The Superdome in New Orleans becomes the center of the WWE Universe this evening as more than 70,000 pro wrestling fans from all 50 states and a couple of dozen foreign countries gather for WrestleMania XXX, while millions more watch on the brand new WWE Network, as well as on numerous traditional pay-per-view outlets.
The extravaganza frequently offers the culmination of feuds between the biggest stars and the payoffs of the past year's most compelling storylines. Sometimes, it plants the seeds for some of the following year's possible matchups. Usually, it delivers the kind of action and excitement that makes it a sellout based on the brand itself without the need to have a marquee main event advertised in advance.
WrestleMania hype has grown more and more with each passing Roman numeral added to the name. Mainstream media appearances seem to increase each year as the company's most recognizable faces flood the television, radio and Internet markets. Nostalgia weighs in with the Hall of Fame ceremonies and the names brought in to introduce the new inductees, along with the legends brought back for appearances at Fan Axxess.
At Thursday's Axxess event, Triple H stepped into the ring set up onsite with Bruno Sammartino to unveil a life-size statue of the Living Legend. Helmsley, despite playing the ultimate antagonist in opposition to the Daniel Bryan "Yes" movement that is the main theme of this year's Mania, said that after bringing Bruno back to the WWE for last year's Hall of Fame Induction at Madison Square Garden, he wanted to immortalize Sammartino and his contributions to the company by commissioning the sculpting of a statue in his honor as the longest reigning champion in company history.
The documentary on Bruno's life story will be premiering in Pittsburgh on Mother's Day, May 11. The timing is especially fitting because of Bruno's closeness to his late mother, who stubbornly kept him and two other siblings alive against incredible odds while hiding from the Nazis in the mountains for 14 months during WW II.
Tonight's card features a Fatal Four Way tag team match on the pre-show with the Usos, Ryback and Curtis Axel, Los Matadores and the Real Americans. There will be a Vicky Guererro Divas deal with A.J. Lee putting her belt on the line against 13 other divas. The Shield will do battle with Kane and the New Age Outlaws.
There will also be a 30-Man Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. John Cena defends his legacy against Bray Wyatt, and the Undertaker puts his undefeated WrestleMania streak on the line against Brock Lesnar. Early in the show, Daniel Bryan meets Triple H, with the winner being added to the title match with champ Randy Orton and challenger Dave Batista.
At Monday's Raw, Brock did a quick number on the Dead Man, including an F-5. Alberto Del Rio knocked off Big E and Roddy Piper did a Piper's Pit. The show also featured a bout with Randy Orton and Batista with Triple H at ringside on commentary. Daniel Bryan attacked Helmsley and was beating on him on the outside when Orton came out to get him off HHH.
When he took Bryan into the ring, Orton got nailed by Batista with a spear. Bryan recovered to hit the Animal with the high knee and resumed going after Helmsley as the show came to an end with fans having to wait for more of this until tonight at WrestleMania.
(Shamokin's Bill Gilger arranges the interview each week with The Insider)