10 Biggest WrestleMania 33 Missed Opportunities

8. No Stipulation On Corbin Vs. Ambrose

Seth Rollins Triple H
WWE.com

Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin didn’t come with high expectations, but it still managed to disappoint. The duo had a lethargic, heatless Kickoff Show match that did nothing to hold the crowd's’ attention, and while they produced a memorable finish, there was little else of interest. It was no different to something you’d see on a random episode of SmackDown, and definitely not fit for the biggest show of the year.

Two days later, Corbin and Ambrose had an excellent rematch on SmackDown. A Street Fight, it allowed the duo to use weapons and wanton violence to counter their lack of natural chemistry. They worked a furious pace throughout, and displayed much more intensity in this chaotic environment than they did during WrestleMania’s straight-up singles match.

It begs the question of why WWE didn’t book a Street Fight for the PPV in the first place. Such a match would surely have closed the Kickoff Show on a high, and completely avoided the snorefest we got instead. The contest definitely warranted such a stipulation after Corbin’s attempt at crushing Ambrose with a forklift the other week, so why not book it?

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.