Childs

Problem is that the whole "dream match" was overstated considering they already had a main event match at the Tokyo Dome, when Nak was younger, less banged up and working a way harder style. Ditto AJ. So it couldn't reach the same quality anyway in this context. Honestly, I thought that match was also very good rather than great.

They've done some very cool stuff in this match, but it's not connecting at the highest level. Feels like something that might look a lot better in hindsight.

I'm not complaining. Alexa's control segment has been great. The women have owned this night.

The James massacre was pretty great.

Jesus, Paige. Worrisome.

That match actually ended more quickly and simply than I expected. But Bryan looked like Bryan, and that was enough.

Suddenly, the Rousey match feels like a very long time ago.

I liked the start to the match but please no stretcher job.

Oh I hate this new Bryan intro.

No. No they did not.

That sucked. Sorry, the build was interesting, but that sucked.

Timing is way off in the early going.

Kid Rock sing-off with Elias?

If the second half of this show shoots even par, we probably have the best 'Mania ever, right?

The contrast in athleticism between Ronda and Kurt is just stunning.

I know it's hardly relevant, but Angle looks horrible.

Yeah, disappointing.

Glad this match is going now. The talk of it going on last always struck me as absurd.

Having Mahal beat Rusev is the clearest possible thumb to our eyes, right?

Asuka won. Ha! It came back on, so I can't live in your fabricated reality. Excellent match, though.

My power went out right as Asuka-Charlotte was building to the finish. So pissed.

One of the worst things about him was that he didn't change up his ring work at all when he was the demon, so I guess eliminating that could be a good thing. Granted, I'd give him more points if he changed up his ringwork as the inclusion-warrior. Well, he kind of sucks no matter what he's wearing. That's a given.

Give me inclusion-warrior Balor over the inane Demon any day.

I'm probably somewhat guilty of what Dylan is talking about here, judging Riddle against the wrestler I hoped he would become. I definitely hold him to a higher standard than most of the other top indy guys, because he has so much talent, both athletically and in terms of charisma. I still love him in matches where he's physically challenged -- the WALTER series, the Shibata match, the Speedball match in OTT, the SCI sprint. But throughout last year, I was more likely to end up frustrated with his performances than blown away by them. I respect anyone who isn't taken out of his matches by the upkick or the shitty tombstone or the the German no-sell. But I hate that shit, and I really hate that he's made it part of his routine. There was no one I looked forward to watching more in 2016, and that's just not the case now. I haven't watched much of this Mania weekend yet, and I'll be thrilled if his performances blow me away. He's certainly still on the short list of guys who inspire the highest of hopes.

Top that, Wrestlemania. Good lord.