Professor Wrestling: 'WrestleMania 24' Thoughts
Winners, Losers, Legends
Orton won this affair, as I predicted. I thought it was a fine match with plenty of solid action. Hunter and Cena didn't need to win the belt, kids. They're established stars. Orton, even though he's the champ, is still an unknown commodity in the mainstream entertainment community. WWE needs to build him up more to make him a household name. A big "WrestleMania" win was the right move.
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Edge (c) vs. Undertaker
This one started out a bit slow, but I really thought it picked up great steam and had a satisfying finish. Undertaker's crazy choke hold came out of nowhere to finish Edge off. And the best thing about the match? No Vickie Guerrero!
Challenge Match: Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather
To tell you the truth, I thought this one would be a real dud. I was wrong. Mayweather gets the Good Sport Award for his fine acting throughout the match. I was really surprised how well he told a story in the ring, and was pleased that he used wrestling dirty tricks (chair shots, brass knuckles) to get the win. A solid spectacle.
Career Threatening Match: Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
I'm a dope. I'll admit it. I thought Flair actually had a chance to win this one. They had me that bamboozled. During the match I kept saying, "They have to let him win!" But Flair didn't, and that was the right thing to do. I've never witnessed a better wrestling match, and I've seen zillions. That's how good this was. Almost better: Flair's retirement ceremony the next night on "Raw." Class, it's required tear-jerker viewing. Kudos to Flair and Michaels for putting on such a great match.Challenge Match: Batista vs. Umaga
The problem with this match going in was that there was nothing at stake. Pride in your TV brand? Who cares? Batista and Umaga didn't, that's for sure. These two have been around long enough to deliver quality matches, but this one seemed mailed in. I didn't pay for that, boys.
Money In The Bank Ladder Match: C.M. Punk vs. Chris Jericho vs. MVP vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Like the Flair match, I kept on saying, "This is great." Every contestant got a few minutes in the spotlight with crazy spots, and Punk was a worthy winner. Big thumbs up, as usual.
24-Man Battle Royal, Winner Faces ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero
I didn't like the fact that the battle royal, won by Kane, was in the pre-show. If it's listed as part of the paid "WrestleMania" package, I want to see it. The pre-show is for eating pizza and settling down. I felt a bit ripped off by that. I also felt cheated when Kane pinned Chavo in a squash during the show. Trim some backstage junk or a pointless promo (Carlito versus the seagull) and give me more wrestling time.
Belfast Brawl Match: JBL vs. Finlay
This was OK, but it should have been better. I'm not a big fan of matches where guys hit each other with garbage cans, Kendo sticks or the dreaded cookie sheet. A bit lame for my taste, but at least it was short and JBL got the decisive victory.
BunnyMania Lumberjack Match: Maria and Ashley vs. Beth Phoenix and Melina
This was terrible. It's time to get rid of the whole Playboy thing -- and just have a quality women's match. WWE should have spent the weeks leading up to "WrestleMania" finding someone who could give Phoenix a decent match. TNA can put on a compelling women's title match. Why can't WWE?That's it. My final thoughts on "WrestleMania 24." What? You want more? Then you'll have to download the Professor Wrestling podcast. It's called "Old School, New School" and we're on our 71st episode. Man, time flies. This week, it's all "WM24" -- with a special focus on Ric Flair. Download it exclusively right here.That's it!Class is dismissed!(Professor Wrestling is a masked employee of Internet Broadcasting, hailing from Parts Unknown. Got a question, comment, complaint? E-mail him right here. )
- March 30, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'WrestleMania 24' Results
- March 21, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'WrestleMania 24' Contest
- March 10, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'Destination X' Results
- February 29, 2008: Professor Wrestling: Bad Ideas
- February 22, 2008: Professor Wrestling: Chatting With Steve Austin
- February 17, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'No Way Out' Results
- February 10, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'Against All Odds' Results
- February 1, 2008: Professor Wrestling: Arena Tales, Part II
- January 27, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'Royal Rumble' Results
- January 18, 2008: Professor Wrestling: House Show
- January 11, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 2008 Wishes
- January 10, 2008: Professor Wrestling: 'Final Resolution' Results
- December 21, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Holiday Letters
- December 16, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Armageddon' Results
- December 8, 2007: Professor Wrestling: HBK Vs. John Cena
- December 2, 2007: Professor Wrestling: TNA 'Turning Point' Results
- November 26, 2007: Professor Wrestling: The Chris Jericho Interview
- November 18, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Survivor Series' Results
- November 12, 2007: Professor Wrestling: TNA 'Genesis' Results
- November 2, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Chatting With Rey Mysterio
- October 29, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Cyber Sunday' Results
- October 18, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Plug City
- October 15, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Bound For Glory' Results
- October 7, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'No Mercy' Results
- September 28, 2007: Professor Wrestling: True Tales
- September 21, 2007: Professor Wrestling: The Ring Announcer
- September 16, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Unforgiven' Results
- September 10, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'No Surrender' Results
- August 26, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'SummerSlam' Results
- August 17, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Fantastic Five
- August 13, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Pacman All Talk
- August 2, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Show And Tell
- July 27, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Quick Fixes
- July 22, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Great American Bash' Results
- July 16, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Victory Road' Results
- June 29, 2007: Professor Wrestling: The Benoit Tragedy
- June 24, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Vengeance' Results
- June 18, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Slammiversary' Results
- June 8, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Interview With The Baron
- June 4, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'One Night Stand' Results
- May 25, 2007: Professor Wrestling: WM23, DVD Style
- May 20, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Judgment Day' Results
- May 14, 2007: Professor Wrestling: TNA 'Sacrifice' Results
- May 4, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Mail Call
- April 30, 2007: Professor Wrestling: WWE 'Backlash' Results
- April 20, 2007: Professor Wrestling: 'Horsemen' DVD Fine Ride
- April 16, 2007: Professor Wrestling: TNA 'Lockdown' Results
- April 6, 2007: Professor Wrestling: Final 'WrestleMania' Thoughts
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