10 Best Moments Of WWE WrestleMania 33 Weekend

1. The Return Of The Demon King

Lesnar Mania 33
WWE.com

Finn Bálor's return was the best of all the returns and promotions over the post-WrestleMania TV shows.

The Revival's main roster bow was more of showcase than anything else. The reaction to Emma was borne from relief as much as anything. Over on the blue brand, Tye Dillinger received a massive reaction from a thoroughly worn out crowd, and the setup was magnificent. His appearance on the first number of Curt Hawkins' ten count was a great touch.

Whisper it, but Shinsuke Nakamura's debut was a bit pointless. The appearance of the violinist promised something major, but he didn't do anything. Was Fandango not floating around the backstage area? He could have been called upon to get a minute-long kicking, at least. It felt like something WWE was compelled to do, to avoid disappointment, rather than something they had any firm plans for.

Bálor won the weekend in that respect. It didn't make a great deal of sense, but then it's WrestleMania season. Moments trump logic. As a face, he was hardly going to directly confront Seth Rollins for injuring him, but their history could have at least been acknowledged with a teased, reluctant handshake.

His reception and performance banished the air of cynicism. He looked like a proper, legitimate babyface headline act - something not seen since Daniel Bryan in 2014.

If he can continue that fine form, he might steal the year.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!