Each and every year, WWE fans far and wide seem to easily choose their most anticipated match for the sports-entertainment spectacle known as WrestleMania. In recent years, for example, any spot on the card involving The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels has been labeled the odds-on favorite to steal the show. More times than not, they responded by competing in historically compelling bouts.
With WrestleMania 28 just over the horizon, picking the show-stealer is anything but easy. In fact, it’s damn near impossible. Fans are marveling at the four monumental main-event (or main-event caliber) matches that have been booked for ‘Mania, each presenting its own unique and convincing case that it will tear the house down in Miami. Each match will surely go down in history, but one can have its hand raised as the match of the night.
Below is a brief description of these four significant showdowns at “The Granddaddy of Them All”, and their argument as to why they will be the show-stealer.
Title Match: World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus
Description: All right, this match obviously isn’t as anxiously awaited by the masses as the other huge matches on the card, but it is a main-event match. For months, these two have been on incredible rolls. On one hand, Daniel Bryan has greatly developed his character as a heel since winning the World Heavyweight Championship at TLC last year, completely transforming into a cowardly, smarmy villain that has become one of the most detested men in the company. On the other hand, Sheamus has exploded as a formidable babyface, plowing through the WWE and winning the Royal Rumble to attain his shot at the champion. At times, he has seemed invincible.
Why might it steal the show?: Simply because Daniel Bryan is one hell of a competitor, and he has dreamed of main-eventing WrestleMania since he was a child. Now that he has the opportunity, something tells me that he won’t let his dream fulfilling moment fall flat. Because Bryan is playing the heel, he will get to break out some of that creative, brutal offense that we know he has been saving for this date only. Sheamus has been a workhorse as of late as well, and I don’t see him mailing this one in. Sure, this match has some stiff competition, but don’t go to sleep on it.
Title Match: WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
Description: Speaking of sleep, this match may have been formed from the wildest dreams of the Internet Wrestling Community. Since his confusing return in January, fans anxiously anticipated Chris Jericho’s inevitable meeting with the equally beloved WWE Champion, CM Punk. This meeting turned out to be a shocking one, as Jericho rudely interrupted one of CM Punk’s matches with a Codebreaker to the champion. Since then, Y2J has made Punk’s life hell for apparently being a “Jericlone”. Be it with a ruthless attack atop the stage, cheap victories in multi-man matches, Jericho seems to have Punk’s number. Jericho recently brought up the fact that CM Punk’s father was an alcoholic to further get under the champion’s skin, making this “Best in the world vs. Best in the world” matchup even more personal.
Why might it steal the show?: Just look at this match. These two are akin to shining when the lights are bright, and the lights don’t get any brighter than WrestleMania. Both men are adept to submission wrestling, which will make for some nail biting moments as either man desperately crawls for a rope break. These men can also fly if need be, so don’t be surprised to see one or two shocking aerial spots. Don’t forget the educated feet of these competitors either. Based on wrestling styles alone, this has the makings of a classic. Add on the fact that Jericho plays the perfect antagonist to compliment Punk as the protagonist, and we may have the match of the night on our hands.
Triple H vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell with special referee Shawn Michaels)
Description: The Undertaker’s unprecedented streak is once again on the line against Triple H, and this time the odds are heavily stacked against The Dead Man… or are they? Shawn Michaels, a prior WrestleMania foe of the Phenom, interjected himself into the situation due to his best friend’s reluctance to accept The Undertaker’s challenge. Triple H refused to put the final nail in Undertaker’s coffin, but Shawn ordered Triple H to be a man. His influence worked, and Triple H accepted ‘Taker’s challenge under one condition: the match is held within the confines of the Devil’s playground, Hell in a Cell. Soon after, it was announced that HBK will officiate the match, making it one of the most star-studded Hell in a Cell’s of all time. Triple H’s friendship with the referee surely puts the match in his favor, in theory. The thing is, Triple H and Shawn Michaels are on shaky grounds. Will Shawn Michaels screw The Undertaker? Or will he turn his back on his best friend?
Why might it steal the show?: Track record, match type, and circumstance. As mentioned earlier, anything The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels have touched at WrestleMania as of late has turned to gold. Triple H is no slouch either: he and ‘Taker put on a fantastic match at WrestleMania 27. Secondly, both competitors (all three if you’re counting the ref) are highly experienced in Hell in a Cell matchups. This match serves as the ultimate score settler, and can account for unforgettable moments. And last… this might be it, folks. The years have gone by, the wins have piled up, and now “20-0” potentially looms for the Dead Man. Fans will pick a side, and the inevitable false finish extravaganza will surely have us jumping up and down like little girls. And you can’t forget the boot of Shawn Michaels, which will surely have us all waiting for a little Sweet Chin Music.
Dream Match: John Cena vs. The Rock
Description: Where do I start? Last year, during the road to WrestleMania 27, these two men became enemies. The Rock, fresh from Hollywood and set to host the event, was irritated with comments John Cena had made about him in various interviews. They battled with their words for weeks, finally culminating with Cena delivering an infamous Attitude Adjustment to the Great One. At WrestleMania, The Rock cost Cena the WWE Championship by interfering in his match with The Miz, delivering a Rock Bottom to Cena with intensity. The next night, the match was made: John Cena will take on The Rock at WrestleMania 28 in an absolute dream match. The Rock appeared sporadically throughout the year, all the while engaging in Twitter warfare with Cena. The two teamed up at Survivor Series, which ended with The Brahma Bull showing up the face of the WWE.
But that was just last year! The Rock returned, and the battle of the words ignited again. Cena’s gripe with The Rock is that he lied to the WWE fans and sold out for Hollywood, and things got personal to say the least. At this moment in time, most fans aren’t exactly sure if these two men don’t actually despise each other. And there is still more to come.
Why might it steal the show?: This is the stuff of legend. Two generations are going to collide, and not with respect, but with distain. The imminent stare down between these two men alone will create images that will be burned into wrestling history for ages, much like Rock vs. Hogan did years ago. The crowd will surely be boisterous, clinging to every move of these larger than life figures. So much is at stake for both men, specifically pride, and it will no doubt show through in this match. I wouldn’t doubt to see the action spill to the outside, as well as many courageous kick-outs and intense moments. I’m just going to sit back, relax, and enjoy history unfolding.
Which match do I think will rise above the rest, you ask? I have my money on Cena vs. Rock, but it’s anyone’s ballgame. And you know what? That’s amazing. Bravo, WWE. You booked a hell of a card.
Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Which match do you think will be match of the night?