WWE Week In Review - 5 Things We Learned

3. The Andre The Giant Trophy

Andre The Giant Memorial Opening Raw in Memphis was Hulk Hogan, who spoke of an epiphany he had after watching his match with Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3 on the WWE Network. It was announced that at this year€™s Wrestlemania, there will be a 30-man, over-the-top-rope battle royale. And the winner will receive€wait for it€a trophy. But not just any trophy! An Andre the Giant trophy! If you€™re asking why, you€™re not alone. Taken at face value, this is nothing more than another brass ring from Vince McMahon€”a silly token to distract people from important rewards, such as title shots. Of course, this isn€™t to say that some stipulation couldn€™t be made regarding the trophy at a later date, but currently, it serves as nothing more than a nice mantelpiece. Or maybe a bookend. The WWE€™s reasoning behind such an event is actually very smart. The roster is very big, and as such, the vast majority of wrestlers wouldn€™t see time at Wrestlemania any other way. This battle royale provides developing and mid-card talent the opportunity to shine on the grandest state, and that€™s something worth celebrating. Unfortunately, the end result won€™t get anyone excited unless something changes. And it should. Even a shot at a lesser title, such as the Intercontinental Championship, would generate far more interest. Stars from NXT or great mid-card talent would get propelled into the spotlight should they be guaranteed a shot at a title. It would instantly make them relevant€”something the WWE often struggles with. Whether this happens is still up in the air, but for now, it looks as though a trophy will have to suffice. It would be a shame if this is all it turns out to be, because there€™s a real opportunity here for talent to shine in the ring, and get a minor push as a result.
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