WWE Week In Review - 5 Things We Learned

By Dane Mamula /

3. The Andre The Giant Trophy

Opening Raw in Memphis was Hulk Hogan, who spoke of an epiphany he had after watching his match with Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3 on the WWE Network. It was announced that at this year€™s Wrestlemania, there will be a 30-man, over-the-top-rope battle royale. And the winner will receive€wait for it€a trophy. But not just any trophy! An Andre the Giant trophy! If you€™re asking why, you€™re not alone. Taken at face value, this is nothing more than another brass ring from Vince McMahon€”a silly token to distract people from important rewards, such as title shots. Of course, this isn€™t to say that some stipulation couldn€™t be made regarding the trophy at a later date, but currently, it serves as nothing more than a nice mantelpiece. Or maybe a bookend. The WWE€™s reasoning behind such an event is actually very smart. The roster is very big, and as such, the vast majority of wrestlers wouldn€™t see time at Wrestlemania any other way. This battle royale provides developing and mid-card talent the opportunity to shine on the grandest state, and that€™s something worth celebrating. Unfortunately, the end result won€™t get anyone excited unless something changes. And it should. Even a shot at a lesser title, such as the Intercontinental Championship, would generate far more interest. Stars from NXT or great mid-card talent would get propelled into the spotlight should they be guaranteed a shot at a title. It would instantly make them relevant€”something the WWE often struggles with. Whether this happens is still up in the air, but for now, it looks as though a trophy will have to suffice. It would be a shame if this is all it turns out to be, because there€™s a real opportunity here for talent to shine in the ring, and get a minor push as a result.