10 Biggest WrestleMania 33 Missed Opportunities

8. No Stipulation On Corbin Vs. Ambrose

WrestleMania 33 Dean Ambrose Baron Corbin
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.