Welcome Distraction

Empty performance center shows led up to WrestleMania

WWE

The Vegas sportsbooks are now accepting bets on marble races, so I’ve taken solace in the bizarre empty arena shows the WWE has continued to put on because they are sports entertainment.

On Wednesday, March 11, NXT performed in the WWE Performace Center in front of live crowd. Little did anyone know that would be the last live crowd for the forseeable future. Then came the announcement that furutre editions of RAW, Smackdown, and NXT would emanate from the PC without a crowd. Left in limbo was Wrestlemania 36. Vince McMahon played a game of chicken with the city of Tampa Bay before fi nally moving the “showcase of the immortals” to the PC as well.

The shows have been understandably odd, with performers who generally feed off the crowd having to tell more of the story in the ring by themselves. While the in-ring action has been fine, the promos have been absolutely fantastic. Wrestlers have been able to take their time, make eye contact with the camera and really sell the emotion of their story arcs. Edge, Paul Heyman, and Randy Orton have been absolute standouts. What’s also been a plus is the opportunity to edit in different camera angles to create more drama (as evidenced by The Fiend and Bray Wyatt being able to be in two places at once, and King Corbin tossing Elias off the elevated stage).

While not ideal in any sense, I’m still greatly looking forward to Wrestlemania. It will be two nights of entertaining original programming during a time when we could all use a major distraction... And who knows, with the strength of the current promos, maybe some long term changes to the presentation will fi nally happen.

AJ Styles and The Undertaker

WWE

Sunday Update: Last night was the first time the novel Corona virus was not a Top Ten trending topic on Twitter because of Wrestlemania. Hashtags included Becky, Seth Rollins, Elias, and Boneyard. I usually make fun of people who live Tweet, but I enjoyed knowing I wasn’t the only one watching. I felt more like I was at a party.

WWE

Monday Update: As promised, Wrestlemania 36 provided the entertainment and distraction we all needed. Both nights featured great in ring action, but the standouts of the weekend were the more cinematic matches between the Undertaker and AJ Styles andthe Firefly Funhouse match between John Cena and the Fiend. All in all, I think what was achieved over the weekend was spectacular and a true Top Ten Wrestlemania. When you think about expectations and everything (the expectations were low and this over delivered mightily), this has to rank right up near the top.

Charlotte and Rhea Ripley

WWE

Charlotte with her belt

WWE