What are some good Wrestlemanias to watch this weekend? I’ve only seen 14 to 22 (or so) and then last year’s.
I’m more interested in recent years because IMO the quality of the show jumped WAY WAY up in 2000 over 98 and 99. I am aware Wrestlemania 98 is often considered a lot better than 2000 but, to be honest, I didn’t find it nearly as good. Wrestlemania 13/97 has Bret vs Austin, I’ve seen that match - and it is one of my favourites of all time - but I haven’t seen the rest of the show.
In 98 and 99, the PPVs all seemed about the same in quality, with Mick Foley and the Rock being the ones that made things interesting (they told stories in their matches, if that makes sense; Austin too, to an extent, but he couldn’t wrestle well at this point, I assume due to his neck, IMO he was a lot better in the ring during his last run); but for the other 85% of the show, I’d almost rather be watching the shorter spot matches on RAW because the PPVs were more or less those on repeat with a lot of lying down catching a breath, or punching/whipping.
2000 was complained about because of the lack of singles matches and Triple H winning over the Rock. That didn’t bother me at all, and I found this triangle ladder match was better than the “TLC” matches later (which were the same thing, just different branding and less brand hyping). I could be wrong, it might have just been more impactful because it was the first time I had ever seen anything like that - Hardy’s vs Edge and Christian ladder match was my favourite match of 99, that would be the closest thing. Then there was Benoit vs. Jericho vs Angle which ALSO blew my mind a little and made me a huge fan of those three going forward. 17-20, I don’t think I really need to say anything about these, they’re already universally well rated and get the proper recognition. It’s really only 98 I feel is overrated and 2000 I feel underrated - again, it might just be my tastes.
For what it’s worth, I also really enjoyed the last Wrestlemania. I think the only thing I didn’t like all that much was Orton vs Wyatt - found the match a little slow and gimmicky. I thought Reigns vs Taker was fairly good despite the lower wrestling skill - I liked the story, even the silly floor punching Reigns did was entertaining, loved the ending; many hated it.
Anyway, any recommendations for other Wrestlemanias to watch leading up to this one?
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