KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid

By Chad Smart 

I’ve mentioned before how Wrestlemania 27 doesn’t yet seem to have that IT factor. But there is one aspect of the build to Wrestlemania 27 that I am thrilled with so far. All the matches that are being booked are based on simple premises.

Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio: Del Rio won Royal Rumble and therefore gets a title shot.

Miz vs. John Cena: Cena won Elimination Chamber to earn a title shot. Cena feels he’s had a lackluster year and wants to prove he’s still got it. The Miz wants to prove he is the best.

HHH vs. The Undertaker: Two legends wanting to battle it out at the biggest show of the year. This match does have the potential to have more outside factors added to it in the coming weeks. But right now it’s simply a fight between the last two guards of the Attitude Era.

CM Punk vs. Randy Orton: Punk wants revenge for Orton costing him the World Title two years ago. Guess his schedule finally cleared up enough for him to work Orton into it. Randy wants revenge for Punk costing him the WWE title a month ago.

Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio: Rey messed up Cody’s face forcing Cody to miss the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber pay per views taking away his chance to main event Wrestlemania. Because he didn’t get the match he hoped for, Cody wants to take out his frustrations on Rey. 

Five matches with five simple reasons for taking place at Wrestlemania 27. Fans don’t need a flow chart to keep track of who’s good and who’s bad. There’s no outside the ring accomplices to get involved and muddle the build up.  The one exception being the New Nexus hanging out with CM Punk, but in that case it gives a reason for Punk and Orton to not be in the ring together until Mania. Orton can spend the next six weeks fighting off the Nexus members as they try and weaken him before Punk steps into the ring with Orton. This is what has been missing in wrestling for the past few years.

In the title matches, the titles are presented as the major prize.  The champions want to retain the title and prove their greatness. The challengers want to win the title either to reclaim past glory in John Cena’s cases, or cement their legacy in Alberto Del Rio’s case. Hopefully the Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team titles will get the same respect. Though, I won’t hold my breath.

If you think back to most of the major storylines or angles, the ones most memorable are based on simple foundations. Hogan/Andre, Savage/Steamboat, Flair/Rhodes, Horsemen/Sting, Austin/Rock and Bret vs. Owen were all feuds either centered on revenge or respect. I guess you could say when it comes down to it; the three R’s are all you need. Revenge, Respect or Rassling. Focus on that and you should have the fans eating out of your hands and handing over their money to see the match.

Will the build up to Wrestlemania 27 continue to be basic and emotionally charged? We’ll have to wait and see. So far the road to Wrestlemania doesn’t seem to have any potholes. Hopefully we’ll get to Atlanta without any problems and the show will exceed all expectations.