FanPost

With WWE's back against the wall, WrestleMania became a huge success


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As we continued on with the new decade, a terrible new virus became the hot topic on everyone's minds. One by one, countries shut their doors and locked down as the virus spread like wildfire.

And it was only a matter of time that life as we knew it would change long term.

Meanwhile, WWE trekked on, refusing to back down and cancel tapings, as they entered their biggest season of the year, WrestleMania season. However, under pressure, WWE had to make the decision. WrestleMania 36 would not go on as planned in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. WWE's backs were now against the wall. So it was then decided that, for the first time ever, not only would they hold WrestleMania in front of no crowd in the Performance Center, WrestleMania would now be "too big for one night".

Many questioned the decision to go through with WrestleMania at all. How could WWE go through with a show right now? It's not the time to make wrestlers perform. If you're going to put on a show, it needs to be special. What are they going to do?

Well, the way WWE handled it would prove to be a huge success.

Both nights would have titles defended and exciting matchups, but each night would have a unique match never attempted before in WWE.

Night one, a Boneyard match between the Undertaker and AJ Styles.

Styles shows up in a casket to a graveyard. Undertaker returns as the American Badass. What would be seen was an incredible mini movie with horror influences. An iconic shot of Undertaker behind Styles as if Michael Myers were about to finally getting his hands on his sister Laurie. Styles would end up getting buried by Undertaker and the shot of him riding off into the night sealed the deal as one of the greatest matches WWE has ever produced.

But then, night two. A Firefly Fun House match between The Fiend Bray Wyatt and John Cena.

Forget about what you thought about WWE's capabilities. WWE took us through the decades of both Wyatt's and Cena's respective careers. Wyatt sang Nikki Bella's theme song as a testament to one of Cena's failures. They brought us back to Cena's debut match on SmackDown (and a cameo from the SmackDown Fist!) with 2020 Cena in 2003 Cena attire and Wyatt playing Kurt Angle. They brought us back to WWE's Saturday Night Main Event. They brought us back to WCW Nitro with Cena playing Hollywood Hogan and Wyatt playing Eric Bischoff. And in the end, The Fiend showed up and put John Cena down for good.

Why was WrestleMania 36 a huge success?

A unique opportunity born out of an unprecedented scenario led WWE to think outside the box in ways they have never done before. And it worked. Sometimes when their backs are against the wall, WWE can make magic. They silenced the critics and naysayers who called for WrestleMania to be cancelled.

WWE reinvented WrestleMania, and in turn did exactly what pro wrestling does best - entertain.

Thank you, WWE.

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