10 Best Moments Of WWE WrestleMania 33 Weekend

5. The Undertaker's Symbolic Retirement

Lesnar Mania 33
WWE.com

The match between the Undertaker and Roman Reigns was one of the more bizarre WrestleMania main events in history, but the storytelling was phenomenal. 'Taker Vs. Reigns was a tale of two big dogs going at it - and the depressing final third saw the Dead Man get put down.

It was harrowing - genuinely upsetting. It was also one of the most believable matches WWE has promoted in years. 'Taker was so gone physically that he couldn't even lift himself up for the Tombstone reversal spot. Art imitated life and life imitated art in a match that will reward future viewing.

It had to be what it was.

What happened in the aftermath was the real story. After being euthanised, 'Taker removed his attire and left it in the middle of the ring in a symbolic gesture of retirement that nearly had grown men in tears. Not since Bruno Sammartino lost to Ivan Koloff could you say that.

As much of a gut punch as it was, the return of Jim Ross was a stirring contrast. The man lost the love of his life before the Orlando festivities. It was heartwarming to see him return to the fold of another.

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!