10 Mistakes WWE Must Not Repeat In 2017

2. A Dismal WrestleMania

Kevin Owens Critics Wwe Universal Champion
WWE.com

What would it mean for WWE if WrestleMania devolves any further?

It is the one night of the year on which WWE is fully justified in its self-aggrandisement. The lush stadium setting and spectacular production rivals the SuperBowl it aspires to. Wrestling is considered a lame interest many grow out of - but those lapsed fans return to McMahon's bosom one night a year. Sliding ratings and dwindling house show attendances are obscured by its incandescence. It is the embodiment of the image WWE tries desperately to project.

WrestleMania 32 was atrocious. It didn't reach the nadir of IX, but it was a thoroughly dispiriting experience. Roman Reigns' predictable title win was only nominally triumphant. Brock Lesnar, the company's biggest star, phoned it in. The midcard was solid - but, Triple Threat Women's Championship title match aside, largely forgettable and meaningless.

It is the sole night on which past sins are absolved - but if WrestleMania 33 is as sinfully bad as 32, its lustre - and consequently, its gigantic audience and mainstream presence - might be lost.

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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!