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I just watched Undertaker vs Triple H from Wrestlemania 28, a match I thoroughly enjoyed when I saw it. Unbelievable match, legendary moment at the end when Taker and Shawn Michaels support Triple H and walk out together, receive a standing ovation from the sold out crowd, absolutely immense. But one thing that bothered me the entire time as I watched it again, and something I couldn?t just forget about and let pass as a result of Michael Cole repeating it like a broken record: End Of An Era. At the time, HBK was already retired. I figured HHH might have been hanging up his boots after taking the single worst beating of his career and taking up his corporate role full time. Potentially even the final match for Undertaker, retiring with his streak intact in an amazing 20-0, it was absolutely perfect. But then, that very night, Wrestlemania is headlined by the second biggest star of HHH & Undertaker?s era, The Rock. Every Wrestlemania since, we?ve seen Triple H wrestle. We?ve seen The Undertaker wrestle and the streak broken. The Rock still comes and goes and could very well be wrestling at this upcoming Wrestlemania. Hell, who superkicked Sting at Wrestlemania 31? HBK. As far as I can see, the only era that came to an end that night was the Wrestlemania career of Jim Ross. If WWE had no plans to actually stop using these men as a crutch so Wrestlemania would have any form of draw power, why did they book it in this fashion?
I see your point, but it was the end of an era - the era of those three men feuding and facing off, plus whe Mania 28 was in the books, there was no guarantee Undertaker was going to return for 29. It would have made great sense, from an artistic standpoint, for it to be their last appearances, but when there's money to be made, you can't knock them or WWE for making it.
Do you think any titles will change hands at the WWE event in Japan? Why? or Why not?
As I write this, it's before the event, but my gut is based on the way they've built things, the NXT title will change hands. Balor is huge in Japan and Owens is heading to the main roster. It's time.
Now with WWE turning a house show into the Elimination Chamber special as well as the Tokyo show into Beast in the East, do you see them turning a lot of international tours into live specials? Like maybe the renaming the tours to past ppv events like the No Mercy tour of Argentina, Armageddon tour of South Africa, Backlash in Brazil? Thoughts?
I'd like to think so, especially if they can find a local production partner, as they did with J Sports in Japan. It's a nice way to give back to the local fans in that country, present some good wrestling and bring a different flavor to the way the shows are presented.
With the reports of these dubious lawsuits at best directed at WWE, namely by Blackjack Mulligan and Barry Windham, how is this going to effect the working relationships going forward with Mike Rotunda,Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas?
It puts them all in a weird position, but hopefully, it won't hurt them. It should be noted Barry Windham did not sue. Bob Windham aka Blackjack Mulligan had an attorney send a letter in advance of potential legal action.
Where's Balls Mahoney?
Living in New Jersey and working independents.
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