50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE WrestleMania
5. Having Some Fans Back Made A Difference
Unique admission time: All of these WrestleMania cards bar a couple were re-watched alone, but 'Mania 36 was the only one that hammered home the loneliness felt back in 2020. It was too quiet without a sold out arena/stadium of cheering/booing fans to keep one company along the journey. That's why it was such a relief when WWE welcomed back a combined 40,000 for 'Mania 37 in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium across two nights.
The natural atmosphere made a huge difference to the roster's energy and the show's flow on TV. Wrestlers were visibly lifted up by having some organic ambience to their matches again, and even commentary links seemed superior thanks to the noise flying up in Florida's night air around them. There are some returns WWE fans claim they don't want but secretly do. This wasn't that.
Everyone and their dog wanted punters back in the seats around ringside, or at least in the stands so they could hear some normal reactions again. It's so strange, because WrestleManias 36 and 37 were watched on the same day, and yet even this guy was grinning from ear to ear during Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre in 2021's opener.
That had to feel magic for Drew too. No, he wouldn't be winning the WWE Title again like he had 12 months prior, but wrestling in front of actual live faces again? That was an energy rush and injection every pro wrestler badly needed. It's easy to envision Drew and Bobby returning backstage with goofy smiles on their faces.
The women's tag-team turmoil that was up next must've been buzzing to get out there and do their thing after seeing that.