Sunday, March 30, 2008

Wrestlemania 24 Recap (From what I read)

Wrestlemania 24 already ended (Repeats are now on). I didn't watch it due to other plans I had, but I read the results and forum feedback from NeoGAF, Tekken Zaibatsu, and Shoryuken. Here's the rundown and my short thoughts about the matches (Spoilers ahead for some).

JBL defeated Finlay in Belfast Brawl.
- Didn't really care about this match that much and good thing it opened up the show.

CM Punk wins Money in the Bank against Chris Jericho, Ken Kennedy, MVP, Carlito, John Morrison, and the returning Matt Hardy.
- The screenshot I have above why WM 24 seems worth it maybe. I like CM Punk, and I hope he uses it on RAW or Smackdown instead of ECW. He needs to get out of that shell there. From what I read, probably not the greatest MitB match, but had enough spots to stay true to the match's purpose.

Batista defeated Umaga.
- This match had some botches, so expect some of that on the next Botchmania, one of my favorite series of YouTube videos. Looks like Umaga is heading to Smackdown in the coming weeks, so this feud might continue there.

Kane defeated Chavo Guerrero to become the new ECW champion.
- This match lasted like 6 seconds with Kane from behind chokeslamming Chavo, but about damn time for Kane to have a world title reign even though it is the ECW title. I kind of agree about how the ECW title is like a waste for WWE which is probably this match didn't last that long.

Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair.
- Arguably the match of the night and a lot of emotions at its peak, since this is Ric's last match ever. The emotions between the two of them were great with Shawn saying sorry to Ric and loves him as he gives him a 3rd Sweet Chin Music. Flair cries after the match and the crowd chanting thank you Ric as he walks to the back. Truly the best moment of the whole night with all the emotion and passion of a good match.

Beth Phoenix & Melina defeated Maria & Ashley in Bunnymania.
- This match is a huge waste in my opinion, but WWE had to filled the void with Maria's cover for Playboy. Also kind of a disgrace of this match being after HBK and Flair's, but Snoop Dogg and Santino probably saved this segment from becoming much worse with Snoop knocking out Santino at the end.

Randy Orton defeated Triple H & John Cena to retain the WWE Championship.
- No one saw this coming with Orton winning and this match not being last, but it happened. Such a great heel finish as well with HHH Pedigreeing Cena and Orton breaking the cover with his concussion kick and then pinning Cena to retain. Everyone expected HHH or Cena to win, but Orton keeping the title after Mania shocked many. I expect a rematch for the Backlash PPV with a possible title change there.

Floyd Mayweather defeated The Big Show
- The big match that the mainstream media paid attention wasn't that bad as people thought it would be. Good thing Mayweather took some bumps and Show destroying his posse, but a brass kunckle shot made Floyd win it.

Undertaker defeated Edge to become new World Champ (also 16-0 at Mania)
- A different finish this time around with Edge submitting to Taker's Triangle Choke hold after kicking out of Chokeslams, Last Ride, and even the Tombstone. Good thing Taker keeps the streak for another year and truly deserves another title run before he retires.

Overall, Wrestlemania 24 seems decent, some moments that the fans wanted to happen came true, Kane won a World Title, CM Punk winning MitB (Y2J was the favorite), HBK and Flair being match of the night, Orton shocking the wrestling world, and Taker's streak continuing. Now I'm hyped somewhat for TNA's Lockdown PPV next month (the steel-cage only PPV) with some good matches already announced.