I've become a real wrestling cynic over the past few years, I love the industry but I'm so very tired of what it's become. Pandering to sponsors, blatant nepotism and shockingly bad writing. You don't have to watch WWE, there are other companies but if you're a fan it's hard to avoid their monopolized product.
I love the MITB concept, for that reason I'd say this event is my 3rd most anticipated annual ppv after the Rumble & Mania. And this year, this dropped the ball again. Not entirely, it has its moments but as usual its a combination of baffling booking and missed opportunities.
I'll break it down without any spoilers.
The kickoff featured only one match, the outcome was not what I expected and considering recent events made absolutely no sense. Some booking needs to be predictable because it's logical, this wasn't.
The women's MITB match was solid enough but felt too short. It's like they just bounced from spot to spot instead of actually having a wrestling match. The outcome wasn't what I expected or what I wanted, but I walked away happy enough.
The US title match was an embarrassment, why would you do that? Do you not realize how much of a slap in the face it is to the fans when you advertise a match and then deliver........that!
Shane vs Miz.....again. Please Shane, retire. You competing with the actual talent damages their credibility and your punches are worse than the early 2000's divas.
Cruiserweight match, as usual people couldn't have cared less. Turning Nese from a jobber to champion overnight at Mania was bizarre and fans clearly don't appreciate it.
RAW women's championship had the logical conclusion and was a passable enough affair
Smackdown women's championship was a real double edged sword. It angered me, frustrated me and made me facepalm but they managed to recover it into a memorable and well deserved finale.
Reigns/Elias. What was the point of this match? The outcome was never in question, the match quality alike Joe/Rey was just plain offensive and it accomplished absolutely nothing.
Lars/Lucha, pointless.
WWE Championship, strong in ring performances from both guys. Can't argue with anything they did here.
Universal Championship, incredible match as we all knew it would be.
Men's MITB, average quality wrestling with a finish that will anger and frustrate a lot of people.
Overall it's an average of 4, not even an average quality ppv. With all the walkouts, people sitting out their contracts, lowest ratings in the history of the company and new competition in AEW you'd think WWE would be stepping up their game and providing a better product than this.
The Good:
Some decent in ring performances
One great surprise
The Bad:
Some ridiculous counterproductive booking
About half the matches
Closing moments
