The smoke is finally clearing over Orange County as fans return home and attempt to get back into the daily grind of “normal life.” Make no mistake, fans are already counting down the days to WrestleMania 34 and many of those same fans that made the trek to Orlando this year are making plans to be a part of next years spectacle as WrestleMania returns to The Big Easy at the Mercedes-Superdome in New Orleans.
Now that we have a chance to reflect on this year’s WrestleMania, we are once again reminded why ‘Mania is the biggest and greatest sports entertainment event of all-time.
As a fan of over 30 years and one who has had the opportunity to attend several major sporting events, including The World Series, The Superbowl and of course Wrestlemania, I can firmly attest that WrestleMania is above all other similar events, in regards to overall entertainment value.
Simply put, there's just nothing that comes close to even comparing to WrestleMania.
If you are an avid online reader, you have probably read a plethora of articles related to WrestleMania 33. Whether it's been about the electric return of The Hardy Boyz, The departure of The Undertaker or anything else surrounding ‘Mania, you have probably seen it all by this point.
While I personally enjoy reading what others have to say about anything associated with the industry, I completely understand why some are just ready to move on. But, before you do move on, let's take one more look back at this year's Ultimate Thrill-Ride that was WrestleMania 33.
However, let's take a look back in a slightly different way, here's a look back at WrestleMania 33....in pictures.
Pre-Show: Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Winner: Mojo Rawley
The participants filled the ring in preparation for the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, on the WrestleMania 33 pre-show. This particular match is growing into something that I am actually enjoying.
Each year there are new surprise entrants, which provides the relatively new Superstars with an opportunity to get a feel of WrestleMania.
Speaking of surprises, no one expected NFL player Rob Gronkowski to get involved in the Battle Royal. Nonetheless, Rob’s buddy, Mojo Rawly also surprised the WWE Universe by coming out on top, as the last man standing in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Pre-Show: Cruiserweight Championship Match
Neville(c) def. Austin Aries
Another pre-show match involved Austin Aries challenging Neville for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Despite being on the pre-show, this match ended up being widely regarded as one of the very best matches of the entire evening.
Aries gave it everything he had, but in the end, Neville had just enough to overcome the 17-year veteran, thus retaining his title. Make no mistake about it, Austin Aries is far from done with Neville. As long as Neville holds the purple strap, Aries will keep a target honed in on his back, eagerly awaiting one slip-up.
Pre-Show: Intercontinental Championship Match
Dean Ambrose(c) def. Baron Corbin
A lot of fans, including myself, were shocked to see this match on the pre-show. With Ambrose being one of the top guys in the company, defending one of the top belts in the business, against one of WWE’s fastest rising Superstars....it just didn't make sense to be placed this early on the show, the pre-show at that!
Rather than dwell over their placing on the card, Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin went out and delivered a quality Championship match for the fans in attendance, as well as those of us watching on The WWE Network.
Main card
AJ Styles def. Shane McMahon
Fans were excited to see Shane-O-Mac making his entrance at yet another Wrestlemania. Throughout the years, Shane has always stepped up to the plate and shown the world that you don't have to look like a typical wrestling brute in order to be a quality performer.
There was a lot of belly-aching going around amongst the WWE Universe, mostly due to those who didn't feel this was a good enough match for AJ Styles, especially on this type of stage. Needless to say, Shane proved to be a worthy opponent and together, Styles and McMahon created magic!
Kevin Owens def. Chris Jericho (c) (United States Championship Match)
In the weeks and months leading up to this collision, Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens got together and gave fans one of the best storyline deliveries in recent memory.
The stars aligned for the challenging Kevin Owens as he came out on top in one hell of a United States title match. The story that these two foes told leading up to the payoff, was something that no one could have scripted any better.
Bayley(c) def. Charlotte, Nia Jax & Sasha Banks [RAW Women's Championship Match (Fatal Four-Way)]
In the picture above, Charlotte prepares to step out in front of over 75 thousand members of the WWE Universe, hoping to regain the RAW Women's Championship. Charlotte has been one of the workhorses in the current WWE Women's Revolution. Her improvement since her time in NXT has been absolutely phenomenal.
