Ringside Review: Hogan vs. Rock an instant classic
WrestleMania lived up to its hype.
Triple H became the new champion after a great match with Chris Jericho, but Rock vs. Hogan will become a classic.
The match had a little old school and new school, but the winner almost didn’t matter. The fans saw two stars who are living legends put on a great match, but also saw a public display of respect that has been missing in pro wrestling for a long time.
Ric Flair is not the man he was just a few years ago, but can still put on an awesome match. The Undertaker is past his prime, too, but still is better than some of the younger stars.
WrestleMania took the WWF in a good direction. Hogan becoming a face again is a great move. At Hogan’s age, he just can’t pull off being a heel.
The tag team division showed a lot of promise for the future, but the Hardcore belt lost a lot of respect. It seems that it has become a backstage comedy act, and little more.
• Hogan continues to receive stellar reviews for his backstage conduct. The old WWF stars say that Hogan is even showing respect to the newest members of the WWF, and was even seen helping Spike Dudley bring his bags in for “Raw” Monday. Nash and Hall have been OK, too — so far.
• Brock Lesnar made his WWF TV debut on “Raw” during the Hardcore title match. Paul Heyman was with him, and will be his manager. Brock is said to have the biggest arms in pro wrestling, let’s hope his ego is not as big.
• It has taken almost a year to do, but Monday on “Raw” they will have the draft to split the roster of the WWF. Vince McMahon will have the first pick for his “Smackdown” shows, and then Flair will get to pick for the “Raw” shows. Who will be the first two picks? Great big question!
My picks would be The Rock for “Smackdown” and Triple H for “Raw.” If they draft all the roster, it will take a long time. There are now 102 people under WWF contracts to wrestle. The champions of the WWF will still wrestle on both nights, just not every week.
• Tonight at Jake’s Auction Barn, Heavyweight Champion “The Wanted Man” J.C. Ice will take on Gypsy Joe in a no time limit, no disqualification hardcore title match.
The OWF tag team champions, The Victory Twins, put their belts on the line in a special challenge match against Insane Shane and Quinton Kobaine, and Pandoras Box takes on Scandal in a ladies’ “Loser leaves town” match.
Three other matches, and a special appearance by “The Clown” also highlight the card, which begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door, children 5 and under are admitted free.
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