WrestleMania XIX Review: (Match rating scale 1 to 10; 1-Horrible, 10-WrestleMania Moment)
I'll start with the RAW Tag Team Title match held on Sunday Night Heat. This match had lots of potential, but didn't live up to the hype considering it was left off the PPV. The decision to keep this match on Heat hurts the 4 competitors and the image of the belts themselves. Considering there were 15 minutes left at the end of the PPV, this match could have and should have been included. What does leaving RVD, Kane, and the RAW Tag Champs off of the biggest card of the year say to you? To me it says, none of these guys mean squat to the WWE creative. But the fans want to see RVD in a PPV capacity. Shame on you, WWE. I realize RVD and Kane haven't gelled as a formitable team as champs, but come on. At least give the belts to them for keeping them off the PPV.
World Tag Team Title Match: Storm & Morley def. RVD & Kane
Match Rating: 2
Next is the Cruiserweight Championship match. I was surprised by 2 things in this one; 1) Rey didn't win the title, and 2) the match itself was only 5 minutes long. What the hell was that about? Give these guys 15 minutes with a better build-up, and you've got a classic. It was a good match overall...some cool kick-ass moves by Rey and a not so good Twist of Fate by Mattitude. I still don't understand why Rey hasn't been given the Cruiserweight strap, since it was the WWE who seemingly brought him in to save this division.
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Matt Hardy def. Rey Mysterio
Match Rating: 5
Next up the Undertaker vs A-Train & Big Show. How many of you were glad that Nathan Jones did not compete in this one? I think the WWE got this one right, especially with that call, and with Taker winning. You just can't beat the Dead Man at WM. I laughed my ass off at the "Mow Your Back" sign directed at A-Train. On a side note, why the hell did they censor some of Limp Bizkit's lyrics when we're paying $40 for a PPV, but will show tits in their $20 PPV failure of Girls Gone Wild??
Undertaker def. A-Train & Big Show
Match Rating: 5
Next is the WWE Women's Title match. This one was better than expected, however, I thought Jazz would win this one. The build was good and the action was entertaining. Trish looked absolutely great, Victoria showed some ass, and Jazz didn't look as tough as she seems to portray. Steven Richards attempted chair-shot that cracked him in the head was hilarious. Anyways, the ladies put on a good match and helped solidify their division.
WWE Women's Title: Trish Stratus def. Victoria and Jazz in Triple Threat
Match Rating: 6
The WWE Smackdown Tag Title match was next up on the card. This one was hard to predict. I expected Benoit & Rhyno to win this one, but was glad to see Team Angle keep the straps. This match had lots of action between all the teams including 4 German suplexes by Benoit. With the WWE crapping on the tag team division on RAW, it's good to see a solid tag match that maintains credibility. With their huge wiun, Team Angle is on their way to superstardom. I really enjoyed this one.
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Title: Team Angle def. Chris Benoit & Rhyno and Los Guerreros
Match Rating: 8
Next up is Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho. This match was hyped extremely well in my view, and the end result was a potenital classic. I really got the idea this was Michaels' last match with the fanfare during his entrance. These two gave us all they had, and put on a great emotional match. I was sure Michaels was going to pass the torch to Jericho and retire after this match. But, it looks as though Michaels isn't quite ready to hang up the tights just yet (from tonight's RAW). This was a great one, and how cool was it to see Jericho use the sweet chin music?
Shawn Michaels def. Chris Jericho
Match Rating: 8
Next match is the Triple H against Booker T. This match was too damn predictable given what happened last week's RAW (Booker T pinning Triple H). Not to mention the fact that Trips wasn't going to give his World Title up. To be honest with you, I could have done without this match unless Booker T would have won. How many quality main-eventers does Trips have to bury? Wasn't RVD and Kane enough...and look where they landed..main-eventing Heat. I'm not taking anything away from Booker T in this match with my rating, because he is the MAN. How cool was it to see his Harlem Hangover for the first time in a long time?
World Heavyweight Title: Triple H def. Booker T
Match Rating: 3
Next up is Hulk Hogan vs Mr. McMahon. Being a wrestling fan since Hulk-a-mania began, I couldn't wait to see this. Everyone knew that it would be a horrible wrestling match, which is why it was a street fight. Those chair shots looked pretty good for 2 guys whose combined age is 107. Mr. McMahon's legdrop off the ladder was sweet. I liked them bringing Piper into the match...that was out of nowhere. Hopefully, he won't be wrestling Hogan anytime soon, considering the gut on Piper now...HAHA. Good nostalgic match for those of us who've been fans way before 1998.
Hulk Hogan def. Mr. McMahon
Match Rating: 7
The Rock vs Stone Cold was next. This could have been better had Austin been healthier. Being a die-hard Austin fan, it's hard to say, but he didn't look that good in this match. The Rock carried him and this match, and deserved the win. My big question is, what did The Rock say to Austin after the match was over? I got a feeling that this may be Rock's last WrestleMania when he hugged his mom and wife after his victory. That's not a normal route for a heel.
The Rock def. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Match Rating: 6
Final match of the night, Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar. This match was awesome, pure and simple. Kurt looked great considering his neck injury, which didn't slow him down much. Lesnar was powerful and quick. But, his messed-up Shooting Star Press was ugly and made me cringe. How the hell did he get up from that and manage another F-5? The best thing was the handshake and hug after Lesnar won. That showed the respect and class that both these men have for each other. Do Kurt and Brock know how huge this match is? By the way they worked together last night, Yes!
WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar def. Kurt Angle
Match Rating: 10
Overall, a very entertaining WrestleMania with great action and a couple of classic matches. Only a few questions to ask...Will someone please take the title from Triple H? And will that person be Goldberg? Take care and check back often for your wrestling "News & Views". Thanks for reading.
Written by The Samster for The Wrestling Round Table