However, the lovable, huggable Bayley came away with the RAW Women's title, as she somehow managed to outwork and outlast the competition in this historical women's Championship battle. It wasn't very long ago that Bayley was just a kid in San Jose, with dreams of one day becoming exactly who she is today. It's difficult to not love this star!
The Hardy Boyz def. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson(c) Enzo & Big Cass, Sheamus & Cesaro
(Fatal Four-Way Ladder Match for the RAW Tag Team Championship)
It was the most shocking moment of the night when Matt and Jeff Hardy made their trek back home to the WWE. Surprisingly enough, Vince and crew were able to keep this epic return under wraps all the way until they got off of the bus and their music hit as they cut the curtains to a very welcoming Orlando crowd!
It could not have been scripted any better. The fairytale homecoming for The Hardy Boyz was capped off with a generous gift, the RAW Tag Team Titles. Matt and Jeff were destined to finish their careers with the WWE, much like the Dudleys. It looks like Cameron’s favourite children are home for good now.
Nikki Bella & John Cena def. Maryse & The Miz (Intergender Tag Team Match)
The last three years have been incredible for The Miz. His storytelling has grown to a level second-to-none. Now, with Maryse in his corner, they are proving that there is more than just one “power couple.”
After what turned out to be a mediocre match, John Cena did what many had suspected he would as he proposed to Nikki Bella in front of over 75,000 of their closest friends!
Seth Rollins def. Triple H (Non-Sanctioned Match)
Year in and year out, one thing you can bet on is Triple H’s dramatic entrance. While there wasn't much money spent this year on theatrics or special effects, his entrance was still very impressive as he loaded up Stephanie on the back of a custom trike, and they were led to the ring by a convoy of Orlando Police Officers on motorcycles.
Triple H has always shown a genuine interest in Seth Rollins and this year, he gave Rollins the ultimate gift when he put him over at WrestleMania 33. Its good to see Trips still has it, but even better to see he is willing to take a ‘Mania loss. After all, it was “best for business.”
Randy Orton def. Bray Wyatt (c) (WWE Championship Match)
Very few have ever captivated crowds in the unique manner that Bray Wyatt does. His entrance was chilling, as the record-setting crowd turned into one big sea of fireflies.
Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt gave fans the best storytelling of the year. Orton infiltrating The Wyatt Family only to turn on Bray at the perfect moment, just in time to capture his 13th title reign was mesmerising to watch.
Brock Lesnar def. Goldberg (c) (WWE Universal Championship Match)
Goldberg is one of those larger than life personas that will always be revered by nostalgic wrestling fans. It was nice to see him come back and do this run for his child. As a parent, I can certainly respect the reasoning behind his desire to have this opportunity.
Once again, Brock Lesnar proved that he is indeed the Beast and that he is the single most destructive force in the entire industry. On this night, Suplex City returned to Central Florida as Brock Lesnar took Goldberg down and became the WWE Universal Champion.
Naomi def. Alexa Bliss (c), Mickie James, Carmella, Becky Lynch, Natalya
(Six-Pack Challenge for WWE Smackdown Women's Championship)
There were rumours running throughout the latter part of the show, that this match would not take place, due to time constraints. Luckily for those involved, all of the pieces fell into place, allowing enough time for this title match to take place after all.
In front of her hometown crowd, Naomi reclaimed the SmackDown Women’s Champion. It has been a rough road for Naomi, after being forced to relinquish the title earlier on, due to injury.
It was a moment of poetic justice for the now two-time Smackdown Women’s Champion, as she delivered a historic performance in front of friends and family at the Citrus Bowl.
Roman Reigns def. The Undertaker
Roman Reigns continues to succeed as the most hated person in the entire business. Nonetheless, this would become a night that saw Roman Reigns elevated to an all-time high.
It was a sombre night for ‘Taker fans as The Deadman appears to have possibly taken his final ride. As fans, we have been privileged to have been able to witness the magic that only The Undertaker can deliver. The landscape will never be the same without him.
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