Starting off Wrestlemania with a Scottish band playing the music we all associate with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was an interesting choice, but it’s hard to dislike Drew McIntyre getting the over-the-top entrance he deserved.
That said, as Drew walked to the ring, all I could pay attention to was production setting up Seth’s entrance–a stage full of a marching band dressed in ridiculously extravagant Mardi Gras costumes, which ironically enough also look like the stuff Seth wears. It was as if a Mardi Gras parade broke out in Philly for five straight minutes. And you might remember the compliments paid to his attire last night. The wild look made Night One’s costume look like a garbage bag.
Tonight, he basically led a Mardi Gras parade to the ring and was dressed like his own parade float. It was just awesome.
The action started fairly quickly, as Drew hit a Claymore Kick as soon as the bell rang for a near fall. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen something like this at Wrestlemania, but I was not prepared for this match to go that way. Thankfully, it didn’t.
It also didn’t take long for the third man in the match–CM Punk on commentary–to get roped into the match, as the action spilled out to ringside quickly. Drew traded barbs with Punk before Seth pedigreed him on the floor. It, naturally, wasn’t the only time he taunted Punk, as that became a bit of a fun little recurring bit throughout the match.
Back in the ring, Seth and Drew traded blows for a while, setting into more of the match rhythm I expected. As the bout went on, the two threw big moves and finishers at each other, with neither able to get the job done. And Seth sold his injuries excellently, which makes perfect sense given he also wrestled in the main event last night.
Finally, after four Claymores, Drew finally got the win over Seth. This wasn’t a very long match, but it also didn’t need to be. Seth looks strong in defeat and Drew looks like a monster who is also now the World Heavyweight Champion. Mission accomplished across the board. And the emotion on Seth’s face as he hobbled to the back was a great ending.
But then it turns out that wasn’t the end. Drew’s taunts finally went too far, so Punk attacked him with the arm brace, leading to Damien Priest’s arrival to cash in Money in the Bank. One South of Heaven later and we had another new World Heavyweight Champion. What a thrilling few minutes after a rad match.
Winner: Damien Priest via pinfall
Rating: 8.5/10
