WrestleMania 36: A Look Back At The Show Of Shows

WrestleMania 36, guys, was definitely one for the history books, and not just because of the awesome matches! It was a WrestleMania like no other, hitting our screens during a time when the world was grappling with unprecedented challenges. So, let's dive into what made this particular Show of Shows so unique and memorable. From the empty arena setting to the unexpected twists and turns, this is your deep dive into WrestleMania 36.

The Spectacle Behind Closed Doors

The most striking aspect of WrestleMania 36 was, without a doubt, the absence of a live audience. Can you imagine WrestleMania without the roar of the crowd? It felt surreal, right? Due to the global pandemic, WWE made the tough call to hold the event at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and other closed set locations. This decision, while necessary, completely changed the atmosphere of the event. The energy that usually comes from tens of thousands of fans packed into a stadium was replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the commentary team and the wrestlers themselves.

However, WWE did their best to make the most of the situation. They experimented with camera angles, sound effects, and the overall presentation to try and create a compelling viewing experience. While it wasn't the same as having a live crowd, there was an undeniable intimacy to the show. You could hear every grunt, every word exchanged between competitors, and every thud as bodies hit the mat. This unprecedented access offered a different kind of engagement for viewers, drawing them closer to the action in a way that a typical WrestleMania might not.

Despite the challenges, the wrestlers stepped up big time. They knew they had to bring their A-game to compensate for the lack of crowd reaction. And honestly? They delivered. The matches felt more personal, more intense, and more focused. It was a testament to their professionalism and dedication to their craft that they were able to put on such a memorable show under such unusual circumstances. Ultimately, the empty arena setting of WrestleMania 36 will forever be etched in the minds of wrestling fans, serving as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of both WWE and its performers.

Key Matches and Moments

Okay, let's get into the juicy stuff – the matches! WrestleMania 36 had some absolute bangers, and a few that left us scratching our heads (in a good way, mostly!). One of the most talked-about matches was, without a doubt, the Boneyard Match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles. This wasn't your typical wrestling match; it was more like a mini-movie, a cinematic masterpiece that blended wrestling with horror and action elements. Filmed on location at night, the match saw Undertaker, in his "American Badass" persona, battling Styles and his cronies in a graveyard setting. The use of special effects, creative camera angles, and a compelling storyline made this match an instant classic. It was a fitting way to showcase The Undertaker's legendary career and a truly unique WrestleMania moment.

Then there was the Firefly Fun House Match between John Cena and "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt. This match…where do I even begin? It was bizarre, surreal, and utterly captivating. More psychological thriller than wrestling match, it took Cena on a journey through his past, confronting his insecurities and failures. The match played with Cena's character and history in a way that was both thought-provoking and disturbing. "The Fiend" used his mind games to dismantle Cena piece by piece, ultimately leaving him a broken man. This match was a bold experiment by WWE, and while it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, it undeniably left a lasting impression.

Of course, we can't forget the more traditional wrestling matches. Goldberg defended the Universal Championship against Braun Strowman in a surprisingly short but impactful match. Strowman, a late replacement for Roman Reigns, defeated Goldberg to win his first world title. This was a feel-good moment for Strowman, who had been a consistent performer for years. Becky Lynch also defended her Raw Women's Championship against Shayna Baszler in a hard-hitting encounter. While the match wasn't as long or as dramatic as some fans had hoped, it was a solid showcase of both women's skills. These key matches and moments, along with others, helped to make WrestleMania 36 a memorable and unique event, despite the unusual circumstances.

Title Changes and Surprises

WrestleMania is always a hotbed for title changes and unexpected surprises, and WrestleMania 36 was no exception. As mentioned earlier, Braun Strowman's victory over Goldberg for the Universal Championship was a major surprise, especially given that he was a last-minute replacement. This win gave Strowman a much-deserved reign with the title and provided a feel-good moment for fans who had been supporting him for years.

Another notable title change saw Drew McIntyre finally reach the top of the mountain, defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. This was a huge moment for McIntyre, who had been working tirelessly to get back to the main event scene after being released by WWE years earlier. His victory over Lesnar was decisive and impactful, solidifying his position as a top star in the company. The image of McIntyre holding the WWE Championship high above his head in the empty arena was a powerful and symbolic moment.

Beyond the title changes, there were other surprises throughout the show. The way The Undertaker was presented in his Boneyard Match was a departure from his traditional WrestleMania appearances. The cinematic style and his "American Badass" persona added a fresh and exciting element to his match. The Firefly Fun House Match, as previously discussed, was a surprise in itself, pushing the boundaries of what a wrestling match could be. These surprises, both big and small, helped to keep fans engaged and entertained throughout the two-night event. They demonstrated WWE's willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas, even in the face of challenging circumstances. In the end, the title changes and surprises at WrestleMania 36 contributed to its overall uniqueness and memorability.

The Impact and Legacy of WrestleMania 36

So, what's the final verdict? What's the lasting impact of WrestleMania 36? Well, for starters, it will forever be remembered as the WrestleMania that took place during a global pandemic. It was a testament to the resilience of WWE and its performers that they were able to put on a show at all, let alone one that was as entertaining and memorable as WrestleMania 36. The empty arena setting created a unique and intimate viewing experience, allowing fans to connect with the action in a different way. The wrestlers stepped up their game to compensate for the lack of crowd reaction, delivering intense and personal performances.

Moreover, WrestleMania 36 showcased WWE's willingness to experiment with new formats and storytelling techniques. The Boneyard Match and the Firefly Fun House Match were bold and innovative, pushing the boundaries of what a wrestling match could be. These matches demonstrated WWE's commitment to creativity and its willingness to take risks in order to entertain fans. While they may not have been universally loved, they undeniably left a lasting impression and sparked conversations within the wrestling community.

Furthermore, WrestleMania 36 served as a launching pad for several stars. Drew McIntyre's victory over Brock Lesnar cemented his status as a top star in WWE, while Braun Strowman's Universal Championship win was a feel-good moment for a performer who had been working hard for years. The event also provided opportunities for other wrestlers to shine and showcase their talents on a grand stage. In conclusion, WrestleMania 36 was a unique and memorable event that will be remembered for its unusual circumstances, its innovative storytelling, and its impact on the careers of several wrestlers. It was a testament to the resilience and creativity of WWE, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the show must go on.