WrestleMania. The event defines sports entertainment for many fans. It is the most talked about and exciting point of the wrestling year and once again, this year WrestleMania broke countless records. The show was the highest-grossing event in the history of the Orlando Citrus Bowl and broke the stadium's attendance record with more than 75,000 fans from all of America's 50 states and some 62 countries there to witness the extravaganza. The show is estimated to have grossed $14.5 million a record previously held by the Rolling Stones and that doesn't take into account WWE's five consecutive night sell out across two venues in Orlando. Already, New Orleans which is due to host WrestleMania 34 on Sunday April 8 2018, is getting prepared. Of course whilst 'Mania is a high point, WWE action continues throughout the year. NXT are soon to be in the UK (tickets here) and WWE will be on these shores with Raw, Smackdown and live shows in May (tickets here). So whilst some stories concluded at Wrestlemania it was no surprise that there were many new and exciting developments which will feed live shows and pay-per-views in the coming months. We've shortlisted five things which we think readers will want to mull over as WWE starts its road to Wrestlemania 34.....
1)WWE's Women's Hour
To us, one of the most exciting and certainly one of the most important announcements during WrestleMania week was that this summer the WWE Network will play host to a 32-competitor Women's Tournament. The company has announced that competitors from 17 different countries are expected to participate. Raw Women's Champion Bayley, [SPOILER ALERT] former SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and undefeated NXT Women's Champion Asuka all appeared during the announcement and spoke of their pride and honour for what this meant to them. Of course, the Cruiserweight Classic which aired on the WWE Network led to the weekly 205 Live show and the United Kingdom Championship Tournament saw Tyler Bate win the first ever UK Championship Title. Hopefully, this tournament will also lead to some of the world's best and brightest getting a chance to shine. Former Royal Ramblings interviewees Kay Lee Ray, Rhia O'Reilly and Nixon Newell all deserve great success. Let us hope they make it to the Network. Either way, the WWE Universe is in for a treat, so watch this space.
2) WWE is Staying Hyped
In what was a totally shocking result [SPOILER ALERT] Mojo Rawley successfully eliminated all-comers in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and with a little help from his friend, NFL star Rob Gronkowski took the trophy. Over a number of years in NXT, Rowley had showed significant potential both as a singles and tag-team star but was twice beset by injury - both his own and that of his tag partner Zack Ryder. Rawley's positive attitude has seen him through though. For the man who still holds numerous American Football records this is another marker of success. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Rawley when Ryder returns - might we see him turn on his former buddy or will he now concentrate on a singles campaign. Either way a somewhat surprise star has been born and will now surely be considered a serious championship contender.
3) WWE is Unbroken
In a much rumoured but little believed turn of events, the Hardy Boyz Matt and Jeff shocked the world as they returned and completed their expedition of gold by taking the Raw Tag-Team Titles, repairing their break from the WWE. In a few short weeks, the Hardys have moved from one company to another taking and leaving gold in their wake. They are now back home and it was a magnificent moment to see Matt lead the WWE Universe in its first ever authoritative "Delete" chant. How long will the Hardyz stay for and will they be 'broken'. There are many unanswered questions which will have us watching closely...
4) WWE's Undertaker Dead and Burried?
In an emotionally charged headline match, the Undertaker [SPOILER ALERT] suffered his second ever WrestleMania loss to Roman Reigns. You can watch the match back on the WWE Network but expect to get chills. Following the match, 'Taker de-cloaked and un-hatted himself, leaving his garmets in the ring. In what many took to be his final send-off, an emotional 'Taker walked slowly to the back. The whole premise of the Undertaker's character is that he never dies. So will we see him back? Shrouded in mystery, he doesn't often offer interviews and we don't expect to see him as a guest referee so will the deadman return? will he wrestle ever again? Will he simply be going straight into the Hall of Fame? Questions which we hope will be answered before long...
5) What's NXT?
As ever, WWE's strength remains its investment in its future. What started as the NXT concept and show is now a brand in of itself. There were some significant outings at this Wrestlemania. Tian Bing, WWE's first Chinese superstar demonstrated grit and power in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and his NXT comrade Killian Dain (fka Big Damo) came in with a real shot of winning the whole thing. From Paige debuting on the Raw after Wrestlemania some years ago, to Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and even the Shield, NXT has been feeding WWE's main roster with significant success. The coming year might well see rumoured debuts or call-ups for Shinsuke Nakamura, Tye Dillinger, DIY or others. The great thing is you never know what or who might be coming next....
For a full list of NXT UK tour dates see here and for the WWE live shows here. The WWE Network is available in the UK and you can sign up here.