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The road to WrestleMania 35 brought a new set of challenges for WWE. They were without some of their biggest stars, and the TV ratings kept falling. John Cena and The Undertaker didn't make a single appearance leading up to Mania, with the latter being absent from the actual show as well. Luckily, Roman Reigns made a miraculous comeback. Still, it was a difficult task to put on a card worthy of the Show of Immortals. But, WWE struck a home-run.
WWE put on the biggest WrestleMania card in history, telling several interesting stories. Here, we look back at the top 6 feuds on the Road to WrestleMania 35.
#6 Triple H vs. Batista (Triple H's career on the line)
Initially, Dave Bautista, aka, Batista had got what he wanted. He had a showdown set with the 'King of Kings' Triple H at WrestleMania. Although the match went too long, it was still quite good and brutal. Rightly, Triple H emerged as the victor in this match, saving his career.
This big rivalry started with a tense reminder from Batista at SmackDown 1000. He reminded the King of Kings that he had achieved everything in the business besides defeating the Animal. Then, it reached a more explosive level when Batista attacked Ric Flair on the latter's birthday at RAW, asking Triple H if he had the Game's attention. Well, Batista certainly left a lasting impression on Triple H and us.
The game answered that Batista had his attention. He agreed to fight the Animal with No Holds Barred, even dropping a fantastic "Guardians of the Indy Scene" punch amidst all the seriousness. This feud was all promo-work, from Batista's "Give me what I want" to Triple H's impassioned promos, but it was still great. This story has now become more memorable since Batista has announced his retirement from the business.
Grade: B+
#5 Shane McMahon vs. The Miz
After years doing the arrogant, coward shtick, we finally have The Miz playing the role of a badass. Finally, he's been represented as the man who has earned everything, most importantly the respect of the WWE Universe. The former WWE Champ has shown that he is as compelling being the good guy as he was as the most hated ‘must-see’ villain.
Their Falls Count Anywhere match was a great spectacle with a finishing spot that would make it to some of the coolest finishes in Mania history. Eventually, Shane McMahon won the match, but The Miz was the star here.
The Miz and Shane McMahon's story had received ample time and attention. And, it was a fun ride. Truth be told, these two guys were fun to watch as a tag-team. The segment where Miz's dad hugged his son inside the ring, letting him know what he meant was... touching.
However, the real highlight of the feud was Miz's first promo after Fastlane, showing yet again how good he is on the mic. It sold him as a face in one night. WWE presented him as a badass and he excelled in the role. On the other hand, McMahons as heels are always more compelling, and Shane was really good.
Hopefully, Miz can move on to play a big role as SmackDown's top babyface good forward, possibly also giving us a feud with the new Daniel Bryan.
Grade: B+
#4 Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
After 4 years of consecutively main eventing Mania, Roman Reigns will not be closing the show in 2019. Still, it was the first time he’d not been mercilessly booed into and out of the building at the grandest stage since going solo. His pleasantly quick comeback to WWE after suffering from leukemia has been warmly greeted by the fans, and that fan support continued as he faced the Scottish Psychopath, Drew McIntyre at the Showcase of Immortals. Predictably, Roman emerged as the winner.
McIntyre was phenomenal in this rivalry. He looked every bit the man on a destructive mission, taking down every member of the Shield. He brutally attacked each member of the trio and looked like a star in the process.
On the other hand, Reigns made a magical comeback, and just the fact that was there was enough to cheer for him, and that's why despite a pedestrian Mania match, this rivalry was must-see.
Grade: B+
#3 AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
AJ Styles walked into the MetLife Stadium for his 3rd WrestleMania, while Randy Orton competed in his 15th Mania match. The two veterans took their time to start rolling, but once they did, it was amazing. We can use the adjective amazing for their entire feud.
Styles and Orton ripped each other apart in various promos. Orton constantly brought up Styles’ indy background, reminding him that SmackDown wasn’t the house that he had built. Orton also stated how he had already started to win WWE Championships when Styles was still shaking hands in the ‘bingo halls'. On the other hand, Styles counter-attacked saying that Orton wouldn’t have made it in his world.
It had been a real clash of egos, both men appearing to believe in everything they said. Most importantly, they delivered where it mattered most - The Showcase of Immortals. In the end, Styles emerged as the victor.
Grade: A
#2 Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch
We had never witnessed a WWE storyline in recent history with so many twists and turns. It felt as if WWE overbooked a simple, yet the hot story of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey. Still, WrestleMania is now history and the feud has turned out to be a classic. The women closed WrestleMania, and Becky Lynch won the SmackDown and RAW Women's Championships.
Lynch's story has been a smash hit ever since Lynch became The Man. She has become one of the most over stars in the business and been a reason why WWE had to turn Rousey heel. Talking of Rousey, she lost her cool quite a bit during the WrestleMania season, but she got people talking. On the other hand, Charlotte gained momentum as this story has evolved. And, WWE deserves some real credit for everything.
The women put all the efforts into this story and the eventual match, making themselves worthy of the main event spot. There were some questionable decisions along the way, but one thing's for sure that this triple-threat rivalry will never be forgotten.
Grade: A
#1 Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston
While the Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston match at WrestleMania 35 was stellar, the build-up to the match was as good and everything more. This match has a very good chance to be rated as the best match of 2019. Also, this story could very well be rated as the best of 2019.
Everything that has happened in this story has been gold, from Kingston's Gauntlet matches to New Day's final Gauntlet match to seal the spot. With Bryan's amazing antagonistic ways and Mr. McMahon's heat, it thrilled all of us right until Kingston won the championship on April 7.
Kofi Kingston rightly walked out of Mania with the WWE Championship. He had definitely done enough to deserve a run with the title. Yet, the thrilling ride is not over, as we wait to see if Big E and Xavier Woods will turn on their partner.
Grade: A++
