WrestleMania 32: Full Show Review & Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

WrestleMania 32, guys, was a spectacle! Held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 3, 2016, it had a massive attendance – like, record-breaking massive. But how did the show itself hold up? Let's dive into a detailed recap, hitting the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

The Buildup: Hype and Expectations

The road to WrestleMania 32 was paved with a mix of intriguing storylines and some questionable booking decisions. The return of Shane McMahon after nearly seven years away was a huge shock, setting up a Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker. This was a major selling point, playing on nostalgia and the allure of a classic rivalry. Meanwhile, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture was complicated by Roman Reigns' polarizing status with the fans. Despite being positioned as the top babyface, a significant portion of the audience just wasn't buying it, leading to a lot of boos and mixed reactions. This created an interesting dynamic heading into his title match against Triple H.

Other notable storylines included Dean Ambrose's unhinged pursuit of Triple H and Brock Lesnar, promising a wild, unpredictable encounter. The women's division was also gaining momentum, with Charlotte Flair defending her Divas Championship in a triple threat match against Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch – a match many hoped would steal the show. The tag team division had its share of drama, with multiple teams vying for a chance to shine on the grandest stage. Overall, the buildup had its moments of brilliance, but also some noticeable flaws that left fans with mixed expectations heading into WrestleMania 32.

The Matches: A Blow-by-Blow Account

Kickoff Show

Even the Kickoff Show had some action. We saw some tag teams battling it out and setting the stage for the main card. These matches, while not headliners, are essential for warming up the crowd and giving more Superstars a WrestleMania moment.

Main Card

The main card is where things really kicked into high gear. Here's a breakdown:

  • Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Kevin Owens (c) vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder vs. Sin Cara vs. The Miz vs. Stardust: This match was an absolute chaotic spot-fest, exactly what you'd expect from a ladder match. Everyone got a chance to shine, with plenty of high-flying moves and near-misses. The surprising win by Zack Ryder was a feel-good moment, even if it was short-lived. The crowd went wild for Ryder, making it a memorable opener. The pace was frantic, and the risks were high, setting a blistering tone for the rest of the night.

  • AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho: This was a solid match between two veterans, but it didn't quite live up to the hype. Styles and Jericho worked a methodical pace, telling a story in the ring. Jericho's win was a bit of a surprise, considering Styles' momentum at the time, but it added another layer to their ongoing feud. While technically sound, some fans felt it lacked the intensity and excitement they were expecting from these two world-class performers.

  • The League of Nations (Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, and Rusev) vs. The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods): This was a fun, energetic match that showcased the charisma of both teams. The New Day's antics were entertaining as usual, and the League of Nations played their roles as intimidating heels effectively. The post-match segment with Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and Steve Austin was a major highlight, delivering some classic nostalgia and a Stone Cold Stunner for good measure. The crowd reaction to the legends was electric, adding a significant boost to the overall entertainment value of the match.

  • Hell in a Cell Match: Shane McMahon vs. The Undertaker: This match was insane. Shane McMahon, despite not being a full-time wrestler, put his body on the line in a way that few others would. The spots were death-defying, including Shane's leap from the top of the cell onto the announce table. The Undertaker, as always, delivered a strong performance, maintaining his aura of mystique and dominance. While the outcome was predictable (Undertaker winning), the journey was unforgettable. The sheer brutality and risk-taking made this one of the most memorable Hell in a Cell matches in WrestleMania history.

  • Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: This match was what it was – a chance to get a lot of guys on the card. The surprise appearance of Shaquille O'Neal added some star power, and the eventual win by Baron Corbin was a good way to establish him as a force to be reckoned with. Battle royals can be chaotic and difficult to follow, but they often provide a few memorable moments and serve as a platform for up-and-coming talent.

  • WWE Women's Championship Triple Threat Match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch: This match stole the show. Charlotte, Sasha, and Becky put on an absolute clinic, showcasing their incredible athleticism and storytelling ability. The crowd was invested from start to finish, and the near-falls had everyone on the edge of their seats. Charlotte's victory was somewhat controversial, but it didn't diminish the quality of the match. This match was a turning point for the women's division, proving that they could deliver main event-caliber performances on the biggest stage.

  • No Holds Barred Street Fight: Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) vs. Dean Ambrose: This match was disappointing. Given the hype and the