WRESTLEMANIA 35 RECAP!

This is a first for The Dork Knight recapping the Super Bowl of pro wrestling, WrestleMania. Growing up a wrestling fan and remembering the first one from many moons ago, this historical one was worth the recap. Let’s take a look…

The kickoff show which began at 5:30PM showcased two title matches and two battle royals. The Cruiserweight title match between champion, Buddy Murphy and challenger Tony Nese was a fast paced, back and forth match till Nese was able to gain the upper hand and become the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Cruiserweight Championship ***1/2 Stars

From there the Women’s Battle Royal took center stage and there were very little surprises till the end when it looked like the final three of Sonya DeVille, Asuka and Sarah Logan would square off. After Asuka eliminated DeVille, Logan was able to eliminate Asuka and seemingly win the battle royal. But everyone at Metlife Stadium and probably all those watching at home forgot about the hometown girl (Long Island, NY), Carmella. Needless to say, Carmella was able to eliminate Logan and claim victory. Needless to say, very disappointing ending to an otherwise entertaining event.

The Women’s Battle Royal was followed by the Raw Tag Team title match between Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins vs the champs, The Revival . Much like the Cruiserweight match earlier, this one went back and forth until Hawkins of all people small packaged Dawson for the titles. And finally for the Andre the Giant memorial Battle Royal, Braun Strowman won by eliminating the SNL guys… YAWN!!!

Women’s Battle Royal *** Stars; Raw Tag Team Championship *** Stars; Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal **1/2 Stars

Now onto the real show and the Universal Championship match between Seth Rollins and the champion, Brock Lesner. I’m sure many were surprised that this was first match of the evening. It didn’t look good for Rollins who was manhandled before the bell rang by Lesner. But a low blow to Lesner and three stomps later, Rollins is our new Universal Champion.

Rollins defeated Lesner for the Universal Championship **** stars

AJ Styles vs Randy Orton should have been a better match but sometimes following a surprising finish to the opening match could take away from the match that follows. As was the case here. After evading an RKO, Styles caught Orton with a Phenomenal Forearm for the win.

AJ Styles defeated Randy Orton *** stars

The Fatal Four-Way for the Smackdown Tag Team titles pitted the champs, The Uso’s vs The Bar vs Rusev and Nakamura vs Ricochet and Black. Normally, I don’t like four-way matches but this one was quite entertaining as The Uso’s did a double splash on Sheamus of The Bar to retain their titles.

The Uso’s win the Fatal Four-Way ***1/2 stars

The Falls Count Anywhere match between Shane McMahon and The Miz kind of went how I expected it to go. The Miz defended his father’s honor by manhandling Shane throughout but in the end after a 15 Foot suplex off the camera stage by The Miz, Shane scores the victory because his body was on top of Miz. A McMahon rarely loses especially Shane O’Mac.

Shane McMahon defeated The Miz *** stars

If Rollins defeating Lesner for the Universal Title surprised you, I can only imagine how you felt seeing The IIconics winning the Women’s Tag Team titles. The IIconics won the belts in the only fashion that made sense, taking advantage of the situation after Beth Phoenix hit the Glam Slam on Bayley but was upended by Billy Kay allowing Peyton to score the pin and the belts. Wow!

The IIconics win Fatal Four-Way for the Women’s Tag Team Titles ***1/2 stars

Eleven years of paying his dues and Kofi Kingston finally has his moment. The overwhelming crowd favorite, Kingston took on WWE Champ, Daniel Bryan in what would turn out to be the evenings best match. All signs pointed for Kingston to win but as the match went on, the thought of him losing was a realistic possibility. In the end though, Kofi covers Bryan for the 1-2-3 and becomes the new WWE Champion.

Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan for the WWE Title **** stars

In a squash match most likely due to Rey Mysterio’s undisclosed injury, Samoa Joe made quick work and retained the US Title.

Samoa Joe defeated Rey Mysterio ** stars

Roman Reigns returns to the ring in his first individual match since taking time off due to Leukemia. Reigns took on Drew McIntyre in a less than stellar match. A Superman punch and spear gave Reigns the victory.

Roman Reigns defeated Drew McIntyre *** stars

The No Holds Barred match between HHH and Batista was another one that was fairly predictable. With HHH’s career on the line (not really), and with the help from the Nature Boy Ric Flair, HHH pinned Batista in what would turn out to be a very useless match.

HHH defeated Batista **1/2 stars

Probably the most disliked individual in wrestling today is Baron Corbin. Mainly because he’s just not that good. So in what may turn out to be Kurt Angle’s “last” match ever, it was most disappointing to see Kurt lose to Corbin. But the reaction of the crowd and the cheers that cascaded down on Kurt more than made up for the unfortunate loss.

Baron Corbin defeated Kurt Angle **1/2 stars

All hail the King… The Demon King aka Finn Balor. Balor’s alter ego dominated Intercontinental Champion, Bobby Lashley with quickness and show of power. He then captured the IC title with a Coup de Grace. I’m a big Balor fan so I’m happy he won but wished the match went on a bit longer.

Demon King defeated Bobby Lashley for the IC title *** stars

Finally it’s the Winner Takes All Women’s title match between Raw Champion, Rhonda Rousey vs Smackdown Champion, Charlotte Flair vs The Man, Becky Lynch. It took nearly 5 hours to get to this point but it was worth it. So much speculation as to what will happen. The general consensus for worst possible outcome would be Flair winning the match. Many feel that Charlotte is handed stuff because of her last name. I’m sure it helps but I like Charlotte and she does have skills.

The only outcome that would be universally accepted was having Becky Lynch standing with both titles over her head. Preferably tapping out Rousey but pinning her would be just as good. Rousey went for her Piper’s Pit finisher only to have Lynch reverse it into a crucifix for the victory. Whether or not Rousey’s shoulders were up before the three count is for debate. What isn’t up for debate is how the Woman’s Evolution continues to grow and with The Man, Becky Lynch as the face of this evolution, the future is unlimited.