13. Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match For The WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. RybAxel vs. The Real Americans (WrestleMania, April 7)
It can be argued that the most important match of any pay-per-view event, outside of the main event, is the opening match. A great opener can get the crowd amped up for the production and create momentum for the show. A bad opener, like a turd in the proverbial punch bowl at prom, can sour fans on the remainder of the night's festivities. Fans inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans were lucky enough to witness a stellar tag team opener that was broadcast nationally on the WrestleMania XXX kickoff show. New Tag Team champions The Usos defended against their top three contenders in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match. The champions had several quality matches against their opponents but time constraints and poor booking on the part of the creative team had left doubts in the minds of fans who were unsure of just how much opportunity those involved would be given to turn in a great performance. With 16 minutes to play with, all four teams turned in a stellar match that was more-than worthy of appearing on the main broadcast. While the outcome was never really in doubt, fans were captivated by the energy and excitement that the performers brought to the bout. Despite being portrayed as a comedic act from the moment they debuted months earlier, Fernando and Diego of the Matadores were allowed to wrestle a more serious, focused and traditional match. Ryback and Axel looked good in defeat as they tried to recover from an awful start to the year. As good as the match was early, it improved that much more when it got down to the Usos and the Real Americans. The teams had competed against one another on several occasions and the chemistry was definitely there. Add to it teased dissension between Cesaro and Swagger leading into the show and there was plenty of reason to be interested in how the bout would play out. Said dissension reared its ugly head again, leading to the Usos scoring the win off a pinfall on Cesaro. Cesaro would split from Swagger and go on to do more of significance later in the night but it was the Usos' win in one of the year's best tag bouts that stood above any of the extracurricular activities.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
