ, but then the phenomenal one kicked out to the great joy of the crowd, who were firmly behind him.
If you thought these two were done or winding down their careers, think again.
#5 Shane McMahon and the Miz had the spot of the night
When fans recall Wrestlemania 35 in the future, they might be speaking about Brock Lesnar's quick loss to Seth Rollins. They may talk about Ronda Rousey's broken hand.
They might even comment on the long losing streak of Curt Hawkins coming to an end. But one thing that they will DEFINITELY be talking about; The insane Super-Superplex off of the scaffolding to the arena floor performed by Miz on a hapless Shane McMahon.
In terms of Wrestlemania moments, it's one for the highlight reel. Both men deserve commendation for taking the risky spot, which saw Shane McMahon win the match through sheer chance as he landed atop the Miz. We're certain the superplex will be added to the canon of Wrestlemanias past.
#6 Ricochet and Aleister Black will shake up the main roster
It should come as no surprise to NXT fans that Ricochet and Aleister Black stole the show during their fatal four-way tag team match. The popular duo has been stealing the show ever since they arrived in WWE.
While many wrestlers who have had great NXT runs have floundered on the main roster--such as Mojo Rawley or, until a few weeks ago, the Revival -- the duo of Black and Ricochet seem to be avoiding that sophomore slump.
They seemed on the verge of tasting gold their first full night on the main roster, as Black cleared out the competition with kicks and Ricochet hit his patented 630 Splash. But the Usos rallied and managed to retain their titles. Still, Ricochet and Black were so impressive they are certain to enjoy success on the main roster.
#7 The Big Dog is back
After having to step away from the WWE to overcome a recurrence of his Leukemia, Roman Reigns returned with perhaps the best crowd reaction he has received in years on Raw.
The goodwill seems to have continued to follow Reigns as he picked up a major victory against the Chosen One Drew McIntyre on the grandest stage of them all. McIntyre had boiling heel heat, which may have helped, but the boos Roman often receives were absent Wrestlemania 35.
The two men told a compelling story in the ring centred around whether or not Roman Reigns was truly at 100% physically after his illness. The answer was a resounding yes as Roman fought back repeatedly from the brink of defeat and finished off the Scotsman with a brutal superman punch followed by a spear.
#8 Triple H isn't done with his in-ring career just yet
When Triple H accepted Batista's challenge to put his career on the line at their Wrestlemania 35 match, many fans and critics assumed that was it for the Game.
After all, Triple H has been in more of a non-wrestling role for years now. Add in the fact that the busy COO of WWE has also been running NXT in addition to his other duties and you have to imagine the Game is stretched a little thin. Stepping back from the ring, permanently, would free him up for his backstage duties.
However, that was not to be as Triple H managed to overcome the one man he has never beaten before and kept his career in the process. While we doubt Triple H will return to a full-time in-ring schedule, it stands to reason that he will be back for more high profile matches like this one.
#9 It's a New Day for Kofi Kingston's career
WWE officials were reportedly taken aback by the massive approval given by the crowd to Kofi Kingston's recent push to main event status.
Kingston had been intended as a one-off replacement for an injured Ali for the Elimination Chamber Pay Per View. However, in order to make sure that Kingston 'earned' his title shot he first had to compete in a gauntlet match in order to qualify for Elimination Chamber.
The move was a brilliant one, because not only did it get Kingston over as a credible contender, it revealed what many have already figured out long ago; The fans love Kofi Kingston. There comes a certain point where a wrestler has been on television for so long that fans feel as if they know them, bled with them, and suffered with them.
That was the case with Kofi, whose unexpected popularity has led to this feel-good moment. Kingston's career will never be the same--and that's a good thing. Congratulations to Kingston for making it to the top tier -- you've earned it.
#10 The Era of Becky Lynch has begun
At Wrestlemania 35's main event, something happened which many have considered inevitable for months; Becky Lynch captured both the Smackdown and Raw women's championships.
As the first ever undisputed women's champion, Becky Lynch has already made history. After years of languishing on the main roster, Lynch's meteoric rise to stardom reached its peak at Wrestlemania 35 when she closed out the show with a victory over Charlotte and Ronda Rousey.
While many are still talking about the controversial, possibly botched finish, there's no way you can deny that the Becky Lynch era has arrived. Much like Steve Austin before her, look to the Lass Kicker to define this era in wrestling, not only in the WWE, not only for women but for all of sports entertainment.
There you have it; Ten ways that Wrestlemania 35 fallout has set the stage for the rest of the year in sports entertainment. Questions or comments? Please leave them after the article and as always thanks for reading!
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