Historically the WWE presentation "WrestleMania" is the most anticipated PPV of the year and one by which all others are compared. With few exceptions WrestleMania always delivers top quality matches each presented with feeling, heart and above average work rate between the participants. Careers have ended after a WrestleMania match while others have been elevated but no matter the reason why or the placement on the card, being a part of WrestleMania is an unforgettable moment in a career.
WrestleMania 29 went from a mediocre card with an obligatory appearance by a legend (Undertaker) to a show that has the ability to be one of the most talked about WrestleMania shows in years. The unfortunate death of long-time manager Paul Bearer helped take the CM Punk v. Undertaker match from something obligatory to a match with more importance than the bout for the WWE Heavyweight Championship.
Some of the matches on the card have been seen before including the main event John Cena v. The Rock, which was featured last year but even so there is an air about WrestleMania as a whole that is creating a buzz even among casual fans that this show is a "must see."
The four hour event will see a price increase of sorts with the cost for regular PPV being $59.95 while HD will be $69.95. The higher price point is not expected to deter fans from ordering the show and some believe that more will make than normal will make the purchase simply because the higher price adds to the air of this being a special WrestleMania.
The main event of John Cena v. The Rock this time for the WWE Heavyweight Championship should see Cena win and begin another run with the title. The Rock and Cena have traded barbs on RAW in the past weeks and both are expected to bring their "working boots" meaning they will step up their game and deliver what should be an outstanding match.
Jack Swagger v. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship should be an interesting match and many believe Swagger should end up with the title. Sources have said that was the original plan until Swagger was arrested for DUI so changes could be made that will see Dolph Ziggler finally cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase after a rough affair for Del Rio. Zeb Coulter (Dutch Mantell) has been excellent in his role as the manager for Swagger and proves that done correctly, managers still have an important place in the sport.
Triple H v. Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred match will either be very good or not very appealing depending on how the finish is laid out. Triple H is putting his career on the line and will "retire" if he were to lose again to Lesnar. Logic would dictate that Lesnar win and then go on to take a title that would lead into a major match at WrestleMania 30 (with early money on Lesnar v. Undertaker). Ego often overrules logic though and Triple H is, on paper, set to go over Lesnar in a move that would make no business sense.
CM Punk v. Undertaker has a chance to be the show stealer and the heat for this match went from non-existent to off the charts with the passing of Paul Bearer. Going in to this match there was no reason for the two really to have a match but the untimely death of Bearer set this match up beautifully. Punk is working his heel role in an old school fashion and Undertaker is doing well at making people believe he will absolutely destroy Punk. Many people have been offended by the disrespect not only Punk but also the WWE has shown Bearer but this is a business built on controversy and getting people to tune in to see the heel get what is coming to him, this is nothing more than just that.
Randy Orton/Sheamus/Big Show v. Shield is one of those matches that honestly means little and is just a way to get more of the roster on the show. The Shield should come out victorious just so they can keep their momentum, which has started to fade a little.
Ryback v. Mark Henry should go to Henry who is looking at retiring soon and Ryback has really lost his luster. Henry could come out of this with one more program for a title if this is done right and he is pushed hot after WrestleMania. The novelty of Ryback has worn off...
With four hours to fill there have been other matches being considered including a Diva tag team match featuring eight of the girls but that has reportedly been scrapped. Chris Jericho v. Fandango is a possibility and would be one of the worst matches on the show. Fandango is one of the worst characters in years and kills ratings on the live TV shows every time out and there is hope that the whole thing will be dropped. Wade Barrett v. The Miz is another possibility and with "The Marine 3" hitting respectable numbers where DVD sales are concerned it would be good to see The Miz get over. Brodus Clay/Tensai/Naomi/Cameron v. Cody Rhodes/Damien Sandow/Bella Twins is also being considered and would not even be a decent match on an indie show let alone WrestleMania.
The WWE Hall of Fame will take place the night before WrestleMania and feature Bruno Sammartino finally accepting being inducted. Along with Sammartino are Bob Backlund, Trish Stratus, Mick Foley, Donald Trump and the newest addition in Booker T.
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