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Kickoff match
The Dudleyz vs. The Usos
Two teams who ran out of shots at the tag titles proceeded to take shots at each other.
The Road to WrestleMania
Following a surprising return that fans embraced with open arms, Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley fell victim to both the New Day's tag team prowess and their popularity with the WWE Universe. Several shots at taking the belts from Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods came up short, and the Positive trio's mocking of the Dudleyz favorite piece of furniture left the ECW Legends as the butt of the joke.
When the Usos were finally reunited after Jimmy's injury, everyone assumed they'd return to perennial tag champ or contender status. And they did, but despite some singles and non-title wins, their shot at New Day at Royal Rumblecame up short, and they likewise drifted away.
The two teams joined forced to battle the champs in eight-man action, but turns out that was all just a ruse. The Dudleyz were anxious to prove they weren't a smiling nostalgia act, and they betrayed Jimmy & Jey to prove it.
From there, things have followed a familiar path. The Dudleyz have ceased using wood, because - duh - they're heels now and don't want to give the fans any satisfaction. But the Usos have gotten increasingly aggressive, and have had no issues unfolding some particle board and trying to splash their opponents through it.
Throw in some trash talk about Jimmy & Jey's father, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, and you've got yourself a personal feud between some stars of yesterday and ones from today that doesn't need the titles.
What's at Stake?
Probably a spot on the list of possible contenders, although with rumors of new blood coming from NXT and Japan, even the winners may have to wait for their next chance at E, Kofi & X.
What would be great is if the match got over with the tens of thousands in Texas on Sunday night, sending a message to the powers-that-be that good tag wrestling has a place in WWE. Both teams have been draws in the past, and a division with more than just one or two popular acts would mean better stories and more pay-per-view (PPV) opportunites for everyone.
Good thing is we won't have to wait too long to find out how they do, since this one takes place on the pre-show tomorrow!
Join us at 5PM Eastern tomorrow and warm-up for Mania with Cageside Seats, the Usos and the Dudleyz!